SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills Commercial Restoration Services

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills helps with all your commercial restoration service needs.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills offers many different services that we offer for commercial properties. We understand that it is difficult at times to schedule services during business hours, so we can work with you to find a time that best fits you and your company's needs.

If needed we can work in one section at a time in order to keep your business open while we work, or we can attempt to schedule it before or after business hours. 

In addition to our emergency water, fire, and storm clean up services we also offer many other cleaning services. These include, but are not limited to:  

• Air Ducts and HVAC 
• Biohazard 
• Carpet and Upholstery 
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls 
• Drapes and Blinds 
• Odor Removal 
• Sewage 
• Trauma and Crime Scene 
• Vandalism 

FIRE DAMAGE 

The faster SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills arrives on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results— including lower claim costs.

Within four hours of a loss notification (and usually much earlier), we will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled properly by utilizing the following services:

Structural Cleaning

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO® will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found within the structure.

Contents Cleaning

All the restorable contents in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO can provide wet or dry-cleaning services. Additionally, all other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, we can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items.

Deodorization

We provide specialized services that rid your insured’s home or place of business of offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.  

WATER DAMAGE

If you have recently become a victim of commercial water damage, you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages. There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible and to decrease any health risks when water damage has occurred in a commercial space.

Preparing a Space for Water Damage Restoration

Before you enter your commercial space or any flooded building, you will need to make sure the electrical power to the structure is shut off. You should also be aware that during a flooding event, small animals or reptiles tend to seek shelter inside of buildings. Be prepared to deal with the discovery of wild animals in your space.

Protect yourself from entering any flooded building by wearing an organic vapor respirator. You can purchase these at any local paint and building supply stores. You also want to have rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. The first thing you should do is ventilate the affected areas by opening the windows and placing fans where possible.

Unfortunately, there likely will be items that you need to throw away. Any items that are porous and have absorbed contaminated floodwater cannot be restored. If your commercial space has drywall, mattresses, pillows, box springs, particle board, carpets or carpet pads, these will need to be discarded if they have become saturated. However, there is good news: If you have clothing or household fabrics that can be machine-washed, you may be able to salvage them. Use your washing machine to clean these items with a 10-minute soak at the minimum in hot water with detergent. The soap and normal wash should remove most of the contamination and any staining that is present.

Be aware that your commercial space will need a thorough professional inspection, cleaning and possibly restructuring. Water damaged walls and installations must be removed and repaired, and pockets of saturation should be exposed for drying and sanitizing. Always remember that mold growth could take a few days to appear as it thrives in a moist environment with organic-type materials such as paper or particle board and in temperatures that range between 60 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep good airflow throughout the interior environment, and maintain moderate temperatures to decrease the risk of any mold growth. It is also important that you let your space dry out before any rebuilding occurs.

If you would like more information on any of the services listed above, please call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills at (314) 858-1688.

You Can Depend on Our Professionally Experienced Restoration Crew | SERVPRO® of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

You are bound to make a few necessary changes inside your Sunset Hills home from time to time. Certain decisions, such as improving comfort or making it more stylish, may be simple, whereas others, such as undergoing major repairs after a severe storm, require careful consideration to ensure your home does not end up in the wrong hands.

When faced with such a major crisis, it's critical to select a trained and competent team that knows what they’re doing to avoid further devastation.

When you work with SERVPRO, we always show up to the scene prepared. Our ongoing and initial training combined with the necessary certifications enable us to complete every restoration or cleanup job with experience, professionalism, and quickness.

We Adhere to Industry Trainings

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills adheres to the IICRC requirements and abides the methods for cleanup and restoration that have been set. The following are just a few of the courses we provide to our crew:

• water damage restoration
• fire damage restoration
• mold remediation
• carpet and upholstery and cleaning

All staff members receive employee certification training as well, ensuring they have the resources needed to tackle damage of all kinds. Our specialists have the opportunity to learn as much as they can about the standards we’ve established thanks to these self-paced courses.

We Never Stop Learning

These critical learning topics, however, do not end with this initial training! Through ongoing learning classes and online courses, our SERVPRO specialists are always up to date on the most recent practices and guidelines.

SERVPRO will always come prepared with the resources necessary to assist each family and each home in Sunset Hills as they recover from devastating residential damage—and our training is what makes this all possible.

We constantly consider new information, which enables us to alter our methods as required to comply with the most recent guidelines. We want to make sure we have the best tools possible to help you get back on track when you’re dealing with severe damage.

Why This Matters for You

When you are faced with home damage, trusting a professional company like SERVPRO is vital. We can arrive at your home as soon as you contact us to begin the restoration process.

Hiring an inexperienced or untrained restoration team could be detrimental to the safety of your home. For expert services every single time, reach out to SERVPRO to restore your damaged home.

When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.

SERVPRO Can Answer These Important Questions | SERVPRO® of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

11/20/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you've got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hill

Life is full of surprises, and home ownership definitely follows suit. Pipes burst, water heaters explode; it’s all very unpredictable sometimes, especially when you factor in things like tornadoes and major storms.

When something comes up that requires cleanup and restoration, you’ve got some quick choices to make—who’s going to handle it, and can you trust them to get your home set right again?

Whether you wait until there’s an active need before you think through your options, or you want to get ahead and predetermine, there are some questions you’ll need to ask to put yourself in good hands.

Are They Legit?

There’s a lot going on after a major storm or disaster event, and it leaves doors open for scammers and unscrupulous types, who feed on crisis situations and finding people in distress. If any contractor or company doesn’t have a local reputation for solid work, you should be very wary.

SERVPRO is the industry leader in recovery and restoration because we’ve built and managed a reputation that’s allowed us to grow—no gimmicks or shady tactics, just trustworthy teams and excellent care for homes and businesses. It’s allowed us to partner with prestigious organizations like the PGA Tour, who certainly have an interest in maintaining the highest standards for both facility care and integrity.

Will They Be There When I Need Help?

When a fire breaks out at home or heavy winds damage your roof, you don’t have time to sit around and wait for convenient office hours before you can talk to someone. We’re aware of this, which is why we’re ready all day, every day to get to work on your emergency.

There’s no time you can call us when we won’t be ready to answer—that’s one of the reasons we’re “Faster to Any Size Disaster.”

Where’s a Fleet When You Need One?

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is a locally owned and operated franchise, so you get real expertise from people who actually live here and know what local homeowners need.

But when large-scale events occur or sudden surges in service activity call for some extra hands, we call on the massive SERVPRO network for backup, and scads of teams and resources become available to us.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

St. Louis County’s Trusted Commercial Cleaning Service | SERVPRO® of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills for all your cleaning needs.

When destruction and damage result from fires, floods, mold and natural disasters, Kirkwood homeowners trust SERVPRO to see them through the delicate but crucial process of restoration and recovery—and the same goes for business owners who have been unfortunate enough to experience these same disruptions.

But it doesn’t take a crisis for businesses to benefit from the exceptional service of SERVPRO—no, indeed there’s a custom solution available anytime for businesses who want to set themselves apart and provide ultra-grade cleaning for employees and patrons alike.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Size

In the contagion-aware era in which we find ourselves, it’s more important than ever that business maintain a healthy environment. And we can make it happen for businesses of every shape and size, including:

Retailers and grocery stores. Wherever goods and services are being exchanged, we can improve the quality of sanitation and cleaning.

Schools and athletic venues. Regular cleaning in classrooms has been shown to be effective in killing only half the bacteria on student areas, and we can provide a safer, more thoroughly hygienic solution.

Health and patient care facilities. From the OR to the ER and everywhere in between, we can truly sanitize environments in which protecting patients, seniors and immunocompromised individuals is priority No. 1.

Convention centers, resorts and hotels. Areas with a lot of foot traffic and interaction require special care, and nobody provides it better than SERVPRO.

Food preparation, distribution and service. Every step of the foodservice process requires an acute attention to hygiene and cleanliness, and that crucial element of disinfection is one of our specialties.

Commercial complexes, high-rises, and managed properties. We’re a landlord’s best friend. Your tenants will appreciate the effort you put into protecting them and providing a thoroughly clean environment. You don’t have to tell them the actual effort was all ours.

Sickness costs commercial enterprises a quarter of a trillion dollars each year in losses and lost productivity. Let us help you fix that by giving your teams and consumers an environment that helps ensure safety and well-being.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Practice Fire Safety This Fall | SERVPRO® of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about the fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The sweltering sizzle of summer is subsiding, and the relief of fall that many of us have hotly anticipated is finally here. Football and pumpkin spice are everywhere, the trails are calling and spooky season is around the bend, so it’s time to make the most of the cooler weather.

Every season, however, presents its own fire safety challenges, so let’s make sure we go over a few of the most important ones.

Campfire Safety

Camping is darn-near perfect this time of year, so get out and enjoy it, but make sure you know the proper and safe way to build and extinguish your campfire.

Fires need a wide berth—give at least 25 feet between your fire and the nearest structure, including your tent. Keep it out from under any low branches as well.

Stick to the old-fashioned method of a handheld lighter or matches and simple kindling; never light or accelerate your fire with kerosene or lighter fluid, which can create a fire problem you’re not ready to deal with.

You’re not finished at your campsite until you’ve fully put out your fire, either. Any leftover embers create a potential spark for wildfire, so make sure you use buckets of water to completely soak the fire, and continue to smother it until no glowing embers remain and the ash is cool to the touch.

Leaf Burning

Although fire pits and bonfires are allowed in Kirkwood with the proper permits and attendance, burning leaves and yard waste is actually illegal. Certain unincorporated areas of St. Louis County allow leaf burning, however, so it might be worth checking.

Any open burning should be kept 50 feet away from any structure, and all precautions should be taken. Burning of garbage or household waste is always prohibited (and dangerous.)

Halloween

Fall decor may include hanging lights and decorations, and of course all the pumpkin-scented candles. Be careful, though, as these can all present fire hazards.

Hanging lights should always be unplugged when not in use, and candles should be kept three feet away from anything flammable—especially hanging decorations like nylon or cotton spider webs.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

What's Causing Home Fires?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills are here for you if your home is affected by fire.

Fires at home are still a problem, despite years, nay decades, of constant education, advances in technology and regular ad campaigns to try and help us put them to an end. You’d think with so much invested in our homes, and their centrality in our daily lives, we’d be doing more to protect them.

Yet somehow a quarter of all reported fires, and more than 75% of all civilian fire fatalities happen in the home.

How can it be that one out of every four fires starts at home? Let’s look at what’s causing these fires, and the specific things making them spark.

Cooking. This is by far the leading cause of home fires and injuries (but interestingly, not fatalities). Some 49% of all home fires start in the kitchen, and the No. 1 reason is unattended cooking. That’s right, the single best thing you can do to avoid a fire at home? Pay attention while you cook.

Heating equipment. Approximately 14% of all house fires in the U.S. begin with heaters. Portable space heaters lead the charge, aided by equipment malfunctions and fires that start because clothing or furniture are left too close to heating elements.

Electrical fires. Modern homes use a lot of electricity, and some older homes don’t have wiring systems equipped to handle it. This leads to short circuits and overloads. Other causes include excess use of extension cords, over-powering lighting elements, faulty wiring, loose outlets and more.

Intentional fires. It’s hard to imagine, but there are some 28,000 intentional home fires each year in the United States. These are fires that began with the intention of burning something, not simply fires set for some other reason that got out of hand.

Smoking materials. Anytime you’re dealing with hot ash or combustible materials indoors, you run the risk of fire. Cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia are often left burning as individuals fall asleep, leading to 5% of home fires, and sadly, almost a quarter of all civilian home fire casualties.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills - 314-858-1688 to see how we can help

Why Kirkwood Home and Business Owners Trust Us | SERVPRO® of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is your local restoration expert.

Being a home or business owner means holding a delicate ecosystem in balance. Everything has to be tightly managed, because if something goes off kilter, it throws everything off.

But sometimes an unforeseen event occurs that flips that balance on its side—natural disasters, fires or burst pipes are a few pertinent examples—and you’ve got something on your hands you’re not equipped to deal with.

That’s when you contact us.

We're Always Ready and Faster to Any Size Disaster

When the balance is broken, we’re ready to leap into action. We’ll be onsite faster than anyone else in the industry, because every second counts when it comes to recovery.

Wasted time means more dangerous black mold, more waterlogged carpet or a smoke smell that won’t go away. A rapid response makes all the difference, and having a SERVPRO team right here in West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills means you get the advantage of an agile local team of experts combined with the muscle and resources of the nationwide SERVPRO network.

We're Trained to Handle Residential and Commercial Services

One size doesn’t fit all, and your situation will call for specific solutions.

We’ve spent the last 50-plus years learning and crafting plans to meet the needs of millions of customers, and you can rest assured that we’ll give you exactly what you need and burden you with nothing you don’t.

We'll Make It "Like it never even happened."

While our methods are numerous, our promise is one: We’re determined to leave your home or business better than we found it, with all traces of incident removed, restored and recovered.

We Offer the Services You Need in a Changing World

In the new age of global virus consciousness, part of any business plan is customer safety. Fortunately, we’ve developed the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program so you can safeguard employees and customers alike, and they can walk into your business with confidence, knowing you’ve put their health above all else.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO.

Where to Find Common Sources of Water Damage | SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Chances are good you didn’t wake up this morning with your fingers crossed, hoping you’d get to deal with a burst pipe or water running down your wall. Let’s be real—nobody wants to deal with water leaks, but as homeowners, sometimes we get no choice.

If you’re vigilant, however, you may be able to spot warning signs, or make necessary updates before aging pipes wear down. Here are a few places to keep your eyes on.

Toilets. Your toilet always has water running in and through various seals and tubes, and over time, it’s prone to develop leaks, particularly in the flapper or the valve seal, which are inexpensive and simple to replace.

Appliances. You likely have several appliances that use water hoses—dishwashers and refrigerators often develop leaky water supply lines—and traditional tank-style water heaters have been know to explode when they get over about 10 years old.

Clogged gutters. Shimmying up the ladder is inconvenient at best, but it’s a surefire way to prevent clogged gutters. Otherwise, dirt particles, leaves and other debris settle and compact themselves into an impassable dam, which means water finds its way up into and under your roof and trickling down your interior walls.

Roof damage. Your roof takes a beating. It’s the main line of defense against harsh sunshine, rain and hail, but all those things over time cause shingles to break, bow up or otherwise dissipate.

Pipes. Heavy water pressure or any oxidization can cause pipes to crack or fail, sending water spewing everywhere. And it’s not only an indoor threat—you may not even know that tree roots can find their way into the tiniest cracks in a sewer line or outdoor pipe and end up causing a complete blockage.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Eggshells, coffee grounds, and even rice or pasta can glob up in garbage disposals or soak up enough water to clog your sink drains. And what’s more, if your p-trap joints aren’t secure, the plunging you may have to do to unclog those drains can cause your pipes to separate and release all that water and gunk into your cabinetry or floor.

You can’t foresee every leak, but with an eagle’s eye, you can see some of them coming. Replacing hoses and keeping an eye on these common leak areas can prevent a number of water damage scenarios.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills - 314-858-1688 so we can get started.

Building & Material Properties Affect the Drying Process

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Building & Material properties will have a direct effect on successfully drying out a structure following a water damage.

Building and material science is an ever-developing field. Our industry understands more about various materials and how to dry those materials than ever before, but there is certainly more for our industry to learn. As a restorer, our understanding of how buildings are put together (residential and commercial) will determine the effectiveness of our moisture inspections, material and assembly identification, and creation of a detailed demo and drying plan. The more understanding about buildings and materials, the more issues we can anticipate (and the more surprises you can limit).

A solid grasp of building and material science separates the “novice” who simply places drying equipment and the “professional” who establishes a drying plan based on project needs and challenges.

The building’s envelope can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of the drying plan. This is more concerning when outside weather conditions are not favorable for drying (high humidity).

The building envelope separates the interior of a building from the outside environment. The building envelope can include roofs, ceilings, exterior walls, doors, windows, finished floors, and foundations. The building envelope has several purposes such as keeping out wind, rain, and ground water, as well as controlling the transfer of energy between the inside and the outside. Some people refer to this energy control as the energy efficiency of the building. Ideally, the building envelope helps maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity for occupants, while providing adequate ventilation inside. When done properly, the building envelope can help avoid problems such as mold, poor indoor air quality, and water intrusion. Because of the potential impact of energy, air, and moisture movement, even small changes to the envelope can have a dramatic effect on the entire structure.

