Understanding Black Mold: Key Facts and Information

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

If you have mold issues you should contact professionals to address the issue.

The Facts About Black Mold

Black mold is a type of microscopic fungus that often grows in large quantities. It’s generally found outdoors, but it can also make its way indoors. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air that settle on surfaces, and it quite often appears as an innocent little black, blue or green stain that quickly proliferates.

Ideal Conditions

Mold’s favorite places to reproduce are showers, baths, toilets, kitchens and basements – in other words, places that normally contain the three necessary conditions for it to grow and flourish.

• Water: Moisture from leaks, flooding, condensation and high relative humidity has to exist for spores to grow and reproduce. This is especially true in Navina, OK.

• Food: Like every living creature, spores need food, which they find in organic materials such as cotton, paper, leather and wood.

• Temperature: Optimal temperatures for proliferation must be warm, ranging from between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mold also likes to proliferate in dusty and dark environments containing stagnant air.

Telltale Signs

It’s not necessarily easy to tell if black mold or other fungi are invading your home because visual signs may be absent. However, a reliable clue could be a whiff of a musty, earthy scent. This specific smell almost always guarantees mold, especially if you’ve suffered a leak or flood that hasn’t dried out properly.

Control of the Problem

Since mold requires some form of water to propagate, the best way to keep it from trespassing is by solving any indoor moisture problem with the help of a knowledgeable and reliable company. If mold cleanup is necessary, or if you suspect the fungus will invade at any moment, rest assured that you can rely on professionals located in Navina, OK, to take care of your worries.

Keep an eye on any areas of your home that are especially prone to moisture. If you suspect black mold in your home, or if you notice its telltale signs, contact professionals to address the issue.

3 Tips for Preparing Your Business Against a Flood

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial storm damage in Guthrie, OK

When storm season arrives in Guthrie,OK, many business owners may begin wondering about how to protect their property from flooding. When proper preparation occurs ahead of time, damage and loss can be mitigated. Here are three tips that may help your business better prepare.

1. Ensure the Exterior Is Properly Prepped

You can help protect your business's property from flood damage by properly preparing the exterior before the storm arrives. This can mean trimming trees with branches that could fall into the building, taking down awnings, making sure doors and windows are closed and sealed, sandbagging if necessary, and any other storm proofing methods recommended for your area. Prepping beforehand can mean less cleanup after. It’s also recommended that you become familiar with the water damage professionals in your area in case flood damage does occur.

2. Keep Backup Files Updated

One of the main risks to businesses when flooding occurs is the loss of electronic equipment and the files stored on them. In many cases it’s the loss of the files that’s the bigger disaster. One of the best ways your company can prevent this is to keep backups at an alternate location or in the cloud. If you have a server, your IT company may already do this for you. If your equipment suffers damage, these backups can be uploaded into repaired or replacement machines.

3. Move Necessary Items and Equipment to a Safe Area

Another way to protect your company from storm damage is to move the items you wish to protect to a safe location. This could be an upper floor or a room at the center of the building that’s away from doors and windows. In the event the building does flood, these items will be less likely to be in the path of any water.

If you're in an area such as Guthrie,OK, that could experience flooding, you may want to consider these tips before the next storm. Properly preparing your business for the weather beforehand can help prevent the loss of files and property, as well as costly repairs

Keeping Your Home Cooling System Mold-Free

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Most homes have a cooling system, usually a swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler)

Here Are Three Cooling System Basics You Should Know

In today’s climate-controlled homes, it’s easy to forget about your cooling system until it malfunctions. A leaking swamp cooler or dirty air ducts are signs it’s time to check your indoor air quality.

1. Swamp Cooler vs. Air Conditioner
Most homes have a cooling system, usually either a swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler) or a central air conditioner. Air conditioners use liquid refrigerant, fans, and a series of ducts to force cooled air to all rooms of the home. An evaporative cooler uses water, a cellulose pad, and a fan to cool the air. Because of their smaller size and lack of an extensive vent system, the latter is typically used for one room or a small space. The cellulose pad is constantly being soaked with water, which can lead to mold growth.

2. Humid vs. Dry Air
The home cooling system you should use depends on your location and climate. Homes in areas with low humidity are often equipped with swamp coolers because the air is dry enough to inhibit mold damage. In places with high humidity, such as the Southeastern states, it’s better to use a central air conditioning system because it doesn’t rely on water to cool the air. An evaporative cooler can add too much extra humidity to the air in an already humid climate; a leaking swamp cooler can harbor mold.

3. Clean vs. Dirty Equipment
The best way to keep your indoor air healthy, no matter where you live, is to maintain your air conditioner or evaporative cooler. Inspect visible components for mineral buildup and remove it if present. Check any associated ducts and drywall for signs of mold; if you find it, you’ll need the help of a mold remediation specialist in Ceres, OK. Regularly replacing the cellulose pads in swamp coolers also keeps potential mold under control.
Preventing a leaking swamp cooler or maintaining your air conditioner are key steps to healthy indoor air. When regularly serviced, your cooling system can keep your home comfortable for years to come.

3 Steps To Find Out if You Have Mold

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture leads to mold growth.

How To Tell If There's Mold In My House

While mold spores may be everywhere, most homeowners never want to have to run a mold test. The good news is that you can take steps to identify this fungus and have it removed before it becomes a problem.

1. Know What Mold Looks Like
Any indoor environmental specialist will tell you that mold is everywhere. That's because this tiny fungus gives off spores that float throughout the air. The problem is that these spores can grow anywhere they land and find moisture. That means any damp place in your home in Sumner, OK, is a potential home.
The good news is that you don't need to be a mold remediation professional to spot growth early. The easiest way to tell if you have mold is to know that it often starts as small black dots. You can easily identify it in your shower's grout lines, on damp walls, and outside on wood surfaces.

2. Look for Leaks
If you notice mold on an exterior wall, it isn't time to call an indoor environmental specialist yet. Instead, you need to check for an exterior leak in your house. Inspect the surrounding vents, flashing, doors, and windows. If you notice mold on interior surfaces, check the surrounding area for interior leaks. Any leaks are just going to lead to future mold problems. Therefore, you are going to need to fix these before you can truly fix the mold.

3. Know How To Remove Mold
While hiring an indoor environmental specialist is often the recommended strategy, some people prefer DIYing mold removal. If this is the case, you need to protect yourself and the rest of your home by wearing old clothes, using PPE, ventilating the area, disposing of porous materials, moistening very moldy areas before removal, turning off the HVAC unit, and keeping a shop vac handy.
Mold growth is not something a homeowner wants in their house. Therefore, you need to be ready to identify growth, remedy the source, and remove it to protect your home.

