Rebuilding Safety: 7 Easy Steps to Restore Your Home with SERVPRO

11/16/2023 (Permalink)

Tag us in , we are ready to make it "Like it never even happened"

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business

SERVPRO offers Commercial Cleaning in Downtown Salt Lake City .

10/26/2023 (Permalink)

Transforming Chaos into Clean, One Commercial Building at a Time.

If you are the owner of commercial business you probably don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, tag us in. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning your flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look, smell, and feel it’s very best.

SERVPRO of Downtown Salt Lake will get the job done right and get it done quickly because the SERVPRO® Advantage includes these benefits:

1. Award-winning training
2. Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
3. More than 100 exclusive cleaning products

We also offer these specialized services:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Drapes and Blinds
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism

Go ahead, Give us a call, Tag us in, We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

Can You Remove Graffiti From a Concrete Wall?

10/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is here to help 24/7

Removing graffiti from a concrete wall may sound like a difficult task, but is it really? If your home, business, or other property is struck by graffiti, you may be wondering how to go about the removal process, or when to call in a professional. SERVPRO® has compiled a list of graffiti facts, tips, and best practices for removal below.

Graffiti Facts

You may be surprised to learn the following facts about graffiti, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Algirdas M. Leskys, and the Department of Justice’s Deborah Lamm Weisel’s Problem-Specific Guide to Graffiti.

• The United States experiences about $55 per person in damages annually because of graffiti, amounting to billions of dollars (each year).
• This includes the processes of monitoring, detecting, removing, and repairing graffiti.
• Approximately 80% of all graffiti activity in the United States is a result of “tagging” (adding your signature via graffiti so it can be seen by others).
• Approximately 10% is gang related.
• Approximately 5% is a form of artistic expression.
• Graffiti is not regularly reported to police.
• A relatively small number of graffiti offenders are ever apprehended.
• Graffiti is commonly added to areas of transportation terminals, such as subway stations, bus stops, and parking garages.
• Light-colored surfaces, as well as large and plain surfaces, tend to be the most popular amongst graffiti offenders.  

Graffiti Removal from Concrete

The City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services offers numerous tips for removing graffiti from concrete walls, including:

• Use graffiti remover or a similar product with extra strength, such as Peel Away Paint Remover.
• Use a wire brush to reach the inside of holes and stone pores.
• Once the paint or graffiti remover has activated, rinse with a powerful stream of water from a hose.
• A soda-blaster or pressure washer may be needed depending on the level of graffiti.
• Light grit sandpaper can also remove paint if the concrete surface is flat.
• However, keep in mind it may scratch the surface.
• A sealer may help close stone pores and assist with future graffiti removal, if needed.
• It is also important you wear proper protective gear, including eye protection and a respirator, when removing graffiti yourself. This will help protect against breathing in potentially harmful fumes.
• If the graffiti is mild and on a smooth surface, using soap, water, and a wire brush may be sufficient for total removal.
• Keep in mind that over-the-counter solvents identified as graffiti removers may be hazardous. Again, properly equipping yourself beforehand is important.
• It is important the affected area is pretested before a solvent, or a specific cleaning technique is employed.

SERVPRO’s Graffiti Removal Process:

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO has been called upon to provide graffiti removal services across the country. Using a variety of proprietary cleaning products, SERVPRO technicians will:

• Assess the area to determine appropriate equipment (inspecting things such as  the type of graffiti and amount of surface covered).
• Upon inspection, determine the type of removal process required.
• Common types include using a solvent and stiff/wire brush, media blasting using dry ice or sand, and/or pressure washing.
• Implement the graffiti cleaning process.

We Do it because we Care !

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

No matter if it’s a holiday or not, we are here to help 24/7, 365.

Our customer-centric professionals focus on you and your needs. If you ever experience water damage in your work-from-home office, child’s bedroom, or another area of your home, SERVPRO® professionals are Here to Help put your lives back together. From your first encounter with us to the very end of the job, a SERVPRO® professional is with you every step of the way. When you make that call, you are treated like family.

Water damage can strike at any time, and that’s why we’re available to you 24/7, year-round. When it comes to disrupt your lifestyle, we understand the stress that comes along with it and the extensive damage it could potentially cause. That’s why we are faster to any size disaster. Our SERVPRO® professionals help you navigate that emotional time and are empathetic to your needs and situation at hand.

Our SERVPRO® professionals will educate you on the water damage restoration process. Throughout the entire process, a SERVPRO® professional will communicate with you from start to finish, so you’re well-informed and know next steps. No job is too big or too small. No matter if the cause of the water damage is a result from a leaking appliance or a natural disaster, we have the capacity to handle it. Rest assured, our professionals work diligently and thoroughly to return your residential or commercial property back to preloss condition. This assurance helps to give you the opportunity to get back to life
confidently and happily. Creating happy customers is our goal and priority.

Across the SERVPRO® system, we have nearly 61,000 positive reviews on Google, and a 93.73% positive rating/sentiment, and that number is only growing. It’s a known fact that positive reviews have a profound impact, influence purchasing decisions, and have the following benefits:

1.) Reviews help generate emotional trust.

2.) Reviews help increase confidence and trust.

3.) Reviews help foster a strong persuasive effect.
Remember, any time you have water damage at your residential or commercial property, SERVPRO® is just a phone call or click away. No matter if it’s a holiday or not, we are here to help 24/7, 365.

