Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Lynnwood Chamber Hosts Annual Golf Tournament in Partnership with the Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Foundation

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Are you a golfer that enjoys supporting your community for a good cause? Join the Lynnwood Parks Foundation and the Lynnwood Chamber of Commerce at the Par 4 Kids Golf Tournament Friday July 28th , 2023 at the Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course to help raise funds and awareness about the Lynnwood Recreation Benefit Fund.

 Lynnwood's parks and recreation program offer places for play or rest and provides a connection with nature, neighbors, and the Lynnwood community. With the support of our chamber and participants, the Foundation provides scholarships for low-income youth, seniors, and disabled adults that reside in Lynnwood to participate in a wide array of programs. 

SERVPRO of Lynnwood looks forward to this evet and hopes it is successful for all! We are a proud supporter of the Lynnwood Chamber.

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.

NARPM Continuing Education Class August 2022

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood has been a long time supporter of King County NARPM, Snohomish County NARPM and now the Washington State Chapter of NARPM. Not only do we enjoy participating as an affiliate we love to host CE classes for our professional members. The next CE class initiated by King County NARPM will be for August 23rd and will take place in our Lynnwood classroom. Lunch will be provided and this will count for 3 real estate clock hours. Check out our King County NARPM website for more information: Here.

We encourage all property managers and real estate professionals to join for the class! SERVPRO will provide a complimentary lunch and there will be fun raffle prize giveaways as well.

Spots are filling up so we urge you to register sooner than later! RSVP by contacting our chapter leader Lawton at The Joseph Group, Lawton.coursey@thejosephgroup.com.

SERVPRO Teams Unite for SERVPRO’s Annual Convention

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Every year SERVPRO franchise owners and select team members from around the United States meet for SERVPRO Convention hosted in a different city each year. Our Corporate team from Gallatin, TN plans and executes the Convention to be a motivational, thought-provoking experience. This week long endeavor entails a variety of workshops, leadership and management training, networking and inspirational speakers, complete with a tradeshow featuring products and equipment from all of our national vendors.

This event is a wonderful opportunity for owners and their leaders to hear about the latest and greatest in our industry. It sparks new implementation and helps franchises plan for future growth. We recognize franchises who have exceeded performance goals complete with an awards ceremony. Workshops cover topics from Marketing to Human Resources to Production and are available for virtual attendance as well!

SERVPRO convention 2022 will take place in Dallas, TX and a golf tournament will be held to raise profits for the First Responder Children’s Foundation. Our team at SERVPRO of Lynnwood has attended convention every year since our doors opened in 2008 and we always look forward to embracing what we learn and applying it to our everyday operations. We are proud to be a part of the SERVPRO brand!

SERVPRO of Lynnwood Hosts Effective Safety Meetings

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

OSHA requires that every employer make safety and health a top priority and ensure a safe working environment. OSHA's job is to provide leadership and encouragement to employers to take that responsibility seriously and provide educational or awareness opportunities to employees so they know of their rights to a safe workplace. It is important that every employee receive proper and adequate training to ensure they are able to safely and competently perform their jobs. This also applies to temporary, part-time and contract employees. Regular safety meetings should be documented and attendance should be recorded. 

Employers have a duty to protect workers from injury and illness on the job by developing and implementing a safety and health program. According to OSHA, there are five components that every effective safety program should have.

  • Management Leadership and Employee Participation
  • Workplace Analysis
  • Hazard Prevention and Control
  • Safety and Health Training and Education
  • Program Evaluation

In high risk industries like construction and restoration repeat safety discussions can have a positive impact on good habits that start in the office and are carried out on each and every jobsite. At SERVPRO of Lynnwood we hold weekly safety meetings for our team to make sure they are following the best protocols while servicing commercial and residential customers. To have a successful safety meeting we always follow these steps;

  • Let your employees, crews, and teams know that you will be holding a safety meeting or starting a safety meeting program.
  • Decide on the theme, subject, or topic of the safety meeting.
  • Prepare for the safety meeting- use demonstration, photos and props
  • Send out a reminder of the safety meeting the day before the meeting is scheduled to be held.
  • Present the information clearly, with expectations and save time for questions

 Several common safety topics that we reiterate are;

  • Respiratory Protection and proper PPE
  • Distracted Driving
  • Handling Power Tools Safely
  • Temperature Extremes
  • Working in Confined spaces and on Ladders
  • Asbestos and Lead Protocols
  • Proper hazard reporting and handling

Are you Looking for A Career With SERVPRO?

