Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

4/8/2023 (Permalink)

Choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business requires careful consideration.

Fire extinguishers are critical safety tools in both homes and businesses, capable of preventing small fires from turning into catastrophic infernos. However, selecting the right type of extinguisher for your particular situation can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, it is easier than you may think.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are different classes of fire extinguishers, each specifically designed to extinguish fires of different origins:

• Class A: For fires involving ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, and cloth.
• Class B: For fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease.
• Class C: For fires involving electrical equipment like computers, power tools, and TVs.
• Class D: For fires involving flammable metals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
• Class K: For fires involving cooking oils and fats commonly found in commercial kitchens.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

When choosing a fire extinguisher, you should consider the potential fire hazards in your environment. For example, if you run a restaurant, a Class K extinguisher would be the most suitable choice due to the prevalence of cooking fires. Similarly, if you work with flammable metals, a Class D extinguisher would be the most appropriate choice.

Additionally, you should consider the size of the area you need to protect. For a small kitchen, a small fire extinguisher may suffice, but a larger commercial kitchen would require a larger extinguisher. It's also essential to consider the ease of use of the extinguisher. Some extinguishers are more straightforward to operate than others, which is particularly important in high-stress situations. Seek extinguishers with clear instructions and easy-to-operate mechanisms.

Finally, you should consider the maintenance requirements of the extinguisher. All fire extinguishers must be regularly inspected and serviced to ensure they are in good working order. Some types of extinguishers require more frequent maintenance than others, so it's vital to select one that meets your needs.

Where to Buy Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can be bought from a variety of sources, including home improvement stores, safety equipment suppliers, and online retailers. It's critical to purchase your fire extinguisher from a reputable supplier to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.

Moreover, educating yourself and your employees or family members about fire safety is crucial. Ensure everyone knows how to use the extinguisher and where to find it in case of an emergency. Regularly review your fire safety procedures and make any necessary updates or changes.

In summary, choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business requires careful consideration. By evaluating your potential fire hazards, considering the size of the area you need to protect, and selecting an extinguisher that is easy to use and maintain, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your employees. Remember, fire safety is everyone's responsibility.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

4/8/2023 (Permalink)

Choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business requires careful consideration.

Fire extinguishers are critical safety tools in both homes and businesses, capable of preventing small fires from turning into catastrophic infernos. However, selecting the right type of extinguisher for your particular situation can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, it is easier than you may think.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are different classes of fire extinguishers, each specifically designed to extinguish fires of different origins:

• Class A: For fires involving ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, and cloth.
• Class B: For fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease.
• Class C: For fires involving electrical equipment like computers, power tools, and TVs.
• Class D: For fires involving flammable metals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
• Class K: For fires involving cooking oils and fats commonly found in commercial kitchens.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

When choosing a fire extinguisher, you should consider the potential fire hazards in your environment. For example, if you run a restaurant, a Class K extinguisher would be the most suitable choice due to the prevalence of cooking fires. Similarly, if you work with flammable metals, a Class D extinguisher would be the most appropriate choice.

Additionally, you should consider the size of the area you need to protect. For a small kitchen, a small fire extinguisher may suffice, but a larger commercial kitchen would require a larger extinguisher. It's also essential to consider the ease of use of the extinguisher. Some extinguishers are more straightforward to operate than others, which is particularly important in high-stress situations. Seek extinguishers with clear instructions and easy-to-operate mechanisms.

Finally, you should consider the maintenance requirements of the extinguisher. All fire extinguishers must be regularly inspected and serviced to ensure they are in good working order. Some types of extinguishers require more frequent maintenance than others, so it's vital to select one that meets your needs.

Where to Buy Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can be bought from a variety of sources, including home improvement stores, safety equipment suppliers, and online retailers. It's critical to purchase your fire extinguisher from a reputable supplier to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.

Moreover, educating yourself and your employees or family members about fire safety is crucial. Ensure everyone knows how to use the extinguisher and where to find it in case of an emergency. Regularly review your fire safety procedures and make any necessary updates or changes.

In summary, choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business requires careful consideration. By evaluating your potential fire hazards, considering the size of the area you need to protect, and selecting an extinguisher that is easy to use and maintain, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your employees. Remember, fire safety is everyone's responsibility.

How SERVPRO Takes Care Of Your Business After Water Damage

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers a water loss, SERVPRO is available to help return your property back to pre water conditions.

If a business is shut down due to water damage, it's nearly impossible to keep up with your bottom line. SERVPRO of North Central Austin understands this situation and has the experience to help your business get back on track as quickly as possible. We'll take care of the cleanup while you focus on getting back in business.

The Impact Water Damage has on Your Business

Water damage can be extremely costly to repair. Not only do you have to pay for the actual repairs, but you also need to factor in lost time and productivity while your business is closed.

Water damage can cause structural damage that goes beyond just the immediate area where it occurred, as well as business interruption due to temporary relocation or other factors related to repairing water-damaged areas of your building.

The SERVPRO water damage restoration process

SERVPRO is an industry leader in water damage restoration. We use a four-step process to ensure your business is back up and running as soon as possible:

• Inspect and assess the damage
• Remove the source of water or moisture
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair or restore your property

Contacting Your Local SERVPRO

The first step is to contact SERVPRO. Our team is locally owned and operated and services the greater Austin area. If your business has been affected by water damage, don't hesitate--our local offices are open 24/7 for emergencies like this one.

You can reach us by phone or email (or both!) at any time of day or night; we'll respond immediately and get started on your home or business restoration as soon as possible.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

When you call SERVPRO, we'll begin by sending a team of trained professionals to your home or business. They'll take an extensive look at the damage and document it with photographs and extensive documentation. This helps us understand exactly how much water is present, where it's going, and what areas are most affected--all important factors when determining how much time and effort will be needed to restore your property back to normal functioning condition.

We also need this information so we can give you an accurate estimate for repairs later on down the line as well as provide this information to your insurance company when assisting with the claims process.

Removing the Water

Removing the water is the first step in the restoration process. Our team will remove any standing water and then begin removing any materials or belongings affected by the water loss. Our team uses powerful extraction pumps to extract as much moisture from your property as possible so it can be dried out properly.

Drying Out the Property

Drying out the property is an important part of the restoration process. The longer you wait to begin drying, the harder it will be to restore your business to pre-damage condition and you may even have to replace some of your equipment or furnisher.

Drying out can take days, weeks, or even months depending on how severe the damage is. This is why it's important to call a restoration professional as quickly as possible after discovering a water damage event. The quicker the response, the less damage will occur on your property!

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Affected Area

After the water has been removed, it's time to clean the affected area. This process can be messy and requires special cleaning equipment, but it is essential for removing any remaining contaminants from your property that could cause mold or bacteria growth. Depending on the type of water damage you experienced, SERVPRO professionals may use different methods for cleaning and sanitizing your business.

Repair or Reconstruction

The last step is to repair or reconstruct the affected areas. This can be a time-consuming process depending on the extent of the damage, so it's important that you know what your options are.

If the damage is too extensive, a business owner may need to reconstruct a room or an entire building. Our SERVPRO of North Central Austin team offers reconstruction services, no matter the extent of the damage. So our team can take care of this process for you.

If your water damage was relatively minor, our team can handle the minor repairs for you. Minor repairs involve repairing any missing drywall or installing new flooring.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the process of commercial water damage restoration. If you're a business owner, we encourage you to contact our SERVPRO team as soon as possible after a flood or leak occurs. We will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring your property back to its original state.

How SERVPRO Takes Care Of Your Business After Water Damage

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers a water loss, SERVPRO is available to help return your property back to pre water conditions.

If a business is shut down due to water damage, it's nearly impossible to keep up with your bottom line. SERVPRO of North Central Austin understands this situation and has the experience to help your business get back on track as quickly as possible. We'll take care of the cleanup while you focus on getting back in business.

The Impact Water Damage has on Your Business

Water damage can be extremely costly to repair. Not only do you have to pay for the actual repairs, but you also need to factor in lost time and productivity while your business is closed.

Water damage can cause structural damage that goes beyond just the immediate area where it occurred, as well as business interruption due to temporary relocation or other factors related to repairing water-damaged areas of your building.

The SERVPRO water damage restoration process

SERVPRO is an industry leader in water damage restoration. We use a four-step process to ensure your business is back up and running as soon as possible:

• Inspect and assess the damage
• Remove the source of water or moisture
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair or restore your property

Contacting Your Local SERVPRO

The first step is to contact SERVPRO. Our team is locally owned and operated and services the greater Austin area. If your business has been affected by water damage, don't hesitate--our local offices are open 24/7 for emergencies like this one.

You can reach us by phone or email (or both!) at any time of day or night; we'll respond immediately and get started on your home or business restoration as soon as possible.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

When you call SERVPRO, we'll begin by sending a team of trained professionals to your home or business. They'll take an extensive look at the damage and document it with photographs and extensive documentation. This helps us understand exactly how much water is present, where it's going, and what areas are most affected--all important factors when determining how much time and effort will be needed to restore your property back to normal functioning condition.

We also need this information so we can give you an accurate estimate for repairs later on down the line as well as provide this information to your insurance company when assisting with the claims process.

Removing the Water

Removing the water is the first step in the restoration process. Our team will remove any standing water and then begin removing any materials or belongings affected by the water loss. Our team uses powerful extraction pumps to extract as much moisture from your property as possible so it can be dried out properly.

Drying Out the Property

Drying out the property is an important part of the restoration process. The longer you wait to begin drying, the harder it will be to restore your business to pre-damage condition and you may even have to replace some of your equipment or furnisher.

Drying out can take days, weeks, or even months depending on how severe the damage is. This is why it's important to call a restoration professional as quickly as possible after discovering a water damage event. The quicker the response, the less damage will occur on your property!

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Affected Area

After the water has been removed, it's time to clean the affected area. This process can be messy and requires special cleaning equipment, but it is essential for removing any remaining contaminants from your property that could cause mold or bacteria growth. Depending on the type of water damage you experienced, SERVPRO professionals may use different methods for cleaning and sanitizing your business.

Repair or Reconstruction

The last step is to repair or reconstruct the affected areas. This can be a time-consuming process depending on the extent of the damage, so it's important that you know what your options are.

If the damage is too extensive, a business owner may need to reconstruct a room or an entire building. Our SERVPRO of North Central Austin team offers reconstruction services, no matter the extent of the damage. So our team can take care of this process for you.

If your water damage was relatively minor, our team can handle the minor repairs for you. Minor repairs involve repairing any missing drywall or installing new flooring.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the process of commercial water damage restoration. If you're a business owner, we encourage you to contact our SERVPRO team as soon as possible after a flood or leak occurs. We will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring your property back to its original state.

How SERVPRO Takes Care Of Your Business After Water Damage

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers a water loss, SERVPRO is available to help return your property back to pre water conditions.

If a business is shut down due to water damage, it's nearly impossible to keep up with your bottom line. SERVPRO of North Central Austin understands this situation and has the experience to help your business get back on track as quickly as possible. We'll take care of the cleanup while you focus on getting back in business.

The Impact Water Damage has on Your Business

Water damage can be extremely costly to repair. Not only do you have to pay for the actual repairs, but you also need to factor in lost time and productivity while your business is closed.

Water damage can cause structural damage that goes beyond just the immediate area where it occurred, as well as business interruption due to temporary relocation or other factors related to repairing water-damaged areas of your building.

The SERVPRO water damage restoration process

SERVPRO is an industry leader in water damage restoration. We use a four-step process to ensure your business is back up and running as soon as possible:

• Inspect and assess the damage
• Remove the source of water or moisture
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair or restore your property

Contacting Your Local SERVPRO

The first step is to contact SERVPRO. Our team is locally owned and operated and services the greater Austin area. If your business has been affected by water damage, don't hesitate--our local offices are open 24/7 for emergencies like this one.

You can reach us by phone or email (or both!) at any time of day or night; we'll respond immediately and get started on your home or business restoration as soon as possible.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

When you call SERVPRO, we'll begin by sending a team of trained professionals to your home or business. They'll take an extensive look at the damage and document it with photographs and extensive documentation. This helps us understand exactly how much water is present, where it's going, and what areas are most affected--all important factors when determining how much time and effort will be needed to restore your property back to normal functioning condition.

We also need this information so we can give you an accurate estimate for repairs later on down the line as well as provide this information to your insurance company when assisting with the claims process.

Removing the Water

Removing the water is the first step in the restoration process. Our team will remove any standing water and then begin removing any materials or belongings affected by the water loss. Our team uses powerful extraction pumps to extract as much moisture from your property as possible so it can be dried out properly.

Drying Out the Property

Drying out the property is an important part of the restoration process. The longer you wait to begin drying, the harder it will be to restore your business to pre-damage condition and you may even have to replace some of your equipment or furnisher.

Drying out can take days, weeks, or even months depending on how severe the damage is. This is why it's important to call a restoration professional as quickly as possible after discovering a water damage event. The quicker the response, the less damage will occur on your property!

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Affected Area

After the water has been removed, it's time to clean the affected area. This process can be messy and requires special cleaning equipment, but it is essential for removing any remaining contaminants from your property that could cause mold or bacteria growth. Depending on the type of water damage you experienced, SERVPRO professionals may use different methods for cleaning and sanitizing your business.

Repair or Reconstruction

The last step is to repair or reconstruct the affected areas. This can be a time-consuming process depending on the extent of the damage, so it's important that you know what your options are.

If the damage is too extensive, a business owner may need to reconstruct a room or an entire building. Our SERVPRO of North Central Austin team offers reconstruction services, no matter the extent of the damage. So our team can take care of this process for you.

If your water damage was relatively minor, our team can handle the minor repairs for you. Minor repairs involve repairing any missing drywall or installing new flooring.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the process of commercial water damage restoration. If you're a business owner, we encourage you to contact our SERVPRO team as soon as possible after a flood or leak occurs. We will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring your property back to its original state.

How SERVPRO Takes Care Of Your Business After Water Damage

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers a water loss, SERVPRO is available to help return your property back to pre water conditions.

If a business is shut down due to water damage, it's nearly impossible to keep up with your bottom line. SERVPRO of North Central Austin understands this situation and has the experience to help your business get back on track as quickly as possible. We'll take care of the cleanup while you focus on getting back in business.

