Avoiding Post-Flood Damage in Salida Homes

10/21/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's high-tech drying equipment, like this LGR-low grain dehumidifier, mitigates flood damage in Salida area properties. Here to Help®

How SERVPRO® Addresses Flood Restoration to Sidestep Secondary Damages

When flooding strikes your Salida home, the immediate damage is evident—soaked floors, waterlogged furniture, and standing water. But what about the dangers you can't see? Post-flood damage goes far beyond the surface, and without prompt, professional restoration, your home could face serious long-term consequences.

Floodwater Spreads Quickly in a Home

Floodwater seeps into walls, floors, and hidden spaces, creating a hospitable environment for mold to thrive. Mold spores can take root behind drywall and under flooring, growing unnoticed until they become a severe issue. Another hidden danger from flood damage in Salida properties is structural weakening. Moisture can cause wood to swell and rot, leading to compromised beams, framing, or flooring that homeowners may not immediately detect, leading to costly repairs.

Unseen Post-Flood Electrical Hazards

Flooding also poses a risk to your electrical systems. Water seeping into walls can damage wiring, which may not immediately show signs of trouble but could lead to serious safety risks, including electrical fires. If floodwater enters your home, and it is safe to do so, turn off the home's power at the main. Never test electrical devices or appliances affected by floodwater without a professional inspection to ensure they are safe to operate.

Fast Flood Cleanup Makes a Difference

That's why quick action is crucial. At SERVPRO of Chaffee, Fremont, and Teller Counties, we use advanced restoration industry tools to find hidden moisture and thoroughly dry your home. DIY cleanup methods can't reach the moisture lurking behind the scenes.

Don't let hidden flood damage compromise your home's safety. Call SERVPRO of Chaffee, Fremont, Teller Counties at (719) 315-8878 for professional flood damage restoration services. We'll restore your home to pre-flood condition "Like it never even happened."

Assessing the Need for Mold Remediation in Salida

10/19/2024 (Permalink)

Ugly mold get removed by SERVPRO to make your Salida home safe again.

Homes in Arid Climates Experience Mold Growth

When you live in Salida, the Chaffee County, Colorado county seat, you might feel protected from mold growth and damage risks. With a yearly average of only 17 inches of precipitation, the city receives just over half the US average. However, all dwellings have numerous water or moisture sources, and opportunistic mold spores are everywhere, including in arid climates. All it takes is:

• A plumbing leak or even seepage
• An appliance malfunction--cracked hose, broken pump, ruptured tank
• An overflowing tub or shower,
• A closed-in space containing excess humidity (bathroom, kitchen, laundry room)--over 60 percent relative humidity (RH)
• A neglected bag full of sweaty workout clothes or sports equipment

Once mold spores in Salida encounter standing water, damp materials, or elevated RH, they "germinate" and multiply and spread by sending out hyphae (rootlike filaments) onto and into organic structures and other items they use for food. They develop mycelium colonies, the fungi's visible and often multi-colored bodies.

Mold Remediation Services Available

Salida homeowners needing mold remediation can rely on professionals from SERVPRO®. Our technicians are highly qualified to find and remove mold colonies, following the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol, the international standard taught by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our IICRC-certified mold remediation crews:

• Locate the mold and the moisture source--making arrangements to eliminate the moisture immediately to prevent mold from re-growing
• Contain the area to avoid drift of moldy debris, including setting up negative pressure air scrubbing barriers with 1.6 mil polyethylene sheeting and exhausting the contaminated air through HEPA filters to the outside
• Mechanically remove the mold organisms with microfiber cloths, brushes, and scrapers
• Consider using soda, dry ice, or other media blasting where abrasives propelled by compressed air knock mold organisms off surfaces with minimal harm to underlying surfaces
• Wipe up debris with frequently changed-out cloths and a thorough pass with a HEPA-filtered vacuum to ensure the capture and removal of all moldy particles
• Treating the cleaned surfaces with an EPA-registered antimicrobial to inhibit future mold growth

Although you might live in an extremely dry area, the interior of your home creates its own environment, which, unfortunately, can be perfect for mold growth and damage. Call SERVPRO of Chafee, Fremont, Teller Counties at (719) 315-8878 to schedule an inspection and design a mold remediation plan if necessary.