How To Handle Sewage Cleanup

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup in Ceres, OK

How To Handle Sewage Cleanup

Category three water from a sewage spill poses several dilemmas for commercial owners in Ceres, OK. The fluid has not only created water damage, but it hosts hazardous microbes that need to be removed. Therefore, to create a safe work and sales environment, proprietors need to seek professional help with their sewer cleanup, hiring a water and mold remediation company. The experts can ease the process, bringing with them the resources to handle documentation, cleaning, and rebuilding.

1. Fix the Source

Before any sanitizing can begin, crews need to evaluate the trouble's origin. This means a close inspection of the pipe system, inside and out. For example, a sewer backup can happen for several reasons:

• Obstacles blocking the flow
• External elements harming the mainline
• Damage to the internal system
  
  

Find the source, and make repairs. You don't want this event to repeat itself.

2. Evaluate Damages

The next step in sewer cleanup is to examine what has been ruined. Then, establish the procedures needed to get operations back up and running. Here, the company brings in specialists to examine walls, floors, and moisture levels. Specialists not only take air and drywall samples, but they'll measure the wetness in areas. This data is documented thoroughly, through writing and photos, and this information is used by trained staff to determine if something can be salvaged or must be removed.

3. Dry and Sterilize

A flooded toilet, unfortunately, means polluted floors and baseboards. Expect workers to begin tearing out materials. Then, they'll pull in industrial dehumidifiers that should run around the clock. Daily checks can be completed, and the equipment should be removed when employees deem it is dry enough to meet the company's high standards and IICRC expectations. In addition, the room is sterilized, destroying any remaining microbes.

4. Restore and Rebuild

Finally, with cleaning mostly done, the lead manager can arrange for final replacements and fixes, getting your shop back to functional operations.
With high national standards and continued training, SERVPRO completes all aspects of sewer cleanup. This one-stop-shop efficiently fixes the issue, giving owners and insurers excellent care and a sterile atmosphere.

3 Features of Preferred Vendors

3/5/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Stillwater and Guthrie.

Three Characteristics of Preferred Vendors

Most insurance companies maintain lists of Preferred Vendors for damage mitigation and restoration. These vendors usually share three features that lead insurers to consider their services more trustworthy than other businesses in Ceres, OK. Whether you are a homeowner or insurance agent, you should look for a vendor with the following qualifications.

1. Professional Certification

Insurers prefer to work with vendors that hold certifications recognized throughout the damage remediation industry. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification administers standards and credentials in every major restoration field, such as content cleaning, fire, water and mold. IICRC and other specialized certifications can make an insurance company more likely to cover a claim.

2. Cutting-Edge Services

The IICRC and other industry-leading organizations are always improving and updating standards and requirements. As a result, restoration professionals who train in a particular area are also required to obtain continuing education credits to maintain certification. These requirements are spread over several years and include updates that will enable these professionals to use the latest methods. Improved equipment and treatments can allow for faster and more thorough restoration.

3. High Service Standards

An insurance agent will also tend to prefer companies that maintain high service standards. SERVPRO makes it possible for an agent or adjuster to access franchise and company comparisons as well as data on response times and costs. This information enables insurers to make sure that each estimate is in line with similar jobs. Furthermore, franchisees must sign a Participation Agreement and meet all 21 guidelines to receive Insurance Client referrals.

These features can help an insurance agent or client distinguish a Preferred Vendor from other mitigation and restoration companies in Ceres, OK. Vendor programs may vary based on the insurance company, but most insurers recognize the high quality of SERVPRO. This corporation has local franchises nationwide that respond Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How Does SERVPRO Provide Fast Disaster Response?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How Does SERVPRO Provide Fast Disaster Response?

Homeowners and insurance agents should rely on a disaster mitigation and restoration company that responds quickly to calls arrives on-site within hours and provides a same-day verbal briefing. Here are several features that make SERVPRO Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Locally-Owned Franchises

The most important factor for providing a fast response to any type of disaster is the location of the mitigation and restoration company. The following features can shorten response times:

• Local or regional franchise location
  
• Certified and trained staff
  
• Ability to rely on nearby locations
  
  

An independent mitigation or restoration company may not have the level of training or the ability to bring in more equipment or personnel in the event of a large loss. A local franchise combines all of the benefits of a local business and a national company.

Locations Nationwide

No matter where you live in the United States, there is likely to be a SERVPRO franchise nearby. Whether damage only affects a single home, a limited area or is more widespread, a national network of locations allows for faster responses:

• Call response within one hour
  
• On-site consultation within four hours
  
• Verbal briefing within eight hours
  
  

If a franchise is located in your region, these response times should apply. SERVPRO excels at being Faster to Any Size Disaster because mitigation and restoration professionals are certified and trained.

All-In-One Services

The ability to rely on a single company for cleanup and rebuilding can shorten the length of the mitigation and restoration process. If you hire more than one independent company, initial estimates may not account for the full extent of the damage for the purposes of making an insurance claim. Coordinating schedules and requirements may also be more of a challenge. A one-stop-shop can simplify and streamline disaster response.

These three features make SERVPRO Faster to Any Size Disaster. Homeowners and insurance agents should consider working with a certified damage mitigation and restoration company with a location in Sumner, OK.

3 Preventative Measures For Maintaining a Mold-Free Bathroom

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

Exhaust fans should be kept on during and after a shower.

Mold Prevention In Your Bathroom

As a homeowner or renter in Guthrie, OK, you understand just how irritating it can be to consistently see mold growth popping up in your bathroom. After all, you likely take precautions to secure any leaks that may cause water damage and you keep a clean, tidy house, in general. So, what’s the culprit behind the growing mold? There can be more than one. Here are three useful measures you can take to eradicate any growth for good and ensure proper mold prevention in your bathroom for years to come.

1. Install a proper ventilation system. When it comes to keeping moisture at bay, a high-powered ventilation system is key. Exhaust fans should not only be on during a shower, but be kept on for close to 20-30 minutes after a shower as a method of keeping constant air flow throughout the space. This can help enforce a moisture-free environment in areas where high humidity are a common occurrence.

2. Keep a close eye on tile grout and caulking. Grout between your shower tiles, especially if it’s cracked in places, makes for great breeding ground for mold. Therefore, it pays to clean your grout on a weekly basis to hinder any mold growth. Furthermore, replace it every 6 months and seal it well to effectively ward off its potential spread. If you’ve noticed water damage and mold as a result of cracked grout or degraded caulking, contacting a highly-qualified mold remediation team could be crucial for eliminating any greater problem areas.