Structures are not airtight, meaning they are going to leak air. The IICRC S500 identifies three types of building envelopes: tight, moderate, and loose. These are based on the envelopes “ability to keep the outside conditions from adversely influencing the drying environment”. The S500 somewhat defines each of these.

Tight envelope – “drying conditions can be     controlled without significant influence by the outdoors”.

Moderate envelope – “drying conditions will be influenced somewhat by the outdoors”.

Loose envelope – “drying conditions will be significantly influenced by the outdoors”.

There are several factors that help our project managers determine whether the building envelope is tight, moderate, or loose. This includes how often doors or windows are opened; as well as damage to the envelope such as roof, window, or weather strip damage. Our project managers and SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills must also consider the building construction such as vapor barriers or insulation. Even the age of the structure is an indicator. Older homes (built prior to 1990) typically have a loose envelope due to the lack of focus on energy efficiency when they were constructed.

Be Prepared: Locate Your Water Shut Off Valve

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared BEFORE a Disaster Strikes!!

Water gushing uncontrollably through your house or business is hazardous, unsafe, and will quickly cause major flood damage. If that water is coming from your home's own water supply, and not from outside sources, you can and should shut it down very fast. NOW is the time to locate your Water Shut Off Valve. Once found, make this known to all family members as they may be home alone when disaster strikes! Our office offers FREE Shut Off Tags that you can place as a reminder to all. The quicker the water supply is shut off the less damage to your home or business.

Three Ways to Quickly Locate the Water Shut Off Valve

Find the Water Shut Off Valve on the Inside Perimeter

The first step is to physically search for your house's main water shut off valve on the inside of the home. Typically, it will be located on the perimeter of the house since that is where the water first enters your house. Also, stay on the side of the house that is facing the street. Your water main begins at the street and heads in a straight line to your home. When you find the valve, turn the handle or knife-style valve.

Find the Shut Off Valve on Your Property Inspection Report

If you still cannot find the cut off valve after physically searching for it, one alternative is to check the property inspection report that was completed for you when you were in the final phases of purchasing your home. Look in the plumbing section of the report. This section should locate the shut-off valve for you and have a photo of the valve. Even if the water system was not defective at the time of the property inspection report, the report should still note the locate the shut-off valve as a matter of course.

Find the StreetSide Shut Off Valve

If the previous methods fail, there is another valve located at the beginning of your water main, at the boundary line of your property and the street or sidewalk. Find the ground-level metal or plastic utility box trap door located at ground level. Call the water company's 24-hour emergency contact line. Staff may direct you to shut off the valve by yourself or to wait for an emergency dispatch team. 

Call our office at 314-858-1688 or email us at office@sevprokirkwood.com to request your FREE Shut Off Tag!!! #SERVPROKIRKWOODSUNSETHILLS

Frozen Pipes

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Be prepared!! As much as a couple hundred gallons of water can spill into your home or business with a couple hours , leading to extensive damage.

Bursting water pipes are a major concern when winter temperatures drop below freezing. But why do frozen pipes burst?

Perhaps surprisingly, freezing pipes do not burst because of ice expanding in place. Instead, it has to do with pressure inside the pipes.

When water freezes, its molecules crystalize into an open hexagonal form, which takes up more space than when the molecules are in their liquid form — that is, the water molecules expand as they freeze.

As the ice expands, it pushes water toward the closed faucet. This causes an immense amount of water pressure to build between the ice blockage and the faucet — eventually, the pipe ruptures under the pressure, usually at a spot where there is little or no ice.

The pipe areas upstream of the ice clog are not typically in danger of bursting because the pressure is not great enough. In this case, the water is not blocked, and can always retreat to its source.

Pipes that are the most at risk of bursting are those located outside of building insulation, or those in unheated interior areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

Heating or insulating these vulnerable pipes with fiberglass or foam sleeves can help prevent them from bursting. Additionally, keeping the facet open and letting the water run, even at just a trickle, will help prevent the water pressure from building to dangerous levels.

Prepare your home or business before the bitterly cold temperatures arrive!!

Team of Nationwide Franchises

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage at West County Shopping Center

Size is not always an indicator of strength; but when you are a restoration company with the resources of over 1,700 franchises- size matters.

At SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills we are equipped to handle a loss of any size. But the question always comes into play, what happens when there are multiple losses.

Typically, we see this scenario play out during natural disasters or major storms. The benefit that we have at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is not only do we have the capacity to produce any size loss; but we can combine our strength with a large network of other SERVPROs nationwide that can provide assistance and extra equipment.

At SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills not only do you get the local franchise, but you also get the strength of one of the nation’s largest restoration company. In the last few years, we have been fortunate to have the network of SERVPRO’s to provide us more equipment and PPE during nationwide shortages.

If you have experienced fire or water damage, we are always here to help! Call us 314-858-1688 so we can address your damages quickly.

Fire Suppression System

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Is your Kirkwood business protected by a functioning fire suppression system?

For commercial and residential buildings all around St. Louis, MO, having a working fire sprinkler system installed is the single most effective means of fighting fires. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics, damages to manufacturing facilities, stores, offices, and healthcare facilities with a working fire sprinkler system installed were 60% lower than damages to building with no fire sprinkler system! Make sure your building, employees, customers, assets, and valuables are safe and secure by installing a fire sprinkler system in your office or government building.

Since fire sprinkler systems need to be in working order at all times, they need to be inspected annually to ensure that they will operate properly during a fire emergency. During a fire sprinkler system test, physical checks are performed on all the parts of your fire sprinkler system. These checks include water flow tests, fire pump tests, alarm tests, and trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, and pre-action valves.

In addition to annual fire sprinkler system inspections, you must also carry out quarterly flow tests. Written records of all quarterly fire sprinkler system inspections must be maintained in accordance with NFPA 25.

If properly maintained and inspected, a fire sprinkler system can provide your St. Louis, MO building with highly effective fire sprinkler protection for decades.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is here to help 24/7/365 if your fire suppression system fails.

Holiday Decor, Storage, and Mold…. Surprise!

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Area of mold was found while looking for Halloween decorations in the basement of a home in Kirkwood, MO.

As we begin to enter our closets, attics, and basements we get excited for seasonal décor and all our future company. The only down fall is that these are areas of our homes that we usually only enter a few times a year. We get out our pumpkins and scarecrows, followed by a plastic turkey or two, then finally that beautiful tree and all the totes that hold our precious memories. With that being said, we usually discover dust, possible mice droppings, and unfortunately mold!

Upon the discovery of mold or anything you think may be a form of mold, it is best to reach out to your local SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills franchise. After a few simple questions, a Franchise Professional will be able to schedule and perform a proper inspection. We advise that you leave all content in place until we have properly assessed the damage. There are multiple steps that are taken when treating and removing mold.

We would begin services by providing mold containment. This would prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area. Following the containment, a certified technician of  SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills  would use specialized filtration equipment to capture microscopic mold spores. This equipment may vary depending on the materials and the size of the contaminated area. Technicians would properly remove and dispose of all mold-infested porous materials, such as drywall and flooring. Finally, cleaning and sanitizing those belongings that you so desperately want to display is the last step in making your home safe and ready for the holidays! Our professionals are available 24/7 for all your restoration needs -314-858-1688.

Soot Damage

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Sunset Hills, MO

Smoke and soot from a fire is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills’s smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  The professionals at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills – 314-858-1688

EPA Compliance Advisory on Product Claims

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

The U.S. EPA recently issued a Compliance Advisory titled “What You Need to Know Regarding Products Making Claims to Kill the Coronavirus Causing COVID-19”. 

The purpose of the Compliance Advisory is to address concerns related to products being used to disinfect surfaces which include claims to kill and/or be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the
coronavirus causing the disease COVID-19. For some of these products, those claims have not been reviewed or accepted by EPA and, therefore, may present a risk to consumers, and healthcare
providers in particular.

The EPA uses the following very strong language that is helpful in advising our clients and
customers regarding the increasing number of new age products and methods that are being pitched with dubious efficacy and other claims in connection with COVID-19, and challenging the use of those questionable products and methods in the marketplace:

It is unlawful for any person to distribute or sell a pesticide in the United States making claims
to that it will kill a particular pathogen, unless that pesticide is registered with EPA and that
particular claim has been deemed acceptable by the agency. The EPA is receiving a steady stream of tips/complaints concerning potentially false or misleading claims, including efficacy claims,
associated with pesticides and devices. These tips/complaints are being actively reviewed and
efforts are being made to identify potentially violative products. The EPA intends to pursue
enforcement against products making false and misleading claims regarding coronavirus. The EPA is working with e-commerce platforms to remove/prohibit these fraudulent and/or otherwise inefficacious products from the marketplace. The EPA is also coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal partners to bring the full force of the law against those selling or otherwise distributing violative products.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills consistently uses only SERVPRO approved cleaning and disinfecting products and methodologies to help combat the COVID-19 crisis. We are always here to help. 314-858-1688

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we are all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we have developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we are offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you have selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We have cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you will be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.We are Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities, we all call home. 
• Call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills today at 314-858-1688 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
• Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

What's Safe to Flush or Drain?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

What’s Safe to Flush or Drain?

Disposing of the wrong items in a toilet or drain can cause blockages and slow drainage, flooding, and hazardous sewage back-ups into your home or yard. Fixing them can require costly and disruptive repairs for you and contributes to sewer rate increases for the whole community. Don’t let your hard-earned money go down the drain. Follow these guidelines at home and work.

The sewer pipes that serve the toilet, shower, bath, sinks, washing machine, and floor drains in your home or business are designed to carry only three things: human body waste, toilet paper, and wastewater. When other items are put down the drain, they can combine to cause clogs, put additional stress on the pipes, or get caught up in our wastewater treatment facilities. This material then needs to be trucked to a landfill, causing extra work and expense, and higher rates for customers.

Don't Flush or Drain (Just to name a few!)

• Bones
• Bread Dough
• Butter
• Coffee Grounds
• Eggshells
• Gravy
• Paper Towels
• Rubber Bands
• Tampons
• Wet Wipes

DO:

• Place a wastebasket in your bathroom for disposing non-flushable items.
• Place liquid cooking fats, oil and grease into a container with a lid and dispose of in trash.
• Wipe down greasy pots, pans and dishes before washing.
• Have your sewer rodded or snaked regularly.
• Dispose of old medicines or drugs at an approved drug take-back site or event.
• Dispose of motor oil, paint, grease or other dangerous fluids at the St. Louis Household Hazardous Waste collection facility.

If your home or business sustains a backup we are here to help 24/7/365 days!!! Call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills  314-858-1688

Grilling Safety

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and incidents of grill-caused fires go up. In 2013-2017 outdoor grilling causes an annual average of 10,200 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Gas grills cause more home fires than charcoal grills, the association adds. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 64% of households own a gas grill, 44% own a charcoal grill and 9% own an electric grill.

Regardless of the type of grill you own, here are 9 BBQ safety tips that will keep you and your home safe for barbecuing season:

1. Grill outside and away from any structures

Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, NFPA reports that more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.

2. Make sure your grill is stable

Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.

3. Keep your grill clean

Remove grease or fat buildup from both the grill and the tray below the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to completely cool off before disposing of them in a metal container.

4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill

Before the season’s first barbecue, check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the barbecue or a flame that won’t light.

5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light

If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it.

6. Take care around the grill

Never leave a lit grill unattended. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill, and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.

7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid

If you use a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. If the fire starts to go out, don’t add any starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Consider using a charcoal chimney starter, which uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid.

8. Wear the right clothing

Clothing can easily catch fire, so be sure your shirt tails, sleeves or apron strings don’t dangle over the grill.

9. Be ready to put out the fire

Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out grease fire.

These easy-to-follow tips will help you and your family to enjoy a safe summer barbecuing season. For those grilling over an open fire, check out these fire pit safety tips to keep you and your guests safe.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is always here to help!! 314-858-1688

Private Sewer Line

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

A Guide to Your Private Sewer Line

What is a lateral line?

The lateral line connects your home or building to the public sewer system. Wastewater from your sinks, showers, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines flows through the lateral line to the public sewer system.

Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the lateral line?

The lateral line, including connection, is private property. It is the property owners’ responsibility to maintain and repair the lateral line.

It’s important to keep the lateral line clear of obstructions and in good repair. This will greatly reduce the risk of blockages, clogs and water backups.

What causes lateral lines to become blocked or obstructed?

Lateral lines can be blocked or obstructed by items flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain, as well as tree roots, grease, and other obstructions.

How do I know if my lateral line is blocked or damaged?

Some signs that your lateral is blocked or damaged include slow draining, water pooling around the basement floor drains, sewage smell inside or outside the building, wastewater leaking from cleanouts, and wet ground in your yard.

Will insurance cover repairs to the lateral line?

Most homeowners’/business owners’ insurance policies do not cover damages caused by a problem with the lateral line. You should verify coverage with your insurance agent.

Many area municipalities offer lateral line insurance for their residents. This insurance helps offset the cost of repairing lateral lines. Please verify all information by contacting your municipality.

How do I get the lateral line repaired?

If you do not qualify for a municipal lateral line insurance program, then you should contact a licensed professional plumber.

How do I maintain the lateral line?

Have the lateral line inspected and cleaned annually by a licensed plumber.

Do not plant trees or large shrubs near the lateral line. Roots can enter the lateral line and
cause a blockage. If roots enter your lateral line, call a license plumber to clear the line.

Do not pour grease down the sink. When grease cools, it can build up in the lateral line and cause
a blockage. See Grease Management for how to properly dispose of grease.

Do not flush diapers, feminine hygiene products or other non toilet paper materials down the
toilet. These items can block the lateral line.

In some areas, downspouts are connected to the lateral line. Debris from the roof can wash into the gutters and eventually reach the lateral line. Keep gutters clean to keep debris from blocking the lateral line.

Repair or replace damaged lateral lines as soon as possible.

If your home or business sustains water damage we are here to help! 314-858-1688

Extreme Safety Tips

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick and overweight. According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50-90 degree hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces-often in more rural surroundings-remain close to air temperatures."

If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool.

Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov.

The Science of Drying

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know there is a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills Franchise Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

  What exactly does it mean to help "Speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material - but only if the air is, indeed, drier. 

The only problem is nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

Your SERVPRO professionals have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more.

It's not only the equipment, but the technology too. SERVPRO had developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you can know exactly where your property is in the drying process.

Bottom line, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills Franchise Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

We are always here to help! 314-858-1688

Smoke Alarms : Life Savers

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve all heard the low, quiet, annoying beeping sound from inside the house that feels like it never beeps when you are standing next to it. Yes, you know what we are talking about, the smoke alarm. Did you know that the beeping sound is a reminder to change the batteries and perform a quick service to ensure it is working properly? The question is, do you know how to service your smoke alarms? We found some tips from NFPA https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Smoke-alarms/Installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms

1. Smoke alarms should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
3. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
4. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
5. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
6. Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
7. When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

In the case of a fire emergency in your home or commercial business, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home. Why should you trust us? Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property as an IICRC-Certified Firmed.

We are always here to help! 314-858-1688

Managing Mold

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

When there is a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, here at SERPVRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills, we have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same.

• Call the team at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills
• Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect to detect mold and hidden water sources.
• Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.
• Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air.
• The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary.
• A variety of cleaning techniques will be used to clean and sanitize your belongings.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills understands mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business, so give us a call! 314-858-1688

Toilet Overflow

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Basic toilet design and function has not changed much in almost a century. Most modern toilets are still simple, efficient devices, but they do require periodic preventive maintenance and repair. If your toilet overflows, it can be much more than a mere nuisance -- if you don't give it immediate attention, it can cause extensive and costly damage. Although serious repairs should be performed by a professional plumber, most preventive maintenance and repairs, including fixing a toilet overflow problem, can typically be performed by the homeowner.

Common Causes of Toilet Overflows

1. The most common cause of a toilet overflow is a blockage within the toilet or connecting waste pipes. Once a blockage occurs, subsequent flushing will cause an overflow condition. A blockage could be the result of excessive use of toilet paper or a foreign object being flushed.
2. A waste line blockage can cause waste water to back up into your tub or shower as well as overflow your toilet. A dishwasher or washing machine draining could cause an overflow in your toilet if the blockage is in certain locations. A collapsed pipe or penetration by tree or shrubbery roots can cause a blocked main line.
3. An insufficient amount of water per flush can cause a blockage because waste will not be completely removed from the toilet or waste line. Additional flushes to clear the bowl can cause an overflow.
4. Obstructions in the vent piping can result in slow draining, causing backups and overflows.