The Impact Water Damage has on Your Business

Water damage can be extremely costly to repair. Not only do you have to pay for the actual repairs, but you also need to factor in lost time and productivity while your business is closed.

Water damage can cause structural damage that goes beyond just the immediate area where it occurred, as well as business interruption due to temporary relocation or other factors related to repairing water-damaged areas of your building.

The SERVPRO water damage restoration process

SERVPRO is an industry leader in water damage restoration. We use a four-step process to ensure your business is back up and running as soon as possible:

• Inspect and assess the damage
• Remove the source of water or moisture
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair or restore your property

Contacting Your Local SERVPRO

The first step is to contact SERVPRO. Our team is locally owned and operated and services the greater Austin area. If your business has been affected by water damage, don't hesitate--our local offices are open 24/7 for emergencies like this one.

You can reach us by phone or email (or both!) at any time of day or night; we'll respond immediately and get started on your home or business restoration as soon as possible.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

When you call SERVPRO, we'll begin by sending a team of trained professionals to your home or business. They'll take an extensive look at the damage and document it with photographs and extensive documentation. This helps us understand exactly how much water is present, where it's going, and what areas are most affected--all important factors when determining how much time and effort will be needed to restore your property back to normal functioning condition.

We also need this information so we can give you an accurate estimate for repairs later on down the line as well as provide this information to your insurance company when assisting with the claims process.

Removing the Water

Removing the water is the first step in the restoration process. Our team will remove any standing water and then begin removing any materials or belongings affected by the water loss. Our team uses powerful extraction pumps to extract as much moisture from your property as possible so it can be dried out properly.

Drying Out the Property

Drying out the property is an important part of the restoration process. The longer you wait to begin drying, the harder it will be to restore your business to pre-damage condition and you may even have to replace some of your equipment or furnisher.

Drying out can take days, weeks, or even months depending on how severe the damage is. This is why it's important to call a restoration professional as quickly as possible after discovering a water damage event. The quicker the response, the less damage will occur on your property!

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Affected Area

After the water has been removed, it's time to clean the affected area. This process can be messy and requires special cleaning equipment, but it is essential for removing any remaining contaminants from your property that could cause mold or bacteria growth. Depending on the type of water damage you experienced, SERVPRO professionals may use different methods for cleaning and sanitizing your business.

Repair or Reconstruction

The last step is to repair or reconstruct the affected areas. This can be a time-consuming process depending on the extent of the damage, so it's important that you know what your options are.

If the damage is too extensive, a business owner may need to reconstruct a room or an entire building. Our SERVPRO of North Central Austin team offers reconstruction services, no matter the extent of the damage. So our team can take care of this process for you.

If your water damage was relatively minor, our team can handle the minor repairs for you. Minor repairs involve repairing any missing drywall or installing new flooring.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the process of commercial water damage restoration. If you're a business owner, we encourage you to contact our SERVPRO team as soon as possible after a flood or leak occurs. We will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring your property back to its original state.

6 Signs You Have Roof Damage

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

When inclement weather damage occurs, give SERVPRO of North Central Austin

A damaged roof can be a pretty serious problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it also causes problems with the ceiling, walls, and even floors of your home. If you're noticing any of these symptoms on your home's roof, the odds are your home is suffering from roof damage.

Inclement Weather Can Damage Your Roof

Wind, hail, and snow can cause significant roof damage. Not only will these weather conditions damage your roof, but they can also lead to leaks that could cause mold and mildew growth within your home. In addition to these environmental factors, there are many other reasons why you may need a new roof. Storms come in many forms: hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, wintertime blizzards, or thunderstorms with heavy rainfalls.

Leaking Roof

Roof leaks are often a sign of roof damage. Roof leaks can cause serious problems inside your home, including water damage and mold and mildew growth. Leaks can also cause shingles to curl, which may eventually lead to more leaking as well.

Missing Granules

Typically, granules are the first to go. Granules are a layer of protection on your shingles that help protect your roof from UV rays and moisture. It's important to inspect your roof at least once per year during peak seasons, the spring and summer. If you notice missing granules, it is time to call your local roof company to come out before any further damage occurs on your property!

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home and prevent water damage. They should be cleaned out regularly so that they can do their job properly. If your gutters are clogged, this can lead to an accumulation of debris that prevents the proper flow of water leading to pooling, which in turn causes damage to your roof and home. Some common culprits include leaves, pine needles, and other plant matter; small rocks and pebbles; or even animal waste like bird droppings or squirrels' nests.

Damaged Shingles

There are several forms of damage that can occur to your shingles, they include:

• Broken or cracked shingles
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles

These are the most obvious signs that you have roof damage. If any of these are present on your roof, it's time to look into getting them replaced.

Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging and you're not sure why it's possible that you have a leak. A leak doesn't just cause damage to the ceiling in the room above it but also puts pressure on the rafters and joists below it. If left untreated for too long, a saggy roof can cause serious structural problems for your home.

Hail damage

If you've ever experienced hail, you know its destructive power. It can cause leaks, damage your shingles and even break them off. If you see any of the following signs on your roof, it's time to call a professional:

• The shingles are curled up or broken in places
• There are missing shingles
• Shingle granules are scattered around the base of the home

It's Important To Quickly Fix

Roof damage can be serious, especially if it's left unchecked. It's important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly and fix any problems before they become more severe.

6 Signs You Have Roof Damage

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

When inclement weather damage occurs, give SERVPRO of North Central Austin

A damaged roof can be a pretty serious problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it also causes problems with the ceiling, walls, and even floors of your home. If you're noticing any of these symptoms on your home's roof, the odds are your home is suffering from roof damage.

Inclement Weather Can Damage Your Roof

Wind, hail, and snow can cause significant roof damage. Not only will these weather conditions damage your roof, but they can also lead to leaks that could cause mold and mildew growth within your home. In addition to these environmental factors, there are many other reasons why you may need a new roof. Storms come in many forms: hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, wintertime blizzards, or thunderstorms with heavy rainfalls.

Leaking Roof

Roof leaks are often a sign of roof damage. Roof leaks can cause serious problems inside your home, including water damage and mold and mildew growth. Leaks can also cause shingles to curl, which may eventually lead to more leaking as well.

Missing Granules

Typically, granules are the first to go. Granules are a layer of protection on your shingles that help protect your roof from UV rays and moisture. It's important to inspect your roof at least once per year during peak seasons, the spring and summer. If you notice missing granules, it is time to call your local roof company to come out before any further damage occurs on your property!

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home and prevent water damage. They should be cleaned out regularly so that they can do their job properly. If your gutters are clogged, this can lead to an accumulation of debris that prevents the proper flow of water leading to pooling, which in turn causes damage to your roof and home. Some common culprits include leaves, pine needles, and other plant matter; small rocks and pebbles; or even animal waste like bird droppings or squirrels' nests.

Damaged Shingles

There are several forms of damage that can occur to your shingles, they include:

• Broken or cracked shingles
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles

These are the most obvious signs that you have roof damage. If any of these are present on your roof, it's time to look into getting them replaced.

Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging and you're not sure why it's possible that you have a leak. A leak doesn't just cause damage to the ceiling in the room above it but also puts pressure on the rafters and joists below it. If left untreated for too long, a saggy roof can cause serious structural problems for your home.

Hail damage

If you've ever experienced hail, you know its destructive power. It can cause leaks, damage your shingles and even break them off. If you see any of the following signs on your roof, it's time to call a professional:

• The shingles are curled up or broken in places
• There are missing shingles
• Shingle granules are scattered around the base of the home

It's Important To Quickly Fix

Roof damage can be serious, especially if it's left unchecked. It's important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly and fix any problems before they become more severe.

6 Signs You Have Roof Damage

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

When inclement weather damage occurs, give SERVPRO of North Central Austin

A damaged roof can be a pretty serious problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it also causes problems with the ceiling, walls, and even floors of your home. If you're noticing any of these symptoms on your home's roof, the odds are your home is suffering from roof damage.

Inclement Weather Can Damage Your Roof

Wind, hail, and snow can cause significant roof damage. Not only will these weather conditions damage your roof, but they can also lead to leaks that could cause mold and mildew growth within your home. In addition to these environmental factors, there are many other reasons why you may need a new roof. Storms come in many forms: hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, wintertime blizzards, or thunderstorms with heavy rainfalls.

Leaking Roof

Roof leaks are often a sign of roof damage. Roof leaks can cause serious problems inside your home, including water damage and mold and mildew growth. Leaks can also cause shingles to curl, which may eventually lead to more leaking as well.

Missing Granules

Typically, granules are the first to go. Granules are a layer of protection on your shingles that help protect your roof from UV rays and moisture. It's important to inspect your roof at least once per year during peak seasons, the spring and summer. If you notice missing granules, it is time to call your local roof company to come out before any further damage occurs on your property!

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home and prevent water damage. They should be cleaned out regularly so that they can do their job properly. If your gutters are clogged, this can lead to an accumulation of debris that prevents the proper flow of water leading to pooling, which in turn causes damage to your roof and home. Some common culprits include leaves, pine needles, and other plant matter; small rocks and pebbles; or even animal waste like bird droppings or squirrels' nests.

Damaged Shingles

There are several forms of damage that can occur to your shingles, they include:

• Broken or cracked shingles
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles

These are the most obvious signs that you have roof damage. If any of these are present on your roof, it's time to look into getting them replaced.

Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging and you're not sure why it's possible that you have a leak. A leak doesn't just cause damage to the ceiling in the room above it but also puts pressure on the rafters and joists below it. If left untreated for too long, a saggy roof can cause serious structural problems for your home.

Hail damage

If you've ever experienced hail, you know its destructive power. It can cause leaks, damage your shingles and even break them off. If you see any of the following signs on your roof, it's time to call a professional:

• The shingles are curled up or broken in places
• There are missing shingles
• Shingle granules are scattered around the base of the home

It's Important To Quickly Fix

Roof damage can be serious, especially if it's left unchecked. It's important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly and fix any problems before they become more severe.

6 Signs You Have Roof Damage

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

When inclement weather damage occurs, give SERVPRO of North Central Austin

A damaged roof can be a pretty serious problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it also causes problems with the ceiling, walls, and even floors of your home. If you're noticing any of these symptoms on your home's roof, the odds are your home is suffering from roof damage.

Inclement Weather Can Damage Your Roof

Wind, hail, and snow can cause significant roof damage. Not only will these weather conditions damage your roof, but they can also lead to leaks that could cause mold and mildew growth within your home. In addition to these environmental factors, there are many other reasons why you may need a new roof. Storms come in many forms: hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, wintertime blizzards, or thunderstorms with heavy rainfalls.

Leaking Roof

Roof leaks are often a sign of roof damage. Roof leaks can cause serious problems inside your home, including water damage and mold and mildew growth. Leaks can also cause shingles to curl, which may eventually lead to more leaking as well.

Missing Granules

Typically, granules are the first to go. Granules are a layer of protection on your shingles that help protect your roof from UV rays and moisture. It's important to inspect your roof at least once per year during peak seasons, the spring and summer. If you notice missing granules, it is time to call your local roof company to come out before any further damage occurs on your property!

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home and prevent water damage. They should be cleaned out regularly so that they can do their job properly. If your gutters are clogged, this can lead to an accumulation of debris that prevents the proper flow of water leading to pooling, which in turn causes damage to your roof and home. Some common culprits include leaves, pine needles, and other plant matter; small rocks and pebbles; or even animal waste like bird droppings or squirrels' nests.

Damaged Shingles

There are several forms of damage that can occur to your shingles, they include:

• Broken or cracked shingles
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles

These are the most obvious signs that you have roof damage. If any of these are present on your roof, it's time to look into getting them replaced.

Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging and you're not sure why it's possible that you have a leak. A leak doesn't just cause damage to the ceiling in the room above it but also puts pressure on the rafters and joists below it. If left untreated for too long, a saggy roof can cause serious structural problems for your home.

Hail damage

If you've ever experienced hail, you know its destructive power. It can cause leaks, damage your shingles and even break them off. If you see any of the following signs on your roof, it's time to call a professional:

• The shingles are curled up or broken in places
• There are missing shingles
• Shingle granules are scattered around the base of the home

It's Important To Quickly Fix

Roof damage can be serious, especially if it's left unchecked. It's important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly and fix any problems before they become more severe.

Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage.

Water damage is a scary thing. It can be hard to tell if the water you're dealing with is clean or dirty. This article will go over some of the different types of water damage, how they occur, and what you need to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Gray water

Gray water is any water that is not clean enough to be used for drinking or cooking. This can include water from a toilet, tub, sink, or washing machine Gray water is also known as category 2 water damage. 

Gray water is not as dangerous as black water, but it can still cause serious harm to your home if left untreated. To make matters worse, you may not even notice that there is a problem until it's too late.

Cleaning Up from Category 2 Water Damage

To clean up from Category 2 water damage, you should:

• Remove all contaminated materials and dispose of them properly.
• Remove any remaining standing water on your property.
• Dry out your property properly.
• Clean and sanitize the affected areas properly.

Preventing Category 2 Water Damage in the Future

If you want to prevent category 2 water damage in the future, there are a few things you can do.

• Check hoses, faucets, and pipes regularly. Performing regular maintenance can prevent a water loss from occurring.
• Put in a sump pump in your basement. This will suck up any water that comes into your basement and keep it out of your house.
• Locate your main water valve. Knowing how to shut off your water can keep preventing any further damage from being done in the event of a leak.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup. For example, if you have Category 1 Water Damage, we need to make sure that the carpet is completely dry before we can properly clean it. However, if you have Category 2 Water Damage and it's been sitting for more than 24 hours, we will not be able to save your carpet or any other items and will need to replace them.

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage. If you think you may have this type of water damage, call in a professional now before it spreads further through your home and becomes more costly to clean up.

Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage.

Water damage is a scary thing. It can be hard to tell if the water you're dealing with is clean or dirty. This article will go over some of the different types of water damage, how they occur, and what you need to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Gray water

Gray water is any water that is not clean enough to be used for drinking or cooking. This can include water from a toilet, tub, sink, or washing machine Gray water is also known as category 2 water damage. 