3. Focus on your shower curtains, towels, rugs and any cloth decor. Fibrous towels and rugs come into direct contact with water on a daily basis and should therefore be washed consistently. Shower curtains made of cloth should be washed in hot water or replaced by plastic varieties that can easily be wiped down and cleaned.

Once these areas of your bathroom have been addressed and any water damage has been restored, maintaining a mold-free environment in your Guthrie, OK, bathroom should be an easy task.

3 Potential Effects of a Lightning Strike to Your Home

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

A home in Stillwater, OK suffers from an electrical fire.

Home Struck During a Storm

Lightning occurs when electrical charges during a storm try to reach the ground. If the charges try to get there by way of your home in Stillwater, OK, you may experience a few problems. Lightning fire, among other issues, can cause severe damage to your home. Here are three main issues to watch for if your house is struck during a storm.

1. Damaged Pipes

Water conducts electricity well, so a strike on or near your home may channel the current through the pipes in an effort to reach the ground. There is the potential for dangerous electric shock for anyone using water coming from electrified pipes. If there is a storm in the area, it is wise to refrain from the following activities:

• Taking a shower
  
• Doing laundry
  
• Washing dishes
  
• Washing hands
  
  

2. House Fire

Your home can catch fire if lightning strikes it. A lightning fire can start at the point of contact but can quickly spread through flammable materials as the current tries to ground. If it comes into contact with flammable gas, an explosion could occur, intensifying the fire danger. Replacing the traditional shingles on your roof with metal roofing or adding a lightning rod can safeguard your home from fire damage.

3. Electrical Damage

A charge that big can give your home’s electrical system quite a surge. It can blow fuses and damage equipment that is plugged into any affected wiring. Avoid contact with wires during a storm. While fire restoration experts may be able to fix some damaged items, it is also a good idea to unplug any electronic equipment that you can during a storm. Doing so may not just save your equipment; it could also prevent a house fire caused by damaged wiring.

You may not be able to control the weather, but you can protect your home and family from the threat of a lightning fire during a storm. By taking a few precautions, you can decrease your chances of these dangers.

What Does Mold Containment and Remediation Involve?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Mold found in a home in Guthrie, OK.

So you’ve found mold in your Guthrie, OK, home. While your first step should be to contact a mold remediation specialist, while you wait for help you need to stop the spread of mold contamination and initiate proper containment prior to remediation. Containment can keep mold from spreading to uncontaminated areas – but what does mold containment and remediation actually entail?

Steps to Take for Mold Containment

Mold contamination is so serious even the CDC addresses it with guidelines for containment and remediation. For containment, you should:

1. Immediately shut off water around the affected area. Water feeds mold, and you may have a leak or broken pipe that’s making the issue worse.

2. Blot the affected area as dry as possible. Any standing water is just giving mold more fuel to breed, so dry up any water. Use gloves, as the water may contain mold contamination.

3. Shut off HVAC systems. Mold spores can spread through HVAC systems and contaminate other areas of the house.

4. Remove contaminated materials and dispose of them appropriately. Your carpet may have picked up a mold infestation, or items of clothing lying around. You may need to wait for remediation for a full tear-out, but get rid of anything disposable ASAP.

5. Seal off the area. If possible, close off the area with an airtight seal. Tape windows and doors, and close and cover air vents.

6. Use antifungals and mold prevention solutions on the rest of the house. You can use off-the-shelf antifungals as a spray defense toward the rest of your house against the spread of mold.

What Remediation Involves

A mold remediation specialist will not only check the discovered infestation but inspect your entire house thoroughly to identify any other sources of mold. The type of mold and the depth of the contamination will determine what remediation may involve, from the use of HEPA air filters to a complete tear-out of infested drywall, flooring, or carpeting.

The Ins and Outs of Black Mold

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you have mold issues you should contact professionals to address the issue.

The Facts About Black Mold

Black mold is a type of microscopic fungus that often grows in large quantities. It’s generally found outdoors, but it can also make its way indoors. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air that settle on surfaces, and it quite often appears as an innocent little black, blue or green stain that quickly proliferates.

Ideal Conditions

Mold’s favorite places to reproduce are showers, baths, toilets, kitchens and basements – in other words, places that normally contain the three necessary conditions for it to grow and flourish.

• Water: Moisture from leaks, flooding, condensation and high relative humidity has to exist for spores to grow and reproduce. This is especially true in Navina, OK.

• Food: Like every living creature, spores need food, which they find in organic materials such as cotton, paper, leather and wood.

• Temperature: Optimal temperatures for proliferation must be warm, ranging from between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mold also likes to proliferate in dusty and dark environments containing stagnant air.

Telltale Signs

It’s not necessarily easy to tell if black mold or other fungi are invading your home because visual signs may be absent. However, a reliable clue could be a whiff of a musty, earthy scent. This specific smell almost always guarantees mold, especially if you’ve suffered a leak or flood that hasn’t dried out properly.

Control of the Problem

Since mold requires some form of water to propagate, the best way to keep it from trespassing is by solving any indoor moisture problem with the help of a knowledgeable and reliable company. If mold cleanup is necessary, or if you suspect the fungus will invade at any moment, rest assured that you can rely on professionals located in Navina, OK, to take care of your worries.

Keep an eye on any areas of your home that are especially prone to moisture. If you suspect black mold in your home, or if you notice its telltale signs, contact professionals to address the issue.

Here to Help After The Winter Storm

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO Team Jones, we are no strangers of disaster.

The chain of events that began the week before Valentine’s Day has been a never-before-seen national disaster. The ice and snow that quickly piled up, the subzero temperatures that marched in with it, as well as the 50-60 mph winds across many states paralyzed daily life. All in all, 150 million people in 25 states, in a 2000 mile stretch from southern Texas to northern Maine were affected. Over 5 million people were without power, along with hundreds of thousands without water, sewer and natural gas including many of our own teammates.

At SERVPRO Team Jones, we are no strangers of disaster and over the last 15 years our Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team has traveled coast to coast helping those in need. This time around, it was OUR backyard and OUR neighbors who needed the help. With over 30,000 calls in the last two weeks for disaster cleanup, SERVPRO has hundreds of crews from across the country that are leaving their home states to help. Many of these men and women spent months away from their families and friends recently helping our friends on the Gulf Coast.

While the heavy snow and ice did delay many of these crews from being able to hit the road, as well as most trucking services ceasing operations, reinforcements are still coming in daily to help. As neighbors, we’d like to ask for your patience and understanding as our disaster recovery crews are working 7 days a week to put our community back together one building and one family at a time. Many of these crews are working 14-16 hours a day but their relentless servant hearts won’t let them give up on you.