Solutions for Toilet Overflows

• A blockage within the toilet can often be dislodged with a toilet plunger. If the toilet plunger does not free the blockage or the blockage is further down, a toilet auger might do the trick.

• For a blockage in the main line, you can rent a plumber's electric snake from most home improvement stores or equipment rental yards.

• To verify that the amount of water is adequate, remove the tank lid and check the water level within the tank. It should be at the water level mark on the inside back of the tank. Adjust it by moving the float up to increase the amount of water in the tank.

Make sure all vent piping is clear of any debris. This may require accessing the roof, so you may want to call a professional plumber if you suspect an obstruction in the vent piping. Homes with septic tanks can also have toilet backups. This can be from the septic tank needing to be pumped out, a blocked drain line or a faulty pump, if applicable. Water-saturated ground near the buried septic tank or a flooded drain field is a sure sign of a problem, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is available to make it "Like it never even happened." 314-858-1688

SERVPRO Services

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Disinfecting Local Ambulance Fleet

One of SERVPRO’s spectacular services is coming to the forefront during this crazy time we’re living in. SERVPRO has a plethora of options for commercial cleaning which include carpet cleaning, duct cleaning, general cleaning and bioremediation. During the outbreak of this Coronavirus pandemic, the bioremediation piece is more important than ever. Non-essential businesses have been shut down, and essential ones are at risk for business interruption. SERVPRO is here to help put a stop to this. SERVPRO Franchises are performing disinfecting services for this awful virus. SERVPRO is doing their part to keep businesses running and using their disinfecting services for the good of the community. Several franchises have been disinfecting our First Responders’ vehicles free of charge. SERVPRO follows the CDC’s guidelines on all of these cleans and only uses EPA registered disinfectants to get the job done. This proves that your local SERVPRO Franchise will get the job done right and get it done safely. Contact SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills for any of your commercial cleaning needs. Whether that be disinfecting to keep you in business or just a carpet clean to keep your business looking fresh. Call (314) 858-1688

When Water Damage Strikes

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water damage are the most important. This is when you can prevent any secondary or permanent damage from happening. Here are a few emergency tips for your home or business. First, shut off the water source, if you are unable to locate or shut off the source call in a qualified professional to help. Secondly, turn off any circuit breakers for any wet areas. Water and electric do not mix! Third, place aluminum foil or wood blocks under the legs of furniture to prevent staining on carpet and wicking of water up the furniture and relocate any paintings, art, computers, documents, and other valuables to a dry space. Be careful of cross contamination! Start to remove as much excess water by mopping and/or blotting. Lastly, know your water remediation specialists at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is always here to make it ”Like it never even happened.” (314) 858-1688

"Like it never even happened."

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s independently owned and operated franchises pride themselves on making a loss “Like it never even happened.” A key factor in performing mitigation to the status of like-new is the incredible equipment used by SERVPRO. Each franchise is equipped with industrial equipment to tackle a job of any size. Along with this great equipment, all SERVPRO Franchises have IICRC certified technicians with the proper knowledge to handle any loss, and the equipment needed for the project. The franchises have equipment needed for any type of loss including fire, water, mold and biohazard damages along with many others. SERVPRO possesses the necessary equipment to remove odors after a fire rather than just mask them. For water damages, SERVPRO uses multiple kinds of air movers, dehumidifiers and extraction devices to bring losses back to where they were before. This is just a tiny list of the amazing equipment used by the SERVPRO Brand to perform their mitigation services. This quality equipment and the highly trained technicians that handle the equipment are the reason SERVPRO makes even the most severe losses “Like it never even happened.”

Friendly Fire Reminders!

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Friendly Fire Reminders!

Fires can be the most devastating acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, but several types of fires can be avoidable. Fires within our homes and businesses can be reduced simply by following a few safety practices.

Some friendly fire reminders include keeping matches and lighters out of reach, smoking outside, and watching your cooking. It is important to stay in the kitchen when you are grilling, frying, or broiling food. It is also important to be careful when using candles, remember to inspect your electrical cords, and to give space heaters space. It is recommended to keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Finally, protect and prepare yourself, your family, and your colleagues!

Depending on the building structure you should install smoke alarms and sprinklers. It is important that both smoke alarms and sprinkler systems be tested or checked on a regular basis!

Rather these tips help or not, having a fire escape plan is the most important safety practice. Plan, know where you are going if a fire should occur, practice your procedure with your family/coworkers, and talk about it often. Bottom line…. Stay safe and remember that your local SERVPRO Franchise is here to help! 314-858-1688

Tornado Safety

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes……Safety and SERVPRO Tips!

To be ready for the potential danger a tornado brings may seem impossible, but just like all storms…. the key to survival is being prepared! Tornadoes are a bit more popular in the southern states we refer to as “Tornado Alley” and I am sure most of us reading this have never witnessed the destruction and loss of life a tornado can cause. This still doesn’t mean that we ignore or ill prepare our homes and places of business. Here at SERVPRO we have a few tips!

For starters, you need to put together a Safety Kit. This kit should include everything from three days of drinking water, food (nonperishable), basic first-aid supplies, a battery powered radio, and flashlight supplies. Please Be Aware of your weather warning system, both where your home and place of business reside. It is important to know which days are drills, your designated safety location to relocate, and to stay updated on any changes. Then when or if the situation occurs Do Not Open Your Windows. In no way does opening a window save on the impact or damage a tornado will bring. This only gives debris and rainwater easy access to enter and damage the building. Finally, If You Are In An Automobile it is important to get to the nearest building and the lowest level possible. Find a safe location, possibly under a solid piece of furniture like a desk or under a basement staircase.

To explore the option of having a more detailed emergency plan you will need to contact one of our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. They are here to help and can aid in the production of creating an Emergency Response Profile for your home or business! 314-858-1688

Faster to Any Size Disaster

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster

Here at SERVPRO, we have a strict set of response guidelines that make us “Faster to Any Size Disaster”. These guidelines are known as the 1-4-8 rule. 1: The one in 1-4-8 means that a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange services within one hour of receiving the loss notice. 4: The four stands for the time it will take to have a SERVPRO Professional at your home or place of business. After receiving the initial loss notification, SERVPRO will have one of their qualified professionals on-site within four hours to begin services. 8: Lastly, the eight in 1-4-8 pertains to a SERVPRO Professional providing a scope of work to the responsible party for the loss. Because of SERVPRO’s 1-4-8 rule, the company makes a promise that they will be there for its customers in a time of need, and in a timely manner. This allows your home or company to be back to working condition in the most efficient amount of time. The 1-4-8 guideline is an important aspect of what makes SERVPRO “Faster to Any Size Disaster”. 314-858-1688

Let the Professionals help with Board-Ups

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it is after a fire, storm, or other structural disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through. Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as animal intrusion, moisture and even security concerns making the situation even worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected event can also be as dangerous as the damage itself. Here at SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin our franchise professionals can board up the damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with a peace of mind while helping make it "Like it never even happened." We are available 24/7/365 to assist with any property damage. 636-527-5990

Soot Damage

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Soot is a mixture of very fine black particles created by the product of incomplete combustion. It is primarily made up of carbon, but it can also contain trace amounts of metals, dust, and chemicals. Soot is different from charcoal and other by-products of combustion because it is so fine. These tiny particles may be under 2.5 micrometers in diameter which is smaller than dust, mold, and dirt particles. 

What Are the Types of Soot Damage?

Soot composition can vary depending on the underlying causes. All types of soot cause at least some darkening, and in severe cases, any type of soot can look completely black. Though most soot looks similar, some types of soot can be harder to clean or more likely to cause intense odors.  Dry Soot  Dry soot is caused by very hot fires burning natural ingredients swiftly. It has a dry, dusty texture and almost no smell. Dry soot is often easier to manage than mold or storm damage. In many cases, removing it is as simple as using a vacuum with a HEPA filter on all surfaces.  Wet Soot  If a fire smoulders for a while on low heat and burns high moisture items, wet soot may be created. This is essentially dry soot that has mingled with steam to create a sort of soggy, sooty mess. Cleaning up wet soot requires a combination of fire damage and water damage strategies.  Oily Soot  When plastics, rubbers, and other products containing oil are burned, soot can turn into a sticky, greasy substance. If you try to wipe it up, it will just smear instead of going away.  Also, because it contains oil, it will be resistant to water-based cleaning products. Unlike dry soot, oily soot will cling to any surface, even vertical areas.  Protein Soot  Protein-based soot is a particular type of greasy soot that tends to occur as the build-up in kitchens or the product of a kitchen fire. It involves overcooked proteins that turn to soot, and it has a very pungent odor. This type of soot is quite hard to get rid of, and the odor may linger if it is not cleaned up properly. 

What Should You Do About Soot Damage?

Soot damage to your home or business can be overwhelming to clean on your own. You may also find that you do not have the right cleaning solutions for removing soot from certain types of surfaces without damaging them. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills has the specialized equipment required to thoroughly remove soot from your home or business. 

When Temperatures Plummet

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.

“Pipe insulation can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store,” says Susan Millerick, IBHS spokeswoman. “So for not much more than the cost of the aspirin you’d need, you can avoid the headaches of cleanup, loss of precious keepsakes, and the cost of your insurance deductible.” Use the pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.

Both the IBHS and the American Red Cross, which is in the business of emergency preparedness, have useful advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as how to thaw them if they do. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is available 24/7/365 if you have suffered damage due to a frozen pipe. 314-858-1688

What is Microbial Contamination?

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

What is Microbial Contamination? Where does mold come from? Is microbial contamination a health concern issue? How do you properly get rid of a microbial contamination? 

Microbial contamination refers to a variety of microorganisms, including mold, bacteria, viruses and protozoa; and fungi, which includes molds, yeasts, and their by products and toxins. All of these can affect the health of a building and its occupants. 

As a starting point the proper job sequencing for a typical microbial-remediation project includes but it not limited to: identifying and stopping the source of moisture; setting up containment; establishing negative air; removing contaminated building materials; cleaning surfaces; drying the affected areas; conducting a post remediation evaluation. 

Mold spores are a major concern for our project managers. Because of their very small size, mold spores can be anywhere there is air, including under carpet, inside wall cavities, under kitchen cabinets, virtually everywhere. Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. They digest whatever organic material they grow on in order to survive. Some molds grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation, while other molds feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building. Generally mold spores are hydrophobic. This means that spores do not like water itself. While mold spores need water to colonize (germinate and grow), they like wet organic substances, not a puddle of standing water.  

Two Drying Methods

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

After making the decision of whether or not to dry a material, Project managers begin evaluating how to begin the restoration work. Many methods are available - each applying a different combination of humidity control, temperature, airflow and physical manipulation of the material (e.g., injection of airflow, perforation, removing finish materials). 

Our Project Managers use the information obtained during evaluation of materials to help select the best drying method for the job. Generally there are two primary methods to promote drying of affected structures: 1) disruptive methods and 2) aggressive methods. 

Disruptive Drying Methods

Disruptive drying methods involve removing wet items, injecting air to speed drying, or perforating surfaces to allow water to evaporate. The term disruptive is used because repairs will have to be done after the structure has been dried. Use disruptive methods when contamination, damage, cost or customer concerns require removal or manipulation of the affected material. 

Aggressive Drying Methods

Aggressive or "in-place" drying methods involve leaving wet items in the structure and drying them in-place using warm, dry direct airflow. Aggressive methods are used when contamination and damage are not concerns, and when it is cost effective to dry an item instead of replacing it. 

Project Managers will use aggressive drying methods when all of the following are true:

• The water intrusion came from a sanitary source (Category 1).
• Drying carpet and underlay (pad, cushion) in place will not cause structural damage to subfloor (especially hardwood).
• Adequate dehumidification is available and usable on site. 
• Deep extraction tools are available. 

The success of each decision made during the restorative drying process depends on the information upon which the decision was based. A skilled technician with quality meters will make the proper decision at each phase of the project. 

Removing Moisture from Materials

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

The rate at which moisture moves through materials depends upon two primary factors: the type of material affected and the degree of wetness. The type of material affected will vary in permeability (ability for water to pass through the material), hygroscopicity (ability to absorb water), thickness, density, temperature and "R" factor (resistance to heat transfer). 

Each of these characteristics will influence the way in which water travel through the material. The degree of wetness will influence the moisture movement, in combination with other material characteristics, by indicating the type of water being addressed. Water will be present in one, two or three forms:

• Surface Water
• Free Water 
• Bound Water

Surface water is readily available at the surface of a material. It is liquid, visible and will evaporate readily. All materials are capable of supporting surface water. Surface water is best removed physically using mechanical extraction equipment or other physical means. Minute amounts of remaining surface water are readily evaporated using large amounts of airflow and moderate temperature and humidity. 

Free water is present within a material but is not bonded. It exists in cavities, open pores and other air spaces within the material. It is liquid, generally visible by a darkening of the material (e.g., wood) and can evaporate readily. Most materials are capable of supporting (containing) free water. Materials not capable of retaining measurable amounts of free water are non-permeable, non-porous materials such as vinyl, vinyl composite, steel, rubber and some other solid, synthetic materials. 

Bound water is absorbed by the material and held captive by chemical bonds. It is similar to vapor in that it is not fluid, yet similar to a solid/liquid in that it is bonded to other molecules. Because it is bound to other molecules, it must first be freed before it can be removed.    

Hazard Awareness and Risk Assessment

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

The first line of defense against safety hazards is awareness. A hazard inspection checks for any work-site situation that potentially poses danger to life or property. Project managers must then perform a risk assessment on all potential hazards found on the work site. The assessment evaluates the risk or likelihood a particular hazard will cause harm. Due to the unsafe nature of most water damaged structures, hazard inspections and risk assessments are essential for protecting workers. 

The initial hazard inspection and risk assessment of a water damaged facility would involve three important aspects. The first step is to identify hazards that could give reason not to enter the building, such as wet electrical panels and collapsing ceilings. The second step is to identify the presence of regulated building materials such as asbestos, lead or PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyls). Government-regulated substances may require testing or inspection services from specialized. Third-party experts to assess health and safety issues. Finally, a competent technician conducts a risk assessment and installs or implements the necessary hazard controls for any identified hazards. 

HVAC Systems: Affected by a Fire

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

HVAC systems condition the air within occupied interior spaces. They ventilate and supply warm or cool air through an air conveyance systems referred to as ductwork. HVAC systems typically have a cold side, or return air, and a hot side, the supply air. An air filter system is normally strategically located on the return side, somewhere before the blower motor compartment. Most air filters are engineered to capture smaller airborne contaminants in order to protect the blower compartment components.

Although HVAC systems all  have the same purpose, they vary greatly in design. Soot and smoke odor removal is relatively easy in some types, especially metal ducts. However, following a structural fire, soot contaminates coat most interior fiberglass surfaces. Fiberglass duct  insulation is easily contaminated due to the volume of air spaces within the insulation matting. When ducting becomes exposed to smoke odor gases and particulates, PICs penetrate deep within the fiberglass fibers used to insulate the ducting. An HVAC system that was operating during a fire will certainly be more heavily contaminated than one that was turned off;however, systems become contaminated even when they were not operating during the fire. 

An inspection of the HVAC system will determine when the complete system requires cleaning. In heavy soot contamination situations, restorable mechanical components within the HVAC system should be disassembled, cleaned and deodorized in accordance with published NADCA standards. NADCA stand for National Air Duct Cleaners Association. 

Installation of Air Movers

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Air Movers specifically placed to ensure proper circulation of air throughout the affected area.

Air movers are placed in the environment to ensure rapid evaporation across all affected surfaces. The number of air movers necessary depends upon the number of wet surfaces, the amount of water present, and the ability for air to reach each wet material (e.g., wall cavities, behind cabinets, and under contents).  

The IICRC S500 Standard recommends that air mover installation quantities should be based on the amount of wet surface area in affected spaces. For the initial phases of drying, air movers should produce continuous airflow across affected material surfaces. A step-by-step process for determining the proper number of air movers is: 

• Place one air mover for each affected area.
• Add one air mover for every 50 to 70 sqft. of affected floor area.
• Add one air mover for every 100 to 150 sqft. of affected wall surfaces (above 2') and ceiling surfaces.
• Add one air mover for every room offset or inset greater than 18 inches. 

