Recent Posts
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.
Preserving Paper Documents After Flooding
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
Exposure to water could possibly destroy and ruin paper documents. Whether it is a flood, leak, or other moisture, documents can be ruined incredibly fast. Some of these documents have a lot of monetary, sentimental or educational value especially when they are papers that are required to be preserved by law, hold historical value or are proprietary. It is important to move fast and try to dry out and save these documents as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Lynnwood has experience preserving documents for city buildings, law firms, banks, museums and educational facilities. There are 4 common ways to save paper documents. Each method has its own advantages. The types of drying are as follows.
- Vacuum Freeze-Drying: during this process papers are put into an airtight chamber and negative vacuum pressure is generated. This rapidly freezes them and puts them into a dry state.
- Desiccant Air Drying: Papers are placed on racks and shelves in a room with a dehumidifier. The paper is continuously dried, and this process takes around 7 days.
- Cleaning and Sterilization: This process is used when there is dirt, fungi, or grime on the paper. They are wiped with sponges and scrub pads while avoiding the use of liquid solutions. After that a HEPA vacuum system may be used to disinfect and sterilize.
- Digital Imaging: This process is used before the flood. Take pictures/Scan in the document and save them to the computer or the cloud
With these methods saving paper is a strong possibility, but sometimes it is not always possible to save these documents, thinking ahead and taking precautions before disaster strikes is a great first step. Be mindful of where papers are stored and consider electronic backup as well. If you need help with document drying call SERVPRO of Lynnwood at 425-774-1148.
How To Prevent Electrical Fires
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
Electronics are a daily part of our life and we often forget the dangers that can be associated with lighting fixtures, chargers, appliances and more. At SERVPRO of Lynnwood we have responded to hundreds of electrical fires over the years helping our customers get their lives and homes back to normal. Keep in mind the following tips to reduce the risk of an electrical malfunction:
- On a regular basis, have the home inspected for loose wires, shorts, and faulty wiring that increase the risk of potential electrical fires, as electrical wiring eventually needs to be replaced. This is especially pertinent if one lives in an older home. Signs that faulty wiring is a pressing issue can include flickering lamps, buzzing outlets, or outlets that spark when an electronic device is plugged in. If one of these indications occurs, do not delay in in hiring a certified electrician to give the home an inspection to determine if the wiring is safe or if it is in need of rewiring.
- Install a smoke detector on every level of the home and inside each bedroom. It is vital to make sure the smoke detectors are working properly by testing them every month. Test the detectors to ensure that all members of the home know the sound of the smoke detector. Also, create a plan so that the entire family knows what to do in case of an actual fire. Once a plan is in place, practice each aspect of fire-escape strategy to guarantee its success.
- Utilize safety measures with electric cords. This includes replacing cords that are loose, frayed, or contains cracks. Never place cords in areas that receive a large volume of foot traffic, such as under mats or carpeting. Avoid tacking cords to surfaces with nails or staples. If an extension cord is being used on a long-term basis, consider having outlets installed by a certified electrician nearer to your electronic devices.
- Only use the correct wattage light bulbs in all fixtures. If the wattage is higher than the requirement noted on the lamp or appliance, replace the bulbs immediately. Firmly secure light bulbs in the socket to safeguard them from overheating.
- Use a surge protector to guard appliances and other electronics in your home.
- Store flammables away from electrical appliances. It is helpful to establish a safe, designated area for flammable chemicals in your home.
- Place a fire extinguisher in all major rooms of the home, such as kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room. Have all family members read the instructions on how to use the fire extinguisher.
Flooding Damage Restoration Steps
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
When it comes to handling the aftermath of a flood in Lynnwood, WA one of the first questions on your mind may be how to take care of all the contents in your building. Content cleaning can be an important part of the restoration process. There are some important things to keep in mind when deciding how to handle water damage.
Identify the Extent of the Damage
Before you face the task of cleaning up after flooding, you should identify how far the damage has spread. Flood water may be classified as black water, which can be dangerously contaminated. You should figure out what has gotten wet, so you know exactly where you should focus before you begin. A flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO of Lynnwood can help you decide exactly what needs to be done to ensure that content cleaning and structural cleaning is done where needed.
Throw Porous Materials Away
Porous materials may absorb contaminated water during flooding, leading to problems with mold or other issues later on. Items that are considered porous may include wood, carpets, cushions, and other objects or materials that water can soak in to. It can be best to dispose of these items as they may not be salvageable and can be unsafe.
Restore Non-Porous Materials
SERVPRO of Lynnwood water damage restoration specialists can help you restore items that are salvageable. Restoration can include disinfecting non-porous materials, so they are suitable for use again. It may also involve evaluating electrical appliances and other equipment to determine if they are still suitable for use.
Get your building back to a functioning state as soon as possible by taking care of damaged contents. We can be helpful in the content cleaning process by evaluating damage and determining how to salvage and sort through items. While some things may have to be thrown away, others can be saved through water restoration processes. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lynnwood if you need help with flood damage at 425-774-1148.
Why Does Mold Grow?
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
Many homeowners worry about mold growing in their house and causing damage or lowering the value, even worse putting residents at risk. Mold is a very specific problem with predictable causes, so it is unlikely to affect any home that does not have a moisture problem. Learn the truth about mold growth, different types, and the causes. If you find mold in Lynnwood, WA be sure to call a restoration specialist from SERVPRO of Lynnwood for expert advice and remediation.
What is Mold?