Gray water is not as dangerous as black water, but it can still cause serious harm to your home if left untreated. To make matters worse, you may not even notice that there is a problem until it's too late.

Cleaning Up from Category 2 Water Damage

To clean up from Category 2 water damage, you should:

• Remove all contaminated materials and dispose of them properly.
• Remove any remaining standing water on your property.
• Dry out your property properly.
• Clean and sanitize the affected areas properly.

Preventing Category 2 Water Damage in the Future

If you want to prevent category 2 water damage in the future, there are a few things you can do.

• Check hoses, faucets, and pipes regularly. Performing regular maintenance can prevent a water loss from occurring.
• Put in a sump pump in your basement. This will suck up any water that comes into your basement and keep it out of your house.
• Locate your main water valve. Knowing how to shut off your water can keep preventing any further damage from being done in the event of a leak.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup. For example, if you have Category 1 Water Damage, we need to make sure that the carpet is completely dry before we can properly clean it. However, if you have Category 2 Water Damage and it's been sitting for more than 24 hours, we will not be able to save your carpet or any other items and will need to replace them.

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage. If you think you may have this type of water damage, call in a professional now before it spreads further through your home and becomes more costly to clean up.

Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage.

Water damage is a scary thing. It can be hard to tell if the water you're dealing with is clean or dirty. This article will go over some of the different types of water damage, how they occur, and what you need to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Gray water

Gray water is any water that is not clean enough to be used for drinking or cooking. This can include water from a toilet, tub, sink, or washing machine Gray water is also known as category 2 water damage. 

Gray water is not as dangerous as black water, but it can still cause serious harm to your home if left untreated. To make matters worse, you may not even notice that there is a problem until it's too late.

Cleaning Up from Category 2 Water Damage

To clean up from Category 2 water damage, you should:

• Remove all contaminated materials and dispose of them properly.
• Remove any remaining standing water on your property.
• Dry out your property properly.
• Clean and sanitize the affected areas properly.

Preventing Category 2 Water Damage in the Future

If you want to prevent category 2 water damage in the future, there are a few things you can do.

• Check hoses, faucets, and pipes regularly. Performing regular maintenance can prevent a water loss from occurring.
• Put in a sump pump in your basement. This will suck up any water that comes into your basement and keep it out of your house.
• Locate your main water valve. Knowing how to shut off your water can keep preventing any further damage from being done in the event of a leak.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup. For example, if you have Category 1 Water Damage, we need to make sure that the carpet is completely dry before we can properly clean it. However, if you have Category 2 Water Damage and it's been sitting for more than 24 hours, we will not be able to save your carpet or any other items and will need to replace them.

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage. If you think you may have this type of water damage, call in a professional now before it spreads further through your home and becomes more costly to clean up.

Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage.

Water damage is a scary thing. It can be hard to tell if the water you're dealing with is clean or dirty. This article will go over some of the different types of water damage, how they occur, and what you need to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Gray water

Gray water is any water that is not clean enough to be used for drinking or cooking. This can include water from a toilet, tub, sink, or washing machine Gray water is also known as category 2 water damage. 

Gray water is not as dangerous as black water, but it can still cause serious harm to your home if left untreated. To make matters worse, you may not even notice that there is a problem until it's too late.

Cleaning Up from Category 2 Water Damage

To clean up from Category 2 water damage, you should:

• Remove all contaminated materials and dispose of them properly.
• Remove any remaining standing water on your property.
• Dry out your property properly.
• Clean and sanitize the affected areas properly.

Preventing Category 2 Water Damage in the Future

If you want to prevent category 2 water damage in the future, there are a few things you can do.

• Check hoses, faucets, and pipes regularly. Performing regular maintenance can prevent a water loss from occurring.
• Put in a sump pump in your basement. This will suck up any water that comes into your basement and keep it out of your house.
• Locate your main water valve. Knowing how to shut off your water can keep preventing any further damage from being done in the event of a leak.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup.

Knowing what type of water damage you have is important for proper cleanup. For example, if you have Category 1 Water Damage, we need to make sure that the carpet is completely dry before we can properly clean it. However, if you have Category 2 Water Damage and it's been sitting for more than 24 hours, we will not be able to save your carpet or any other items and will need to replace them.

Category 2 water damage is one of the most common types of home water damage. If you think you may have this type of water damage, call in a professional now before it spreads further through your home and becomes more costly to clean up.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating, especially if you weren't home at the time of the incident. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to file an insurance claim to help cover the cost of repairs. In this post, we'll go over what type of damages your policy covers and some common questions about filing a claim for fire or smoke damage.

Smoke Damage Basics

Smoke damage, like water damage and mold, can occur in a fire. Smoke damage can also occur in the aftermath of a smaller fire that does not cause structural damage. For example, if you have an electrical short in your home or apartment and it causes a small fire which burns itself out before causing much structural damage but leaves your walls blackened with soot and ash, then this would be considered smoke damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Coverage

Any homeowner who has experienced a fire in their home will tell you that the costs of repairing damage to your home, replacing personal items lost in the fire, and paying for temporary housing while your home is being repaired can be staggering. While some insurance companies offer coverage for these expenses, it’s important to know whether or not your policy does.

The following are examples of what may be covered by a claim depending on your policy:

• Cost of repairs to your home - If your house was damaged by fire or smoke damage you may have to pay for repairs yourself unless you have replacement cost coverage. This type of insurance provides reimbursement up to an amount specified in your policy based on current construction costs (i.e., what it would actually cost today). The amount paid out on this type of claim depends on several factors including whether any improvements were made since last year's assessment and what those improvements were (elevation requirements increase over time).
• Replacement value - This type of insurance pays out according to current market value instead of actual cash value like some other policies do so there won't be any deductions for depreciation or wear-and-tear associated with aging property. For example: if someone buys another house after selling theirs four years later then sells again ten years later but keeps using same furniture throughout those years then even though they're just using older stuff now than when originally purchased--it'll still count toward their total contents list when determining how much money should come back from an insurance company if anything goes wrong at all during those 10 years!

Limitations to Smoke Damage Insurance

Let's be honest, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance company has any sort of limit on claims. But like everything else in life, there are some limits to what they will cover.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Does your policy have a deductible? A deductible is the amount you have to pay before an insurance company starts paying for something. It can be a flat amount (for example $500) or it can be based on your coverage level (for example $250 for everything but car damage). If your insurer does not pay until after this deductible has been met then their obligation ends once the damage exceeds this amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be but also remember that if you don't meet this threshold during an event then you may find yourself out of pocket for repairs yourself!
• How much does it cost? In general more expensive items are more likely than cheaper ones because they hold more value and therefore pose a greater risk if they're damaged or destroyed by fire or smoke damage events such as hurricanes etcetera; however even things like clothing could fall under this category depending upon how many articles there were lost due to water damage caused by flooding during Hurricane Matthew last year; when someone had all their clothes washed away along with other belongings then those items would no longer constitute as luxury items because they were wiped out completely without leaving anything behind whatsoever."

Fire vs. Smoke Claims

When it comes to smoke damage claims, there is an important distinction between fire and smoke. Fire refers to actual flames and can be covered by your home insurance policy, but smoke is different. While both types of damage will leave your property looking unsightly, a fire claim can include structural damage that requires rebuilding or replacing the damaged structure—which may not be covered under your standard homeowner's policy. Smoke damage simply involves cleaning up after the fires have been extinguished and does not usually require extensive reconstruction or replacement of damaged parts.

However, if you have a separate smoke damage policy for your property—which can be purchased as part of an add-on rider to your homeowner's insurance—you may be able to file an additional claim for this type of loss as well.

If you have questions about filing an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage, contact your local insurance agent. Insurance policies vary slightly by company, but most have similar coverage options. Your agent will be able to tell you if your policy has coverage for smoke damage and should be able to answer any other questions you might have about the claims process.

We know a fire in your home is not ideal. Between the flames and the smoke and the soot, there is bound to be a plethora of problems that need to be taken care of. SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about smoke damage and fire damage restoration. We can help you file an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage. Our agents are always ready to assist you in getting your Austin home back to normal, so give us a call today!

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating, especially if you weren't home at the time of the incident. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to file an insurance claim to help cover the cost of repairs. In this post, we'll go over what type of damages your policy covers and some common questions about filing a claim for fire or smoke damage.

Smoke Damage Basics

Smoke damage, like water damage and mold, can occur in a fire. Smoke damage can also occur in the aftermath of a smaller fire that does not cause structural damage. For example, if you have an electrical short in your home or apartment and it causes a small fire which burns itself out before causing much structural damage but leaves your walls blackened with soot and ash, then this would be considered smoke damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Coverage

Any homeowner who has experienced a fire in their home will tell you that the costs of repairing damage to your home, replacing personal items lost in the fire, and paying for temporary housing while your home is being repaired can be staggering. While some insurance companies offer coverage for these expenses, it’s important to know whether or not your policy does.

The following are examples of what may be covered by a claim depending on your policy:

• Cost of repairs to your home - If your house was damaged by fire or smoke damage you may have to pay for repairs yourself unless you have replacement cost coverage. This type of insurance provides reimbursement up to an amount specified in your policy based on current construction costs (i.e., what it would actually cost today). The amount paid out on this type of claim depends on several factors including whether any improvements were made since last year's assessment and what those improvements were (elevation requirements increase over time).
• Replacement value - This type of insurance pays out according to current market value instead of actual cash value like some other policies do so there won't be any deductions for depreciation or wear-and-tear associated with aging property. For example: if someone buys another house after selling theirs four years later then sells again ten years later but keeps using same furniture throughout those years then even though they're just using older stuff now than when originally purchased--it'll still count toward their total contents list when determining how much money should come back from an insurance company if anything goes wrong at all during those 10 years!

Limitations to Smoke Damage Insurance

Let's be honest, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance company has any sort of limit on claims. But like everything else in life, there are some limits to what they will cover.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Does your policy have a deductible? A deductible is the amount you have to pay before an insurance company starts paying for something. It can be a flat amount (for example $500) or it can be based on your coverage level (for example $250 for everything but car damage). If your insurer does not pay until after this deductible has been met then their obligation ends once the damage exceeds this amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be but also remember that if you don't meet this threshold during an event then you may find yourself out of pocket for repairs yourself!
• How much does it cost? In general more expensive items are more likely than cheaper ones because they hold more value and therefore pose a greater risk if they're damaged or destroyed by fire or smoke damage events such as hurricanes etcetera; however even things like clothing could fall under this category depending upon how many articles there were lost due to water damage caused by flooding during Hurricane Matthew last year; when someone had all their clothes washed away along with other belongings then those items would no longer constitute as luxury items because they were wiped out completely without leaving anything behind whatsoever."

Fire vs. Smoke Claims

When it comes to smoke damage claims, there is an important distinction between fire and smoke. Fire refers to actual flames and can be covered by your home insurance policy, but smoke is different. While both types of damage will leave your property looking unsightly, a fire claim can include structural damage that requires rebuilding or replacing the damaged structure—which may not be covered under your standard homeowner's policy. Smoke damage simply involves cleaning up after the fires have been extinguished and does not usually require extensive reconstruction or replacement of damaged parts.

However, if you have a separate smoke damage policy for your property—which can be purchased as part of an add-on rider to your homeowner's insurance—you may be able to file an additional claim for this type of loss as well.

If you have questions about filing an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage, contact your local insurance agent. Insurance policies vary slightly by company, but most have similar coverage options. Your agent will be able to tell you if your policy has coverage for smoke damage and should be able to answer any other questions you might have about the claims process.

We know a fire in your home is not ideal. Between the flames and the smoke and the soot, there is bound to be a plethora of problems that need to be taken care of. SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about smoke damage and fire damage restoration. We can help you file an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage. Our agents are always ready to assist you in getting your Austin home back to normal, so give us a call today!

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating, especially if you weren't home at the time of the incident. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to file an insurance claim to help cover the cost of repairs. In this post, we'll go over what type of damages your policy covers and some common questions about filing a claim for fire or smoke damage.

Smoke Damage Basics

Smoke damage, like water damage and mold, can occur in a fire. Smoke damage can also occur in the aftermath of a smaller fire that does not cause structural damage. For example, if you have an electrical short in your home or apartment and it causes a small fire which burns itself out before causing much structural damage but leaves your walls blackened with soot and ash, then this would be considered smoke damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Coverage

Any homeowner who has experienced a fire in their home will tell you that the costs of repairing damage to your home, replacing personal items lost in the fire, and paying for temporary housing while your home is being repaired can be staggering. While some insurance companies offer coverage for these expenses, it’s important to know whether or not your policy does.

The following are examples of what may be covered by a claim depending on your policy:

• Cost of repairs to your home - If your house was damaged by fire or smoke damage you may have to pay for repairs yourself unless you have replacement cost coverage. This type of insurance provides reimbursement up to an amount specified in your policy based on current construction costs (i.e., what it would actually cost today). The amount paid out on this type of claim depends on several factors including whether any improvements were made since last year's assessment and what those improvements were (elevation requirements increase over time).
• Replacement value - This type of insurance pays out according to current market value instead of actual cash value like some other policies do so there won't be any deductions for depreciation or wear-and-tear associated with aging property. For example: if someone buys another house after selling theirs four years later then sells again ten years later but keeps using same furniture throughout those years then even though they're just using older stuff now than when originally purchased--it'll still count toward their total contents list when determining how much money should come back from an insurance company if anything goes wrong at all during those 10 years!

Limitations to Smoke Damage Insurance

Let's be honest, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance company has any sort of limit on claims. But like everything else in life, there are some limits to what they will cover.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Does your policy have a deductible? A deductible is the amount you have to pay before an insurance company starts paying for something. It can be a flat amount (for example $500) or it can be based on your coverage level (for example $250 for everything but car damage). If your insurer does not pay until after this deductible has been met then their obligation ends once the damage exceeds this amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be but also remember that if you don't meet this threshold during an event then you may find yourself out of pocket for repairs yourself!
• How much does it cost? In general more expensive items are more likely than cheaper ones because they hold more value and therefore pose a greater risk if they're damaged or destroyed by fire or smoke damage events such as hurricanes etcetera; however even things like clothing could fall under this category depending upon how many articles there were lost due to water damage caused by flooding during Hurricane Matthew last year; when someone had all their clothes washed away along with other belongings then those items would no longer constitute as luxury items because they were wiped out completely without leaving anything behind whatsoever."