This calculation should provide an appropriate amount of air movement for most water intrusions, but can vary depending of the situation and type of materials affected. 

Once the number of air movers to be installed has been determined, several factors will influence their actual placement. These factors include: the type of material affected, the degree of saturation, the accessibility of the actual wet surface, power availability and equipment availability. Below are some general guidelines for installation of air movers: 

• Air movers are directed toward the wall at a 5 to 45 degree angle, depending on the type of air mover. 
• The air mover's snout will almost touch the wall, within in 1 to 2 inches. 
• All air movers in each area will face the same direction to ensure that air movers are not pushing against each other. 
• When placing air movers, we need to consider the need for circulation throughout the affected area. 
• Specialty air movers may be necessary if building cavities require air flow. 

Board-Up: Securing your home or business

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Fitted insert board-up

If doors or windows have been damaged or destroyed in a fire, rain and wind may enter the building and cause further damage. Also, curious onlookers or vandals may attempt to enter a damaged building. To help prevent these problems, it may be necessary to "board-up" the property. 

The board-up procedures should provide durable protection for the damaged structure and cause minimal additional damage to building surfaces. Board-up methods include: 

• Cover-over
• Fitted inserts
• Bolt tension
• Tarps and shrink wrap systems

The cover-over system is easy to install and probably most applicable on roofs. Large expanses of roof can be covered quickly with heavy-duty tarps. Fitted insert board-ups are more difficult to install but are more weather tight than the cover-over system.

Bolt tension methods are relatively easy to install and have the advantage of being weather resistant and difficult for intruders to disengage. Placing carpet or carpet pad on the interior brace will prevent additional damage to wall surfaces. 

Corrosion Control

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Mitigation services help prevent additional damages. Loss mitigation services include winterization to prevent freezing, controlling corrosion, and cleaning surfaces to prevent staining.

As soot combines with atmospheric water vapor, it becomes acidic. Neutralization of acid smoke residue is a fundamental part of the initial stages of corrosion prevention. In most cases, alkaline solutions are used to help remove and neutralize the acid smoke residue.

After removing the smoke residue from metallic and plastic laminate surfaces, apply an oil-based coating (Many restoration professionals use a common lubricant like WD-40). This treatment will slow down and/or inhibit corrosion and discoloration by airborne smoke particles that remain after the Project Manger completes the emergency service visit. This simple, but often overlooked, step can help to reduce overall replacement costs.

Bomb Cyclone hitting the Midwest

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Weather Radar showing the Bomb Cyclone over the Midwest Region.

In early March 2019, we experienced a winter storm that is know as a "Bomb Cyclone", but what is a Bomb Cyclone?

It is an intense and ferocious winter storm, and occurs when there is a rapid pressure drop, falling at least 24 millibars (which measure atmospheric pressure) over 24 hours, know as bombogenesis. This type of winter storm is expected to bring hurricane-force wind gusts, possible blizzard conditions and a flood threat across the Midwest.

The storm's heavy rainfall has caused major flooding and damaged many roads and bridges in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. Numerous creeks and streams were out of their banks and caused widespread flooding. If your home or business is damaged due to flooding, call your trusted advisors at SERVPRO West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills today!

River Flooding Update

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

River Flooding Updated Map

The St. Louis area has experienced two major floods over the past few years resulting in a ton of damage to homes and businesses in the area. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is here to help with any damages that occur to your home or business.

Flooding can affect your home or business in multiple different ways. Heavy rain can cause a number of different issues for home and business owners in the St Louis area. It can cause over land flooding, hydrostatic pressure, over charged sewer lines and a number of other issues.

Keep up to date on how heavy rains and flooding can impact the Kirkwood and Sunset Hills areas. Check out the River Flooding Update Map to see what is going on in your area. If you are experiencing flood damage in your home or business, call your trusted advisors at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills!

Initial Emergency Smoke Odor Reduction

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Removing smoke odor contamination is always the first step in effective, permanent odor control. Next to establishing safe working conditions, prevention or reduction of smoke odor penetration should always be among the first orders of business when arriving to a fire-damaged structure. Odors are likely to be pronounced when you first arrive. This is because odors are most apparent when humidity and temperature are elevated - typical condition immediately after a fire has been extinguished.

Whenever possible, charred, unsalvageable materials should be removed at the outset of a restoration job to help eliminate odors and additional soiling. In most smoke odor situations, the best overall system for removal of intense smoke odors requires a combination of techniques and procedures.

Call us today for additional tips on reducing smoke odor following a fire in your home or business!

What is lurking in flood waters?

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

Underneath the surface of flood waters can be an abundance of danger: both living and non-living. The Environmental Protection Agency requests that everyone limit their exposure to flood waters. The agency states that flood waters may have high levels of raw sewage from both humans and animals embedded in the waters. In addition to that, many plants, factories, and farms may be overrun with flood waters, and some of those can leak toxic materials into the water, such as an oil refinery or nuclear plant. These issues can affect water mains, well water, and lines that can bring contaminated water into dry homes that may not even be flooded.

Unwanted animals may be lurking underneath the waters as well: crocodiles, snakes, fire ants, and even, if you're along a coastline, sharks.

On top of that, mold and standing water can both lead to unwanted visitors inside your home. Mosquitoes and insects tend to live, breed, and thrive in standing water, and mold growth can spike in the event of moisture. Getting rid of standing water near your home, in gutters, old tires, plastic covers tarps, pools, and buckets can certainly help.

While we can't totally alleviate the effects of flooding during severe weather, developing a flood plan for your family can help out.

Create a barrier of protection for areas that can be inundated with floodwaters, by way of perhaps sandbags. Additionally, secure food and water for your family in the event that clean, drinking water is scarce.

Officials urge storing in a cool place, at least 3 days of water for each individual person. Do not use or drink contaminated water for anything: brushing your teeth, washing dishes, making ice, or preparing food.

After the Storm, keep older and younger people with sensitive immune systems out of the home until your home or business can be restored by SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills. We are here to help 24/7/365. 314-858-1688

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Desiccant Dehumidifiers utilize chemical attraction instead of condensation to remove water from the air. Because they do not use condensation, they are not limited by low dew point temperatures, and when used properly, they produce the lowest vapor pressure of any dehumidifier. Portable desiccant dehumidifiers work best in cool and/or dry environments. The cooler and drier the air going into the desiccant, the drier the air will be coming out.

Desiccants are commonly used to dry dense materials (hardwood floors and plaster walls) due to the large vapor pressure differentials they can create between the surface and the air, Desiccants excel at large loss drying, because they can be made in virtually any size.

Desiccants do not collect water in a pan for automatic pump-out. Instead, they produce damp reactivation air, which must be vented outside the structure using temporary ducting. This venting often results in a pressure differential in the drying environment. The dry "processed air" is ducted into the affected area.

Desiccant dehumidifiers range in size and configuration dramatically. Desiccants used in restorative drying can be as small as a roll-on suitcase or as large as two semi tractor-trailers. Large desiccants are often self-contained dehumidification systems, utilizing onboard generators and running on propane or diesel fuel. When large catastrophic events occur, such as hurricanes or flooding, large desiccants can provide a means of dehumidification when little or no power is available.

How to effectively utilize Drying Chambers

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Drying Chamber created by containing the affected portion of the building.

One way to gain efficiency in a drying environment is to set up a drying chamber. A drying chamber is defined as the area in which the Project Manager will manipulate and control temperature, humidity and air flow to promote evaporation. Drying Chambers can be set up in a number of ways, including:

• Closing doors
• Taping up plastic sheeting
• Erecting semi-permanent barriers with plastic sheeting and expanding poles (containment)

Inside the drying chamber is the best location for basic wet (salvageable) furnishing and contents. They will dry along with the structure.

Drying chambers can be very effective for large losses. If only a portion of the building is affected, we can contain the affected area to help speed up the drying process. Drying chambers can be an effective procedure for containing the potential spread of contaminants. Isolate contaminated materials by erecting containment barriers. Containment is even more effective when negative air pressure in maintained in the contaminated area. Negative air pressure is produced by exhausting air from the area with an air filtration device (AFD) while using barriers to restrict incoming air.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for fires

3/30/2019 (Permalink)

The preferred safety strategy is to establish engineering controls, which control the work environment so as to reduce employee exposure to the hazards of fire damage. For example, when working in areas containing loose soot residue, it is highly recommended that Project Managers and Technicians use appropriate air quality controls, such as exhaust fans and HEPA air scrubbers. 

Workers should also be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense after engineering controls have been utilized. The type of PPE you use is dependent on the exposures they will encounter, and the level of protection is based on risks identified in the initial hazard inspection and risk assessment. 

PPE are safety devices and clothing that ensure the basic health protection and safety of users. PPE is any device or garment worn by an individual to prevent exposure to one or safety and health hazards. PPE includes all clothing and other work accessories designed to create a barrier against or restraints from workplace hazards following a fire. For example:

• Chemical resistant gloves
• Slash goggles or goggles with a vapor seal
• Appropriate respirator 
• Hard Hat
• Work boots
• Protective clothing

In addition to PPE are personal protective technologies and devices that provide a worker with early warning of a hazard or otherwise help keep the Project Manager safe from harm. Such technologies include sensors that detect toxic atmospheres and communication devices used for safe deployment of emergency workers. 

Using PPE requires hazard awareness and training on the part of the user. Our employees must be aware that the equipment does not eliminate the hazard; if the equipment fails, exposure will occur. To reduce the possibility of failure, equipment must be properly fitted and maintained in a clean and serviceable condition. 

Testing for Smoke Residues

3/30/2019 (Permalink)

Dry Sponge used to test surfaces for smoke damage.

In areas where visual signs are not evident but smoke odors still exist, it will be necessary to test for smoke. It is the adjoining and more distant areas such as spaces inside wall cavities, and in basement, attics, and walk-in closets, where a methodical inspection is necessary. Smoke deposits will likely be found in and on the following areas:

• Cold surfaces
  • Outside walls of the structure
  • Glass surfaces
• Metallic surfaces
• Horizontal surfaces
• Surfaces that carry state charges, such as plastic garment bags
• HVAC system filters
• Inside HVAC system ducting

Soot and odor are evaluated as levels of contamination ranging from light to heavy. These levels are determined based on the experience of the Project Manager and his or her observations during testing. Testing provides positive proof and valid documentation that smoke contamination does in fact exist. Insurance companies need this documentation from our Project Managers in order to extend the scope of work necessary to properly clean up after a fire.

Initially the Project Manger collects "swipe tests" of all the surfaces listed above. Cosmetic wedges, dry sponges or white facial tissues work well for sample collection. Occasionally the customer and/or adjuster may ask if a particular damaged item or surface can be restored. When this occurs we first test the item before making an appropriate decision. 

Heroes for Kids Telethon for Shriners Hospital for Children - St Louis

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Chestnas SERVPRO Team donating the check from the 7th Annual SERVPRO Golf Tournament to benefit Shriners Hostpitals for Children - St Louis.

We joined KMOV and Shriners Hospitals for Children - St Louis yesterday for the KMOV Cares: Heroes for Kids Telethon. During this day of inspiration we heard firsthand experiences and stories from the people who make Shriners Hospital so special. Thank you to everyone who donated to Shriners Hospital - St Louis during the Heroes for Kids Telethon! Over $100,000 was donated during the telethon yesterday.

Our Shriners Hospital specializes in children's orthopedics, from simple fractures to complex surgeries. They will treat your children like their own, regardless of your ability to pay. They are working hard to transform children's lives and provide them with a brighter future.

Shriners Hospital for Children - St Louis has a special place in the hearts of the Chestnas SERVPRO Team. One of our franchise owners, Jeff Chestnas, has been a part of the Shriners Organization for over 9 years by giving back his time, efforts, and money to help this organization succeed. We happily donate to Shriners Hospital for Children - St Louis every year, by hosting our annual golf tournament. The Chestnas SERVPRO Team was able to donate $25,400 to the hospital from the 7th Annual SERVPRO Golf Tournament, and hope to surpass that number at the 8th Annual SERVPRO Golf Tournament later this year.

The tournament will be held on August 28, 2019 at Tapawingo National Golf Club. To play, donate, sponsor or help out please call (314) 858-1688 with any questions. 

What Influences Smoke's Behavior?

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

There are several factors that influence smoke behavior. Understanding these factors will help the Project Manager understand where the odors went and how to remove them. They are as follows:

• Combustion temperatures
• Air pressure changes
• Magnetism
• Ionization
• Impingement

In every fire, some surfaces will become deeply embedded with soot and smoke odors while others will be less affected. The high temperatures generated by combustion create expansion of the air, forcing smoke-laden air deep into cracks, crevices and outside walls, glass and metallic fixtures.

Metallic surfaces can become magnetized when heated. Smoke particles, which also carry electrical charges, are attracted to the screw heads and other metallic fasteners used to fix drywall and other materials to a stud wall, also know as "nail pops".

Ionization refers to particles of smoke with opposite charges attracting to each other. The formations of these smoke chains are referred to as "soot webs". Soot webs mimic cobwebs. They are usually found at upper corners of rooms, around drapery pleats, or inside of cabinets or drawers due to the unique air movement in and around these spaces. The presence of soot webs indicates combustion of synthetic materials, not spider webs or cobwebs as some believe.

Protecting your Carpet

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet that has Delaminated during Water Damage

Once the water migration edge is located, it is important to protect furniture from contact with wet carpet. Simple foam furniture blocks, foil, or plastic tabs accomplish this task. Blocking furniture accomplishes a number of important goals, including:

• the prevention of color transfer between furniture and carpet (which causes staining)
• the prevention of rust stains
• the facilitating of effective and efficient drying by elevating furniture (especially low or heavy furniture such as bookcases)

In some restoration projects it is necessary to remove the carpet pad. This process will require the Project Manager to disengage stretched-in carpeting. Because carpet loses 80%-85% of its strength when it is wet, it is vital to treat carpet as gentle as possible until it dries.

Whenever carpet must be disengaged from the tack strip, a knee kicker and carpet awl must be used. The knee kicker is used to release the tension on the carpet and move it away from the tack strip. Then, the carpet awl is pierced through the carpet's primary and secondary backing and used to lift it up and away from the tack strip. This method of disengagement effectively reduces the possibility of delamination.

Carpet is disengaged around the perimeter of the room, then rolled back in one direction to expose the pad beneath. The majority of pad has a skin or mesh on the top side. The purpose of this skin is to ease carpet stretching during installation.

The Role of Air Movement for Evaporation

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Air Mover

Two aspects of air movement influence evaporation of moisture from materials:

• Velocity - The speed of the air moving across surfaces.
• Volume - The quantity or amount of air moving during a period of time.

Velocity is a multiplier in the evaporation process, multiplying the rate that evaporation occurs. The velocity of airflow is comparable to wind speed. Higher wind speed will result in higher evaporation rates. Likewise, the faster the velocity of air moving over a wet surface, the better the rate of evaporation will be. Velocity is measured in feet per second (FSP), feet per minute (FPM), or miles per hour (MPH), and can be determined using an anemometer.

Volume is critical to the circulation of air. Airflow used for drying must have high wind speed, but that wind must be dry air. The source of dry air usually is a mechanical dehumidifier, though it could also be the outdoor environment. Regardless of the source, the dry air must be distributed or circulated throughout the affected area, much like the heated or cooled air from an HVAC system must be distributed throughout.

Moving air from one location to another is a product of mass, or volume, and is usually expressed in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). We measure air movers in terms of CFM to indicate how much air the air mover is able to move around.

Project Managers can better control air movement when they understand the roles of air volume and air velocity. Volume is not velocity. Adequate velocity is critical for increasing the rate of evaporation. Adequate volume is important when trying to circulate warm, dry air throughout especially large and complex structures.

Essential Elements for In-Place Drying

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

High value structural materials and contents that have slight reversible damage are dried aggressively. This procedure is referred to as drying in place. Drying in place means that the wet surfaces are dried with little or no manipulation.

Deep extraction tools combine three important elements that contribute to effective water removal: speed control, a vacuum seal and weighted compression.

• Mechanical speed control is essential for a consistent extraction over the entire carpeted surface.
• A reliable vacuum seal is essential to ensure air flows through the pad and carpet to remove water.
• Weighted compression is needed to force the air to move deeply through the pad and remove the stubborn water the light wand would leave behind.