Mold is essentially a type of fungus that grows in wood or other porous materials commonly found in buildings. Mold spores can be found everywhere, and the only thing mold needs to grow is excessive moisture. There are multiple types of molds and without proper remediation it can spread. It is important to understand and be on the lookout for it, especially during the rainy months in the Pacific Northwest.
Preventing Mold Growth
Because mold requires moisture to grow, the best way to prevent it is to control water and humidity in your home. The most common causes of mold growth are broken or leaking pipes, broken water supply, leaking roofs, humid weather, or flooding.
Make sure your roof is not leaking and that your gutters or spouts direct water away effectively. Check your basement, crawl space, and attic occasionally to find signs of moisture or the early stages of mold. Always be aware of any moisture that develops on your walls, floors, or ceiling.
Visit http://www.SERVPROlynnwood.com for more information about the services we provide.
What is a Foundation Leak?
6/22/2022 (Permalink)
Foundation leaks are very serious to the overall health of your home and undiagnosed can lead to worse issues. There are certain steps you can take to minimize damage, but first let’s understand what a foundation leak is;
A foundation is a single concrete base also known as a slab which your home sits on.
A slab leak is a term used to describe a leak that has developed in the copper water lines running below the concrete foundation of your home.
Why Does It Leak?
- Corrosion: your pipes are underground, therefore weather changes and influences from soil can cause your pipes to corrode over time
- Installment issues: it's possible that when your house was built there were mistakes or damage that did not create an ideal foundation – this can also be known as a construction defect
- Wear and Tear: pipes expand and contract with the weather and if a pipe freezes it can burst from the pressure. The pipes must also have room to contact and expand so if there is anything that it could come in contact with like concrete or gravel the pipes may rub against them and cause damage.
What Are the Signs?
- The floor has hot spots
- High water bill
- Wet floor or carpet
- Low water pressure
- Standing Water
- Visible mold growth or a musty smell
What Should You Do?
You should always call for professional help with a leak. Sometimes you may need a plumber or leak detection specialist to assess where the issue is coming from. SERVPRO of Lynnwood can provide water mitigation services to address standing water or mold. It is important to get to the root of the problem by hiring a foundation contractor who can stop the leak so further damage doesn’t occur.
How to Prepare For A Fire Systems Inspection
6/22/2022 (Permalink)
Fire marshal inspections are a guaranteed part of running a business whether you manage a restaurant or an office. The more time and energy you invest into preparing for the visit, the less time and resources you will be required to put forward into fixing issues later on.
Clear A Path
Start by clearing hallways and pathways. There should always be a clear path to exit doors and windows. These paths must be at least 36 inches wide and clearly marked and illuminated. Always make sure that exit doors are clear, marked and that they are easily opened from the inside of the building.
Check Suppression Systems
Fire suppression is critical in buying your business time for first responders to arrive in an emergency. This means you will need to verify that all extinguishers and fire suppression systems are properly charged and functional. In addition, these should be clear of debris and properly serviced by a trained professional.
If your building has fire sprinklers confirm sufficient clearance around sprinkler heads and that inventory isn’t blocking the system. NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) requires maintaining at least 18 inches of clearance to be compliant.
Check Electrical Systems
Confirm that sockets and breakers are not overloaded. Ensure breaker boxes and electrical panels are free of obstructions and easily accessible. If you have any electrical issues, be sure a qualified electrician promptly and properly addresses these.
Inspect Control Panels
Make sure your fire alarm panels are fully operational. These must be professionally inspected and serviced annually to comply with fire codes. You should also review inspection tags and documentation that confirms the tests and services were performed.
Ultimately remember to always hire a professional!
Common Appliances That Cause Water Damage
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
Certain appliances or systems in your home or business can actually increase your risk of flooding. Listed below are the top five sources of water damage culprits that you should be aware of.
Hot Water Heater
Among the top five sources leading to water damage is your hot water heater. A small investment in an annual inspection will help prevent leaks and the expensive repairs that come with it. Be attentive to corrosion and other factors as your heater ages and replace it every 10 years. Keep in mind that after 12 years 75% of water heaters will fail. Flushing the tank every 6 months to remove sediment is a good maintenance practice.
Air Conditioner
Installing a drainpipe will remove the overflowing water and direct it outside or to a household sewer; this is an alternative to using a drain pan, which will only help contain a small amount in the event of a leak. Attic air conditioners typically cause the most damage because water can leak throughout the entire home affecting multiple rooms from top down. Be aware that the average cost of flooding damage from an air conditioning leak is roughly $5,000.
Washing Machine
Leaks around or clamps in the water hose are a warning sign of future failure. Do a monthly personal inspection on your hoses to look out for cracking, dryness or rust, leaving space between the machine and the wall for movement as the wash cycle is running. Replace your hoses every five years despite their outward appearance. Don’t forget to follow your washing machine instructions and turn off water supply when you leave home for extended periods. Unfortunately 78 percent of hose failures occur in an appliance that is less than 11 years old.
Refrigerator
The most common cause of a leaky refrigerator is the defrost drain experiencing a freeze or clog. Improper sealing can cause excess condensation. Check the rubber seals along the door to assure a tight close. Inspect you ice maker by checking the hose or waterline to assure they are connected properly.
Dishwasher
Hoses, valves or switches are the plumbing connections and can all malfunction to cause water damage issues. Refrain from adding too much detergent to each cycle and if your dishwater is more than 9 years old it may be time for a replacement.
If you suffer water damage from any of these common household appliances do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Lynwood at 425-774-1148 for emergency services. We are available 24/7 365 days a year.
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