Fire vs. Smoke Claims

When it comes to smoke damage claims, there is an important distinction between fire and smoke. Fire refers to actual flames and can be covered by your home insurance policy, but smoke is different. While both types of damage will leave your property looking unsightly, a fire claim can include structural damage that requires rebuilding or replacing the damaged structure—which may not be covered under your standard homeowner's policy. Smoke damage simply involves cleaning up after the fires have been extinguished and does not usually require extensive reconstruction or replacement of damaged parts.

However, if you have a separate smoke damage policy for your property—which can be purchased as part of an add-on rider to your homeowner's insurance—you may be able to file an additional claim for this type of loss as well.

If you have questions about filing an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage, contact your local insurance agent. Insurance policies vary slightly by company, but most have similar coverage options. Your agent will be able to tell you if your policy has coverage for smoke damage and should be able to answer any other questions you might have about the claims process.

We know a fire in your home is not ideal. Between the flames and the smoke and the soot, there is bound to be a plethora of problems that need to be taken care of. SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about smoke damage and fire damage restoration. We can help you file an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage. Our agents are always ready to assist you in getting your Austin home back to normal, so give us a call today!

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time.

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating, especially if you weren't home at the time of the incident. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to file an insurance claim to help cover the cost of repairs. In this post, we'll go over what type of damages your policy covers and some common questions about filing a claim for fire or smoke damage.

Smoke Damage Basics

Smoke damage, like water damage and mold, can occur in a fire. Smoke damage can also occur in the aftermath of a smaller fire that does not cause structural damage. For example, if you have an electrical short in your home or apartment and it causes a small fire which burns itself out before causing much structural damage but leaves your walls blackened with soot and ash, then this would be considered smoke damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Coverage

Any homeowner who has experienced a fire in their home will tell you that the costs of repairing damage to your home, replacing personal items lost in the fire, and paying for temporary housing while your home is being repaired can be staggering. While some insurance companies offer coverage for these expenses, it’s important to know whether or not your policy does.

The following are examples of what may be covered by a claim depending on your policy:

• Cost of repairs to your home - If your house was damaged by fire or smoke damage you may have to pay for repairs yourself unless you have replacement cost coverage. This type of insurance provides reimbursement up to an amount specified in your policy based on current construction costs (i.e., what it would actually cost today). The amount paid out on this type of claim depends on several factors including whether any improvements were made since last year's assessment and what those improvements were (elevation requirements increase over time).
• Replacement value - This type of insurance pays out according to current market value instead of actual cash value like some other policies do so there won't be any deductions for depreciation or wear-and-tear associated with aging property. For example: if someone buys another house after selling theirs four years later then sells again ten years later but keeps using same furniture throughout those years then even though they're just using older stuff now than when originally purchased--it'll still count toward their total contents list when determining how much money should come back from an insurance company if anything goes wrong at all during those 10 years!

Limitations to Smoke Damage Insurance

Let's be honest, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance company has any sort of limit on claims. But like everything else in life, there are some limits to what they will cover.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Does your policy have a deductible? A deductible is the amount you have to pay before an insurance company starts paying for something. It can be a flat amount (for example $500) or it can be based on your coverage level (for example $250 for everything but car damage). If your insurer does not pay until after this deductible has been met then their obligation ends once the damage exceeds this amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be but also remember that if you don't meet this threshold during an event then you may find yourself out of pocket for repairs yourself!
• How much does it cost? In general more expensive items are more likely than cheaper ones because they hold more value and therefore pose a greater risk if they're damaged or destroyed by fire or smoke damage events such as hurricanes etcetera; however even things like clothing could fall under this category depending upon how many articles there were lost due to water damage caused by flooding during Hurricane Matthew last year; when someone had all their clothes washed away along with other belongings then those items would no longer constitute as luxury items because they were wiped out completely without leaving anything behind whatsoever."

Fire vs. Smoke Claims

When it comes to smoke damage claims, there is an important distinction between fire and smoke. Fire refers to actual flames and can be covered by your home insurance policy, but smoke is different. While both types of damage will leave your property looking unsightly, a fire claim can include structural damage that requires rebuilding or replacing the damaged structure—which may not be covered under your standard homeowner's policy. Smoke damage simply involves cleaning up after the fires have been extinguished and does not usually require extensive reconstruction or replacement of damaged parts.

However, if you have a separate smoke damage policy for your property—which can be purchased as part of an add-on rider to your homeowner's insurance—you may be able to file an additional claim for this type of loss as well.

If you have questions about filing an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage, contact your local insurance agent. Insurance policies vary slightly by company, but most have similar coverage options. Your agent will be able to tell you if your policy has coverage for smoke damage and should be able to answer any other questions you might have about the claims process.

We know a fire in your home is not ideal. Between the flames and the smoke and the soot, there is bound to be a plethora of problems that need to be taken care of. SERVPRO of North Central Austin is here to help you through this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about smoke damage and fire damage restoration. We can help you file an insurance claim for fire and smoke damage. Our agents are always ready to assist you in getting your Austin home back to normal, so give us a call today!

What To Know About Basement Floods

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup.

What To Know About Basement Floods

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup. If you don't hire someone with experience in water damage repair and mold remediation, you could be doing more harm than good. You also want to make sure that your home doesn't have any structural damage.

Sources and Types of Water Damage

It’s important to know what type of water damage you have so that you can determine how long it will take to dry out your basement. The following are some common types of basement water damage and how they occur:

• Foundation leakage -- Water seeping through cracks around windows and doors is most likely due to foundation issues and should be addressed immediately. This could lead to further structural problems if left untreated.
• Roof leakage -- If you notice water coming from your roof area it likely means there is a leak somewhere on your roof shingles or gutter system. You may also notice mold growing along any outside walls where this moisture collects before dripping down into your basement.

There are three different categories of water damage: 1, 2, and 3. Each of these categories requires a different kind of approach when it comes to mitigation and restoration. 

Consequences of Water Damage

Water damage is the leading cause of mold growth in homes. Mold can cause health problems, like respiratory issues and fever, so it's important to have your basement cleaned up as quickly as possible. When water saturates the flooring and walls, it can weaken the structure of your home and even cause it to collapse if not addressed expediently. Mold can grow on any surface or hidden area of your basement, including the floors, walls, and ceiling tiles. 

Call the Experts

If you are considering doing the clean-up yourself, it's important to know that a major flood is not something that should be taken lightly. Water has a way of seeping through cracks and crevices, into places where it can't be seen, and when it does so it often causes mold growth. Mold can cause health issues for you and your family if left untreated. If you're not sure what steps need to be taken after a basement flood, it's best to hire an expert who will make sure all of this gets taken care of in a timely manner. The experts at SERVPRO of North Central Austin have all the right equipment needed for cleaning out any sort of basement flooding situation as quickly as possible while ensuring they get rid of all mold before leaving your house or office space.

If you have a basement, you know that it can be a great place to store things. You may even have an old washer and dryer down there. However, if the basement floods and your things get ruined or destroyed, it's important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. If you do not hire someone who knows what they are doing, they or could make matters worse by not properly cleaning up the area. They may also leave behind mold which will require some sort of treatment in order for your family members to be safe again.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin for any flooding restoration needs you have! We will get your Austin, TX home or business back to normal as soon as possible!

What To Know About Basement Floods

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup.

What To Know About Basement Floods

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup. If you don't hire someone with experience in water damage repair and mold remediation, you could be doing more harm than good. You also want to make sure that your home doesn't have any structural damage.

Sources and Types of Water Damage

It’s important to know what type of water damage you have so that you can determine how long it will take to dry out your basement. The following are some common types of basement water damage and how they occur:

• Foundation leakage -- Water seeping through cracks around windows and doors is most likely due to foundation issues and should be addressed immediately. This could lead to further structural problems if left untreated.
• Roof leakage -- If you notice water coming from your roof area it likely means there is a leak somewhere on your roof shingles or gutter system. You may also notice mold growing along any outside walls where this moisture collects before dripping down into your basement.

There are three different categories of water damage: 1, 2, and 3. Each of these categories requires a different kind of approach when it comes to mitigation and restoration. 

Consequences of Water Damage

Water damage is the leading cause of mold growth in homes. Mold can cause health problems, like respiratory issues and fever, so it's important to have your basement cleaned up as quickly as possible. When water saturates the flooring and walls, it can weaken the structure of your home and even cause it to collapse if not addressed expediently. Mold can grow on any surface or hidden area of your basement, including the floors, walls, and ceiling tiles. 

Call the Experts

If you are considering doing the clean-up yourself, it's important to know that a major flood is not something that should be taken lightly. Water has a way of seeping through cracks and crevices, into places where it can't be seen, and when it does so it often causes mold growth. Mold can cause health issues for you and your family if left untreated. If you're not sure what steps need to be taken after a basement flood, it's best to hire an expert who will make sure all of this gets taken care of in a timely manner. The experts at SERVPRO of North Central Austin have all the right equipment needed for cleaning out any sort of basement flooding situation as quickly as possible while ensuring they get rid of all mold before leaving your house or office space.

If you have a basement, you know that it can be a great place to store things. You may even have an old washer and dryer down there. However, if the basement floods and your things get ruined or destroyed, it's important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. If you do not hire someone who knows what they are doing, they or could make matters worse by not properly cleaning up the area. They may also leave behind mold which will require some sort of treatment in order for your family members to be safe again.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin for any flooding restoration needs you have! We will get your Austin, TX home or business back to normal as soon as possible!

What To Know About Basement Floods

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup.

What To Know About Basement Floods

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup. If you don't hire someone with experience in water damage repair and mold remediation, you could be doing more harm than good. You also want to make sure that your home doesn't have any structural damage.

Sources and Types of Water Damage

It’s important to know what type of water damage you have so that you can determine how long it will take to dry out your basement. The following are some common types of basement water damage and how they occur:

• Foundation leakage -- Water seeping through cracks around windows and doors is most likely due to foundation issues and should be addressed immediately. This could lead to further structural problems if left untreated.
• Roof leakage -- If you notice water coming from your roof area it likely means there is a leak somewhere on your roof shingles or gutter system. You may also notice mold growing along any outside walls where this moisture collects before dripping down into your basement.

There are three different categories of water damage: 1, 2, and 3. Each of these categories requires a different kind of approach when it comes to mitigation and restoration. 

Consequences of Water Damage

Water damage is the leading cause of mold growth in homes. Mold can cause health problems, like respiratory issues and fever, so it's important to have your basement cleaned up as quickly as possible. When water saturates the flooring and walls, it can weaken the structure of your home and even cause it to collapse if not addressed expediently. Mold can grow on any surface or hidden area of your basement, including the floors, walls, and ceiling tiles. 

Call the Experts

If you are considering doing the clean-up yourself, it's important to know that a major flood is not something that should be taken lightly. Water has a way of seeping through cracks and crevices, into places where it can't be seen, and when it does so it often causes mold growth. Mold can cause health issues for you and your family if left untreated. If you're not sure what steps need to be taken after a basement flood, it's best to hire an expert who will make sure all of this gets taken care of in a timely manner. The experts at SERVPRO of North Central Austin have all the right equipment needed for cleaning out any sort of basement flooding situation as quickly as possible while ensuring they get rid of all mold before leaving your house or office space.

If you have a basement, you know that it can be a great place to store things. You may even have an old washer and dryer down there. However, if the basement floods and your things get ruined or destroyed, it's important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. If you do not hire someone who knows what they are doing, they or could make matters worse by not properly cleaning up the area. They may also leave behind mold which will require some sort of treatment in order for your family members to be safe again.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin for any flooding restoration needs you have! We will get your Austin, TX home or business back to normal as soon as possible!

What To Know About Basement Floods

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup.

What To Know About Basement Floods

After a flood, it is important to hire an expert for cleanup. If you don't hire someone with experience in water damage repair and mold remediation, you could be doing more harm than good. You also want to make sure that your home doesn't have any structural damage.

Sources and Types of Water Damage

It’s important to know what type of water damage you have so that you can determine how long it will take to dry out your basement. The following are some common types of basement water damage and how they occur:

• Foundation leakage -- Water seeping through cracks around windows and doors is most likely due to foundation issues and should be addressed immediately. This could lead to further structural problems if left untreated.
• Roof leakage -- If you notice water coming from your roof area it likely means there is a leak somewhere on your roof shingles or gutter system. You may also notice mold growing along any outside walls where this moisture collects before dripping down into your basement.

There are three different categories of water damage: 1, 2, and 3. Each of these categories requires a different kind of approach when it comes to mitigation and restoration. 

Consequences of Water Damage

Water damage is the leading cause of mold growth in homes. Mold can cause health problems, like respiratory issues and fever, so it's important to have your basement cleaned up as quickly as possible. When water saturates the flooring and walls, it can weaken the structure of your home and even cause it to collapse if not addressed expediently. Mold can grow on any surface or hidden area of your basement, including the floors, walls, and ceiling tiles. 

Call the Experts

If you are considering doing the clean-up yourself, it's important to know that a major flood is not something that should be taken lightly. Water has a way of seeping through cracks and crevices, into places where it can't be seen, and when it does so it often causes mold growth. Mold can cause health issues for you and your family if left untreated. If you're not sure what steps need to be taken after a basement flood, it's best to hire an expert who will make sure all of this gets taken care of in a timely manner. The experts at SERVPRO of North Central Austin have all the right equipment needed for cleaning out any sort of basement flooding situation as quickly as possible while ensuring they get rid of all mold before leaving your house or office space.

If you have a basement, you know that it can be a great place to store things. You may even have an old washer and dryer down there. However, if the basement floods and your things get ruined or destroyed, it's important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. If you do not hire someone who knows what they are doing, they or could make matters worse by not properly cleaning up the area. They may also leave behind mold which will require some sort of treatment in order for your family members to be safe again.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin for any flooding restoration needs you have! We will get your Austin, TX home or business back to normal as soon as possible!

Fire Sprinkler Safety

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best.

Fire Sprinkler Safety

If you're a business owner, it's important to know that your fire sprinkler system is working. If it's not, it could cause serious damage to your property and put people in harm's way—not to mention that it could cost you thousands of dollars in damages! Luckily, there are a few quick ways that you can check on the status of your sprinklers.