We’re human- we’re going to make mistakes, we’re going to drop the ball sometimes and in a disaster this widespread we won’t be able to make it to every single loss as quickly as we want to. We will keep trying, we will keep working, we will keep drying, disinfecting, cleaning and restoring. It is what we do – it’s how we’re made – it’s what makes us tick.

If you happen to see one of those bright green SERVPRO trucks from here or from out of town– give them a wave. These real-life heroes are trying their best for you. A little smile or a wave is great encouragement to all those that left their friends and families behind to answer your calls for help. Thank you for understanding, thank you for trusting in us and thank you for believing in us.

How Do I Know If I Am Handling Black Water?

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Flood from contaminated water in a Sumner, OK school.

Ways To Identify The Type Of Water That Is Leaking Into Your Property

Not all leaks are equal in Sumner, OK. When you experience a severe leak or flood on your property, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent water damage. The water that enters a building is categorized by the following characteristics:

• Clean water
  
• Gently used water
  
• Contaminated wastewater
  
  

Here are some ways to identify the type of water that is leaking into your property.

Find the Source of the Water
Knowing the source of the water entering the building is the first way to identify unsanitary water. If the water is coming from a water supply line, it is unlikely to be harmful to your health. Water that is sourced from a drainage pipe or a clogged toilet is highly toxic and should be dealt with safely. Locate the leak to determine the type of water.

Clean Water and Gray Water Sources
Clean water is water that is drinkable. A clean water leak is not toxic but should be cleaned quickly to prevent water damage to the building. Gray water is somewhat contaminated, having been gently used in sinks, showers, or washing machines. Though gray water is lightly contaminated, it is not as toxic as category 3 water.

Category 3 Water
Category 3 water, or black water, is highly toxic and, in most cases, is sourced from sewage. This type of water should be handled with extra precaution. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and bodysuits, if you will be cleaning water from sewers or drainage pipes. It is best to contact a professional water cleanup and restoration service to clean and restore your property from category 3 water damage.
Your local SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and can properly restore your property today. If you have experienced a leak or flood from contaminated water, be sure to contact the experts preferred by most insurance companies. Acting fast will prevent severe water damages to your property.

Avoiding Mold Related Lawsuits in Rental Properties

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial mold growth

Unchecked mold growth in rental properties can not only lead to mold insurance claims but lawsuits against property managers. It is important for property owners to take steps to avoid potential mold-related lawsuits.

Responsibility for Mold Prevention

Landlords and tenants share responsibility for mold remediation in rental properties. Mold is usually caused by excess moisture. Tenants are responsible for taking steps to minimize excess moisture:

• Using exhaust fans
  
• Keeping their residence well-ventilated
  
• Properly venting dryers
  
• Cleaning
  
• Wiping up condensation
  
• Reporting mold problems to the property owner
  
  

Landlords are expected to fix any leaks in the roof, windows, pipes or foundation promptly. Additionally, they may need to utilize the services of a mold remediation company in Guthrie, OK, to remove existing mold growth or dry out the wet property.

Handling Mold Cleanup
The cause of the mold is usually the factor that determines whether the property owner or the tenant is responsible for mold cleanup. Mold insurance claims may cover the cost of some types of mold damage. Generally, if the tenant's negligence caused the mold problem, the tenant will be responsible for the cost of mold cleanup. However, if the mold resulted from a properly reported leak, the property manager will most likely be responsible.

Legal Issues
Legal responsibility for mold damage varies by city and state. In some places, mold may fall under regulations that govern indoor air quality, requirements of habitability or legal nuisance. In cases where mold resulted due to the tenant's negligence, the property owner is usually not liable. However, because liability can result from the negligence of the property owner, all mold claim related lawsuits should be taken seriously.
Mold insurance claims may cover the cost of repairing some conditions, such as leaking roofs or pipes, that can lead to mold problems that are the responsibility of property owners. Promptly addressing mold issues reported by tenants is key to avoiding potential lawsuits.

Top 4 Mold FAQs

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Perry, OK

Top 4 Mold FAQs

Mold growth is an extremely common issue that the vast majority of homeowners do have to deal with at some point. Ensuring that you take care of the problem quickly and effectively is the best way to prevent a tiny mold problem from spiraling out of control. Read on to have some of your common questions answered, especially if you suspect that your Perry, OK, home is suffering from a mold issue.

1. Where is Mold Commonly Found?
Mold thrives in damp, dark places. This means that rooms, such as your kitchen, bathroom, garage and basement are all especially susceptible to unwanted mold. Any areas in your home that have recently suffered some type of water damage are also at risk.

2. How Can You Tell Whether You Have a Mold Problem?
You can usually spot mold with the naked eye. Black mold, one of the most common residential varieties, looks like a dark black or green stain that spreads across the surface of an object. A musty or dank smell is also a good indication of a mold presence.

3. How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?
Keeping your home as clean and dry as possible is the best way to prevent a mold issue. This involves cleaning spills and leaks as soon as they occur, ensuring your home doesn't suffer from high humidity levels and properly ventilating your home to prevent condensation from building up. Performing regular mold inspections can also help you catch the issues while they're still small.

4. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Mold is a living organism, so it's natural to assume that you'd be able to get rid of it simply by depriving it of its vital nutrients. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Cutting off the mold's access to water and organic matter could potentially halt its spread, but it won't kill the existing mold.
It's important that you address a mold issue swiftly and effectively in order to prevent the situation from becoming worse. If you discover unwanted mold growth in your home, make sure to contact mold remediation experts immediately.

Keeping Your Home Cooling System Mold-Free

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Most homes have a cooling system, usually a swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler)

Here Are Three Cooling System Basics You Should Know

In today’s climate-controlled homes, it’s easy to forget about your cooling system until it malfunctions. A leaking swamp cooler or dirty air ducts are signs it’s time to check your indoor air quality.

1. Swamp Cooler vs. Air Conditioner
Most homes have a cooling system, usually either a swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler) or a central air conditioner. Air conditioners use liquid refrigerant, fans, and a series of ducts to force cooled air to all rooms of the home. An evaporative cooler uses water, a cellulose pad, and a fan to cool the air. Because of their smaller size and lack of an extensive vent system, the latter is typically used for one room or a small space. The cellulose pad is constantly being soaked with water, which can lead to mold growth.

2. Humid vs. Dry Air
The home cooling system you should use depends on your location and climate. Homes in areas with low humidity are often equipped with swamp coolers because the air is dry enough to inhibit mold damage. In places with high humidity, such as the Southeastern states, it’s better to use a central air conditioning system because it doesn’t rely on water to cool the air. An evaporative cooler can add too much extra humidity to the air in an already humid climate; a leaking swamp cooler can harbor mold.