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood is hiring for Restoration Technicians! If you enjoy helping people and working in fast-paced environments this may be the job for you! Call our office at 425-774-1148 to schedule your interview! We provide training and great internal advancement opportunities. 

We offer Competitive Hourly Rates, Overtime and Benefits!

SERVPRO® is a national leading company in the Cleaning and Restoration Industry. Our expanding team is looking to hire professionals with an opportunity for advancement. No experience is necessary- we will train and offer a competitive hourly rate plus benefits. Our technicians work on jobsites to perform the following functions; 

• Setup and maintain restoration equipment.

• Stock supplies and equipment for jobsites

• Take and record moisture readings

• Clean and perform demolition as needed 

• Measure and sketch basic floor plans

• Pack and move contents and much more!

Proper Gutter Maintenance to Avoid Costly Damage

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to protecting your home, there are many problems that can arise which we must consider. As seasons turn don’t wait too long to act; keep your gutters and downspouts clear as an important part of your preventative maintenance plan.

Gutter issues that can lead to water damage and roof or siding issues include:

  1. Extra Weight
    Extra weight, caused by clogs, stresses fasteners that hold gutters to the house. Eventually, they detach, leaving space for water to get through; this leads to damaged soffits, shingles and paint.
  2. Standing water
    Water and debris are the perfect breeding ground for insect and rodent infestations. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the top of your gutters, clean them out and take proper safety precautions.
  3. Shingle damage
    Cracks that form on damaged shingles can let in water, causing leaks insideyour home, leading to further problems in your attic and structure.
  4. Wrong Sized Gutters/Spouts
    If you have overflow issues frequently, your gutter system may be improperly sized. Sometimes larger downspouts and clean-outs can prevent problems down the line.

The above are only a few reasons we all need to keep our gutters and downspouts clear. If you decide to do the work yourself, please be safe. Ladder safety is vitally important and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Most ladder injuries occur from 10 feet or less so if this work is daunting to you, hire a professional who is licensed and bonded to perform the job.

If you have a water intrusion issue due to clogged gutters call SERVPRO of Lynnwood for a moisture inspection and professional recommendation. You can reach our team at 425-774-1148.

Avoid Overheating In Record Heatwave Temperatures

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

The Pacific Northwest has been issued an excessive heat warning due to record breaking temperatures. According to the National weather service Seattle, WA broke a record for the highest temperature ever recoded in the area at 108 degrees. To keep yourself cool following this list of tips: 

  • Drink plenty of water. Have extra bottled water and a cooler of ice on hand in case of emergency. 
  • Take cool showers or baths
  • Place a cold compress on the back of your neck.
  • Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing.
  • Mist your face with cool water.
  • Take a day trip or just drive around for a while with the air conditioning on or cool off at a local business/community center with air conditioning. 

Overheating can be dangerous and excessive heat also affects your home. Leaks and malfunctions are oftentimes more common, especially those related to HVAC systems. Ensure your systems are working properly ahead of time and prepare accordingly. If you experience a leak call SERVPRO of Lynnwood and talk with one of our trained professionals about scheduling an inspection. 

Leave Smoke Damage Remediation to the Professionals

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire is put out, your thoughts then have to turn to smoke damage restoration. Between the flames, soot and smoke, a lot may need to be addressed. You may think it can be easy to handle this on your own or have some people who work for you attempt it. However, at the end of the day, you always want to leave this work in the hands of competent professionals in North Creek, Washington.