Fire Sprinkler Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

It's good practice to test your fire suppression system at least once a month, even if it isn't required by law. This ensures that the system is ready and functional in case of an emergency, and helps identify any problems with the system before they get out of hand.

You should inspect your sprinklers for damage or corrosion. If you notice any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear on a sprinkler head (such as dents or rust), you should have the entire unit replaced immediately so that it can continue protecting your home from fires safely and effectively.

Inspecting for possible obstructions is also important in ensuring the safe operation of your sprinkler system. Make sure there are no items blocking access to sprinkler heads—including furniture or other objects—so that firefighters can gain access quickly if needed!

Fire Sprinkler Monitoring, Alarms & Call Lists

The next step is to set up your alarm monitoring, call lists, and fire sprinkler monitoring. Alarm monitoring refers to a third-party company that monitors your system for you. They are the ones who will contact you and/or the fire department in case of an emergency. Call lists are a list of people (your family members or close friends) who should be called in case of a fire. Lastly, fire sprinkler monitoring is a list of people who should be notified when the system is activated - usually, this is just someone at home when it happens but can also include neighbors and others close by (it depends on how far away they live).

Fire Sprinkler System Cleanup

Remove all debris from the sprinkler system. Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, and damage. Clean out your fire sprinkler system to maintain its functionality.

Fire Sprinkler Training and Certifications

As a sprinkler installer or technician, you need to understand the importance of training. Fire sprinkler training is required by law for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire sprinklers. Fire Sprinkler Certification is also necessary for many other positions within the industry.

Having a fire sprinkler system is only helpful if it's working - make sure your sprinklers are regularly inspected.

You have a fire sprinkler system installed in your home or business. You know that it's supposed to save lives, and property and reduce damage from a fire. But what if your system isn't working? How do you know?

Fire sprinklers are designed to operate when heat reaches a certain temperature. If the water supply runs out, there is no protection. The most common causes of sprinkler system failure are lack of maintenance and/or freeze damage. The best way to prevent another tragedy like the one at Grenfell Tower is by regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire sprinkler system so that it can function effectively when needed most.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best. Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin when your home or business sprinkler system activates. We are here to help restore your Austin home to its original condition! 

Fire Sprinkler Safety

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best.

Fire Sprinkler Safety

If you're a business owner, it's important to know that your fire sprinkler system is working. If it's not, it could cause serious damage to your property and put people in harm's way—not to mention that it could cost you thousands of dollars in damages! Luckily, there are a few quick ways that you can check on the status of your sprinklers.

Fire Sprinkler Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

It's good practice to test your fire suppression system at least once a month, even if it isn't required by law. This ensures that the system is ready and functional in case of an emergency, and helps identify any problems with the system before they get out of hand.

You should inspect your sprinklers for damage or corrosion. If you notice any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear on a sprinkler head (such as dents or rust), you should have the entire unit replaced immediately so that it can continue protecting your home from fires safely and effectively.

Inspecting for possible obstructions is also important in ensuring the safe operation of your sprinkler system. Make sure there are no items blocking access to sprinkler heads—including furniture or other objects—so that firefighters can gain access quickly if needed!

Fire Sprinkler Monitoring, Alarms & Call Lists

The next step is to set up your alarm monitoring, call lists, and fire sprinkler monitoring. Alarm monitoring refers to a third-party company that monitors your system for you. They are the ones who will contact you and/or the fire department in case of an emergency. Call lists are a list of people (your family members or close friends) who should be called in case of a fire. Lastly, fire sprinkler monitoring is a list of people who should be notified when the system is activated - usually, this is just someone at home when it happens but can also include neighbors and others close by (it depends on how far away they live).

Fire Sprinkler System Cleanup

Remove all debris from the sprinkler system. Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, and damage. Clean out your fire sprinkler system to maintain its functionality.

Fire Sprinkler Training and Certifications

As a sprinkler installer or technician, you need to understand the importance of training. Fire sprinkler training is required by law for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire sprinklers. Fire Sprinkler Certification is also necessary for many other positions within the industry.

Having a fire sprinkler system is only helpful if it's working - make sure your sprinklers are regularly inspected.

You have a fire sprinkler system installed in your home or business. You know that it's supposed to save lives, and property and reduce damage from a fire. But what if your system isn't working? How do you know?

Fire sprinklers are designed to operate when heat reaches a certain temperature. If the water supply runs out, there is no protection. The most common causes of sprinkler system failure are lack of maintenance and/or freeze damage. The best way to prevent another tragedy like the one at Grenfell Tower is by regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire sprinkler system so that it can function effectively when needed most.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best. Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin when your home or business sprinkler system activates. We are here to help restore your Austin home to its original condition! 

Fire Sprinkler Safety

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best.

Fire Sprinkler Safety

If you're a business owner, it's important to know that your fire sprinkler system is working. If it's not, it could cause serious damage to your property and put people in harm's way—not to mention that it could cost you thousands of dollars in damages! Luckily, there are a few quick ways that you can check on the status of your sprinklers.

Fire Sprinkler Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

It's good practice to test your fire suppression system at least once a month, even if it isn't required by law. This ensures that the system is ready and functional in case of an emergency, and helps identify any problems with the system before they get out of hand.

You should inspect your sprinklers for damage or corrosion. If you notice any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear on a sprinkler head (such as dents or rust), you should have the entire unit replaced immediately so that it can continue protecting your home from fires safely and effectively.

Inspecting for possible obstructions is also important in ensuring the safe operation of your sprinkler system. Make sure there are no items blocking access to sprinkler heads—including furniture or other objects—so that firefighters can gain access quickly if needed!

Fire Sprinkler Monitoring, Alarms & Call Lists

The next step is to set up your alarm monitoring, call lists, and fire sprinkler monitoring. Alarm monitoring refers to a third-party company that monitors your system for you. They are the ones who will contact you and/or the fire department in case of an emergency. Call lists are a list of people (your family members or close friends) who should be called in case of a fire. Lastly, fire sprinkler monitoring is a list of people who should be notified when the system is activated - usually, this is just someone at home when it happens but can also include neighbors and others close by (it depends on how far away they live).

Fire Sprinkler System Cleanup

Remove all debris from the sprinkler system. Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, and damage. Clean out your fire sprinkler system to maintain its functionality.

Fire Sprinkler Training and Certifications

As a sprinkler installer or technician, you need to understand the importance of training. Fire sprinkler training is required by law for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire sprinklers. Fire Sprinkler Certification is also necessary for many other positions within the industry.

Having a fire sprinkler system is only helpful if it's working - make sure your sprinklers are regularly inspected.

You have a fire sprinkler system installed in your home or business. You know that it's supposed to save lives, and property and reduce damage from a fire. But what if your system isn't working? How do you know?

Fire sprinklers are designed to operate when heat reaches a certain temperature. If the water supply runs out, there is no protection. The most common causes of sprinkler system failure are lack of maintenance and/or freeze damage. The best way to prevent another tragedy like the one at Grenfell Tower is by regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire sprinkler system so that it can function effectively when needed most.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best. Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin when your home or business sprinkler system activates. We are here to help restore your Austin home to its original condition! 

Fire Sprinkler Safety

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best.

Fire Sprinkler Safety

If you're a business owner, it's important to know that your fire sprinkler system is working. If it's not, it could cause serious damage to your property and put people in harm's way—not to mention that it could cost you thousands of dollars in damages! Luckily, there are a few quick ways that you can check on the status of your sprinklers.

Fire Sprinkler Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

It's good practice to test your fire suppression system at least once a month, even if it isn't required by law. This ensures that the system is ready and functional in case of an emergency, and helps identify any problems with the system before they get out of hand.

You should inspect your sprinklers for damage or corrosion. If you notice any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear on a sprinkler head (such as dents or rust), you should have the entire unit replaced immediately so that it can continue protecting your home from fires safely and effectively.

Inspecting for possible obstructions is also important in ensuring the safe operation of your sprinkler system. Make sure there are no items blocking access to sprinkler heads—including furniture or other objects—so that firefighters can gain access quickly if needed!

Fire Sprinkler Monitoring, Alarms & Call Lists

The next step is to set up your alarm monitoring, call lists, and fire sprinkler monitoring. Alarm monitoring refers to a third-party company that monitors your system for you. They are the ones who will contact you and/or the fire department in case of an emergency. Call lists are a list of people (your family members or close friends) who should be called in case of a fire. Lastly, fire sprinkler monitoring is a list of people who should be notified when the system is activated - usually, this is just someone at home when it happens but can also include neighbors and others close by (it depends on how far away they live).

Fire Sprinkler System Cleanup

Remove all debris from the sprinkler system. Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, and damage. Clean out your fire sprinkler system to maintain its functionality.

Fire Sprinkler Training and Certifications

As a sprinkler installer or technician, you need to understand the importance of training. Fire sprinkler training is required by law for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire sprinklers. Fire Sprinkler Certification is also necessary for many other positions within the industry.

Having a fire sprinkler system is only helpful if it's working - make sure your sprinklers are regularly inspected.

You have a fire sprinkler system installed in your home or business. You know that it's supposed to save lives, and property and reduce damage from a fire. But what if your system isn't working? How do you know?

Fire sprinklers are designed to operate when heat reaches a certain temperature. If the water supply runs out, there is no protection. The most common causes of sprinkler system failure are lack of maintenance and/or freeze damage. The best way to prevent another tragedy like the one at Grenfell Tower is by regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire sprinkler system so that it can function effectively when needed most.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to keep your fire sprinkler system working at its best. Call SERVPRO of North Central Austin when your home or business sprinkler system activates. We are here to help restore your Austin home to its original condition! 

Educational Facilities

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO® we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and  flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

K-12 Schools

Colleges & Universities

Dormitories

Event and Sporting Arenas

Libraries

Daycares

Pre-K Facilities

Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a detailed understanding of how to get back into their buildings following a disaster. To access all of the SERVPRO® capabilities, services and additional benefits, visit SERVPRO.COM/READY.

Educational Facilities

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO® we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and  flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

K-12 Schools

Colleges & Universities

Dormitories

Event and Sporting Arenas

Libraries

Daycares

Pre-K Facilities

Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a detailed understanding of how to get back into their buildings following a disaster. To access all of the SERVPRO® capabilities, services and additional benefits, visit SERVPRO.COM/READY.

Educational Facilities

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO® we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and  flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

K-12 Schools

Colleges & Universities

Dormitories

Event and Sporting Arenas

Libraries

Daycares

Pre-K Facilities

Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a detailed understanding of how to get back into their buildings following a disaster. To access all of the SERVPRO® capabilities, services and additional benefits, visit SERVPRO.COM/READY.

Educational Facilities

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO® we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and  flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

K-12 Schools

Colleges & Universities

Dormitories

Event and Sporting Arenas

Libraries

Daycares

Pre-K Facilities

Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a detailed understanding of how to get back into their buildings following a disaster. To access all of the SERVPRO® capabilities, services and additional benefits, visit SERVPRO.COM/READY.

We utilize advanced equipment and training to dry your home

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need SERVPRO of North Central Austin.

Our highly trained technicians will immediately respond to your home, inspect the affected areas, and begin the cleaning and drying process.

Utilizing the latest technology, we will remove standing water and affected floor coverings, establish a scientifically based drying method, and monitor and document our findings daily until your home is SERVPRO dry.

We follow industry approved standards for the level of dry, which often means most homes will achieve a dry stage in three to five days, while larger flood or commercial sites may take longer.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to all armed forces members and their families.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades,
and firework displays; but along with all the
festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency
room?especially during the month of July.
Each year, around 230 people are injured badly
enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing
injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of
house fires each year with millions of dollars in property
damage.
There is nothing like firing up the grill during the
summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month
for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become
dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't
considered. SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals
want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer
celebrations are disaster-free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only
  be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the
  home, deck railings, and out from under eaves
  and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat
  buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
  container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should
  wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning
  fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully
  extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of
  fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that
  may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a
  public display conducted by trained
  professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers
from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to help make it "Like it never even
happened.®" 

We utilize advanced equipment and training to dry your home

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need SERVPRO of North Central Austin.

Our highly trained technicians will immediately respond to your home, inspect the affected areas, and begin the cleaning and drying process.

Utilizing the latest technology, we will remove standing water and affected floor coverings, establish a scientifically based drying method, and monitor and document our findings daily until your home is SERVPRO dry.

We follow industry approved standards for the level of dry, which often means most homes will achieve a dry stage in three to five days, while larger flood or commercial sites may take longer.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to all armed forces members and their families.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades,
and firework displays; but along with all the
festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency
room?especially during the month of July.
Each year, around 230 people are injured badly
enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing
injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of
house fires each year with millions of dollars in property
damage.
There is nothing like firing up the grill during the
summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month
for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become
dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't
considered. SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals
want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer
celebrations are disaster-free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only
  be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the
  home, deck railings, and out from under eaves
  and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat
  buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
  container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should
  wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning
  fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully
  extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of
  fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that
  may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a
  public display conducted by trained
  professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers
from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to help make it "Like it never even
happened.®" 

We utilize advanced equipment and training to dry your home

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need SERVPRO of North Central Austin.

Our highly trained technicians will immediately respond to your home, inspect the affected areas, and begin the cleaning and drying process.

Utilizing the latest technology, we will remove standing water and affected floor coverings, establish a scientifically based drying method, and monitor and document our findings daily until your home is SERVPRO dry.

We follow industry approved standards for the level of dry, which often means most homes will achieve a dry stage in three to five days, while larger flood or commercial sites may take longer.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to all armed forces members and their families.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades,
and firework displays; but along with all the
festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency
room?especially during the month of July.
Each year, around 230 people are injured badly
enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing
injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of
house fires each year with millions of dollars in property
damage.
There is nothing like firing up the grill during the
summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month
for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become
dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't
considered. SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals
want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer
celebrations are disaster-free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only
  be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the
  home, deck railings, and out from under eaves
  and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat
  buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
  container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should
  wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning
  fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully
  extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of
  fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that
  may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a
  public display conducted by trained
  professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers
from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to help make it "Like it never even
happened.®" 

We utilize advanced equipment and training to dry your home

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage from flooding or leaks, you need SERVPRO of North Central Austin.