3. Clean vs. Dirty Equipment
The best way to keep your indoor air healthy, no matter where you live, is to maintain your air conditioner or evaporative cooler. Inspect visible components for mineral buildup and remove it if present. Check any associated ducts and drywall for signs of mold; if you find it, you’ll need the help of a mold remediation specialist in Ceres, OK. Regularly replacing the cellulose pads in swamp coolers also keeps potential mold under control.
Preventing a leaking swamp cooler or maintaining your air conditioner are key steps to healthy indoor air. When regularly serviced, your cooling system can keep your home comfortable for years to come.

Simple Ways To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Building

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Research your climate

Mold Prevention Strategies

Water damage to your Perry, OK, property can lead to mold growth. That is why any wet areas should be dried immediately. Quick mitigation will reduce the chances of mold harming the floors or walls.
Yet this is not the only way to limit the spread of mold. Below are some additional mold prevention strategies you can enact in your buildings.

1. Consider Mold-Resistant Products
The next time you renovate your property, try using sheet rock or drywall that resists mold damage. Since paperless drywall is water resistant, it is particularly useful in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas.

2. Maintain Low Humidity
Even if your property has no major water damage, humid air alone can encourage the development of mold. You should thus keep indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent at all times. You can buy a moisture meter to measure the humidity level in the building. You should also watch out for condensation on walls or windows, as this could be a sign that the humidity is too high.

3. Research Your Climate 
Southern states and northern states have humidity problems at different times of the year. You should keep these variances in mind when enacting your mold prevention strategy. Make sure that your plan is specifically tailed to the weather in Perry, OK.

4. Check the Gutters
Roof leaks are a common cause of mold damage. That’s because clogged gutters often force excess water back into the building. You should thus have the gutters cleaned and inspected regularly.
By addressing water damage immediately and following the above steps, you can limit the growth of mold in your property. Still, even if you have a solid prevention plan, mold could still end up in your carpet, walls, or floors. Mold remediation professionals should clean up a contaminated building quickly so you and your employees can get back to work.

3 Disadvantages of Using Mold Testing Kits at Home

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

Mold testing is the best way to determine its presence in the location

Mold Testing In Your Home

Not all mold inside your Ceres, OK, home is visible. Mold testing is the best way to determine its presence in the location. As you search for testing options, you might hear about take-home kits that allow you to detect the organism easily. Despite the simplicity of the process, it actually a few disadvantages that can greatly affect your house in the long run.

1. Vulnerability to the Environment
A mold kit is a device that is easily influenced by its environment. Since the product gets mailed to a lab for analysis, harsh shipping and handling conditions like cold, heat and others can affect the results. Additionally, the kit has no expiration date, so you cannot be certain of its quality. The kit may have been contaminated by something else or the chemicals may not be as effective.

2. Inaccurate Results
Another reason you should not attempt DIY mold detection is how inaccurate the results can be. Most kit mold testing focuses on the presence of mold spores themselves. However, these spores are always present and only develop when the right conditions are met. Without this context, the results of a test will always be positive, even though that may not be the case. Some unreliable kits can also do the opposite and detect a low amount of mold spores when it is actually higher, putting your home at risk.

3. Lack of Additional Information
A test kit lacks the information you will need to eliminate the problem. It only informs you if mold spores are present or not, and even that information can be dubious. An environmental hygienist will use a control sample to conduct a more accurate, on-the-spot test. This specialist will also discuss the mold type, the source, and the best tactic to combat it with the assistance of a mold remediation technician.
Even though mold testing with a take-home kit sounds appealing due to its accessibility, it has too many drawbacks to be worth it. Consult with a professional instead to receive more detailed results that are useful in mold elimination.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

Drying equipment in place in Stillwater, OK

Although a broken pipe can create unexpected water in home, there are many other ways that water can creep in and slowly begin to create extensive damage. Prevention is the key to keeping your Stillwater, OK, home, or property dry and smelling like it should.

Prevention Tips

Keeping water at bay means being familiar with all aspects of a property, from the plumbing to the foundation and roof. Below are some key preventive measures that every property owner should consider:

Basement Water Seepage: If faced with a flooded basement or a constant musty odor, there could be cracks in the foundation, floor slabs, or around the windows. Ensure that water drains away from the foundation. This may involve regrading or adding landscaping to steer water away. In some cases, a waterproofing system, sump pump, or backwater valve may need to be installed for complete peace of mind.
Plumbing: While hidden damage can lead to extensive pipe cleanup, there are signs and ways to verify a plumbing system is correctly working. Regular inspect appliances, showers, tubs, sinks, and other water sources. Check that caulk and seals are damage free. Inspect main pipes for any cracks.
Downspouts: A blocked gutter system is a sure way to welcome unwanted water. Regularly clean gutters, downspouts, and rains of debris. Ensure that spouts are directed away from the foundation.
Roofs: Missing, damaged or old shingles can leave a roof’s membrane exposed, which can quickly lead to extensive damage on the exterior and interior.

Repairing the Damage
When faced with water in-home, that doesn’t mean that all will be lost. At the first signs of damage, call water damage, and remediation expert to inspect the property. If left to its own devices, a small water issue can quickly become a major restoration project. Count on professionals that can heed the call for help 24/7 to minimize the damage.
Although the unexpected can happen, taking a few preventive steps can ensure water in a home doesn’t become a long-lasting problem.

How Commercial Ceiling Tile Maintenance Prevents Larger Issues

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling maintenance is important to your business

As a Navina, OK, business owner, you are responsible for the facility's overall maintenance. One of these tasks involves the upkeep of your ceiling tiles, especially if you find tile mold. Discoloration and dirt not only ruin the look of the building, but they can also signal larger issues. Learn about the importance of inspecting tiles, as well as how to maintain and replace them.

Title Inspections and Their Benefits

Perform a ceiling inspection and look for tile discoloration at least twice a year. This simple procedure creates a variety of advantages for your business.

• Ensures building's code compliance
  
• Finds aging sections of the building to renovate
  
• Encourages aesthetic consistency
  
• Warns about potential water damage
  
  

The last benefit is the most crucial since untreated water incidents can escalate to flooding, structural damage, and more. Contact plumbing and commercial building restoration specialists to resolve these bigger issues.

Tile Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance routines are important in every part of your business, even the ceiling. Dirt and bacteria can build up, especially near porous material. The most efficient way of cleaning tiles involves applying a light amount of cleaner to a damp cloth, then wiping them. If you have tile mold, bring in professional assistance, as they have the appropriate tools and cleaning agents for your location. If you see scratches, cracks, and spots, touch them up as much as possible.