1. It Can Take a Long Time to Clean Up

Soot damage remediation involves a lot more than scrubbing the floor and walls. First, you need to address the damage caused by the fire directly. Then you need to look at the items damaged by smoke. There may also be water damage brought in by the firefighters. Fixing all of this can take a while, and if you do not know what you are doing, then it can take even longer.

2. You Do Not Know What to Look For

Smoke damage may not always be readily visible. The damage may have extended to behind the drywall and impacted the building’s insulation. Soot may have made its way inside various electronics that you need to address or risk short circuiting something valuable. Damage restoration experts will not stop until they have inspected every last area of the building.

3. No Access to the Right Tools

To adequately carry out smoke cleaning, you need some heavy-duty tools. Purchasing these items outright can be rather expensive, and you are honestly better off simply hiring professionals to come out who already have the necessary tools. Hopefully this kind of thing will not happen again, so you may never need to use a thermal fogger again.

Smoke damage can upset business operations for a while, which only makes it more paramount to take care of it posthaste. Do not waste time trying to fix things on your own. Always contact the professionals.

For more on smoke damage visit us at http://www.SERVPROlynnwood.com.

SERVPRO of Lynnwood Supports the Lynnwood Chamber

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood is a proud member of the Lynnwood Chamber. While 2020 and 2021 have been difficult years for networking and connecting with community members we have been lucky to attend many online meetings and listen to how other businesses were handling the unique struggles of the year. The Lynnwood Chamber allows us to learn more about supporting our local businesses and contributing to important initiatives that affect us as local businesses. We think everyone should be involved and aware!

The Chamber objectives are:

  • To advance membership success
  • To build a strong local economy
  • To help business people make connections
  • To promote a vibrant community
  • To represent the interest of business with government

SERVPRO of Lynnwood will continue our support of the chamber to foster educational development, to network with local business owners and demonstrate our compassion for community growth and excellence. If you are interested in joining the Lynnwood Chamber or looking for resources in our community visit their website at https://www.lynnwoodchamber.org/.

Fostering Company Culture at SERVPRO of Lynnwood

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Team Member volunteering One of Our Team Members Delivers to the Local Food Bank

Many people ask about the ‘Company Culture’ of a workplace and how it influences the day-in, day-out workflow and ‘feel’ of an organization. Here at SERVPRO of Lynnwood we are serious about providing an inclusive family-oriented work environment where everyone feels appreciated and recognized for their contributions. We foster a positive company culture by:

  • Celebrating Birthdays – Each employee is celebrated with a cake of their choice and a hand signed card from all team members. The ‘Happy Birthday” song is always in order. It is important to give recognition on their special day!
  • Team Meetings Recognizing Specific Accomplishments- When employees have earned a certification, received customer praise or gone above and beyond for the team they are given special recognition with announcements and applauds from all. We like to show recognition especially when well-deserved. Frequent prize incentives are included!
  • Celebrating Families at the Holidays- Around the Holidays we feel it is important to include our employees and their families as well in mutual celebration. Significant others and children are invited for a meal and presented with gifts to show our appreciation. At SERVPRO the whole family matters!
  • Volunteering in the Community- We take turns donating to different nonprofits and charities in our communities that are close to our hearts. Employees participate by donating food, clothing, toys and their time during drives and donation drop-offs. We feel it is important to foster a sensing of caring and community support as a team.
  • Company Book Club- Each quarter we share in a team book club. The books we choose are motivational and learning focused. We share thoughts and feedback from our reading on how to grow personally and professionally.

SERVPRO of Lynnwood is always working to foster an environment for positivity, growth, and inspiration. We believe in promoting from within and helping our employees reach their full potential by showing them the respect and attention they deserve. It is our belief that to serve our customers best we need a strong, healthy, and happy team. We would love to hear how your organization fosters company culture, please share with us!

Building Managers: Are You Prepared for The Next Emergency?

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency app ERP Application

Are You Prepared for The Next Emergency?