Thorough extraction requires these elements. Without them, highly porous materials like carpet and pad cannot be dried in place. Too much water is help within these materials to rely on evaporation alone to restore them.

Smoke Odor and Residue Classifications

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Soot Webs from a Residential Fire Damage

There are three general types of soot residues typically produced in a fire.

1. Protein Residues
2. Natural Substance Odor and Residue
3. Synthetic Residues

Protein residues result from overcooked or burned meat, fish or beans. The residue color ranges falls somewhere between yellow and brown. The texture is greasy and sticks to most surfaces it comes in contact with. Thorough cleaning with water-based cleaning solutions can effectively clean this type of residue, as long as the target surface is wet cleanable (not damaged by water.)

Natural Substance odor or residue result from burned paper or wood. Campfires, forest fires and wood fireplaces produce natural substance odors. These residues are grey to black and have a dry, powder-like texture. Natural residue can be removed easily with vacuums and other dry preconditioning techniques, followed by wet cleaning techniques. Natural substance residues are easier to clean and deodorized compared to protein and synthetic types.

Synthetic residues result where the burned material is oil based. Carpets, upholstery, window shades and draperies, furniture and toys are typically constructed with synthetic materials. All synthetic materials produce a thick, heavy black smeary residue when they burn, for example, burned plastics. If the burn residue is left undisturbed on a surface, much of this residue may easily be vacuumed away. On the other hand, touching the residue will smear it into a surface creating more work ahead for the Project Manager. Fires involving synthetic materials will often leave behind ornate soot-covered webs, sometimes called smoke webs, tags or streamers.

What to expect from the Initial Water Damage Inspection?

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Loss Professional completing an Initial Inspection for a water damage.

The goal of the restoration process is to transform an abnormally wet, potentially damaged structure into an environment of equal or better appearance and cleanliness than before the intrusion occurred, and to do so in the most economical and efficient means possible.

Our Loss Professionals begin this process by identifying all affected materials. Water must be tracked from its source and followed in every direction to establish an accurate perimeter of the flooded area. Next, our Loss Professional documents what types of materials have been affected (e.g., type of subflooring, type of carpet and underlay, type of wall construction, and type of insulation.) Affected materials are then evaluated against three criteria to determine if they should be restored or replaced.

The 3 Criteria are:

• Degree of Contamination
• Damage to the item
• Replacement cost vs. Restoration cost

Only after identifying the material and considering these three factors does the Loss Professional decide which materials should be dried and which should be replaced. In addition, the Loss Professional will also decide which materials should be dried aggressively and which should be dried through more disruptive means.

Why we Monitor on a daily basis

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Drying progress is noted during daily monitoring visits. The Project Manager asks "Is it drying?" while comparing the moisture readings taken from two separate monitoring visits. These two sets of data, recorded in DryBook, reflect the impact of the drying effort on the affected materials over a 24-hour period.

If materials are making significant progress after the initial 24-hours of drying, then drying continues; no major change is necessary to the process. Our Project Manager continues to observe progress until drying is complete.

If materials are not drying, it is clear that the current approach is not working. The Project Manager must re-evaluate the equipment, systems and processes and refine our approach. The approach can be more aggressive, or more disruptive. The evaluation process is identical to the initial assessment except in one important detail. Now the material has been wet for an additional 24 hours. Damage and contamination are of greater concern.

This cycle of evaluation and re-evaluation must continue throughout the restoration project. The critical element to the process is that drying progress must be constant. If the drying process is not working, the Project Manager must modify the drying environment by adding or subtracting equipment or possibly removing wet, non-salvageable materials. The most economical and effective methods are best identified by a consistent focus on contamination, damage and cost.

Primary and Secondary Damage following a Water Damage

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water intrusions will affect building materials both immediately and over time. Damage that occurs immediately by direct contact with water is referred to as primary damage. Damage that occurs because material remains wet for an extended period of time is referred to as secondary damage.

Water also affects materials indirectly. Excessive moisture leads to elevated humidity. Many building materials will absorb excess water vapor and suffer damage, especially when the air in the structure is allowed to remain above 60% relative humidity. This form of damage from high humidity is also referred to as secondary damage. Secondary damage includes dimensional changes, loss of structural integrity, microbial growth and staining.

Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture easily, whether from direct contact with water or from exposure to high humidity. As a result, hygroscopic materials are very susceptible to secondary damage. Such materials gain and lose moisture continually in an effort to equalize with the water content in the surrounding air. The more hygroscopic the material, the faster it will collect water vapor, and the easier it will suffer secondary damage.

Extraction: Remove the Easy Water First

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Portable Extraction Wand to remove excess water.

The most effective way to speed the drying process is to remove as much of the water in a liquid state as possible during the extraction phase of the restoration project. Poor extraction will significantly slow the drying process.

Extraction and evaporation are the only ways water can be removed from a wet structure. During the extraction process, liquid water is extracted, mopped, squeegeed or otherwise removed from the structure. This takes some energy, but not nearly as much as evaporation.

The most important factor in extraction is not how much water is removed, but how much water is left behind. It is important to remember that every drop of water left behind will add time to the drying project.

The two-step process for carpet and pad extraction:

1. The primary goal of the initial extraction of the affected area is to contain further migration of the water within the structure. This step is accomplished using a light wand attached to either a portable or truck mounted extraction unit.
2. The deep extraction process is accomplished by using a sealed or weighted extraction tool attached to either a portable or truck mounted extraction unit.

If deep extraction is not available, the carpet pad must be removed to prevent lengthy drying times. Otherwise, excess water will remain in the carpet underlay. This water must be removed through evaporation, which prolongs the drying process. It also increases the amount of equipment required to meet drying timelines and drastically increases the likelihood of secondary damage to the structure and its contents.

Red Cross Month - Be a Hero in Your Community

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

March is Red Cross Month, a tradition begun by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. President Donald Trump has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month across the country. You can read the entire proclamation here.

During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross asks everyone to be a hero in their community by becoming a volunteer, learning lifesaving skills, giving blood or donating to #help1family on Red Cross Giving Day, March 27.

The need to help people is constant—and the past year of busy disaster activity was no exception. For 324 consecutive days, more than 43,000 people relied on the Red Cross for emergency shelter following events like record wildfires, hurricanes, floods and large apartment fires. From April 2018 to February 2019, more than 11,500 Red Cross volunteers left the comfort of their own homes to provide comfort, care and a safe place to sleep for tens of thousands affected by disasters.

“During Red Cross Month, we honor the volunteer heroes who help families overcome life’s emergencies every day,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “These champions are our neighbors—ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference to ease the suffering of others, whether it’s saving a person’s life with CPR, donating blood for a hospital patient with life-threatening conditions, or comforting a family overwhelmed by a home fire or other crisis. We ask you to consider joining these heroes to answer the call for service in your community.”

There are lots of ways you can help. Does responding to local or national disasters appeal to you? How about helping hospital patients by sponsoring a blood drive or greeting blood donors at bloodmobiles?

Would you like to support our Services to the Armed Forces program by helping patients in military hospitals and at Veterans’ Administration facilities? Is teaching something you like to do? Why not be a volunteer instructor and teach first aid / CPR / AED classes or babysitting classes?

How about helping people all over the world? Become an International Humanitarian Law instructor.  Or you could support our International Tracing Services and reunite families living overseas, in war-torn countries or even in your community.

Savvy on social media? Be an online advocate and tell the Red Cross story. Serve on local boards and help with fundraising and marketing. Be part of the behind-the-scenes Red Cross team by volunteering in our offices.

These are just a few of the ways you can make a difference as a Red Cross volunteer. To find out more, including how to apply, visit the ‘Volunteer’ information on redcross.org.

HOW YOU CAN #HELP1FAMILY Learn more about how you can help in your area by contacting your local Red Cross chapter or visiting redcross.org:

In addition to volunteering, you can:

• Give blood: Make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood or platelets.
• Learn lifesaving skills: Register for a class to learn first aid, CPR and other skills.
• Make a financial donation: On March 27—American Red Cross Giving Day—donate at redcross.org/givingday, uniting with thousands of people like you to help families during the first devastating hours of a disaster. Your gift can provide hope and urgent relief like food, shelter and other essentials for families who need it most.

Here at SERVPRO of WEST KIRKWOOD/SUNSET HILLS, we have seen these wonderful volunteers out at all times during the day and night comforting our homeowners affected by flooding or fire damages. You can also be a HERO in your community by volunteering or donating to this wonderful organization. #HEROSTRONG

Why March Brings the Most Variety of Extreme Weather in the U.S.

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

When March arrives, what are the first things you think of? Spring, baseball, flowers blooming?

The atmosphere in March is often much less tranquil. Based on history, one could make an argument that March consistently sees the greatest variety of dangerous weather of any month in the U.S.

By definition, spring is a transition time between the persistent cold of winter and the heat of summer. The sun is increasingly higher in the sky each day, and there's increasing daylight, allowing the air to warm more efficiently.

At the same time, there's still lingering snowpack and colder air in Canada and parts of the northern and western U.S. in March.

Superimposed on this tension between increasing warmth and lingering cold is a still-active March jet stream, often taking large southward plunges over the U.S.

When this happens, the potential energy of the temperature contrast gets released in the form of an intensifying low-pressure system that can spawn a snowstorm, severe weather outbreak, rainfall flooding, coastal flooding and high winds. 

It began with a squall line of severe thunderstorms racing across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, driving storm surge over much of Florida's Gulf Coast. That squall line then raced across the Florida Peninsula, spawning 11 tornadoes. Wind gusts up to 109 mph were clocked in the Dry Tortugas, west of Key West. Havana, Cuba, suffered a blackout due to the high winds.

(MORE: Historic Coastal Floods in the East)

To the north, whiteout conditions were reported in Atlanta, 6-foot drifts were seen near Birmingham, Alabama, and double-digit snowfall fell in 20 states from Alabama to Maine. Thousands were isolated by snow in the Southeast, and over 200 hikers needed to be rescued in the Smoky Mountains.

For the first time in history, every major airport on the East Coast was closed for a period of time due to this storm.

While not every March storm is a "Superstorm", the history of March storms is a long one. Here are some highlights by impact.

Snowstorms

Multiple parts of the county have seen their share of powerhouse March snowstorms.

(MORE: Where March is the Snowiest Month)

These snowstorms often either hook out of the Rockies into the Plains, or track up the East Coast.

Denver's second heaviest snowstorm was a mid-March 2003 whopper, when over 2.5 feet of snow in less than two-days' time effectively shut down the city.

(MORE: 4 Dangers of Heavy, Wet Snow)

Just four days after spring officially arrived, over 6 inches of snow buried a swath from Atlanta to Charlotte to Raleigh in 1983. 

The deadliest March snowstorm was the infamous Blizzard of 1888, which dumped 40 to 60 inches of snow in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, wind-whipped into drifts which topped some homes. Four hundred were killed in the storm and its cold aftermath.

Here are a sampling of other notable March snowstorms:

• Late March 1987: Three-day blizzard produced gusts to 78 mph at Dodge City, Kansas and Altus, Oklahoma. Pampa, Texas, picked up 20 inches of snow. Forty-six Kansas counties declared disaster areas.
• Early March 1966: Blizzard across North Dakota, Minnesota produced wind gusts to 100 mph, whipping snow into drifts 30 to 40 feet high, paralyzing travel for three days. 
• Early March 1717: Four separate snowstorms hit the East in nine days, with up to 4 feet of snow in Boston and drifts to 25 feet in Dorchester, Massachusetts. 

Tornado Outbreaks

While severe weather can occur any time of year the ingredients align, March is typically when arctic fronts become less potent enough to allow warm, humid air to surge north more often in their wake ahead of vigorous jet-stream disturbances swinging out of the West.

The tornado threat tends to be highest in March in a corridor from the Southern Plains into the Tennessee Valley and Deep South. Central Florida can also be a tornado hot spot in March. 

(MORE: Tornadoes in March)

Occasionally, these outbreaks occur farther north, when unusually warm and humid air intrudes ahead of a powerful jet stream and frontal system.

On March 29, 1998, 14 tornadoes, 13 of which were spawned from one supercell, tore through southern Minnesota, including the towns of Comfrey and St. Peter.

Even in what most conventionally think of as "tornado alley", the March 13, 1990, outbreak was a massive outbreak for March.

Fifty-nine tornadoes were spawned in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, including a pair of F5s in Hesston and Goessel, Kansas. These were the strongest tornadoes reported so far northwest in the U.S. so early in the season.

Perhaps the most infamous March outbreak was the Tri-State Tornado Outbreak in 1925, claiming 747 lives in seven states on March 18, 1925.

According to Dr. Greg Forbes, severe weather expert for The Weather Channel, recent research has found that instead of being one single tornado, it's now believed a family of at least three tornadoes had a combined path of at least 235 miles in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

Here are some other notable severe weather and tornado events in March:

• March 28, 2000: Back-to-back tornadoes struck Ft. Worth, then Arlington, Texas, shattering windows, killing three.
• March 25, 1992: Hail up to 4 inches in diameter pelted the Orlando metro area, virtually shutting down the area's nursery industry due to broken glass.
• March 28, 1984: At least 22 tornadoes tore through the Carolinas, including a 2.5-mile wide F4 near Tatum, South Carolina
• March 25, 1952: Deadliest outbreak in Arkansas history, with 111 dead. In all, tornadoes claimed 343 lives in the South. One F4 tornado leveled the town of Judsonia, Arkansas.
• March 20-22, 1932: One of the worst outbreaks in U.S. history from Mississippi to South Carolina to Indiana. Ten F4 tornadoes tore through Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee on March 21 alone.

Floods

Snow melting quickly during a sharp warm spell can and often does trigger spring flooding.

Some of the most serious flooding occurs when heavy rain falls in the spring as the ground is still soaked from absorbing spring meltwater. 

The early March 1997 flood was the highest in Cincinnati since 1964, and in some places in 60 years. Parts of the Ohio Valley picked up 10 to 13 inches of rain, sending the Ohio River and its tributaries into major flood. 

During the heart of the Dust Bowl, a mid-March "great flood" in 1936 set records in Pittsburgh, with additional flooding stretching as far northeast as Maine. 

(MORE: Flood Disasters More Common Inland)

Another destructive "great flood" in March 1913 was estimated to have claimed at least 1,000 lives, swamping the Miami River Valley of Ohio, including Dayton. 

Most recently, over 21 inches of rain triggered record flooding in parts of east Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi in March 2016. Particularly hard hit were the cities of Monroe and Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as the Sabine River.

East, West Coast Storms

We earlier mentioned the 1993 Superstorm as perhaps the ultimate, recent example of March's fury.

Certainly there are other examples of fierce nor'easters in March, including a late March 1984 storm that produced nearly 100 mph winds at Martha's Vineyard, and the infamously destructive Ash Wednesday 1962 storm along the Mid-Atlantic seaboard. 

Some March storms in the West can pack heavy snow, high winds and flooding rain.

In that same storm siege, over 11 inches of rain fell in the mountains above Santa Barbara, California, and winds gusted to 110 mph in Big Bear, California. 

By early March 1983, snow depths at Lake Tahoe reached 215 inches, prompting officials to warn cross-country skiers to avoid skiing into power lines buried by the massive snowpack.

Up to 18 inches of rain fell in parts of the L.A. Basin during that storm parade, punctuated by a pair of tornadoes on March 1, 1983.

An 8-foot wall of water roared down Santa Ana Canyon on March 3, 1938, after torrential rain, swamping areas between Santa Ana and Huntington Beach. Nineteen were killed and 2,000 were left homeless by this flood. 

Another 113 lives were lost in flooding along the Los Angeles River from that 1938 event. 

Jon Erdman weather.com

Understanding Water Types

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Where did the water come from?

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are 3 classification of water types.

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is considered clean until it touches the ground or other surfaces.

Grey water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.

Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

We encourage all our customers to take the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water:

-Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.

-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do NOT enter rooms with standing water.

-Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.

-Move any paintings, art objects, electronics, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.

-Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.

-Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the cleaner.

-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.

-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.

-Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene if exposes to the contaminated areas.

If you sustain a water damage call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills, 24/7/365, at 314-858-1688. We are always here to help!!!

Tornado Safety- What You Should Do

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is just around the corner, the time of year when tornadoes are most common. However, powerful storms such as the ones which recently occurred in Alabama can happen at any time of the year. In fact, some experts say new parts of the country may see an increased threat of tornadoes in their areas.