Our highly trained technicians will immediately respond to your home, inspect the affected areas, and begin the cleaning and drying process.

Utilizing the latest technology, we will remove standing water and affected floor coverings, establish a scientifically based drying method, and monitor and document our findings daily until your home is SERVPRO dry.

We follow industry approved standards for the level of dry, which often means most homes will achieve a dry stage in three to five days, while larger flood or commercial sites may take longer.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to all armed forces members and their families.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades,
and firework displays; but along with all the
festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency
room?especially during the month of July.
Each year, around 230 people are injured badly
enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing
injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of
house fires each year with millions of dollars in property
damage.
There is nothing like firing up the grill during the
summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month
for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become
dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't
considered. SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals
want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer
celebrations are disaster-free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only
  be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the
  home, deck railings, and out from under eaves
  and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat
  buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
  container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should
  wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning
  fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully
  extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of
  fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that
  may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a
  public display conducted by trained
  professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers
from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to help make it "Like it never even
happened.®" 

Commercial Restoration and Disinfection Services in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is your local leader in both restoration and cleaning services in the Austin, TX area. From water, fire, and mold damage restoration to temporary mitigation after storm damage, our team is here to help. We offer 24/7, 365 service, so you know we'll be at your service no matter when disaster strikes. On top of our restoration and mitigation services, our team also specializes in cleaning and disinfection services. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. For more information on our products, protocol, and pricing, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Commercial Storm Restoration in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever experienced flooding in your business after heavy rains? If so you might know the challenge it takes to get things cleaned up and back to pre loss condition. SERVPRO is the premier choice to help get your property back to pre loss conditions. Once on site, SERVPRO of North Central Austin will perform the initial Emergency Service work. This will include the initial extraction of all of the standing water.

After all of the water has been removed, SERVPRO will make sure that the right amount of green drying equipment is in place. You have probably seen our Green Fleet at SERVPRO around town. Each day, SERVPRO will monitor the progress of drying until the entire job is complete and looking "Like it never even happened."

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1960 Franchises
• Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

What Is an Electronic Claims Service?

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

A service for storing and accessing claims electronically makes it easier to access data related to an insurance claim in progress. The following features of the SERVPRO Claims Information Center facilitate communication between mitigation and restoration professionals and insurers.

A Portal to Claim Information

An insurance agent can log onto a claim service to view an estimate for damage cleanup and restoration. This information will be based on an on-site visit to a residence and should account for several factors:

Type of damage
Extent of damage
Cleaning and restoration methods

All of this information is important for an agent processing an insurance claim. Other types of useful information are also available through this service.

A Resource for Comparing Claims

Agents may also find it useful to be able to compare the amount of a claim to other claims in a region or nationwide. The Claims Information Center also makes it easy for insurers to access other collected data:

Causes of loss
Claim types
Job costs
Response times

It may also be possible to compare these types of data and other metrics for franchises and companies. All of this information can help an agent or adjuster determine whether an estimate is accurate and reasonable.

A Communication Tool

One of the best features of an electronic claims service is that it can reduce communication-related delays. Rather than having to schedule calls, mitigation and restoration franchises can simply upload estimate information and more data on the progress of a job for an agent or adjuster to review on his or her own schedule.

These features make the Claims Information Center and other electronic claims services a useful resource for insurers and restoration vendors. Shortly after SERVPRO experts assess the extent of damage at residence in Austin, TX, an estimate will be posted on this service to expedite the processing of an insurance claim.

Why You Need an Immediate Response to Water Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding and other water disasters affect your Austin, TX, home and family, you don't want to wait several hours for regular business hours. You need solutions immediately. SERVPRO water damage mitigation professionals offer 24-hour emergency response services. This means that if a pipe bursts on a holiday, technicians are available to respond. If heavy storm damages leave your home exposed to flooding, a fast response could prevent further harm.

You Can't Wait a Single Day

The first hours after your home is affected by water damage, many things begin to happen.

• Furniture swells and breaks down.
• Metal items tarnish and rust.
• Fabric and paper items become stained.
• Mold or mildew takes hold.
• Drywall weakens and swells.

An immediate response puts the progression of damage on hold while a corrective course of action is put into place.

It's Expensive To Delay

Many situations requiring cleaning and restoration must be addressed immediately. This is because water damage takes place within minutes. Within a short 60-second period, walls, floors, and upholstery absorb water. Finishes on tables and chairs begin to bleed. Cherished photographs start to warp and discolor. If you have to wait more than a 24-hour period for professionals to arrive, the damage becomes much harder to address.

If you have to wait just two days for services, mold may begin to spread. Important framing may warp. Metal fixtures begin to corrode. Paint blisters and wood flooring swells. As damage increases, the efforts and cost of restoring your home increase rapidly. In some cases, the structural safety of your home could be affected.

What a Quick Response Looks Like

SERVPRO franchises in Austin , TX, are always open, so technicians are ready to respond within a single hour. Before four hours pass, professionals will be at your home. Within eight hours, a plan of action will be in place, and you will be well on your way to getting back on track. A fast response to flooding is crucial; take advantage of 24-hour availability for the protection of your home.

How To Effectively Control Mold Damage Until Help Arrives

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you come across black mold in your Austin, TX, home, the best first step is not to panic. While it’s important that you contact experienced mold remediation specialists to inspect and restore your home properly, there are certain actions you can take to help impede any mold growth or prevent a moisture problem from spreading. Here are three ways you can help protect your home from greater mold damage even before help arrives, creating a plan of attack to keep your mind occupied and focused on the task at hand.

1. Shut off the water supply system in your home. Before anything else happens, it’s important to shut off what could be the main culprit in creating water damage, which thereby feeds the mold. Turn off your main water supply for the time being so any leaks can be stopped in their tracks, or high-moisture areas can begin to dry out on their own.

2. Turn off your home’s HVAC system. Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with black mold, it’s not only the visible growth you need to address. Mold spores can easily travel through the air without being seen directly through your HVAC system, so shutting off any airflow halts the distance that these spores can travel, helping to secure the affected areas.

3. Stay away from any moldy surfaces so you don’t disrupt them. Coming into contact with mold can be dangerous on its own, but even attempting to move any moldy materials can allow for dusty spores to spread a greater distance. For your safety and to keep the contamination from spreading, simply close off the doors and windows in the affected rooms and wait for the professionals to arrive.

Although panicking is a common reaction to the sight of black mold, gaining control of yourself by focusing on how to proceed is the best course of action for your Austin, TX, home. Mold cleanup and water damage restoration can be properly handled by highly-qualified technicians, and should therefore be left for them to manage in a safe and appropriate manner.

Commercial Restoration and Disinfection Services in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is your local leader in both restoration and cleaning services in the Austin, TX area. From water, fire, and mold damage restoration to temporary mitigation after storm damage, our team is here to help. We offer 24/7, 365 service, so you know we'll be at your service no matter when disaster strikes. On top of our restoration and mitigation services, our team also specializes in cleaning and disinfection services. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. For more information on our products, protocol, and pricing, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Commercial Storm Restoration in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever experienced flooding in your business after heavy rains? If so you might know the challenge it takes to get things cleaned up and back to pre loss condition. SERVPRO is the premier choice to help get your property back to pre loss conditions. Once on site, SERVPRO of North Central Austin will perform the initial Emergency Service work. This will include the initial extraction of all of the standing water.

After all of the water has been removed, SERVPRO will make sure that the right amount of green drying equipment is in place. You have probably seen our Green Fleet at SERVPRO around town. Each day, SERVPRO will monitor the progress of drying until the entire job is complete and looking "Like it never even happened."

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1960 Franchises
• Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

What Is an Electronic Claims Service?

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

A service for storing and accessing claims electronically makes it easier to access data related to an insurance claim in progress. The following features of the SERVPRO Claims Information Center facilitate communication between mitigation and restoration professionals and insurers.

A Portal to Claim Information

An insurance agent can log onto a claim service to view an estimate for damage cleanup and restoration. This information will be based on an on-site visit to a residence and should account for several factors:

Type of damage
Extent of damage
Cleaning and restoration methods

All of this information is important for an agent processing an insurance claim. Other types of useful information are also available through this service.

A Resource for Comparing Claims

Agents may also find it useful to be able to compare the amount of a claim to other claims in a region or nationwide. The Claims Information Center also makes it easy for insurers to access other collected data:

Causes of loss
Claim types
Job costs
Response times

It may also be possible to compare these types of data and other metrics for franchises and companies. All of this information can help an agent or adjuster determine whether an estimate is accurate and reasonable.

A Communication Tool

One of the best features of an electronic claims service is that it can reduce communication-related delays. Rather than having to schedule calls, mitigation and restoration franchises can simply upload estimate information and more data on the progress of a job for an agent or adjuster to review on his or her own schedule.

These features make the Claims Information Center and other electronic claims services a useful resource for insurers and restoration vendors. Shortly after SERVPRO experts assess the extent of damage at residence in Austin, TX, an estimate will be posted on this service to expedite the processing of an insurance claim.

Why You Need an Immediate Response to Water Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding and other water disasters affect your Austin, TX, home and family, you don't want to wait several hours for regular business hours. You need solutions immediately. SERVPRO water damage mitigation professionals offer 24-hour emergency response services. This means that if a pipe bursts on a holiday, technicians are available to respond. If heavy storm damages leave your home exposed to flooding, a fast response could prevent further harm.

You Can't Wait a Single Day

The first hours after your home is affected by water damage, many things begin to happen.

• Furniture swells and breaks down.
• Metal items tarnish and rust.
• Fabric and paper items become stained.
• Mold or mildew takes hold.
• Drywall weakens and swells.

An immediate response puts the progression of damage on hold while a corrective course of action is put into place.

It's Expensive To Delay

Many situations requiring cleaning and restoration must be addressed immediately. This is because water damage takes place within minutes. Within a short 60-second period, walls, floors, and upholstery absorb water. Finishes on tables and chairs begin to bleed. Cherished photographs start to warp and discolor. If you have to wait more than a 24-hour period for professionals to arrive, the damage becomes much harder to address.

If you have to wait just two days for services, mold may begin to spread. Important framing may warp. Metal fixtures begin to corrode. Paint blisters and wood flooring swells. As damage increases, the efforts and cost of restoring your home increase rapidly. In some cases, the structural safety of your home could be affected.

What a Quick Response Looks Like

SERVPRO franchises in Austin , TX, are always open, so technicians are ready to respond within a single hour. Before four hours pass, professionals will be at your home. Within eight hours, a plan of action will be in place, and you will be well on your way to getting back on track. A fast response to flooding is crucial; take advantage of 24-hour availability for the protection of your home.

How To Effectively Control Mold Damage Until Help Arrives

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you come across black mold in your Austin, TX, home, the best first step is not to panic. While it’s important that you contact experienced mold remediation specialists to inspect and restore your home properly, there are certain actions you can take to help impede any mold growth or prevent a moisture problem from spreading. Here are three ways you can help protect your home from greater mold damage even before help arrives, creating a plan of attack to keep your mind occupied and focused on the task at hand.

1. Shut off the water supply system in your home. Before anything else happens, it’s important to shut off what could be the main culprit in creating water damage, which thereby feeds the mold. Turn off your main water supply for the time being so any leaks can be stopped in their tracks, or high-moisture areas can begin to dry out on their own.

2. Turn off your home’s HVAC system. Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with black mold, it’s not only the visible growth you need to address. Mold spores can easily travel through the air without being seen directly through your HVAC system, so shutting off any airflow halts the distance that these spores can travel, helping to secure the affected areas.

3. Stay away from any moldy surfaces so you don’t disrupt them. Coming into contact with mold can be dangerous on its own, but even attempting to move any moldy materials can allow for dusty spores to spread a greater distance. For your safety and to keep the contamination from spreading, simply close off the doors and windows in the affected rooms and wait for the professionals to arrive.

Although panicking is a common reaction to the sight of black mold, gaining control of yourself by focusing on how to proceed is the best course of action for your Austin, TX, home. Mold cleanup and water damage restoration can be properly handled by highly-qualified technicians, and should therefore be left for them to manage in a safe and appropriate manner.

Commercial Restoration and Disinfection Services in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is your local leader in both restoration and cleaning services in the Austin, TX area. From water, fire, and mold damage restoration to temporary mitigation after storm damage, our team is here to help. We offer 24/7, 365 service, so you know we'll be at your service no matter when disaster strikes. On top of our restoration and mitigation services, our team also specializes in cleaning and disinfection services. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. For more information on our products, protocol, and pricing, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Commercial Storm Restoration in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever experienced flooding in your business after heavy rains? If so you might know the challenge it takes to get things cleaned up and back to pre loss condition. SERVPRO is the premier choice to help get your property back to pre loss conditions. Once on site, SERVPRO of North Central Austin will perform the initial Emergency Service work. This will include the initial extraction of all of the standing water.

After all of the water has been removed, SERVPRO will make sure that the right amount of green drying equipment is in place. You have probably seen our Green Fleet at SERVPRO around town. Each day, SERVPRO will monitor the progress of drying until the entire job is complete and looking "Like it never even happened."

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1960 Franchises
• Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

What Is an Electronic Claims Service?

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

A service for storing and accessing claims electronically makes it easier to access data related to an insurance claim in progress. The following features of the SERVPRO Claims Information Center facilitate communication between mitigation and restoration professionals and insurers.

A Portal to Claim Information

An insurance agent can log onto a claim service to view an estimate for damage cleanup and restoration. This information will be based on an on-site visit to a residence and should account for several factors:

Type of damage
Extent of damage
Cleaning and restoration methods

All of this information is important for an agent processing an insurance claim. Other types of useful information are also available through this service.

A Resource for Comparing Claims

Agents may also find it useful to be able to compare the amount of a claim to other claims in a region or nationwide. The Claims Information Center also makes it easy for insurers to access other collected data:

Causes of loss
Claim types
Job costs
Response times

It may also be possible to compare these types of data and other metrics for franchises and companies. All of this information can help an agent or adjuster determine whether an estimate is accurate and reasonable.