Building Mangers have tough and complicated jobs! A wide array of moving parts, managing vendors, and making sure systems are running properly. SERVPRO of Lynnwood is here to make your job easier!

Why is it that emergencies seem to always happen at the most inopportune times- In the middle of the night or when no one is around? The job of Building Manager itself is hard enough but when the flood gates open life can become even more stressful. If you have been in the building management industry for quite some time it’s likely you have experienced a water, fire or sewage issue. Did you feel prepared? Did you know what to do and who to call?  For building managers SERVPRO of Lynnwood strives to be a trusted and reliable vendor for these difficult situations that arise. One of the many tools we offer is the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). This is a profile, created jointly between you and SERVPRO that lists all of the information with detailed directions and pictures you would need in the time of an emergency. It lists information such as:

  • Nearest Police, Fire and Hospital Contact Information and Locations
  • Major utility shut-off locations and photos: Water, Gas, Electric
  • Major Contact Information: Decision-Makers, Insurance, Vendors
  • Building plans, access information

Let us help you be prepared before the disaster unfolds! ERPs are FREE, no strings attached and are a great resource for the unexpected. SERVPRO of Lynnwood would love to be your preferred emergency services vendor, call us at 425-774-1148 for a complimentary walk-through to get started!

Health and Safety Precautions During Covid-19 at SERVPRO of Lynnwood

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Covid-19 Decontamination Team members wear full PPE while decontaminating suspected or confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic our team members have been extremely mindful of our safety operations as SERVPRO is considered an ‘essential service’ to the community. It is our number one goal to protect the health of our employees and customers. To accomplish a safe working environment, we have strict protocols in place based off CDC guidelines. We would like to share the details of our safety precautions so you can feel at ease when working with our team.

  • Our team wears masks in and around the office to minimize covid-19 spread, we provide masks and gloves to all our employees.
  • Every morning employees enter through one door and immediately utilize a hand washing station. Employees are instructed to wash each time they leave and re-enter the facility.
  • Employee’s temperatures are recorded every morning and they answer a questionnaire ensuring them have not had any exposures nor feel any symptoms of covid-19.
  • Our facility and fleet vehicles are sanitized daily. We also have a full-time employee responsible for sanitizing all touchpoints and equipment throughout the facility daily.
  • Our facility doors are locked and are only accessible by key card. Deliveries and visitors are kept to an absolute minimum and go through a screening process as well.
  • Offices desks are spaced more than 6 feet apart and have partitions separating workspaces.
  • While driving and on jobsites technicians are required to wear masks, gloves, and booties, which are disposed of after each job.

Occasionally we will have customers make special requests related to covid-19 protocols which we are happy to accommodate within reason. Making our customers feel comfortable and safe is our priority. If you need service but have questions about covid-19 protocols, please contact our team and we will be happy to speak with you. Additionally, we continue to offer covid-19 decontamination for commercial properties while wearing full PPE for suspected and confirmed cases. Call us 24/7 at 425-774-1148. 

How Safe Is Your Building?

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Every Spring we celebrate Building Safety Month. This may not be a widely recognized event but in our industry and to SERVPRO, it is very important in recognizing emergency preparedness. We put a special emphasis on educating insurance/commercial property professionals, as well as the general public on the importance of disaster preparedness and innovations in building safety. These two topics go hand in hand when making sure you and your family remains safe when disaster strikes. By having a disaster plan ahead of time, it will save you time, money and keep your mind at ease.

When a flood has occurred, you must start working immediately in attempt to protect as much of your property as possible. It only takes minutes for your property to become damaged and not acting can cause more. Calling SERVPRO of Lynnwood immediately to handle the problem should be the first step. Waiting to call or trying to handle it on your own could cause more damage and make it harder to restore. SERVPRO is faster to any disaster and will arrive with their trained team ready make the problem like the problem never happened. When SERVPRO arrives, they will start to use their advanced equipment and proven techniques to remove the water as quickly as possible. From then on, SERVPRO will begin drying the structure and any items that have been affected by the flood. If necessary SERVPRO will take extra steps to protect your home from further damage and will closely monitor the property to make sure nothing more needs to be done. We monitor ongoing job-sites to make sure there is no mold growth, or another problem arises. Calling as soon as possible will help this process move faster and ultimately save money. A few hours can be the difference between no damage, some damage and significant, long lasting damage. A quick response allows SERVPRO of Lynnwood to restore items and not replace them saving even more money, call our trusted team for assistance at 425-774-1148.