TORNADO FACTS

• Tornadoes can happen anywhere, at any time of day but are most likely to occur between 3:00 and 9:00 p.m.
• The United States receives more than 1,200 tornadoes every year.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports there were as many as 800 confirmed tornadoes in 2018.
• NOAA also reports the four deadliest states for tornadoes are Alabama, Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas.
• Most tornadoes occur east of the Rocky Mountains.
• The area where we see the most tornadoes seems to be moving from the Plains states to the Southeast and Midwest, especially to states along the Mississippi River.

TORNADO SAFETY

• KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY’S WARNING SYSTEM. There are different ways to notify people about tornadoes. Many communities use sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes.
• ·         IDENTIFY A SAFE PLACE IN YOUR HOME where you can gather – a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. In a high rise, pick a hallway in the center of the building as you may not have enough time to get to the lowest floor.
• SECURE ITEMS OUTSIDE that can be picked up by the wind.
• If you live in a mobile home, find a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. NO MOBILE HOME IS SAFE IN A TORNADO.
• KNOW THE WARNINGS. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. IMMEDIATELY GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE.
• WATCH FOR TORNADO DANGER SIGNS: dark, often greenish clouds, wall cloud, cloud of debris.
• BRING YOUR ANIMALS INDOORS and maintain direct control of them.
• IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE, look for the closest option to:

Seek shelter in a basement, storm shelter or sturdy building.

If you can’t walk to shelter, get into a vehicle and try to drive to a safe shelter.

If strong winds and debris are occurring, pull over and put your vehicle in park. Keep your seat belt on and engine running. Protect your head by leaning down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket or jacket.

Stay away from bridges and highway overpasses.

What should you do to be prepared for any weather emergency that threatens your community? Planning is the key. Being prepared is just a few short steps away:

1. GET A KIT. If you’ve ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to not be prepared. Get your emergency preparedness kit ready. You should include:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit, medications and medical items
• Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Extra cash

2. MAKE A PLAN. Talk with household members about what you would do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet - one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

• Choose a contact person from out of the area and make sure all household members have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
• Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
• Don’t forget your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

3. BE INFORMED. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.

• Arm yourself with information about what to do in case an emergency occurs. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
• Find out how you would receive information from local officials in the event of an emergency.
• Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may be delayed. A variety of online, in-classroom and blended (part online and part in the classroom) training courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is ready to help our community. If you sustain damage from high winds or water during a storm we are here 24/7/365 to assist you. 314-858-1688

Creating Customer Experiences

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

We not only take care of our "human" customers, we go above and beyond protecting their "non human" companions!

In today's high-choice marketplace, an exceptional customer experience is absolutely critical to ensuring a company's long-term growth and brand strength. A great customer experience is more than a business imperative it is now the single strongest competitive differentiator. According to Aristotle, "Excellence is not an act, but a habit." Excellence is also doing ordinary things extraordinarily well-every time.

Good service is not good enough anymore. Great service is what our customers are expecting.

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills strives everyday to exceed our customers expectations. Please check out our customer testimonials on our website. If we have had the opportunity to assist you and you would like to share your experience please visit our social media platforms and leave us a review.

We are available 24/7/365 to make it "Like it never even happened." 314-858-1688

Heating Fire Safety

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes. Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 52,050 fires involving heating equipment each year in 2012-2016. These fires resulted in annual losses of 490 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage.  The homes include one- and two-family homes (including manufactured homes) and apartments (including townhouses and other multi-family dwellings). Space heaters are the type of heating equipment most often involved in home heating fires, figuring in two of every five of these fires and accounting for 86% of associated civilian deaths, 78% of civilian injuries, and 54% of direct property damage.

• Heating equipment fires accounted for 15% of all reported home fires in 2012-2016 (second behind cooking) and 19% of home fire deaths.
• The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
• The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
• Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
• Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

Here at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills we want you to be safe this winter. If you should sustain any damages due to your heating equipment we are here 24/7/365 to help with your cleaning needs. 314-858-1688

Record snowfall in Kirkwood Missouri could cause an Ice Dam in your home

1/13/2019 (Permalink)

Cross section of a home with an ice dam.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. 

What causes ice dams?

There is a complex interaction among the amount of heat loss from a house, snow cover and outside temperatures that leads to ice dam formation. For ice dams to form there must be snow on the roof, and, at the same time, higher portions of the roof's outside surface must be above 32 degrees F while lower surfaces are below 32. For a portion of the roof to be below 32, outside temperatures must also be below 32. When we say temperatures above or below 32, we are talking about average temperature over sustained periods of time.

The snow on a roof surface that is above 32 will melt. As water flows down the roof it reaches the portion of the roof that is below 32 and freezes. Voila! - an ice dam.

The dam grows as it is fed by the melting snow above it, but it will limit itself to the portions of the roof that are on the average below 32. So the water above backs up behind the ice dam and remains a liquid. This water finds cracks and openings in the exterior roof covering and flows into the attic space. From the attic it could flow into exterior walls or through the ceiling insulation and stain the ceiling finish.

Preventing and dealing with ice dams

        Immediate action

• Remove snow from the roof. This eliminates one of the ingredients necessary for the formation of an ice dam. A "roof rake" and push broom can be used to remove snow, but may damage the roofing materials.
• In an emergency situation where water is flowing into the house structure, making channels through the ice dam allows the water behind the dam to drain off the roof. Hosing with tap water on a warm day will do this job. Work upward from the lower edge of the dam. The channel will become ineffective within days and is only a temporary solution to ice dam damage.

        Long-term action

• First, make the ceiling air tight so no warm, moist air can flow from the house into the attic space.
• After sealing air leakage paths between the house and attic space, consider increasing the ceiling/roof insulation to cut down on heat loss by conduction.The proper new construction practices to prevent ice dams begin with following or exceeding the state code requirements for ceiling/roof insulation levels.Recessed lights, skylights, complicated roof designs, and heating ducts in the attic will all increase the risk of ice dam formation.Moisture entering the home from ice dams can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These biologicals can cause respiratory problems. It is important that the growth of mold and mildew be prevented. This can be done by immediately drying out portions of the house that are wet or damp by calling SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills at 314-858-1688 for all your emergency water damage restoration needs 24/7/365.

Flood Maps

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Flood Map

The primary feature of flood maps are flood zones, which are geographic areas that FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk and type of flooding. Everyone lives an area with some risk of flood-it's just a question whether you live in a low-,moderate-, or high-risk area. To find your community's flood map, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, then type in your address and search. You can find out if your communities of Fenton, MO, Valley Park, MO, Sunset Hill, MO has pending or preliminary map changes underway. If your community floods SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is here to help. Be prepared to weather the storm with the FEMA App. This app allows you to get National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations to keep you informed on -the-go. This app is available to download for free for iOS and Android at the Apple Store and Google Play.

Flooded Commercial Business in Kirkwood, Mo

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

This flooded Business in Kirkwood, MO was the result of a near by lake flooding. The business office was flooded with muddy water causing not just water but mud to get everywhere. Our crews extracted the water throughout the commercial building. After the rest of the water was extracted the crews then tore up the tile flooring and took down the walls that were affected by the floor damage.The whole process took three weeks to complete. Three weeks may seem like a long time but with the amount of space that was damaged our crews kicked butt and got everything back "Like it never even happened." sooner than the business owner thought. The owner of the building was very pleased with how fast our crews worked and how great everything looked at the end.

Never use a DIY mold test, Heres why!

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

If you look on the internet, there are scores of DIY mold test kits. Before you invest in one of these kits, here are things you ought to know about mold:

• Mold is everywhere and every single house has some form of “mold.”
• Most self-test mold kits only tell you if your home has mold, but often provides false negatives and positives. It also does not tell you what kind of mold or how to kill it.

A true mold test can only be conducted by a Professional Environmental testing company; they determine the type of mold, the source of the moisture, and how to kill the mold at the core. They create a protocol, which can be read by an IICRC professional (like us!).  It’s best to use a testing company that does not do cleaning themselves because their assessment will be unbiased.

• Mold is more often hidden, sometimes under the floor or in the walls, or in your air ducts

Where the mold is located, often dictates where the moisture is affecting the building

• Untreated water damage may result in mold growth within 24-48 hours of the event

Wood, insulation, fiberglass, carpet and other organic substances become a thriving environment for mold once there is moisture present for more than 24 hours. After a week, it is almost guaranteed.

Free estimates or removing mold yourself cost homeowners more in the long run

Be wary of companies who advertise free mold testing. Free mold tests are often offered by people who are uncertified or inexperienced and if they do the mold testing themselves, they are using these kits mentioned above. Unless they are a certified Environmental Hygienist and have a PhD in microbiology, they do not have the knowledge or resources to truly diagnose the mold condition in your home.

• The source of the mold is never addressed, so the problem is reoccurring.
• They use the “self-test” kits mentioned above instead of environmental testing with diagnostics
• Remove only topical mold instead of killing it at the source
• They often remove more walls and floors than needed which increases the price to rebuild.
• They do not remove enough, or don’t use the right materials which brings the mold back.

This means you have to pay to have it removed again, and have more sanitation and demolition performed, which increases the price to rebuild and replace tremendously.

What you should do instead

Having mold can be scary, especially if anyone in your home is prone to getting sick (people with asthma, low immune systems, allergies, babies and the elderly). We recommend the following course of action if you need to have mold removed from your home.

1. Measure the area affected and check for moisture.
2. Call your insurance company, ask:

• If you are covered for mold
• What is your deductible
• What is your coverage
• Ask for a company that they approve of for mold mitigation (Chances are, it’s us.)

If your insurance company says you can use anyone – or if you are not going through insurance then look for someone who is certified in

• IICRC, Water Restoration Technician
• IICRC, Mold restoration
• IICRC, Applied Structural Drying
• Now that you’re armed with knowledge, it’s time to start making some calls.

Now that you know your coverage, how much visible mold there is in your home, and whom your insurance company approves as mold remediation specialists. It’s time to start making some calls.

Coping with flooding in your Kirkwood, Mo Basement

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Have you recently suffered a long rain or maybe heavy storms in your area? Understandably, you may feel some apprehension before opening the door to your home's basement in Kirkwood, MO if you anticipate seeing water covering the floor. While your first instinct may be to grab your wet/dry vac, unfortunately there’s more involved in conducting a successful water cleanup in a basement flood.

How Does Water Get Into the Basement?

There is no one answer to how flooding occurs, but here are some common areas where water finds its way in:

• Window joints
• Cracks in the foundation
• The joint between the foundation footing and the wall
• Water heater or washing machine leaks
• Other joints in the walls, floor, and mortar
• Gutter cracks
• The floor drain
• The sump pump
• Burst sewer pipes

When Should You Call the Professionals?

If you have suffered basement flooding, your best bet is to call restoration specialists who are trained in removing the water and fully drying the area. Their expertise and high-end equipment can restore the room to its original condition. They can also test for hidden water damage lurking behind walls, which can often lead to the development of black mold.

What Is the Restoration Process?

Prior to beginning the restoration process, the specialist must determine any and all points where the water has entered the basement. Repairing the sources of the water prevents additional water from coming in and often includes sealing cracks, joints, and hose or pipe repair.

Professional machine extraction and dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and the furniture, floors and assorted other materials. Carpet and padding often needs to be removed, and the professionals will determine how much of the baseboards, insulation and sheetrock require removal. After cleaning and sanitizing the affected area, the drying process begins and often requires upwards of three days to complete.

Flooding may seem disastrous, but you can get your basement back. The professionals will work alongside your insurance company to formulate a plan for basement reconstruction and restore your home back to normal. Visit http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com for more information on commercial water damage or water damage in a residence. 

Smoke Dectors Save Lives

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. To lower these rates make sure you replace all of your smoke detectors every 10 years. Here are of couple of things you can do to prevent fires in your Kirkwood/Sunset Hills home or or business!

• Make sure all of your smoke detectors are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• All of your smoke detectors should be tested once a month.
• Larger homes or businesses will acquire extra smoke detectors.

Your Kirkwood/Sunset Hills home or business is where we are at the greatest risk and where we
must take the most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous
gases, not from the flames. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/ Sunset Hills if here help if your home or business has a had fire due to faulty smoke detectors. Give us a call at 314-858-1688 and we'll make everything "Like it never even happened."

Remediation does Not address ongoing moisture issues!

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

We can all agree that the physical removal of mold under controlled conditions is the proper way to address remediation. Seasoned owners and technicians are often quick to remind people that, “as long as you remediate properly and keep the area dry once remediated, you wont have future problems”.

However, while this is true, the thing that this industry seems to be missing is the relationship with between temperature and humidity, otherwise known as dew point. It doesn’t matter how dry and area is today. If the dew point rises and condensation occurs, moisture content in structural substrate rises, producing conditions conducive to mold growth. We see examples of this daily in attics, basements, crawlspaces and exterior wall cavities. There was no water intrusion or no leaky pipes, but there was the condensation caused by temperature changes that resulted in hitting the dew point over enough cycles that moisture content increased and the resulting conducive condition lead to mold growth. So while, yes, keeping an area dry is an absolute must, it takes specific engineering controls to prevent condensation from leading to moisture content increases and therefore mold growth. Our crews here at SERVPRO west Kirkwood and Sunset Hills have all the necessary equipment to treat and make sure that everything is taken care of. Give us a call at 314-858-1688.

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips in West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires?! Most of  clothes dryer fires happen in the fall and winter months, than in spring and summer, because of all the bulky clothing you are drying.

Some tips to help prevent dryer fires are: 1. Clean out the dryer vent every time you dry a new set of clothes. 2. Don't add as much clothes to the dryer s you would in the spring or summer. 3. Keep area around the dryer free of flammable items. Clothes drying fires account fro 92 percent of all fires.  For more safety tips and prevention checkout: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Safety-in-the-home/Dryers-and-washing-machines

If your West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills home or business has been affected by a clothes dryer fire give SERVPRO a call at 314-858-1688 and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Busted Pipe in St. Louis, Mo

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

This water damage was cause by a busted pipe running to a spigot affected most of a finished basement. Our professional crews here at SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills had to extract standing water and remove some carpeting. The crews also had to cut affected walls at 2 ft. and spray affected areas with sporicidin. Spraying sporicidin on the affected contents reduces microbial growth. The homeowners were very please with how quick and thorough our crews were to their home and all of their stuff throughout the home. The family was grateful to have their home back to normal after 4 days! In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.  For help restoring your home or business after a water loss, call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills at 314-858-1688 and we’ll make it “Like it never eve happened.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage!

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

Whether a person has been the victim of water damage or is just researching for information on some of the mitigation steps he can take, there may be a number of questions he might have. In this regard, such a person might want to get as much information as possible. There are many avenues where he can get the information on water cleanup, restoration, and mitigation services. However, the best option is to ensure that he is getting the advice from professionals with a wide range of experience in handling water damage restoration. Still, providing readers with some answers to the commonly asked questions can help to save them the trouble.

What causes flood damage?

There are various factors that can lead to water damage. A supply line break can occasion a leak that floods the house. A pipe break or a blockage in the sewer system can also contribute to water damage. There are also some accidents such as forgetting to properly close the taps, rain storms, among others that can lead to a flooded home. If the home is left unattended for some time, it may give an appearance of drying, but this might only mean that the water has seeped deep into the floor and walls and is causing internal damage. This is especially the case if the supply line break occurs in an area that is not accessed regularly such as the basement.

What are the dangers of flood damage?

The most dangerous thing about water in the home is letting it stay. If the water cleanup does not take place immediately, the water in the business causes more havoc. It starts to soak into the surfaces that it comes across. This means that if the house or business place has wooden floors, it seeps deep into the wood weakening the structures. It also increases the risk of mold developing. The last thing a home owner wants after flood damage is a mold infestation. This can result in the compromise of the structural integrity of the house. Thus, a flooded home needs immediate drying.

What is the first step after getting a flooded home?

Calling in a professional restoration company should always be the first step. These are professionals that possess not only the know how to handle water cleanup, but also the equipment. They can carry out an assessment of water in business and advice on what needs to be done for restoration. If they are consulted early on, they can also provide mitigation advice to reduce the risk of suffering flood damage.

What is to be done after a pipe break?

If there is a noticeable leak from a pipe break or supply line break, the first step is to try and see if the leakage can be stopped. This would entail closing the mains supply of water in the home. If there is some water in the home, then the electrical supply should be switched off. This would help to minimize the risk of damaging the appliances. The restoration company should then be called in to assess the extent of water in business.