Managing Water Damage in the Walls of Your Salida Home

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Water damaged walls and flooring in Salida get immediate mitigation from SERVPRO. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Professional Methods Can Mitigate Water Damage

Trapped water can be among the most destructive reasons for damage, predominantly because homeowners might not immediately be aware of its presence. The longer the contact and exposure times with sensitive building materials, the more damaging this moisture or water can become. SERVPRO® professionals understand the urgency of clearing damp pockets and preserving impacted materials whenever possible.

A Plan for Trapped Water

From flooding to leaks, there are many causes of water damage in Salida wall systems. Because you cannot see through building materials, it is often essential to get experienced and equipped professionals on-site fast to help determine the extent of the damage, what machines can regulate the effects, and if more direct measures are necessary. We ask three main questions when creating the restoration plan for trapped water:

     Where Is the Water?

Tracking hidden moisture is a considerable concern for our responding technicians. Because we want to reduce tear-out, we lean on our inventory's thermal imagery, probe water sensors, and other tracking devices to find moisture pockets without demolition.

     What Tools Can Reach It?

In cases without repair, the Injecti-Dry system is often the go-to equipment for managing trapped moisture in wall systems. By removing the baseboard and creating small holes near the flooring, our technicians create access points for hoses to infuse the cavity with warm air to evaporate trapped water.

     Is Controlled Demolition Required?

One final step is determining whether controlled demolition is necessary for the work to be more expedient and thorough. When the drywall is wet, flood cuts or panel removal can benefit the overall drying process by providing more direct access with high-velocity air movers.

Reliable Full Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can be among the most destructive and threatening situations a home faces. From mitigation to repairs, you need a team of professionals who understand what your home needs and how to do this quickly. SERVPRO of Chaffee, Freemont, and Teller Counties is a one-stop shop for restoration and recovery. Call today at (719) 315-8878.

Protecting Your Salida Home from Excessive Fire Damage Issues

10/5/2024 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in a Salida laundry room requires SERVPRO's expert mitigation services. Then we restore, "Like it never even happened."

Mitigating Secondary Water Damage After Fire Damage in Salida

Fire damage incidents can be devastating for Salida homeowners, leaving behind smoke, soot, and structural issues. However, many people overlook the secondary damage caused by firefighting efforts, particularly water damage. At SERVPRO®, we realize the unique challenges that fire and water damage create and are here to help restore your home effectively.

Understanding Secondary Water Damage

In addition to traditional fire damage in Salida, when the flames are extinguished, a large amount of water is often used. This water frequently seeps into walls, floors, and personal belongings, leading to potential mold growth, wood rot, and weakened structural components. In Salida, where dry conditions can suddenly give way to humidity, addressing water damage quickly is essential to prevent long-term issues.

How We Handle Water Damage

At SERVPRO of Chaffee, Fremont, Teller Counties, we use advanced equipment and tools to extract water and thoroughly dry your home. Our fire damage restoration process includes:

• Water extraction.
• Drying with dehumidifiers.
• Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces to prevent mold growth.
• Inspecting and repairing structural damage.
• Deodorizing to remove smoke odors.

Targeted demolition of non-salvageable building elements and furnishings can mitigate the service time and cost. Each step is critical in ensuring your home is not only restored from fire damage but also protected from the secondary effects of water.

The Importance of Fast Action

Swift action is vital after a fire to prevent further destruction. Fire damage may be the most noticeable, but untreated water damage can lead to various long-term problems. Mold can begin developing within 48 hours, wood floors and furniture can warp, and walls or foundations may become structurally unstable if left unattended.

Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

We understand how stressful fire damage can be, and our team is trained to handle both fire and water damage. If your Salida home has been impacted by a fire, don’t wait to address secondary water damage. Call SERVPRO of Chaffee, Fremont, Teller Counties at (719) 315-0058 for prompt and professional restoration services. Here to Help® 24/7.