The Importance of Professional Job Training

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Even when hiring someone that has experience in this industry, on the job training is still a necessity. On the job training goes much farther than making sure your staff is trained for any job they might come across. On the job training ensures that everybody in the company understands what is going on throughout every job and are held to the company standards. Everybody being on the same page ensures that project managers, technicians and office personnel all understand our job process, therefore it can be explained to the clients properly.

Oftentimes company standards differ in some ways from the industry standards because the industry standards are set to just the necessities. Employees being trained should understand why we do a job a certain way this will advance their career and further their abilities. Getting the job done isn’t good enough, getting the job done right and making sure the customer is 100% satisfied is the SERVPRO way.

Our employees are constantly receiving training and safety debriefs so that we can take on high level jobs and continue to grow our areas of expertise. It also is a benefit for the employee because they will be better at their job, helping them foster professional growth. Job training is vital to the success of the company, and it makes sure everybody is on the same page, doing the job right, all the time.

SERVPRO of Lynnwood goes above and beyond. We begin our training process with hours of SERVPRO training videos followed by the ECTP (Employee Certification Training Program). Employees must pass a series of six exams with anywhere from twenty to eighty questions. Employees begin work in our warehouse where they become familiarized with types of equipment, products and tools we use along with the appropriate cleaning process. After in-office training our employees join our team on the job sites where the process is explained as the work is performed. All employees receive hands on experience and are offered growth opportunities as time goes on such as certification opportunities in different fields. If you interested in learning more about working at SERVPRO of Lynnwood please reach out to us on our website for general inquires and open positions.

Is There Mold In Your Crawlspace?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Crawlspace Mold Make sure to have your crawlspace inspected on an annual basis to check for possible signs of microbial growth.

Do you have problems with moisture in your crawlspace? Has a water leak caused mold, mildew or wood rot?

Crawl spaces are prone to mold growth due to the high levels of moisture and humidity in these areas. Some of the most common causes of increased levels of humidity in the crawl space include water leaks, damaged insulation, and inadequate ventilation. To get rid of a mold problem in the crawl space, you have to control the moisture and humidity levels. Review our tips for how to prevent mold issues:

  • Check for water leaks in the foundation walls and crawl space ceiling — make sure there are no cracks that allow water to leak inside the crawl space. While checking for cracks, be sure to also inspect the HVAC ducts and plumbing components for leaks.
  • Ensure that the gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. Water that flows toward your house could enter your crawl space and basement.
  • Make sure your crawl space is properly ventilated — for every 150 square feet of crawl space area, there should be 1 square foot of ventilation. However, consult a professional to determine if you should keep the crawl space vents closed and, if so, find other ways to control the humidity in the crawl space.
  • Use plastic sheeting covers to insulate/encapsulate the crawl space floor and foundation walls. Vapor barriers like plastic sheeting covers trap the moisture that is evaporating from the soil and walls.
  • If your crawl space is already insulated, inspect the insulation once or twice a year. Make sure the insulation is not missing or sagging, which indicates that there could be a water problem.
  • Make sure dryer vents always discharge to the outside and not into the crawl space, attic or other area of the house. If they don’t, this can lead to a major increase in humidity. If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:
  • Call SERVPRO of Lynnwood at 425-774-1148. Our trained and certified mold remediation technicians can diagnose your crawlspace moisture problem and get your crawlspace dried out in no time. Our technicians will remove any wet insulation in your crawlspace, treat the mold and mildew with an anti-microbial solution, dry the wet floor joists or subfloor, and remove and reset the vapor barrier so that you have no more problems of moisture damaging your home environment.
  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.
  • What to Do:
  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Lynnwood for mold remediation services; 425-774-1148
  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.