Is water damage covered by homeowners insurance?

There are certain instances when insurance can cover damage occasioned by water in the home. These may include an accidental and immediate pipe break or supply line break. However, flood damage is not usually covered by insurance. The damage brought on by a flooded home would fall under the category of “Act of God,” something not insured. Thus, the homeowner should inform the restoration company of any insurance coverage so that they can determine whether the water cleanup would be covered. The insurance may cover the costs of drying the home.

What does the restoration company do?

Once the professionals from the restoration company get to the site of the water cleanup, they carry out an assessment. The best professionals provide upfront pricing on the water cleanup, drying, and restoration services to be provided. They also provide mitigation services which are important in ensuring that incidences of water in business do not occur often.

Visit: http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com for more information on water damage.

Three Helpful Tips For A Mold Free Home While Your Away!

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Vacation time is just around the corner so, you want to make sure you're West Kirkwood/ Sunset Hills home is the best condition so no tragic situations occur. In order to get the most out of your vacation, you probably want to make sure that your house is in the right condition to leave it. No matter where you live, mold can spread while you aren’t there. It’s important to make sure that you don’t have to come home only to start a cleanup effort. These three easy tips on mold prevention while on vacation should help ease your mind.

1. Check Home in Advance

As the date of your vacation comes closer, the checklist of things you need to do before you can leave gets longer and longer. The one thing that you don’t want to skip out on is ensuring that there isn’t any mold in your home. The first tip in mold prevention is to make sure that there isn’t any fungus that can spread. If you want extra reassurance, you can have a specialist perform a mold test.

2. Keep Heat Low

What to do with your thermostat when you leave has everything to do with what time of year you vacation. Heat helps create the perfect environment for mold growth. If you’re leaving in the winter, then it’s a good idea to turn off your thermostat entirely. However, if you’re leaving in the summer, you may want to set it cooler. While you don’t want to waste energy on your air conditioning, you can keep your home at a temperature about five degrees higher than what you find comfortable.

3. Turn Off Water

Together, moisture and heat can derail your efforts against mold. If you’re leaving for a significant period of time, it’s smart to turn off your water entirely. After all, if there are any leaks while you’re gone, you won’t be able to catch them in time to prevent water damage.

If you’re on vacation, you deserve to relax without worrying about what might go wrong in West Kirkwood/ Sunset Hills while you’re not there. Simple mold prevention can help reduce the risk of mold. Visit http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com/mold-remediation for more information on mold.

Common Myths About Fire Damage

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

A fire in your West Kirkwood or Sunset Hills business or home can fill with smoke and soot so quickly that no one even has time to respond. When hiring a fire damage restoration team to help with the fire cleanup, the owners of those buildings sometimes remember some of the myths or misconceptions that they heard in the past and think that the company will charge them an arm or a leg or make mistakes when cleaning up the smoke damage that will impact the building later. Those owners can take a look at some of these fire damage misconceptions and find out exactly what the restoration company must do.

Fires Strike Older Homes More Often

Many people think that older homes are more prone to fires than newer homes because modern homes have more preventative features like smoke detectors and alarms. The truth is that newer homes are still at risk of fires that lead to soot damage and a thick smoke smell. Modern homes often feature more inexpensive building materials than older houses do. Those building materials can actually help the fire spread much faster.

Never Board Up a Home During the Fire Cleanup

Some building owners will actually fight commercial fire damage and fire damage restoration professionals when it comes time to board up windows. They swear that there is no benefit to boarding up the building and that leaving it exposed can actually help reduce the smoke smell they notice. While it is true that fresh air can reduce the smoke smell after a fire in a home or a fire in a business, it's untrue that using boards doesn't have any benefits. Fire damage restoration professionals board up windows and doors as a way to block off that building. This keeps birds, squirrels and other wild animals from nesting inside and also keeps the home safe from thieves. Robbers often seek out homes with fire damage and steal anything worth value because there isn't anyone living there.

Soot Damage is Easy to Clean

Those who think soot damage is easy to clean are those who never tried to clean it before. They do not realize just how much soot can build up on the walls during a routine fire in a home. The soot damage can look like large and thick streaks that spread from the source of the fire and along the walls or floors. Using ordinary soap and sponges can make those streaks look worse and cause the soot to spread along those walls.

Fire Damage Restoration Takes Months or Years

Though some people think that fire cleanup takes months or even years, the time it takes depends on the severity of the fire in a home or fire in a business. During the initial inspection, the restoration company will check the severity of the fire damage and determine what they need to do, which will help them create a fire cleanup estimate. This estimate will include the cost of fixing any smoke damage, repairing the effects of the fire damage and removing the smoke smell in the building. A residential or commercial fire damage estimate should state how long it will take and the total cost too. Homes or buildings that have limited smoke damage may only need to limit access for a few days.

No one ever expects to live through a fire in a business or home, but this is something that millions of people experience each year. Residential and commercial fire damage experts do inspections to determine the seriousness of the fire and the fire cleanup steps necessary. A restoration company may recommend specific techniques to clean up smoke damage and products that will help with the fire damage restoration process. A top restoration company will employ professionals who can help with both commercial fire damage jobs as well as residential jobs and board up the windows and take other steps to secure the building. Visithttp://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com/fire-smoke-damage-restorationfor more information on Fire Damage!

Ice Dam Protection and Prevention Tips for your West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills Home

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

This photo shows you what causes ice dams.

What are Ice Dams?? You know those beautiful icicles hanging down from your gutter after it rains or snows? Well those beautiful things are formed from the ice dams! Ice-dam situations have two things in common: They happen because melting snow pools behind dams of ice at the roof’s edge and leaks into the house; also, ice dams and the damage that results from them is avoidable. Three things are required for an ice dam to form: snow, heat to melt the snow and cold to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice. Ice damn can happen with as little as one inch of snow on your home or business’ roof! Water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow and refreezes into a band of ice at the roof’s edge creating a “dam”.

So how can you prevent your Kirkwood and Sunset hills home from getting Ice Dams and the damage that comes along with them! Having proper insulation and roof ventilation is the key to an ice dam free house!

Water-stained ceilings, dislodged roof shingles, sagging ice-filled gutters, peeling paint, and damaged plaster are all easily recognized and usually repaired when weather or budgets permit. But other damage is not as obvious and often goes unchecked. The more heat lost – the more ice dams form – the more it leaks – the more the insulation gets damaged – and so on and so forth.

If you have ice dam damage and need help restoring your home or business give SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills a call at 314-858-1688 and well make it “Like it never even happened.”

Don't Let A Dry Tree Ruin The Holidays

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that roughly 200+ homes or business' have caught fire due to dry Christmas Trees?! Although christmas tree fires aren't that common but, in the rare occasion they do occur the fires are deadly. One of the reasons that  dry tree will ignite is by all the lights strung throughout the tree. Make are to water your Christmas trees regularly keeping them nice and hydrated! If your home or business suffers fire damage from a christmas tree our crews here at SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills have the proper training and epuiptment to restore everything back "Like it never even happened." Even if your notice that your precious pictures or family documents have some soot on them, SERVPRO knows exactly how to restore your property! Our Fire crews will work with you whenever needs to provide the perfect service and help our costumers will need! If your home or business has had a type of fire damage give SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills a call at 314-858-1688 and well make it "Like it never even happened." Visit: http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration for more fire information!

Sump Pump Damage in St. Louis, MO

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

In this picture you can see the extent of the failure.

This St. Louis office building suffered serious damages after a recent sump pump failure. Notice the extent of the sump pump failure as the water has spread throughout the whole office. Our crews extracted all the water from the building and made sure the problem with the sump pump was fixed to make sure it wouldn't over flow again. In this picture you can see a green hose and a tool that looks similar to a vacuum. The vacuum and hose are used to extract all the sump pump water from the carpet and into a bucket in the other room. The whole process took our crews a total of seven days to complete. The customers from the office were very happy to have their office fixed and not filled with water anymore. For help restoring your home or office after a sump pump failure, call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood at 314-858-1688 and we'll make it, "Like it never even happened." For more information on water please click the link: http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com/water-damage-restoration

Mold Growth From Water Leaks

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

A leaky faucet in your home can be very annoying, but it has the potential to be much more than an annoyance. The moisture caused by leaks can make your home into the perfect environment for spring mold growth. Mold spores may cause health effects and can grow rapidly if you fail to notice a leak shortly after it starts, especially in humid climates. Knowing the risks that mold presents and quickly fixing your water leaks can help to protect your home from mold growth. 

 If you see black and white spots in the area of the leak, this is a sign that you have mold. Kitchens and basements are some of the areas in your home where there is a high risk of mold growth as these areas are prone to leaks. It is therefore important that you properly maintain your plumbing fixtures.

If you spot any types of mold growth or smell a funny smells give SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills a call at 314-858-1688 and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Different Types and Classes of Fire

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

There are many different types of fires and ways to put out each fire. You might know the types of fires and you may think you know the best way to put out that certain fire. The type of fires are labeled by classes, each class has a certain way to clean each fire, what causes the fire, how it burns and what to use to clean each fire. Down below is a list of fires and their class’.

Classes of fire:

Class A is the most common type fire. Class A fires occur when materials, such as wood, paper, trash, become heated to their ignition temperature. The fire will continue to burn as long as there is heat, oxygen, and fuel to burn. The best way to put out a class a fire is with water. How our crews at SERVPRO West Kirkwood sunset hills will use specific chemicals and sprays to clean up the soot and smoky smell that the fire(s) will leave.

Class B Fires are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids, which include oil, gasoline, and other similar materials. Class B fires burn really easy and produces thick toxic black smoke. The thick toxic smoke makes it extremely difficult to fight the fires. The best way to extinguish a class b fire is by smothering it, which cuts off the oxygen, or you can use a foam fire extinguisher.

Class C fires are electrical fires. Short circuits, overloaded switchboards, faulty equipment, and damaged wiring are causes of Electrical fires. The first thing you do to put out a Class C fire is by de energizing the circuit and use a non conductive agent, example: carbon dioxide.

Class D Fires are combustible metal fires. Magnesium and Titanium are the most common types of metal fires. Once a metal ignites DO NOT use water in an attempt to extinguish it. Class D fire produces a lot of ash. SERVPRO West Kirkwood has the correct tools to safely remove all the ash left over from the fire. Only use a Dry Powder extinguishing agent. Dry powder agents work by smothering and heat absorption.

Class K Fires are fires that involve cooking oils, grease or animal fat and can be extinguished using Purple K, the typical agent found in kitchen or galley extinguishers. DO NOT uses water to extinguish the fire, it will only make the fire worse.

 The best way to remember all of the classes and what each ones is remember this: A leaves Ash. B Boils. C has Current. D has Dense mass. K is for Kitchen. If you or anyone you know has recently had a fire keep in mind to call SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills at 314-858-1688 and we'll make it "Like it never even happened"!

EXPECT BETTER.. STORM AND WIND DAMAGE RESTORATION IN WEST KIRKWOOD AND SUNSET HILLS

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

When mother nature is at her absolute worst, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills is at its best! Immediate response, expert assessment and specialized equipment are paramount in the aftermath of a severe storm or wind damage. As with any of our core services, SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills takes extra special care in salvaging and restoring  any property that may have been affected.

Severe weather never sleeps and neither do we! SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills is always a mere phone call away when disaster strikes. Our Storm Response Team travels nationally to any area devastated by natural disaster. Give us a call at 314-858-1688 or check out our other storm blogs! Our crews will make it "Like it never even happened."

What's comes after the floods.

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

Nobody expected that the creeks and rivers could rise that far. They never have before. Now, the house is a muddy mess of debris, water and extensive damage. For some people, moving would be the first thought that came to mind. However, others want to stay in their homes, repair the water damage, and live on in the house they love.

Flood damage is more than just the standing water left after the creek recedes. It's ruined carpets and furniture, wet plaster and more. Water in the home or business is just the start of the problems. Without proper clean-up and sanitizing, mold can grow, floor damage can be permanent and drywall can be ruined. It is imperative to immediately start the restoration process to help limit the damage and mounting costs. A call to a professional water mitigation company should be the first step taken by a home owner after flooding occurs.

Water cleanup begins with bringing in equipment to extract the water in the home. Pumps and specialized vacuums are used to suck up the water. Restoration is a process. Once the puddles have been cleared, the next step will begin. The water damage will be in the walls, floors and furnishings. Drying is imperative to help stop the damage and to prevent mold from growing.

Fans, dehumidifiers and other equipment will be brought in to help dry out the water in walls and moisture from furnishings and floors. Thoroughly drying water in the home will save thousands of dollars worth of damage later.

Restoration from the devastation of flood damage is not an easy process. A professional service should be called to handle the process so that it is done correctly. For instance, not many individuals would know that after the water in their business is removed or the water in their home is dried, more steps are still necessary. Sanitizing the surfaces, furnishings and anything else the water touched should be done.

Water in the business or home could have left a foul odor. Professionals can remove the lingering odors left even after the water cleanup. Mitigation professionals know how to use fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers to help remove the last traces of the water damage.

After the restoration process of water cleanup, drying, sanitizing and odor elimination, there is still one last step in the water damage mitigation process - repairs. Water in a business can damage walls, carpeting and flooring. Drywall may need to be replaced. Electrical outlets and wiring should be checked for damage. Water in a business may have warped sub-flooring, damaged floor joists and wrecked major appliances. Time is money, so flood damage needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible. Quick yet thorough mitigation will get a business back up and running after flood damage has occurred.

Storms, floods and even appliance malfunctions like a dishwasher overflow can cause homes and businesses the headaches of having to deal with the water cleanup process. Nobody wants to go through it, but when it happens a person shouldn't go through it alone. Our crews here at SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills know exactly how to deal with the devastation left behind after the floods.  Since professional water damage restoration companies have the equipment and training to handle cleaning, drying and even rebuilding homes and businesses, they should be the first choice for mitigation.

Sure, the damage is devastating and overwhelming. Of course, nobody wants to go through flooding and the after-effects. The reality is that these occurrences can and do happen every day. The good news is that there are people specifically trained to restore homes and businesses to their pre-flood conditions.
Visit: http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com for more water information.

You Could Be Spreading Mold Through Your Sunset Hills Home

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold in your Sunset Hills/West Kirkwood home, or business, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can then release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Service SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business!  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. Our crews will make your home or business "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at 314-858-1688.

For more mold information visit: http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com/mold-remediation

restoring lives in west kirkwood and sunset hills

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

When the record breaking flooding occurred a couple weeks again St. Louis, MO, we promptly dispatched our SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset hillsteams to assist in the unprecedented recovery efforts. We were very happy to help many grateful business and home owners during their desperate time of need. Our highly trained technicians are water and storm damage specialists. The goal is always the same, to return your commercial or residential property back to pre-storm condition. Using scientific drying techniques and advanced equipment, we document the drying process to insure the business or home is ready to return to. When water damage happens, a quick response is very important. Night or day, St. Louisbusiness owners and residents can expect our local team of professionals to respond immediately to your water emergency. So give us a call at 314-858-1688.

Quick Helpful Tips For Working With Your Insurance For Restoration

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

Regular life is stressful enough, but if you are surprised with flooding or other water damage in your home, everyone in the household will be stressed. Whether the recent St. Louis flood damage leaves carpeting soaked and soggy or you have come back to a disaster after evacuation, severe weather and damaged pipes will cause significant worry about how to start putting back together your daily life.

However, you can prepare for these unknowns by knowing what to expect and create a plan in case of emergency. To assist you, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills has put together this mini-guide to help you understand the flood insurance claim process.

The first thing you will want to do is call your insurance provider. Although the U.S. government funds the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), local home and rental insurance companies are the exclusive sellers of Flood Damage Insurance. While you will be working directly with an insurance agent, SERVPRO can also serve as a liaison, helping you to navigate through the claims process.

After your initial call to your insurance company, contact your West Kirkwood or Sunset Hills SERVPRO at 314-858-1688. We are available every day, all day, to handle your emergencies. Even if you are not able to reach your insurance agent immediately, SERVPRO will take your call and begin to work with you on first response remediation solutions. Have questions about what to do first or what items can be restored? SERVPRO is here to answer those questions and more! Our compassionate team understands your distress and will guide you through the storm damage restoration process.

