Identifying and Handling Water Damage in Your Lynnwood Home

12/5/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs reveal water damage with moisture meters. Then, we restore our Lynnwood home. Here to Help®

SERVPRO® Delivers Swift and Reliable Lynnwood Water Cleanup

Lynnwood was officially incorporated in 1959, but its roots date back to the late 1800s when it was initially settled as a rural area with logging and farming industries. The city has plenty of open spaces in 19 community and neighborhood parks and 14 miles of recreational trails. Part of the open space is a natural conservation area, which includes Lund's Gulch and Scriber Creek. Lynnwood also has special recreational facilities, including the City of Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course, Lynndale Park Skate Park, TOCA Soccer Center Lynnwood, and Lynnwood Senior Center. Every summer, the city hosts a series of free outdoor concerts at Lynndale Park featuring a variety of music sets, from jazz to rock to classical, and provides a fun, family-friendly environment.

Water damage to your Lynnwood home can be severe if not addressed promptly. SERVPRO knows the importance of identifying and dealing with water damage quickly. Our crews ensure timely remediation, preventing mold growth. Other than pooling water on the floor, there are many signs we look at that may point out water damage in different areas of your home. The damage may be subtle initially, but even small indicators signal a more significant problem.

Signs to watch out for         

• Bulging walls
• Musty or moldy smell
• Warped or buckled wood
• Discoloration of painted surfaces or bubbling wallpaper

Discoloration on walls or ceilings is often an early indicator of moisture damage, with brown or yellow stains hinting at water infiltration. Additionally, dark patches on hardwood floors or damp spots on carpets are red flags. Even tiles and linoleum can exhibit lifting or warping when affected by water damage.

Handling Moisture Damage on Structural Elements         

Our restoration begins with a detailed inspection to evaluate the scope of the damage and establish the type of water that caused the damage. With the help of moisture meters and thermal imaging, we locate hidden water pockets and measure the moisture content of wet materials. Once the scope is clear, we extract any standing water using industrial pumps and dry and dehumidify the building. We consider the type of affected materials to channel the right restoration tools and techniques. For example, structural restoration involves repairing or replacing compromised elements like drywall, flooring, and insulation.

Drying solutions may include

• Creating drying chambers
• Determining the capacity of the dehumidifier to use
• Ensuring proper air mover placement

SERVPRO of Lynnwood identifies and repairs water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today!

Lynnwood & Edmonds 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood & Edmonds 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service

SERVPRO of Lynnwood & Edmonds 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 24/7 to Help

Call Today - 425-774-1148

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 Lynnwood & Edmonds 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 Lynnwood & Edmonds

SERVPRO of Lynnwood & Edmonds 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.

Meet Our Crew:

SERVPRO of Edmonds Employee Photos (SERVPROedmonds.com)

What to DO & What NOT to do: Fire Damage Cleaning

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

Coping with the results of a fire can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. SERVPRO of Lynnwood understands the stress and worry that comes with property damage. In the unfortunate event of a fire happening in your home or business there are many safety measures to consider. Check out our following tips and tricks to staying safe and protecting yourself and your household items. Always remember to call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Lynnwood for assistance; 425-774-1148.

What to Do:

• Limit movement in the structure, this will prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets, saving them making them not need to be replaced.
• Keep your hands clean so you do not to further soil upholstery, walls and wood.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity has been turned 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 removing all soot, tar, or other particles.
• Turn off HVAC system, then upon cleaning change HVAC filters making sure you have clean air circulating throughout your home.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What Not to Do:

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water. They could have become rotten from the heat exposure.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or damaged from the fire. The wiring may be damaged.
• Do not send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor. Use professionals trained to clean these materials.

When Storms or Floods hit Lynnwood & Edmonds, SERVPRO is ready!