SERVPRO of Lynnwood Supports EASC

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lynnwood is proud to be involved in the local community through a variety of ways. Our team has been a member of EASC (Economic Alliance of Snohomish County) since it was founded.

In 2011, the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, the Everett Chamber of Commerce, and the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce merged to create Economic Alliance Snohomish County. These three organizations wanted to strengthen efforts to create economic vitality for Snohomish County. As a chamber of commerce, they provide networking events, offer business resources and organize high level signature events that convene the county’s leadership for key updates and high-level conversations.

Economic Alliance Snohomish County is a non-profit serving as a combined economic development organization and countywide chamber of commerce. Economic Alliance Snohomish County is a catalyst for economic vitality resulting in stronger communities, increased job creation, expanded educational opportunities, and improved infrastructure. Not only is our membership a great networking tool to connect with local business, it affords us the opportunity to support business owners and non-profits.

We are proud to support our community by participating in and sponsoring annual events throughout the years organized by EASC such as trade shows, fundraisers, annual networking and ‘state of the city announcements’. SERVPRO of Lynnwood will continue our support of EASC (Economic Alliance of Snohomish County) to foster educational development, to network with local business owners and demonstrate our compassion for community growth and excellence. SERVPRO of Lynnwood looks forward to continuing our support and involvement for many more years.

CPR Training at SERVPRO of Lynnwood

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

As emergency responders SERVPRO of Lynnwood experiences daily the importance of a rapid and efficient response. Life can change in a matter of minutes which is why we know the best way to expect the unexpected is to be prepared. What better way to celebrate preparedness than to certify our employees in CPR and First Aid training?

We teamed up with one of our favorite associations; PHCCWA (Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of Washington) to host a CRP and First Aid class at our facility in Lynnwood. Many of our association members and our team members attended to renew their certifications.

We think CRP and First Aid training is important in the work place for many reasons;

  • Having trained employees can make a substantial difference in your ability to maintain a safe work environment. They will be able to respond more quickly and effectively when medical emergencies occur.
  • This training and knowledge provides a sense of security and promotes a more confident work environment.
  • As staff becomes more prepared and responsive – they also become more aware of their surroundings and more likely to spot potential hazards. This inspires a ‘safety culture’.
  • 25% of all emergency room visits can be avoided with basic first aid and CPR certification.
  • Safety precautions and preparedness applies to ANY industry of ANY size.

There are many local resources that can help you get CPR and First Aid Certified such as The Red Cross or local Snohomish County fire departments. Call SERVPRO of Lynnwood to speak to one of our Marketing Specialists in order to learn more about how you can be personally prepared; 425-774-1148.

Reflecting on 2019 Growth and Changes for the SERVPRO Brand

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

What new and exciting things will be coming in 2020?

This past year SERVPRO celebrated 50 years of service at our annual convention in Sacramento, CA; where it all started. Our convention updates revealed some exciting news; that we would become part of a larger picture to promote growth and success. Over the years our corporate team has built an incredibly solid foundation, and the team is ready to start the next chapter of SERVPRO History! This past year SERVPRO announced it would be become part of Blackstone’s private equity portfolio to maximize value-add and industry relations. SERVPRO grew monumentally last year and has exceed growth every year for the past 30 years; yielding a total of 2.4 billion dollars in 2019.

Blackstone Investment was based on several truths;

  • SERVPRO is a market leading platform in a large and highly fragmented recession-resistant industry
  • We have demonstrated long-term organic growth with resilience through economic cycles
  • We have an attractive asset-light financial profile with predictable royalty revenues, high contribution margins and low capital requirements
  • Our healthy franchise system retains tenured operators and strong franchise economics
  • The future holds numerous compelling growth opportunities
  • We hold a highly experienced management team with a strong track record of delivering proven results

 The SERVPRO brand has created a “One Team” Initiative which SERVPRO of Lynnwood is proud to stand by. Looking into 2020 we work toward growth and development while standing by the following mantra;

“Align our Focus and Improve Results on our Mutually Critical Outcomes:

The Customer Service Experience, Revenue and Profit Growth, and Management and Staff Development.”