Tile Replacement
When the tiles are too discolored or damaged to fix, the most efficient move is to replace them. Conduct a thorough inspection for any tiles that need replacement so you have the correct quantity. Add a few extra tiles to that order in case you need them. Ensure that the current pattern is available before purchase. Follow directional arrows in the old tiles to install the pattern correctly.
Ceiling maintenance is important to your business. From helping you eliminate unsightly tile mold and dirt to warning you of greater problems, this practice helps improve your commercial location.

How to Eliminate the Moldy Smell in Your Bathroom

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning supplies for mold damage

If you’ve ever had to tackle mold in your bathroom, most likely you’ve also dealt with the musty odor that can accompany it. When mold grows in a warm, moist environment, it can produce a biological toxin called mycotoxin. When these toxins are released into the air, they emit a strong and unpleasant odor.

How to Remove The Musty Smell

In order to get rid of the nasty smell, mold remediation needs to take place. Here are some simple steps to follow when removing mold in your bathroom in Guthrie, OK.

Fill a clean spray bottle with either full strength white vinegar or a mixture of 1 cup borax to a gallon of water. Either solution works great and is safe to use.
Spray the solution on the affected area. Make sure to cover the area well.
Wipe the area dry with a clean cloth.

How to Keep the Musty Odor From Returning

In order to avoid a mycotoxin from invading your bathroom again, you need to eliminate the environment they like.

Always run an exhaust fan for several minutes after showering.
If you don’t have an exhaust fan, open the nearest window, if weather permits, and leave the bathroom door open.
You may want to buy a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.
Invest in an air filtration system.

How to Choose an Air Filtration Device

There are tons of air filtration systems on the market, but it is important that you purchase one that is classified as HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air. Be careful, though, because devices may claim to be HEPA, but aren’t able to remove mold spores from the air. The machine you choose must be able to remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, which is a really tiny particle.
Get rid of every nasty mycotoxin for good and keep your house smelling fresh.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers in your Perry, OK business can reduce the heat during a fire.

For many Perry, OK, business owners, knowing that a fire sprinkler is installed at their commercial property provides great peace of mind. But how does a sprinkler actually work when a fire is taking place? Here are the steps involved in its operation and some other facts you may not know.

Sprinkler System Benefits

There are a great number of benefits to installing fire sprinklers in your building, including the following:

• They reduce the heat, smoke and flames present during a fire.
• They can minimize the risk of property damage.
• They often put out a fire before firefighters even have a chance to arrive at the scene.

Since a fire sprinkler system can save lives and reduce the risk of damage, it really does pay to have one installed at your place of business.

How Sprinklers Operate

A sprinkler system consists of a pipe network filled with pressured water. This network is installed behind your building’s walls and ceilings, with the exterior sprinklers placed along your piping system. If a fire should occur, the sprinklers close to the flames become activated by a high temperature - never by smoke. The pressure system allows the sprinklers to shoot out water in a forceful manner, leading to fire suppression and possibly extinguishing the flames completely.

Fire Sprinkler Cleanup

By now, it is likely that you are convinced of the many safety and financial benefits of installing a sprinkler system. But what about the destruction caused by all that water? Fortunately, a commercial fire restoration company can help. In addition to assisting you with loss from the smoke and flames, fire damage technicians can help you cleanup any water damage that occurs as a result of the sprinklers. In some cases, even important documents can be dried or otherwise salvaged.

A fire sprinkler system will help you protect more than your property. It will assist you in ensuring the safety of you and your workers in the event of a commercial fire.

How To Get Rid of Smoke in Your Building

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can cause a great deal of damage to a building or house.

Smoke Damage 

Smoke and soot can cause a great deal of damage to a building. Even if a fire breaks out in a structure that is near your commercial property in Guthrie, OK, your building could sustain smoke damage from the fire. If this happens, there are three steps you need to take immediately to make sure that any issues with your property are resolved in an efficient manner.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agent

Your commercial insurance coverage will likely pay for repairs to your property even if the soot damage is the result of a fire in a neighboring building. Timely reporting is important. The sooner you alert the insurance company that the damage exists, the sooner an adjuster can visit to determine how much you are eligible to be compensated.

2. Call a Restoration Expert

Your next contact should be certified fire restoration specialists. These technicians can assess the smoke damage in your building, formulate a plan for getting rid of it and estimate how long the process should take. They can also provide a detailed, itemized list of the necessary smoke cleaning services and how much they will cost. This list can be a valuable resource when it comes to filing your insurance claim.

3. Complete a Walkthrough

When the insurance adjuster arrives, he or she is going to walk through your property to determine what needs to be done to fix it in order to propose how much the company should cover. It is a good idea to accompany the adjuster on this walkthrough. This gives you the opportunity to provide any information he or she needs. It also helps ensure that no damage is overlooked.

A fire doesn't have to break out in your building for smoke damage to occur. If your property is affected by a fire in a nearby structure, your swift response and the help of experts is necessary to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

Leave Puffback Damage to the Professionals

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

A furnace puffback is often the result of fuel accumulation within the system

Businesses in Stillwater, OK, with an oil furnace know the importance of regular maintenance and annual inspections to keep systems operating properly. If the system gets clogged, it can result in puffback damage, which is a backfire that sends smoke and soot into the building. Not only does that affect the air quality in the building, but it also results in a mess that is difficult to clean.

What Causes a Puffback?

A furnace puffback is often the result of fuel accumulation within the system. The causes of this issue include:

Leaks – Fuel enters the furnace through a supply pipe. When in operation, high pressure and heat create air bubbles. Once the system turns off, those bubbles can expand and push unburned oil into the combustion chamber.

Shutdown Issues – Furnaces have a valve that keeps the fuel from flowing after it shuts down. If that valve is damaged, it may not properly close.
Spray Nozzle Problems – When working properly, the nozzle will properly feed fuel into the system. A clog, crack or other damage can impact the even distribution of fuel.

Improper Venting – These systems are designed to ensure gases are released to ensure a proper balance. Poor ventilation can trap the gases in the furnace, creating combustible accumulation.

Steps to Take After Puffback

After experiencing puffback damage, the first steps are to turn off the system, document the incident for insurance and contact an HVAC professional for an inspection. Once the problem is repaired and it's safe to turn back on, you are left dealing with a mess. While it may be tempting to clean it yourself, that soot contains oil and easily smears. It can also leave a long-lasting odor.
Contacting a professional restoration company can ensure the damage is properly cleaned. Along with having the tools and expertise to eradicate the visible sticky residue and lingering odor, they will inspect the entire property for hidden damage to ensure everything is back to normal.
The best bet is to avoid puffback damage by properly maintaining your heating system. Any signs of leaks or improper function should be a fast warning sign to get an inspection.