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood & Edmonds specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Lynnwood & Edmonds, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 2,000 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams Edmonds, WA Flooding and Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration (SERVPROedmonds.com) that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 425-774-1148

Key Principles of Biohazard Safety Precautions

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose health consequences, especially in commercial buildings and public places where employees and customers reside. SERVPRO of Lynnwood is trained and certified in effectively removing hazardous biological substances for proper disposal. Let’s review some of the safety measures to be taken when removing biological substances, here are 8 key principles when dealing with blood, bodily fluid and other infectious materials;

1. Safety for all: When it has been determined that an area is or possibly could be contaminated with blood, body fluids or OPIM; all workers shall be protected from all exposure.
2. Documentation: Unusual conditions that require differing practices than standard work must have all steps of their process documented.
3. Evaluation and Assessment: When a preliminary determination indicates that biological contamination exists, an evaluation should be performed prior to starting remediation. This can be accomplished without the need for an independent IEP, as the scope of work can be determined without sampling. Occasionally, other hazards or situations exist which would require an IEP or other professional to perform an assessment.
4. Documentation during the job: All conditions and practices must be documented on an on-going basis during remediation work.
5. Contamination control: Cross-contamination should be controlled. Methods of containments are further defined herein.
6. Contamination Removal: Physically removing the waste should be removed from the structure as soon as possible. If it is not possible at the time, then begin to decontaminate by cleaning and then apply an antimicrobial. Followed by encapsulation.
7. Application of disinfectant: To ensure that structures, and contents are safe for use, use a government registered antimicrobial following the directions on the label.
8. Post-Remediation evaluation and verification: Perform a post-remediation evaluation of all affected areas confirming cleanliness. If required by law, or in the contract of work then it should be performed by an IEP.

If you have an issue related to biohazard contamination, even sewage back-ups call SERVPRO of Lynnwood at 425-774-1148, we are always ready to help!

Community Associations: How can we help?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood has been a proud member of WSCAI (Washington State Community Associations Institute) for nearly 15 years. Our goal is to serve condominium associations in Lynnwood and the greater pacific northwest by understanding their unique needs and wants. This comes from expertise, knowledge and experience. A vendor is only as good as their employees.

SERVPRO of Lynnwood can proudly say we have an excellent team that is well experienced in serving condominiums and is privy to rules surrounding insurance, documentation and all the moving parts that can come from dealing with a multifamily building.

We want to know what issues and concerns are important to our local condominium associations. How can we be of service? In fact, our SERVPRO of Lynnwood team is happy to meet with boards members and educate or assist with;

• Emergency preparedness
• Safety Planning
• Workshops or Q & A’s regarding water damage or fire damage working process.
• Questions regarding the SERVPRO process and insurance claims

If you would like to meet us, ask questions or have us speak on a specific topic, please reach out to us at 425-774-1148. We are happy to be a guest and provide food or beverages for your next board meeting!

Water Damage from Air Conditioning Equipment: What to look for

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Lynnwood, WA averages 165 sunny days per year with the hottest month being August. Have you noticed an increase in heat lately? You aren’t alone. Many Lynnwood residents are finding themselves turning to their thermostats more this summer than in the past. Local HVAC companies are reporting record sales and more people are installing AC systems in homes that previously went without.

With hot weather and more complex HVAC systems can come more upkeep and problems for homeowners. Because we live in a region that does not use AC year-round there is a much higher need to service in summer months when equipment is utilized.

Many AC units can cause leaks. Some common types of leaks include the following;

Clogged Air Filters

Dirty air filters can block proper airflow over your unit’s evaporator coils, causing them to get too cold and freeze. The melting ice from frozen evaporator coils can cause more water than your HVAC drain pan can handle and results in overflow. 

Leaky HVAC Drain Pan

Drain pans degrade over time because they are constantly exposed to moisture. They eventually need to be replaced and they can develop cracks and holes that create leaks.

Clogged Drain Line

Over time, and as water flows through your condensation line, mold and mildew can build up. As part of regular maintenance, pour 1-2 cups of bleach or vinegar into your condensation line every few months to keep it clean.