Follow SERVPRO of Lynnwood on our journey to growth in 2020 as we work with Blackstone to build our brand in new and exiting ways!

Make A Profit and Most Importantly A Difference

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Many people think that monetary rewards are what define a successful business, however, is this really true?

Most people start businesses with the goal of turning a profit, becoming rich, and making sure the shareholders are always happy. At SERVPRO of Lynnwood we think a successful difference is more than turning a profit. SERVPRO thinks that a successful business is defined by helping people in their time of need. SERVPRO is a successful business because we strive to make a difference and make lives better. People often call us heroes when we show up fast, keep them up to date and solve their problems.

SERVPRO is the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world; we have achieved this by hard work and caring about people. SERVPRO makes sure the customer is heard, we know what matters to them, and we make sure they understand the process of what we’re doing. During cleaning and restoration, it can be stressful for the client. We understand their stress and make sure that they are involved in the process and nothing is hidden from them. SERVPRO provides 24 hour a day emergency service which is no easy feat. Our team often answers calls in the middle of the night and on holidays simply because we want to help all customers any time of the day or night with their emergencies. Our business model is to make sure that we keep our customers in mind and never focus on solely profit, but the people. We believe success will come by focusing on customers, clients and employees. Count on our trusted team in your time of need; call SERVPRO of Lynnwood at 425-774-1148.

Unwanted Spores: Understanding Mold Growth in Your Home

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

The air in your home is full of different substances, and there are always continuous spores floating around. While they normally have no harmful effects on your building, the right conditions could allow them to take hold and create dangerous black mold buildup.

If a moisture problem or other circumstance occurs in your Lynnwood, WA house, it’s important to get help from a licensed mold cleanup service as soon as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about this potential household hazard;

Favorable Conditions for growth  are like any other living thing, mold needs the right environment to flourish, and there are a few areas of your house where these circumstances are more likely. Go through your home and make a note if you notice the following: Indoor humidity levels above 50 percent

Water leaks

Lack of sunlight

Stagnant air

Permeable surfaces such as newspaper and blankets

You can prevent some of the favorable conditions for mold on your own by opening window shades, operating fans and installing dehumidifiers, others might require intervention by experts such as basement waterproofing contractors.

Your goal should be a space with plenty of moving air and low humidity levels. Common Types of Household Mold Molds come in every color of the rainbow, but there are only a few that normally grow in homes. Here’s a brief overview and how to identify them:

Penicillium is a green or blue growth usually found in areas damaged by water.

Cladosporium is quite common and usually manifests as black or green dots in fabric and carpets.

Stachybotrys chartarum, which is commonly referred to as black mold, forms in areas that are constantly wet, such as air conditioning ducts and around leaky pipes.

It’s important to understand many species look alike, so contact a remediation specialist if you suspect growth in your home. Once black mold and other growths take hold, it can be difficult to contain their progress, which is why you should take action as soon as possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROlynnwood.com for more information on mold.

5 Tips For How To Handle Mold Remediation

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Mold has had its fair share of controversy and sensationalism over the past few years. Despite the media frenzy quieting down, mold in home is still a significant and important issue for most homeowners. An increase in consumer complaints has resulted in homeowners engaging in mold remediation and cleanup process. A property owner's goal is to retain consumer confidence in home quality, safety standards, and home durability. In regards to mold in a home, there are two important factors to remember. First, you can prevent mold damage from your home by immediately addressing any of its manifestation. Second, use the proper protocol for mold mitigation. As a property owner should have a trusted team ready to respond if any issues arise.  Below is a recap of five tips to help you create an effective mold removal plan.

Tip # 1: Understand Moisture’s Role in Mold Formation.