Controlling Mold in Your Home

11/28/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to turn on ventilation fans in bathrooms while showering to lessen mold growth

Tips For Controlling Mold In Your Home

Mold has been around for millions of years. Many individuals cringe at the mention of mold; however, mold is a fungus that occurs naturally in the air and on many surfaces. Mold doesn’t become a problem until moisture is present and mold growth begins to happen. If you want to avoid the negative health and financial impacts of mold, here are some tips for controlling mold in your home.

Prevent Moisture

It’s always best to prevent expensive water damage and mold. Here are some simple mold prevention tips that you can apply to your Navina, OK, home:

• Maintain an indoor humidity level below 60%. You can test the humidity level with a hygrometer.
  
• Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Make sure all exhaust fans vent outside your home.
  
• Properly maintain windows, doors, roofs, walls and plumbing. These problem areas should be checked and maintained to prevent water from entering your home.
  
• Completely dry areas that have been soaked within 24 hours. Replace carpet or rugs that have not dried properly.
  
• Consider installing waterproof flooring in high moisture areas such as bathrooms and basements.
  
  

By being proactive about mold prevention, you can form good habits that will stop major water damage and mold growth.

Remediate Problems

If you’re already experiencing some problems with mold, it’s vital to get professional help. Mold remediation specialists have the knowledge, equipment and skills necessary for mold cleanup. While you may feel like you can tackle mold on your own, it’s helpful to know that mold is easily spread through the air. Mold specialists have a detailed process that they work through to ensure that these harmful mold spores aren’t spread to other areas of your home.
Any homeowner wants to prevent mold and water damage in their home. By understanding how to prevent and properly remediate mold, you’ll be able to enjoy better air quality inside your home.

The Connection Between Water Damage and Mold Growth in Homes

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Water problems often contribute to the growth of mold in homes.

Mold can cause major damage to homes in Perry, OK and protecting your home from this type of damage is often important. When thinking about mold prevention, it can be helpful for homeowners to understand how water affects mold.

What Are Common Water Issues in Homes?

Water problems often contribute to the growth of mold in homes. There are a variety of water problems that often occur in homes, including:

• Pipe leaks or breaks
• Leaky broken or damaged appliances
• Roof leaks
• Flooding caused by an overflowing toilet
• High levels of humidity in bathrooms, attics or basements

Why Does Water Help Mold Grow?

Though some types of mold can grow in dry environments, many common types of mold need moisture in order to grow and spread. In addition to requiring water, most molds also need access to some sort of organic material in order to grow in an environment. Since homes are generally filled with organic materials that can provide mold with the nutrients and fuel it needs to thrive, only a small amount of moisture is needed for mold to grow.

How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?

There are several ways you can prevent mold from appearing in your home, and since mold prevention is often less costly and not nearly as time-consuming as mold remediation, it’s often best to focus on prevention. If your home has sustained water damage, quickly removing the water and employing water and mold damage specialists can be useful. Whether your home has or has not experienced flooding, it can be wise to inspect your home frequently. Keeping your home dry and clean, especially in areas where mold is likely to grow, can also help to discourage mold from growing in your home.

Mold commonly occurs in homes after a flood, leak or a moisture problem. Knowing water’s role in mold growth can allow you to practice efficient mold prevention methods in your home.

3 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a trusted preferred vendor for many insurance companies.

3 Reasons To Choose SERVPRO

As an insurance adjuster in Stillwater, OK when the client makes a restoration claim you may want to feel confident about the professional restoration service chosen to do the job. SERVPRO is a trusted preferred vendor for many insurance companies. There are a number of reasons for this.

SERVPRO Offers a Variety of Services

As a preferred vendor, this company can offer a variety of services for both the client and their insurance company. These include

• The ability to deal with large-scale disasters
• The ability to work with a variety damage types
• Pre-testing which may reduce claim expenses
• Availability to electronic claims information
• An inventory service
• Cleaning of both structure and damaged items
  

They Have a Quick Response Time

One important aspect of restoration company can offer both the client and the insurance adjuster, is a quick response time. In many cases the faster damage can be cleaned up and restored, especially with water damage, the less overall problems the structure may incur. This can be especially problematic with issues caused by water which can lead to potential problems with mold. Thus the ability to assess, process, and begin the restoration process quickly can be a valuable asset.

They Can Coordinate With Your Insurance

Another valuable tool a preferred provider can offer to the agent processing the insurance claim is the ability to work with the insurance company throughout the process. In many cases this may involve regular project progress reports, along with an online database of damaged inventory, referrals, estimates, paperwork, and photos of the damaged structure, along with other necessary details the agent may need.

These offerings maybe important to your client, and as an insurance adjuster may also make your ability to process the claim easier. Along with a variety of services SERVPRO can offer a quick emergency response time for many disaster types, and a number of tools that make it possible to coordinate with the insurance throughout the process. If you have any questions professional might be able to help.

The Importance of Water Damage Mitigation

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Excessive amounts of water can quickly lead to the growth of mold.

The Importance Of Water Damage Mitigation

Are you concerned about the potential growth of destructive mold at your Perry, OK home? If you frequently suffer from water-related problems and emergencies in your house, your concerns are understandable. Excessive amounts of water can quickly lead to the growth of mold in many cases - because of this fact, water damage prevention is the best method of mold prevention for most homeowners.

Halting Household Mold Growth

There are a few important steps to take in order to stop mold in its tracks when moisture damage exists or is imminent. Consider following them in this order for the best results:

1. Turn off sources of water, particularly near the source of a moisture problem
2. Turn off air conditioners and other HVAC systems
3. Turn off any fans around the house
4. Seek professional mitigation assistance for the damage

While you should always quickly follow the first three steps in a water emergency - especially if black mold is already present - the fourth and final step is typically the most essential for effective mold prevention. Even if there does not seem to be any physical mold present, any wetness that is allowed to sit around for long will likely lead to black mold. The faster you call in mitigation help, the better your chances of saving your property from mold and possibly even avoiding a destructive water situation altogether.

Calling in Professional Help

Your best bet for efficient, high-quality service and mold prevention is to contact a local Perry, OK 24/7 emergency mold remediation service that employs highly trained technicians who understand mold and water damage issues that can affect your home and belongings. A full-service company is better equipped to handle the many facets of your emergency than a more focused one would typically be, giving you a better chance of seeing full or near-full restoration of your property.