Now you can begin your water damage restoration. We pride ourselves on having the fastest response time to storm damage in your area. We will arrive at your home prepared to conduct an inspection and moisture readings, create a scope of the damage and provide an estimate for you and your insurance provider. Our team will arrive prepared and ready to start immediately. Using our dedicated SERVPRO Claims Information Center (CIC) we can store and access your information easily and quickly.

Our SERVPRO team members are the premier flood and water damage restoration experts in The West Kirkwood and Sunset hills surrounding areas. We are also the preferred remediation team for home insurance providers, and the most trusted helper for storm disasters. Storm damage restoration and navigating flood insurance claims can feel stressful, but we are here to assist you with every stage of the recovery process.

For emergencies and other situations, call 314-858-1688 anytime to reach your area flood damage experts, SERVPRO West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills. We help residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewer backups, floods, mold infestations, fires and other events happen.

Flood or water Damage in your Kirkwood or Fenton home?

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

Every flood or water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The next 6 steps will inform you exact steps SERVPRO uses for flood or water damage.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

 All of these steps help SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills restore your home or business after flood damage occurs. Give us a call at 314-858-1688 and well make your property "Like it never even happened."

RESTORING YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AFTER A WATER DAMAGE

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events in commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills will work as quickly as possible to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals here at SERVPRO are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your Kirkwood or Sunset Hills business, give us a call at 314-858-1688 and we’ll be there fast with the help you need!

Areas In Your Home That Mold Can Hide From You.

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can occur anywhere in your Kirkwood or Sunset Hills home but mainly is concentrated to areas where moisture is present. These moisture areas are common to the bathroom and basements. Mold can cause respiratory problems and should be removed if found as soon as possible. Most restoration companies only do mold inspections if the mold is visible, an industrial hygienist would come in and search for traces of mold that are not visible.

One of the first places mold can collect and you may not think to check is under the refrigerator. Under the fridge tends to collect moisture and dirt which can cause a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Another place is the AC unit. AC units are known to collect debris, dust and moisture from the air, which can lead to mold spores.

Mold can even grow in or around a washing machine or its parts. Moisture and lint can cause a presence of mold spores.

Other area in the house include anywhere moisture and dirt may form such as window corners.

If you think you may have a mold problem die SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills a call at 314-858-1688 and we will make it Like It Never Even Happened!

We Can Help Your Business

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not just a name, it is a promise. A promise to make it "Like it never even happened." We understand that your emotions can be all over the place, and you have a right to feel confused and frustrated, no matter if it is your home or business because you want the job done NOW. We also understand when it is your business there needs to be a hustle to get the job done and done right, for you to open back up as soon as possible, because when you're close, you are not making money. We will work our hardest in restoring your business so you can feel "Like it never even happened" because that is the SERVPRO promise we make when we take your job. So if your business is in need of us, give us a call at 314-858-1688

Kitchen Fire in Creve Coeur, MO

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

The fire was cause by an electrical cable that over heated and caught fire.

This was an aftermath of a kite electrical fire in Creve Coeur, MO when our crews of SERVPRO arrived on scene. The cause of the fire was due to a staple that was driven too tightly against a Romex electrical cable, which caused it to overheat and catch fire. Our crews were able to clean the soot from the walls and ceiling. We were also able to make the homeowners house "Like it never even happened." and no one could not tell that there was any fire damage to their house. The home owners were surprised with how fast our crews worked and how well their house turned out. Give us a call today at 314-858-1688 if you have any fire damage to your home or business! Check out more fire facts at our website http://www.SERVPROwestkirkwoodsunsethills.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration 

Electrical Fire Safety Checklist

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know each year, across the nation, electrical problems cause 68,000 home fires and 500 deaths. A fire caused by a faulty electrical system or electrical issue can destroy a home, and everything in it, within minutes. Check out the fire safety check list and see what you can do to prevent and electrical fire in your home or business.
Many of these items on the checklist Corah provided seem like “common sense” ideas. But, a surprising number of fires start because residents didn’t heed these tips:
Don’t overload extension cords or wall sockets.
Replace worn, old, or damaged electrical cords promptly.
Call a licensed electrician if you notice a burning smell coming from appliances, touch warm outlets or wall switches, have flickering lights, or see sparks coming from an outlet. (Sparks are an especially worrying clue!)
And, note that a residential electrical permit is needed from the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services to:
Install, change or repair any hard-wired electrical system.
Run additional wiring.
Put in an additional electrical outlet or light fixture.
Change your fuse box to circuit breakers.
Install or alter low voltage systems, such as a security alarm, stereo, computer, or phone system.Use special care when placing fasteners or nails near electrical wiring.

Call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills if you experience fire damage  in your home or business and well make it "Like it never even happened!"

Do's And Dont's After A Fire

3/26/2017 (Permalink)

Most people think that they can clean up the mess after a fire occurs. In fact cleaning yourself without the proper tools can actually make matter worse. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills has all the tools to help you get your home or business "Like it never even happened." Down below are the do's and don't's after a fire. Following these do's and don't's will help restore your valuables as best as possible

What to Do After a Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.


• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.


• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.


• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.


• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.


• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.


• Change HVAC filter.


• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers. 

What NOT To Do After a Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.


• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.


• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.


• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.

Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor. Our crews at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills have the right knowledge and equipment to clean all of your valuables the right way with out causing damage.

Bleach Does NOT Kill Mold!

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Most people think that bleach with completely get rid of their mold problem. In fact, bleach will only  remove the color or stain of mold and will, in some cases, will allow toxic mold to grow where it was not present before. Read below to see how mold is properly cleaned and the affects that bleach has on mold. 

Mold - that scary four letter word that no home or business owner ever wants to hear. If you do end up in the unfortunate situation that mold is growing in your building, what do you do? Many have been told “simply wash down the affected area with a bleach solution”. Yes, bleach is a powerful product that can sanitize surfaces and kill bacteria, however, bleach does not kill mold!

A bleach mixture is a great solution to use when cleaning your non-porous shower stalls or wiping down your hard surface countertops. However, using bleach on a porous surface such as wood or drywall where mold is traditionally found, is a different story.

Mold is a term that refers to fungi that grow in the form of multicellular thread-like structures, which grow into colonies. On a porous surface, the mold colonies grow into the pores of the material, much like a tree’s roots grow deep into the ground. Bleach is only able to kill what lies on the surface of the porous material, leaving what lies below the surface to continue to grow. To the eye, it appears that you’ve killed the mold that is growing, but unfortunately this is not true. The mold will then grow back stronger, deeper, and spread more since it’s embedded into the pores of the material.

If your home or business are affected by mold, call us today at 314-858-1688. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills will completely restore your property from mold damage with the correct equipment and solutions. 

Tips For Creating A Successful Emergency Ready Plan

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Have you ever had an emergency Fire Damage or Water Damage happen in your home and had no emergency ready plan or even had a clue what to do?! Lucky for you SERVPRO of West Kirkwood has a successful emergency plan made up for you! Just make sure you do all of the bullet points listed below and you are set in case you ever come across an emergency!

• Let the professionals help you. Work with an emergency restoration company for assistance in creating your emergency ready profile.


• Identify and label utility shut-off locations.


• Identify local utility contact information.


• Identify local emergency contact information such as fire, police, and hospital contacts.

Establish main internal contacts for purposes of employee safety and emergency work authorization. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood would make your house or business "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 314-858-1688

Why Water Damage is NOT a DIY Project

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

Oftentimes, homeowners don't realize the extent of the water damage in their home. Excess moisture is one thing, but damage from a flood, sewer backup or something else can be devastating to your health and your home in general. It doesn't take long for a situation like this to spiral out of control and leave you struggling to figure out what you are going to do to take care of it. The best thing you can do is turn to the help of a professional. Our team at SERVPRO West Kirkwood has all of the necessary tools to make sure your home is taken care of and the water damage is cleaned up properly.

• Dirty water from sewage backups is loaded with deadly substances from parasites to chemical residues.
• Bacteria, fungi and viruses thrive in contaminated fluids. They pose all sorts of health risks, such as hepatitis and salmonella.
• It only takes 24 hours for mold to begin growing out of control and invading your space.
• Even a small amount of water left undried could be a source of problems for your home.

Our team here at SERVPRO West Kirkwood has all of the necessary tools and experience to come in and get your water damage taken care of and thoroughly cleaned up to prevent anyone from falling ill or mold setting in.

HOW SEVERE LOOK HERE!

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage can originate by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, and clogged toilets. Homeowners should inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water at least once a year. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen sinks and bathroom lavatories, refrigerator ice makers, water softeners and humidifiers. Below is a specific way SERVPRO has combined different scenarios of water damages of how severe the damage actually is.

Categories

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "Clean Water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as "Grey Water". This type carries micro organisms and nutrients of micro organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 Water - Known as "Black Water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affects the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.

Classes

Class of water damage is determined by the probable rate of evaporation based on the type of materials affected, or wet, in the room or space that was flooded. Determining the class of water damage is an important first step, and will determine the amount and type of equipment utilized to dry-down the structure.

Class 1 - Slow Rate of Evaporation. Affects only a portion of a room. Materials have a low permanence/porosity. Minimum moisture is absorbed by the materials.

Class 2 - Fast Rate of Evaporation. Water affects the entire room of carpet and cushion. May have wicked up the walls, but not more than 24 inches.

Class 3 - Fastest Rate of Evaporation. Water generally comes from overhead, affecting the entire area; walls, ceilings, insulation, carpet, cushion, etc.

Class 4 - Specialty Drying Situations. Involves materials with a very low permanence/porosity, such as hardwood floors, concrete, crawlspaces, plaster, etc. Drying generally requires very low specific humidity to accomplish drying.

Restoration

Different removal methods and measures are used depending on the category of water. Due to the destructive nature of water, chosen restoration methods also depend heavily on the amount of water, and on the amount of time the water has remained stagnant. For example, as long as carpet has not been wet for longer than 48 hours, and the water involved was not sewage based, a carpet can usually be saved; however, if the water has soaked for longer, then the carpet is probably irreparable and will have to be replaced.

Here at SERVPRO West Kirkwood we have a highly skilled team who can clean up any amount of water in your home or business. SERVPRO West Kirkwood is open 24/7/365 so give us a call anytime at 314-858-1688.

Clean Those Ducts!

3/10/2017 (Permalink)

Have you ever had and over abundance of dust in your house and have no clue where it keeps coming from? Well one of the main sources were all the dust is coming from is our air ducts. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned by SERVPRO of West Kirkwood is a key importance in reducing the amount of dust in your home. 

The following air duct cleaning steps are for a full service air duct cleaning. The process of air duct cleaning involves three simple steps:

• Clean the furnace/air conditioner.
  • After testing the system for proper operation, we will disconnect the power before opening the unit for safety.
  • Vacuum the interior surfaces of the Furnace/Air Conditioner.
  • Clean the cooling coils with a HEPA vacuum and a coil cleaner.
  • Clean the Blower unit.
• Clean the supply and return registers and grills.
  • Remove wall, ceiling and Floor registers.
  • Wash Register with Dynamite cleaner and rinse.
• Clean the supply and return ducts.
  • Clean all air ducts using powerful duct cleaning equipment.
  • Decontaminate cleaned ducts with Soot set sealant, and Odor Kill Deodorizer.

Make sure you get your air ducts cleaned frequently so you do not have any problems or constant dust around your house. Give us here at SERVPRO West Kirkwood a call at 314-858-1688 and we will clean your air ducts!

Smoke and Soot Clean Up

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience at SERVPRO allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Fenton and Kirkwood will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Then the cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

This creates low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and smeary. Smoke webs are much more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. Here at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood we have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

The four W's of Mold

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

THE VARIOUS SCENERIOS OF MOLD REMEDIATION

Protecting your home from the ravages of mold can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for or don't know you have it. However, it's a process that every homeowner should consider in order to protect the structural integrity of their home as well as the health and wellness of their family.

The Four W's of Mold...

Who...

The process of determining if you have mold, and if so, what type begins with 5 questions that cover a number of considerations. It's a given that mold only grows in damp conditions. As a result, you must ask yourself if you or a neighbor has a water leak? Mold only takes a few days to form in moist situations. Even if you don't have a leak, your neighbor's leak could become a true bone of contention for you if you live in an apartment or duplex.

What Where and When...

Obviously, if you can visibly see mold you know you have a problem that needs resolving. Determining what type of mold you have becomes the obvious next step. Additionally, if you have water that pools against the exterior of your house when it rains, the moisture will affect not only exterior walls but the interior walls as well. It's just a question of "when."

Other Indicators...

In addition to visibly seeing mold, a musty moldy smell is a good indication that your dwelling has a mold issue. If the atmosphere in your home is humid, and your windows sweat revealing condensation, these are conditions that are ripe for developing a problem with mold if you don't already have one. Flair ups with allergies and illness in your pets are also strong indicators of a mold problem. Mold is a serious issue that can impact not only the infrastructure of your house but the health of you and your family members. Even if you plan on moving it's a good idea to have your new home tested for the presence of mold as a safety measure.

Having your home tested for mold is a good investment to protect the health and the integrity of both your family and your homes structure. After all, an ounce of prevention is always worth a ton of cure.Our crews here at SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills have all the necessary equipment to treat and make sure that everything is taken care of. Give us a call at 314-858-1688!

Bragging Rights!

2/24/2017 (Permalink)

The photo above is an actual email sent to us from Sue Anderson from Simplified Living Solutions!

BRAGGING RIGHTS!

Recently we have had someone, Sue Anderson of Simplified Living Solutions, send us an email stating that she had recently bragged about one of employees, Jan Mullaney. Down Below is part of the email, where she talks about Jan, that she sent to us!

Time and time again I think how lucky I am (we are) that we have such great associate members. Working together with them is always a win-win-win situation. I wanted to post here just to publicly thank and acknowledge them – and to encourage those of you that haven’t had an opportunity to get to know them or refer their services to your clients, to reconsider the importance of doing so.

Jan Mullaney of SERVPRO west Kirkwood is someone that we’ve worked with for years- even before she was a NAPO St. Louis member! She’s another one that takes her work very seriously. She is well educated about a plethora of situations and how to approach them’’.

Thank you Sue Anderson of Simplified Living Solutions for sending us this email and taking the time to talk so highly of our Jan Mullaney!

Water Damage Timeline

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Have you ever had your toilet over flow, or spill a lot of water on your floors and didn't notice until later how much water got on the floors? Well, not properly cleaning spilt water on your floors right away can cause serious problems. Check out the water damage timeline below and see what happens in minutes, hours and even weeks!

Within Minutes:

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Our team at SERVPRO west Kirkwood has all of the necessary tools and experience to come in and get your water damage taken care of and thoroughly cleaned up to prevent anyone from falling ill or mold setting in. Give us a call at 314-858-1688 and we'll make it like it never happened!

Pre and Post-Holiday Cleaning

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

The holidays are coming up soon and that means gatherings of family and friends for feasts and festivities.

Whether you need to spruce your home up before the holidays or need it returned to "like it never even happened" after, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills has the training and expertise to take care of your carpet, upholstery and specialty cleaning needs.

Call us at 314-858-1688 for your Holiday Cleaning needs.

We offer 24/7 water damage mitigation!

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Has this happened to you? Call us at 314-858-1688 - we're here to help!

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 314-858-1688

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills

SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.  We have over 12 years' experience in water damage restoration in the West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills area - from large commercial losses to flooded homes, WE DO IT ALL!

"Heroes in the Kitchen" Cookbook

4/3/2014 (Permalink)

"Heroes in the Kitchen" features front and back cover art designed by Kirkwood, MO artist, Mary Hanson.

We are making a call for submissions for recipes to complete our "Heroes in the Kitchen" Cookbook that will be published in summer 2014. All proceeds from the sale of this cookbook will go to benefit the BackStoppers, Inc. A recipe collection sheet form can be obtained from our facebook page or calling us at 314-892-9971. Please fax your recipes to 314-892-9974. Please include your name and any special recipe notes you would like us to include.

Thanks so much for your support!!!

3rd Annual SERVPRO Golf Tournament to Benefit St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children

4/3/2014 (Permalink)

Please save the date Wednesday, August 6th at beautiful Tapawingo National Golf Club for our 3rd Annual SERVPRO Golf Tournament to Benefit St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children. Last year we raised 7,600...help us raise the bar!!!

Sign up forms will be available soon in the meantime please call Mary at 314-892-9971 for more details.