A Communication Tool

One of the best features of an electronic claims service is that it can reduce communication-related delays. Rather than having to schedule calls, mitigation and restoration franchises can simply upload estimate information and more data on the progress of a job for an agent or adjuster to review on his or her own schedule.

These features make the Claims Information Center and other electronic claims services a useful resource for insurers and restoration vendors. Shortly after SERVPRO experts assess the extent of damage at residence in Austin, TX, an estimate will be posted on this service to expedite the processing of an insurance claim.

Why You Need an Immediate Response to Water Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding and other water disasters affect your Austin, TX, home and family, you don't want to wait several hours for regular business hours. You need solutions immediately. SERVPRO water damage mitigation professionals offer 24-hour emergency response services. This means that if a pipe bursts on a holiday, technicians are available to respond. If heavy storm damages leave your home exposed to flooding, a fast response could prevent further harm.

You Can't Wait a Single Day

The first hours after your home is affected by water damage, many things begin to happen.

• Furniture swells and breaks down.
• Metal items tarnish and rust.
• Fabric and paper items become stained.
• Mold or mildew takes hold.
• Drywall weakens and swells.

An immediate response puts the progression of damage on hold while a corrective course of action is put into place.

It's Expensive To Delay

Many situations requiring cleaning and restoration must be addressed immediately. This is because water damage takes place within minutes. Within a short 60-second period, walls, floors, and upholstery absorb water. Finishes on tables and chairs begin to bleed. Cherished photographs start to warp and discolor. If you have to wait more than a 24-hour period for professionals to arrive, the damage becomes much harder to address.

If you have to wait just two days for services, mold may begin to spread. Important framing may warp. Metal fixtures begin to corrode. Paint blisters and wood flooring swells. As damage increases, the efforts and cost of restoring your home increase rapidly. In some cases, the structural safety of your home could be affected.

What a Quick Response Looks Like

SERVPRO franchises in Austin , TX, are always open, so technicians are ready to respond within a single hour. Before four hours pass, professionals will be at your home. Within eight hours, a plan of action will be in place, and you will be well on your way to getting back on track. A fast response to flooding is crucial; take advantage of 24-hour availability for the protection of your home.

How To Effectively Control Mold Damage Until Help Arrives

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you come across black mold in your Austin, TX, home, the best first step is not to panic. While it’s important that you contact experienced mold remediation specialists to inspect and restore your home properly, there are certain actions you can take to help impede any mold growth or prevent a moisture problem from spreading. Here are three ways you can help protect your home from greater mold damage even before help arrives, creating a plan of attack to keep your mind occupied and focused on the task at hand.

1. Shut off the water supply system in your home. Before anything else happens, it’s important to shut off what could be the main culprit in creating water damage, which thereby feeds the mold. Turn off your main water supply for the time being so any leaks can be stopped in their tracks, or high-moisture areas can begin to dry out on their own.

2. Turn off your home’s HVAC system. Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with black mold, it’s not only the visible growth you need to address. Mold spores can easily travel through the air without being seen directly through your HVAC system, so shutting off any airflow halts the distance that these spores can travel, helping to secure the affected areas.

3. Stay away from any moldy surfaces so you don’t disrupt them. Coming into contact with mold can be dangerous on its own, but even attempting to move any moldy materials can allow for dusty spores to spread a greater distance. For your safety and to keep the contamination from spreading, simply close off the doors and windows in the affected rooms and wait for the professionals to arrive.

Although panicking is a common reaction to the sight of black mold, gaining control of yourself by focusing on how to proceed is the best course of action for your Austin, TX, home. Mold cleanup and water damage restoration can be properly handled by highly-qualified technicians, and should therefore be left for them to manage in a safe and appropriate manner.

Commercial Restoration and Disinfection Services in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Austin is your local leader in both restoration and cleaning services in the Austin, TX area. From water, fire, and mold damage restoration to temporary mitigation after storm damage, our team is here to help. We offer 24/7, 365 service, so you know we'll be at your service no matter when disaster strikes. On top of our restoration and mitigation services, our team also specializes in cleaning and disinfection services. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. For more information on our products, protocol, and pricing, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Commercial Storm Restoration in Austin, TX

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever experienced flooding in your business after heavy rains? If so you might know the challenge it takes to get things cleaned up and back to pre loss condition. SERVPRO is the premier choice to help get your property back to pre loss conditions. Once on site, SERVPRO of North Central Austin will perform the initial Emergency Service work. This will include the initial extraction of all of the standing water.

After all of the water has been removed, SERVPRO will make sure that the right amount of green drying equipment is in place. You have probably seen our Green Fleet at SERVPRO around town. Each day, SERVPRO will monitor the progress of drying until the entire job is complete and looking "Like it never even happened."

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1960 Franchises
• Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

What Is an Electronic Claims Service?

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

A service for storing and accessing claims electronically makes it easier to access data related to an insurance claim in progress. The following features of the SERVPRO Claims Information Center facilitate communication between mitigation and restoration professionals and insurers.

A Portal to Claim Information

An insurance agent can log onto a claim service to view an estimate for damage cleanup and restoration. This information will be based on an on-site visit to a residence and should account for several factors:

Type of damage
Extent of damage
Cleaning and restoration methods

All of this information is important for an agent processing an insurance claim. Other types of useful information are also available through this service.

A Resource for Comparing Claims

Agents may also find it useful to be able to compare the amount of a claim to other claims in a region or nationwide. The Claims Information Center also makes it easy for insurers to access other collected data:

Causes of loss
Claim types
Job costs
Response times

It may also be possible to compare these types of data and other metrics for franchises and companies. All of this information can help an agent or adjuster determine whether an estimate is accurate and reasonable.

A Communication Tool

One of the best features of an electronic claims service is that it can reduce communication-related delays. Rather than having to schedule calls, mitigation and restoration franchises can simply upload estimate information and more data on the progress of a job for an agent or adjuster to review on his or her own schedule.

These features make the Claims Information Center and other electronic claims services a useful resource for insurers and restoration vendors. Shortly after SERVPRO experts assess the extent of damage at residence in Austin, TX, an estimate will be posted on this service to expedite the processing of an insurance claim.

Why You Need an Immediate Response to Water Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding and other water disasters affect your Austin, TX, home and family, you don't want to wait several hours for regular business hours. You need solutions immediately. SERVPRO water damage mitigation professionals offer 24-hour emergency response services. This means that if a pipe bursts on a holiday, technicians are available to respond. If heavy storm damages leave your home exposed to flooding, a fast response could prevent further harm.

You Can't Wait a Single Day

The first hours after your home is affected by water damage, many things begin to happen.

• Furniture swells and breaks down.
• Metal items tarnish and rust.
• Fabric and paper items become stained.
• Mold or mildew takes hold.
• Drywall weakens and swells.

An immediate response puts the progression of damage on hold while a corrective course of action is put into place.

It's Expensive To Delay

Many situations requiring cleaning and restoration must be addressed immediately. This is because water damage takes place within minutes. Within a short 60-second period, walls, floors, and upholstery absorb water. Finishes on tables and chairs begin to bleed. Cherished photographs start to warp and discolor. If you have to wait more than a 24-hour period for professionals to arrive, the damage becomes much harder to address.

If you have to wait just two days for services, mold may begin to spread. Important framing may warp. Metal fixtures begin to corrode. Paint blisters and wood flooring swells. As damage increases, the efforts and cost of restoring your home increase rapidly. In some cases, the structural safety of your home could be affected.

What a Quick Response Looks Like

SERVPRO franchises in Austin , TX, are always open, so technicians are ready to respond within a single hour. Before four hours pass, professionals will be at your home. Within eight hours, a plan of action will be in place, and you will be well on your way to getting back on track. A fast response to flooding is crucial; take advantage of 24-hour availability for the protection of your home.

How To Effectively Control Mold Damage Until Help Arrives

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you come across black mold in your Austin, TX, home, the best first step is not to panic. While it’s important that you contact experienced mold remediation specialists to inspect and restore your home properly, there are certain actions you can take to help impede any mold growth or prevent a moisture problem from spreading. Here are three ways you can help protect your home from greater mold damage even before help arrives, creating a plan of attack to keep your mind occupied and focused on the task at hand.

1. Shut off the water supply system in your home. Before anything else happens, it’s important to shut off what could be the main culprit in creating water damage, which thereby feeds the mold. Turn off your main water supply for the time being so any leaks can be stopped in their tracks, or high-moisture areas can begin to dry out on their own.

2. Turn off your home’s HVAC system. Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with black mold, it’s not only the visible growth you need to address. Mold spores can easily travel through the air without being seen directly through your HVAC system, so shutting off any airflow halts the distance that these spores can travel, helping to secure the affected areas.

3. Stay away from any moldy surfaces so you don’t disrupt them. Coming into contact with mold can be dangerous on its own, but even attempting to move any moldy materials can allow for dusty spores to spread a greater distance. For your safety and to keep the contamination from spreading, simply close off the doors and windows in the affected rooms and wait for the professionals to arrive.

Although panicking is a common reaction to the sight of black mold, gaining control of yourself by focusing on how to proceed is the best course of action for your Austin, TX, home. Mold cleanup and water damage restoration can be properly handled by highly-qualified technicians, and should therefore be left for them to manage in a safe and appropriate manner.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Central Austin provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 512-579-0189
Faster to Any Size Emergency
In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of North Central Austin arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Central Austin provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 512-579-0189
Faster to Any Size Emergency
In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of North Central Austin arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Central Austin provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 512-579-0189
Faster to Any Size Emergency
In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of North Central Austin arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Central Austin provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 512-579-0189
Faster to Any Size Emergency
In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of North Central Austin arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so-good things—like fire or water damage—that are always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster. This year, take the time to be "Ready for whatever happens." Preparation and Review will help get you through anything in 2022! The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP) will help you ensure you and your facility are prepared. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shutoff valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood, having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY.
Prepare & Review for 2022!
Call the SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to establish your Emergency READY Plan now!
Advantages of the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®
• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shutoff valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information

Dangers of Extreme Cold

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While your home can be damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health is also at risk. Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015. It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

SERVPRO Easter Marshmallow Bark

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

◊ 1 bag of white chocolate chips (12 oz)
◊ 3 cups mini rainbow marshmallows
◊ 1 TBSP shortening (optional)
◊ Easter sprinkles
Line an 8x11 baking dish or half-sized cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Put chocolate chips and shortening in a medium glass bowl and melt in the microwave for one minute. Give it a stir, then return to the microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add marshmallows to melted chocolate and stir to coat. You'll want to do this step quickly! If you take too long, the marshmallows will begin to melt (which you don't want.)
Transfer the chocolatey marshmallows to your prepared baking dish or pan using a rubber scraper. Make sure the marshmallows extend to the edges. Press down slightly to make it all somewhat even. Top with as many sprinkles as you like!
Put the bark in the freezer for at least 20 minutes until it sets. (You'll want to use the freezer so that the mixture cools as quickly as possible.)
Remove from the freezer and let it sit out to return to room temperature. Cut the bark into pieces by either breaking it apart or using a cookie cutter. (Pro Tip: Use an Easter egg shape!) If you use a cookie cutter, use a metal one and spray the edges with cooking spray prior to cutting. Enjoy!

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold-Weather Killer

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Oftentimes, it is the result of faulty, improperly used/vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine-powered equipment (such as portable generators). However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your employees from deadly CO fumes. Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your home by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside of all bedrooms. Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from doors, windows, vents, and any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

HOW TO MASTER Spring Cleaning Season

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, and a chance to tackle some spring cleaning! Spring is a great time to sweep those winter blues away and freshen up your environment. Luckily, SERVPRO is a pro in home cleaning. We know how it is. Sometimes things just happen: spills on the carpet, pet accidents, and the general wear and tear of everyday life. These things take their toll on your carpets, upholstery, and other items. Sometimes you just need a deeper clean for your home than you can do yourself. You need a professional cleaning company that can provide heavy duty cleaning services. That's when you can call the certified professionals at SERVPRO. We can clean carpets, upholstery, drapes, blinds, window treatments, ceilings, floors, and walls. SERVPRO offers specialty cleaning services too, including HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration and odor removal. So many of our restoration services, such as mold remediation and fire damage, involve the quality of the air in your home. When you call SERVPRO for your home's HVAC and air duct maintenance, we bring that experience and professional training, just as we do to any other restoration or cleaning project. When you find your home has been invaded by a serious, persistent odor like smoke, pet, or sewage stench, it can be a challenging situation. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, whether they come from an inside or outside source. We won't simply mask odors but will use professional odor removal techniques to tackle the cause of the
problem. If you need a little spring cleaning help, don't worry! SERVPRO of North Central Austin’s residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance
of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family.

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so-good things—like fire or water damage—that are always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster. This year, take the time to be "Ready for whatever happens." Preparation and Review will help get you through anything in 2022! The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP) will help you ensure you and your facility are prepared. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shutoff valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood, having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY.
Prepare & Review for 2022!
Call the SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to establish your Emergency READY Plan now!
Advantages of the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®
• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shutoff valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information

Dangers of Extreme Cold

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While your home can be damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health is also at risk. Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015. It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

SERVPRO Easter Marshmallow Bark

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

◊ 1 bag of white chocolate chips (12 oz)
◊ 3 cups mini rainbow marshmallows
◊ 1 TBSP shortening (optional)
◊ Easter sprinkles
Line an 8x11 baking dish or half-sized cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Put chocolate chips and shortening in a medium glass bowl and melt in the microwave for one minute. Give it a stir, then return to the microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add marshmallows to melted chocolate and stir to coat. You'll want to do this step quickly! If you take too long, the marshmallows will begin to melt (which you don't want.)
Transfer the chocolatey marshmallows to your prepared baking dish or pan using a rubber scraper. Make sure the marshmallows extend to the edges. Press down slightly to make it all somewhat even. Top with as many sprinkles as you like!
Put the bark in the freezer for at least 20 minutes until it sets. (You'll want to use the freezer so that the mixture cools as quickly as possible.)
Remove from the freezer and let it sit out to return to room temperature. Cut the bark into pieces by either breaking it apart or using a cookie cutter. (Pro Tip: Use an Easter egg shape!) If you use a cookie cutter, use a metal one and spray the edges with cooking spray prior to cutting. Enjoy!