Why SERVPRO: Disaster Claims and Vendors

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stillwater and Guthrie is Faster to Any Size Disaster

Why SERVPRO?

As an insurance agent in the Guthrie, OK, area, you want to help your clients find the best restoration company when disaster strikes. With the number of companies in the field, it can be difficult to make just one suggestion, but the answer is simplified when you consider reputation and certification. SERVPRO is an industry leader in restoration and for a variety of reasons, but the top four are likely dependability, training, vendor compliance and their claims assistance services.

1. Dependability

With some of the fastest response times and 24/7 emergency services, they are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Your clients will be able to have their property correctly mitigated within a few days, depending on the severity of the disaster, meaning that you and your client can accurately identify damage and loss.

2. Training

As an insurance agent, you understand the importance of training. All of SERVPRO’s technicians are trained and certified through the IICRC – the industry standard in mitigation and restoration practices.

3. Vendor Compliance

Additionally, all vendors used must adhere to the standards of the vendor program. This expectation of compliance and professionalism means that you can trust that your clients and their homes are only being cared for by approved contractors, meaning reduced risk of project continuity issues.

4. Claims Assistance

Beyond the client benefits, you will experience high levels of claims assistance through the Claims Information Center and the Managed Dashboard. These programs make it easy for you to manage current claims and their progress all from the comfort of your computer. If a client calls to request an update, it’s as easy as logging onto the system and checking your dashboard.

An insurance agent serves a pivotal role in the disaster remediation process. It is up to you to make sure that claims are accurate, and projects are on track. This pressure can be significantly reduced by finding an experienced and certified restoration firm to assist both you and your client through the process.

Do Commercial Insurance Policies Cover Mold Damage?

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage on building in Sumner,OK

Some commercial insurance policies cover mold, but many policies have fungus exclusions or limited fungus coverage. Property owners may want to add a mold insurance endorsement to a policy. The additional cost is likely to be less than paying for mold damage remediation out of pocket. Learn how to determine whether your policy covers mold and how to obtain additional coverage.

Check Your Policy

Familiarize yourself with the perils your policy does and does not cover. Keep an eye out for:

• A mold exclusion
  
• A mold endorsement
  
• Exceptions
  
• Limited fungus coverage
  

All of these factors affect whether mold is covered. Even if a policy does not currently cover mold, you may be able to add an endorsement prior to remediation.

Ask About Endorsements

If you do not currently have mold insurance, you may want to add extra coverage to your policy. In doing so, you should inquire about the:

• Cost of extra coverage
  
• Covered perils
  
• Policy limits
  

All of these factors may impact whether mold cleanup and remediation is covered by commercial insurance. This will determine whether additional coverage is worth the cost.

Determine the Limit

It is important to determine what a mold endorsement covers. In the case of limited fungus coverage, the only covered perils may include water damage or leaks caused by fire extinguishing equipment. Mold resulting from a flood is covered by a flood insurance policy. Even limited coverage should offset the costs of

• Mold removal
  
• Physical loss or damage
  
• Tearing out and replacing building materials
  
• Testing after remediation
  

Property owners are responsible for documenting and mitigating damage. It is also important to file a claim in a timely manner.

As many commercial insurance policies exclude mold damage, it is important to assess the risk of mold in a building in Sumner, OK. An endorsement can help to cover the cost of hiring mold remediation specialists.

What You Need To Know About Residential Flood Cleanup

11/18/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen ceiling collapse due to a leaking pipe upstairs in a Stillwater,OK home

Steps To Restore Your Home

Few things are more tragic than having a home sustain damage during intense storms. After all, not only does your home represent your most significant financial investment, but it also is full of memories, personal keepsakes and valuables. You may not realize, however, that not all flooding is the same. Depending on the type of water damage you have, you must take different steps to restore your Stillwater, OK, home.

Broken Pipes Usually Cause Category One Damage

Unless you are away from your home when a pipe bursts, you are apt to notice this flood damage quickly. While the effects of destroyed plumbing systems can be bad, they are often not as severe as storm-related problems. This type of issue typically includes damage to the following:

• Drywall
• Carpeting
• Furniture
• Personal belongings

Restoration experts usually consider this sort of flooding to be low-level. Cleanup after these floods is often quicker and less invasive than for storm-caused damage.

Storms Often Cause Category Three Damage

When a hurricane, major thunderstorm or other severe weather rolls into town, your home may sustain considerable damage. Experts often assign this damage a category three rating. At this level, water often infiltrates parts of your home that you may not think about. Flood water may affect your basement, crawl space, carpeting, foundation and walls.

Restoration Experts Restore Value, Comfort and Appearance

While high waters can be unbelievably destructive, you may not have to completely abandon your home. On the contrary, restoration specialists usually have the knowledge and equipment necessary to return your home to its pre-flood condition. This first step to regaining your house’s value, comfort and appearance is to schedule an assessment from an emergency restoration service. Note, though, that timing is important. Waiting to start repairs can cause damage to worsen.

While flooding can be heartbreaking, you don’t have to walk away from your treasured home. By understanding the difference between pipe breaks and severe weather, you can best address the situation.

3 Tips for Preparing Your Business Against a Flood

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial storm damage in Guthrie,OK

When storm season arrives in Guthrie,OK, many business owners may begin wondering about how to protect their property from flooding. When proper preparation occurs ahead of time, damage and loss can be mitigated. Here are three tips that may help your business better prepare.

1. Ensure the Exterior Is Properly Prepped

You can help protect your business's property from flood damage by properly preparing the exterior before the storm arrives. This can mean trimming trees with branches that could fall into the building, taking down awnings, making sure doors and windows are closed and sealed, sandbagging if necessary, and any other storm proofing methods recommended for your area. Prepping beforehand can mean less cleanup after. It’s also recommended that you become familiar with the water damage professionals in your area in case flood damage does occur.

2. Keep Backup Files Updated

One of the main risks to businesses when flooding occurs is the loss of electronic equipment and the files stored on them. In many cases it’s the loss of the files that’s the bigger disaster. One of the best ways your company can prevent this is to keep backups at an alternate location or in the cloud. If you have a server, your IT company may already do this for you. If your equipment suffers damage, these backups can be uploaded into repaired or replacement machines.

3. Move Necessary Items and Equipment to a Safe Area

Another way to protect your company from storm damage is to move the items you wish to protect to a safe location. This could be an upper floor or a room at the center of the building that’s away from doors and windows. In the event the building does flood, these items will be less likely to be in the path of any water.

If you're in an area such as Guthrie,OK, that could experience flooding, you may want to consider these tips before the next storm. Properly preparing your business for the weather beforehand can help prevent the loss of files and property, as well as costly repairs