Malfunctioning Condensate Pump

 If your condensate pump is broken or malfunctioning, then water builds up and will eventually leak out of the HVAC unit.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels cause leaks in your refrigerant lines and oftentimes cause the system to shut down. Check your levels often.

We offer 24-hour emergency water damage services throughout the greater Lynnwood area. If you suspect a leak from your HVAC equipment call SERVPRO of Lynnwood immediately at 425-774-1148.

Content Cleaning Methods

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other major flooding events. With the mentality of “restore” versus “replace” we can help you save money and preserve sentimental items that are irreplaceable. We use a method called pretesting to determine if an item can successfully be cleaned and restored by first testing a small area to see how it reacts. There are several different methods used to perform content cleaning dependent on severity and type of material. They are as follows;

Dry Cleaning: Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to in-depth cleaning.

Wet Cleaning: An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.

Spray and Wipe: Effective for delicate items.

Abrasive cleaning: Uses agitation to loosen the material.

Foam Cleaning: Used for Upholstery or fabrics that are sensitive.  Prevents color bleeding or stretching.

Immersion Cleaning: Utilizes a bath of water and cleaning product to submerge or otherwise soak the material.

SERVPRO of Lynnwood does onsite content cleaning and storage in our state of the art 15,000 square foot warehouse. Call us with questions, anytime! 425-774-1148.

Carpet Cleaning In Commercial Buildings

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood is not just an emergency service company; we also provide commercial cleaning to anybody that might need it on a regular basis or perhaps a onetime deep clean. SERVPRO offers five different types of cleaning services when it comes to carpets. To determine what type of carpet cleaning is best for your carpet depends on what fibers it is made of, and what is making your carpet dirty. Each method is used for different types of carpets and different soil levels.  

Our 5 different carpet cleaning methods include:

Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive Method designed for short piled Carpets

Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method useful for all types of carpets

Deluxe Pre-cleaning and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas

Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry

Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue

Some methods clean better than others and therefore can vary in price. SERVPRO of Lynnwood will make sure it uses the best choice and most necessary method for getting your carpet looking like brand new. Also, keep in mind that the IICRC states that 79% of soil found in carpets is dry. Vacuuming regularly is one of the most effective ways to keep your carpets clean and make them last longer.

SERVPRO’s main goal throughout its history is to “develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect” which has since become our mission statement. SERVPRO now has 1,700 franchises located nationwide and is considered the pinnacle of the cleaning and restoration industry. If you need a deep clean or carpet clean for your commercial space or residence don’t hesitate to contact our team at 425-774-1148.

5 Tips for Effective Office Cleaning

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Focus Most on Cleaning High Traffic Areas

Focus on the high traffic areas of the office, they will need the most in-depth, focused attention. Walkways, waiting rooms, break rooms and bathrooms are the most important areas to tackle with fast and effective office cleaning. Once those zones are clean, you can pay attention to areas that are not as commonly used.

Dust from Top to Bottom

When you dust, start with the highest surface you want to clean, like ceilings, light fixtures, picture frames or fan blades. Dust will fall to lower parts of the room as you go and can be vacuumed up versus creating more of a mess if you do upper surfaces last. Take care of the top first and you’ll only have to go over each surface one time.

Clean Floors from Back to Front

Whether you are vacuuming, mopping, or sweeping, you want to start with the back corner of the room and work your way out the door. This will prevent you from stepping on the same areas and tracking in dirt in the process. Use long, firm strokes when you vacuum, and try to only make one stroke over each part of the floor.

Use Specific Cleaning Products for Intended surfaces

Pay attention to what surfaces you are cleaning and use the specific products intended for them. Some office furniture might need wood polish while glass surfaces need glass cleaner to prevent streaking. Keyboards and other electronics require a compressed air product.

Have a Routine Office Cleaning Schedule

Ideally, you should have a routine office-cleaning plan with a team of professionals. This relives burden from employees and establishes a schedule. SERVPRO of Lynnwood offers deep cleaning janitorial options monthly, quarterly or yearly and is happy to provide you with a quote for your office space! Call us at 425-774-1148.