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold-Weather Killer

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Oftentimes, it is the result of faulty, improperly used/vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine-powered equipment (such as portable generators). However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your employees from deadly CO fumes. Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your home by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside of all bedrooms. Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from doors, windows, vents, and any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

HOW TO MASTER Spring Cleaning Season

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, and a chance to tackle some spring cleaning! Spring is a great time to sweep those winter blues away and freshen up your environment. Luckily, SERVPRO is a pro in home cleaning. We know how it is. Sometimes things just happen: spills on the carpet, pet accidents, and the general wear and tear of everyday life. These things take their toll on your carpets, upholstery, and other items. Sometimes you just need a deeper clean for your home than you can do yourself. You need a professional cleaning company that can provide heavy duty cleaning services. That's when you can call the certified professionals at SERVPRO. We can clean carpets, upholstery, drapes, blinds, window treatments, ceilings, floors, and walls. SERVPRO offers specialty cleaning services too, including HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration and odor removal. So many of our restoration services, such as mold remediation and fire damage, involve the quality of the air in your home. When you call SERVPRO for your home's HVAC and air duct maintenance, we bring that experience and professional training, just as we do to any other restoration or cleaning project. When you find your home has been invaded by a serious, persistent odor like smoke, pet, or sewage stench, it can be a challenging situation. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, whether they come from an inside or outside source. We won't simply mask odors but will use professional odor removal techniques to tackle the cause of the
problem. If you need a little spring cleaning help, don't worry! SERVPRO of North Central Austin’s residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance
of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family.

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so-good things—like fire or water damage—that are always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster. This year, take the time to be "Ready for whatever happens." Preparation and Review will help get you through anything in 2022! The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP) will help you ensure you and your facility are prepared. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shutoff valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood, having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY.
Prepare & Review for 2022!
Call the SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to establish your Emergency READY Plan now!
Advantages of the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®
• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shutoff valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information

Dangers of Extreme Cold

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While your home can be damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health is also at risk. Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015. It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

SERVPRO Easter Marshmallow Bark

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

◊ 1 bag of white chocolate chips (12 oz)
◊ 3 cups mini rainbow marshmallows
◊ 1 TBSP shortening (optional)
◊ Easter sprinkles
Line an 8x11 baking dish or half-sized cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Put chocolate chips and shortening in a medium glass bowl and melt in the microwave for one minute. Give it a stir, then return to the microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add marshmallows to melted chocolate and stir to coat. You'll want to do this step quickly! If you take too long, the marshmallows will begin to melt (which you don't want.)
Transfer the chocolatey marshmallows to your prepared baking dish or pan using a rubber scraper. Make sure the marshmallows extend to the edges. Press down slightly to make it all somewhat even. Top with as many sprinkles as you like!
Put the bark in the freezer for at least 20 minutes until it sets. (You'll want to use the freezer so that the mixture cools as quickly as possible.)
Remove from the freezer and let it sit out to return to room temperature. Cut the bark into pieces by either breaking it apart or using a cookie cutter. (Pro Tip: Use an Easter egg shape!) If you use a cookie cutter, use a metal one and spray the edges with cooking spray prior to cutting. Enjoy!

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold-Weather Killer

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Oftentimes, it is the result of faulty, improperly used/vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine-powered equipment (such as portable generators). However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your employees from deadly CO fumes. Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your home by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside of all bedrooms. Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from doors, windows, vents, and any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

HOW TO MASTER Spring Cleaning Season

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, and a chance to tackle some spring cleaning! Spring is a great time to sweep those winter blues away and freshen up your environment. Luckily, SERVPRO is a pro in home cleaning. We know how it is. Sometimes things just happen: spills on the carpet, pet accidents, and the general wear and tear of everyday life. These things take their toll on your carpets, upholstery, and other items. Sometimes you just need a deeper clean for your home than you can do yourself. You need a professional cleaning company that can provide heavy duty cleaning services. That's when you can call the certified professionals at SERVPRO. We can clean carpets, upholstery, drapes, blinds, window treatments, ceilings, floors, and walls. SERVPRO offers specialty cleaning services too, including HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration and odor removal. So many of our restoration services, such as mold remediation and fire damage, involve the quality of the air in your home. When you call SERVPRO for your home's HVAC and air duct maintenance, we bring that experience and professional training, just as we do to any other restoration or cleaning project. When you find your home has been invaded by a serious, persistent odor like smoke, pet, or sewage stench, it can be a challenging situation. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, whether they come from an inside or outside source. We won't simply mask odors but will use professional odor removal techniques to tackle the cause of the
problem. If you need a little spring cleaning help, don't worry! SERVPRO of North Central Austin’s residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance
of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family.

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so-good things—like fire or water damage—that are always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster. This year, take the time to be "Ready for whatever happens." Preparation and Review will help get you through anything in 2022! The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP) will help you ensure you and your facility are prepared. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shutoff valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood, having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY.
Prepare & Review for 2022!
Call the SERVPRO of North Central Austin professionals to establish your Emergency READY Plan now!
Advantages of the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®
• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shutoff valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information

Dangers of Extreme Cold

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

While your home can be damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health is also at risk. Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold in 2015. It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

SERVPRO Easter Marshmallow Bark

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

◊ 1 bag of white chocolate chips (12 oz)
◊ 3 cups mini rainbow marshmallows
◊ 1 TBSP shortening (optional)
◊ Easter sprinkles
Line an 8x11 baking dish or half-sized cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Put chocolate chips and shortening in a medium glass bowl and melt in the microwave for one minute. Give it a stir, then return to the microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add marshmallows to melted chocolate and stir to coat. You'll want to do this step quickly! If you take too long, the marshmallows will begin to melt (which you don't want.)
Transfer the chocolatey marshmallows to your prepared baking dish or pan using a rubber scraper. Make sure the marshmallows extend to the edges. Press down slightly to make it all somewhat even. Top with as many sprinkles as you like!
Put the bark in the freezer for at least 20 minutes until it sets. (You'll want to use the freezer so that the mixture cools as quickly as possible.)
Remove from the freezer and let it sit out to return to room temperature. Cut the bark into pieces by either breaking it apart or using a cookie cutter. (Pro Tip: Use an Easter egg shape!) If you use a cookie cutter, use a metal one and spray the edges with cooking spray prior to cutting. Enjoy!

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold-Weather Killer

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Oftentimes, it is the result of faulty, improperly used/vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine-powered equipment (such as portable generators). However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your employees from deadly CO fumes. Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your home by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside of all bedrooms. Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from doors, windows, vents, and any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

HOW TO MASTER Spring Cleaning Season

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, and a chance to tackle some spring cleaning! Spring is a great time to sweep those winter blues away and freshen up your environment. Luckily, SERVPRO is a pro in home cleaning. We know how it is. Sometimes things just happen: spills on the carpet, pet accidents, and the general wear and tear of everyday life. These things take their toll on your carpets, upholstery, and other items. Sometimes you just need a deeper clean for your home than you can do yourself. You need a professional cleaning company that can provide heavy duty cleaning services. That's when you can call the certified professionals at SERVPRO. We can clean carpets, upholstery, drapes, blinds, window treatments, ceilings, floors, and walls. SERVPRO offers specialty cleaning services too, including HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration and odor removal. So many of our restoration services, such as mold remediation and fire damage, involve the quality of the air in your home. When you call SERVPRO for your home's HVAC and air duct maintenance, we bring that experience and professional training, just as we do to any other restoration or cleaning project. When you find your home has been invaded by a serious, persistent odor like smoke, pet, or sewage stench, it can be a challenging situation. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors, whether they come from an inside or outside source. We won't simply mask odors but will use professional odor removal techniques to tackle the cause of the
problem. If you need a little spring cleaning help, don't worry! SERVPRO of North Central Austin’s residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance
of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family.

We are Cleaning Experts

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of North Central Austin, 512-579-0189

We are Cleaning Experts

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of North Central Austin, 512-579-0189

We are Cleaning Experts

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of North Central Austin, 512-579-0189

We are Cleaning Experts

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of North Central Austin, 512-579-0189

3 Tips for Removing Cigarette Odor from Your Home

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Has your home in Austin, Texas suffered a cigarette fire? Besides the damages, getting the smell of smoke out is a nightmare. There are some tips that aid in this process.

1. Charcoal and White Vinegar
This method is by far the cheapest of many options as both charcoal and white vinegar are easy to come by from your local grocery or hardware store. By keeping open containers of either charcoal or white vinegar in your home, the cigarette smell is slowly absorbed out of the air. Keep in mind that this method only works for milder pockets of odor, so you might need something more heavy-duty if you've suffered a large ashtray fire.

2. Air Filters
If the solution above isn't as fast or as effective as you require, you might try an air filter. Since you're dealing with a very complex pollutant composed of many particles and gases of varying sizes, your best option is a HEPA filter. There are different ratings of filters based on what size particle you want to filter. Each filter is rated on a scale of 1 to 20 called a MERV rating. This tells you what size particle a filter effectively removes from the air. The higher the rating, the smaller particles it is capable of filtering. With a cigarette fire or odor, you should use a filter with a MERV rating of 18 or higher.

3. Contact a Professional
If these DIY tips aren't solving your issue, it's time to contact a fire cleanup and odor removal specialist. These experts come with equipment that's designed exactly for this job, and they know how to use it with efficiency. One piece of tech many pros use is a hydroxyl generator. This device produces a harmless charged variant of water particles to break up odor molecules. This helps deal with the smell, and more advanced filters are used to deal with the pollutants.
Don't suffer from a lingering cigarette fire odor. Implement these tips and breathe easier.

3 Tips for Removing Cigarette Odor from Your Home

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Has your home in Austin, Texas suffered a cigarette fire? Besides the damages, getting the smell of smoke out is a nightmare. There are some tips that aid in this process.

1. Charcoal and White Vinegar
This method is by far the cheapest of many options as both charcoal and white vinegar are easy to come by from your local grocery or hardware store. By keeping open containers of either charcoal or white vinegar in your home, the cigarette smell is slowly absorbed out of the air. Keep in mind that this method only works for milder pockets of odor, so you might need something more heavy-duty if you've suffered a large ashtray fire.

2. Air Filters
If the solution above isn't as fast or as effective as you require, you might try an air filter. Since you're dealing with a very complex pollutant composed of many particles and gases of varying sizes, your best option is a HEPA filter. There are different ratings of filters based on what size particle you want to filter. Each filter is rated on a scale of 1 to 20 called a MERV rating. This tells you what size particle a filter effectively removes from the air. The higher the rating, the smaller particles it is capable of filtering. With a cigarette fire or odor, you should use a filter with a MERV rating of 18 or higher.

3. Contact a Professional
If these DIY tips aren't solving your issue, it's time to contact a fire cleanup and odor removal specialist. These experts come with equipment that's designed exactly for this job, and they know how to use it with efficiency. One piece of tech many pros use is a hydroxyl generator. This device produces a harmless charged variant of water particles to break up odor molecules. This helps deal with the smell, and more advanced filters are used to deal with the pollutants.
Don't suffer from a lingering cigarette fire odor. Implement these tips and breathe easier.

3 Tips for Removing Cigarette Odor from Your Home

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Has your home in Austin, Texas suffered a cigarette fire? Besides the damages, getting the smell of smoke out is a nightmare. There are some tips that aid in this process.

1. Charcoal and White Vinegar
This method is by far the cheapest of many options as both charcoal and white vinegar are easy to come by from your local grocery or hardware store. By keeping open containers of either charcoal or white vinegar in your home, the cigarette smell is slowly absorbed out of the air. Keep in mind that this method only works for milder pockets of odor, so you might need something more heavy-duty if you've suffered a large ashtray fire.

2. Air Filters
If the solution above isn't as fast or as effective as you require, you might try an air filter. Since you're dealing with a very complex pollutant composed of many particles and gases of varying sizes, your best option is a HEPA filter. There are different ratings of filters based on what size particle you want to filter. Each filter is rated on a scale of 1 to 20 called a MERV rating. This tells you what size particle a filter effectively removes from the air. The higher the rating, the smaller particles it is capable of filtering. With a cigarette fire or odor, you should use a filter with a MERV rating of 18 or higher.

3. Contact a Professional
If these DIY tips aren't solving your issue, it's time to contact a fire cleanup and odor removal specialist. These experts come with equipment that's designed exactly for this job, and they know how to use it with efficiency. One piece of tech many pros use is a hydroxyl generator. This device produces a harmless charged variant of water particles to break up odor molecules. This helps deal with the smell, and more advanced filters are used to deal with the pollutants.
Don't suffer from a lingering cigarette fire odor. Implement these tips and breathe easier.

3 Tips for Removing Cigarette Odor from Your Home

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Has your home in Austin, Texas suffered a cigarette fire? Besides the damages, getting the smell of smoke out is a nightmare. There are some tips that aid in this process.

1. Charcoal and White Vinegar
This method is by far the cheapest of many options as both charcoal and white vinegar are easy to come by from your local grocery or hardware store. By keeping open containers of either charcoal or white vinegar in your home, the cigarette smell is slowly absorbed out of the air. Keep in mind that this method only works for milder pockets of odor, so you might need something more heavy-duty if you've suffered a large ashtray fire.

2. Air Filters
If the solution above isn't as fast or as effective as you require, you might try an air filter. Since you're dealing with a very complex pollutant composed of many particles and gases of varying sizes, your best option is a HEPA filter. There are different ratings of filters based on what size particle you want to filter. Each filter is rated on a scale of 1 to 20 called a MERV rating. This tells you what size particle a filter effectively removes from the air. The higher the rating, the smaller particles it is capable of filtering. With a cigarette fire or odor, you should use a filter with a MERV rating of 18 or higher.

3. Contact a Professional
If these DIY tips aren't solving your issue, it's time to contact a fire cleanup and odor removal specialist. These experts come with equipment that's designed exactly for this job, and they know how to use it with efficiency. One piece of tech many pros use is a hydroxyl generator. This device produces a harmless charged variant of water particles to break up odor molecules. This helps deal with the smell, and more advanced filters are used to deal with the pollutants.
Don't suffer from a lingering cigarette fire odor. Implement these tips and breathe easier.