Evaluating mold in home infestation involves more than a visible check for mold growth behind wall, flooring, or in corners. For that reason, any commercial mold damage assessment requires analytical approaches. Understand that the presence of free moisture affects mold growth significantly. Secondly, familiarize yourself with how moisture originates and gets into your home. As a homeowner you must determine the sources of moisture in your property and use its presence to locate mold growth; SERVPRO of Lynnwood specializes in providing these services at competitive prices.

Tip # 2: Create an Appropriate Remediation Plan and Documentation.

Document your mold situation in writing, video, or photography. Documentation assists cleanup experts to develop an appropriate mitigation strategy. Details of the plan include what renovations or repairs are scheduled, necessary evaluation tests, or tenant relocation during remediation. A mitigation plan helps you manage liability and identify mold growth trends.

Tip # 3: Identifying Mold Contamination Extent

As indicated before, growing mold in home can be deceptive, so it is necessary to determine the extent of contamination in your home. Determining your level of contamination influences the approach used in addressing mold damage within your home and lets you avoid exposing others to contamination.

Tip # 4: Mold Mitigation

Mitigating mold growth involves a combination of various methods inclusive of Level 1 and Level 2 remediation practices. Both levels comprise the following listed steps: Fixing leaking plumbing. This approach significantly reduces mold growth, black mold, fungus, mildew as well as using deodorization to eliminate smelly odor. Isolate contaminated areas; this entails closing all windows and doors on contaminated doorways, and other access conduits. These help to avoid the spread of black mold, fungus, mildew, dry rot, and mold spores to other locations within the home as well as reduces smelly odor.  Use misting and deodorization to reduce smelly odor caused by growing mold. Discard all mold-infected, black mold, fungus, mildew, dry rot, and other materials using appropriate disposal bags. Entrust the removal of contaminated material to a certified restoration company; such as the team at SERVPRO of Lynnwood. Ensure that you clean all wood surfaces and nonporous materials of any mold damage, dry rot, mildew, fungus, or black mold. Perform a visibility test. Inspect all infected areas of any visible contamination and mold debris, dry rot, black mold, fungus, mildew. 

Tip # 5: Evaluate the Mold Removal Plan The last step in this activity is determining whether the mold removal project achieved its objectives. Pay particular attention to any mold growth behind wall. You should implement a comprehensive mold mitigation strategy to avoid future issues.

Visit http://www.SERVPROlynnwood.com for more information on our services provided.

Preparing for Holiday Travel? Tips To Keep Your Home Safe

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Christmas and New Year’s holidays are quickly approaching. When leaving home for vacation, few people consider prepping their homes to prevent water damage. Most people go through a checklist of turning off or unplugging kitchen gadgets, but what happens if you have a leak and need a water pipe repair while you are away? A broken pipe can do a lot of damage, especially if it is left unattended for several days. 

Before leaving for an extended vacation, check your home for leaks. Examine the pipes under the sink and the water heater for any cracks or rust. Consider purchasing a water alarm that sends text alerts to your phone. Inspect the hoses that connect to any appliances. Insulate any exposed pipes, especially if you are leaving in the winter and expecting cold weather. A pipe that bursts due to freezing conditions requires repair immediately. Ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they can check in on your home periodically. If you must leave water on consider turning off the water main and drain the pipes. 

It is important to not only prep your home to prevent damage from a leak but also from a storm. Make sure your gutters are cleaned so water can flow freely through them. Check your sump pump to make sure it’s functioning properly; clear out any debris you see. Test it by filling the sump pit and turning on the pump. Check window seals and your roof for any leaks; this is especially important for areas that experience heavy rains or storms. . Returning from a vacation to find your house flooded can be devastating. A simple water pipe repair can escalate into a larger problem and can induce microbial growth. Take the time to prep your home against intruding water before you leave so that you can enjoy your vacation worry free. If you experience a problem make sure to call SERVPRO of Lynnwood at 425-774-1148 to help you mitigate any damage.