Is your phone making you sick?

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Clean screens, clear connections!

How to Disinfect Your Cell Phone
For many of us, cell phones are like extensions of our own hands. From texting to talking, and surfing to shopping, our devices allow us to do almost anything from pretty much anywhere. And since that has become the norm, our phones have become really dirty. The good news is that it’s simple to disinfect germs from your device. So, the next time you check your email at the dinner table or pass it to your kids to keep them entertained for a few minutes, think about the last time you cleaned your phone. It could make a big difference.

When it comes to keeping yourself and those around you healthy, we all know how important it is to wash your hands. But grabbing our phones has become so automatic that we don’t always have clean hands when we do. You could be working on a new recipe in the kitchen, checking for coupons at the grocery store, or sending a text after pumping gas. Whatever it is, everyday activities could unknowingly be contaminating your phone.

One study from the University of Arizona found that cell phones carry more bacteria than a toilet seat, 10 times more bacteria, to be exact. That’s a lot of germs, especially considering how close your phone comes to your face. And with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending regular cleaning of all high-touch surfaces, it’s time to start looking at your phone differently.

HOW CAN I CLEAN MY PHONE?

So, what’s the safest, most effective way to kill the germs, bacteria and viruses that could be stalking your screen? Definitely stay away from any heavy-duty chemicals or abrasive agents. No bleach or bathroom cleaners either. The best way is simple: disinfecting wipes. That’s right, these handy household cleaners will work wonders to disinfect germs from your phone. Just follow these steps for a safe, clean phone:

HOW TO DISINFECT GERMS FROM YOUR PHONE

Step 1: Remove phone from case.
Step 2: Wipe phone with soft cloth. This helps remove grease, grime and dirt before the real cleaning begins.
Step 3: Use disinfecting wipe to clean device, taking care around ports and buttons. The same wipes you use when disinfecting surfaces are safe for electronics and kill the bacteria and viruses living on your phone. Don’t forget to wipe down your case, too!
Step 4: Let air-dry for 5 minutes. Allow the cleaner to work its magic for a few minutes before diving back into your device.
Step 5: Wipe off any excess disinfectant with a soft cloth, preferably with a different cloth from the one you used in step 2.
It’s as simple as that. Just take care not to oversaturate, and steer clear of liquid household cleaners and sprays as they could find their way inside and damage your device (and void the warranty). It probably goes without saying, but you should never submerge your phone in any liquid.

WHEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY PHONE?

As cleanliness becomes a top concern across the country, people everywhere are looking for the most effective ways to keep their homes and businesses clean. But we all need to do our part in fostering healthy communities. A regular cleaning to disinfect germs from your phone can go a long way in looking out for the health and safety of your friends and family.

Experts recommend giving your cell phone a good wipe with a dry cloth whenever you come home from being in public. This will help remove germs from the surface, but it won’t kill them, which is why you should aim to disinfect the device every other day, or twice a week at the very least.

HOW CAN I KEEP MY PHONE CLEAN?

The fact of the matter is that our phones go everywhere. No matter how often you disinfect your device, it’s going to be exposed to germs. But following these tips can help keep your phone clean and mitigate the spread of germs.

Careful not to cross-contaminate: An easy way to spread germs is to touch your phone and then touch something else. And if that “something else” is food-related, you should be extra careful. Try printing out your recipes and leaving your phone in your pocket when you sit down for a meal.
Where you go matters: Gyms, grocery stores, mass transit, any place where you’re touching the same surfaces as everybody else poses a potential hazard. Of course, it’s normal to need your phone in these situations, but just think about where your hands have been before you reach for it.
Stay out of the bathroom: This involves the same principles as above but is important enough to call out on its own, considering many Americans admit to using their cell phones in the bathroom.
At the end of the day, keeping your phone clean is just like cleaning almost any high-touch surface. Be mindful of how and when you use your device and take the proper steps to disinfect germs from your phone at least a couple times a week to help stop the spread of germs in your community. That, and maybe stop asking strangers to snap your photo.

And wash your hands. Always wash your hands.

It's time to Clean those Air Ducts !

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will get those dust bunny's hopping right out of your air ducts !

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

If not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the air of your commercial business. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on air duct cleaning, call us at SERVPRO today, (801) 785-5228

There was a Storm what do we do now !

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

When devastation hits SERVPRO is there.

Living in Utah might have you wondering why we too should be ready for when storms come. Utah does not see many major storms throughout the year but storms should still be something we prepare ourselves for.

Specifically during the rainy season, we must be extra careful.  After our super dry, hot summers and how often we have wild fires, a lot of the time our mountains are left without the trees and bushes.  We are left more vulnerable to landslides and flash floods from the rain we receive.

When your home is hit by a flood or storm, remember that your local SERVPRO is here to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. We specialize in restoring homes and buildings in a quick and timely manner, so that you and your family could go back in to your normal routine.

Call SERVPRO at 801-785-5228

SERVPRO offers Commercial Cleaning in Downtown Salt Lake City

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

If you are the owner of commercial business you probably don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, tag us in. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning your flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look, smell, and feel it’s very best.

SERVPRO of Downtown Salt Lake City will get the job done right and get it done quickly because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:

Award-winning training
Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
More than 100 exclusive cleaning products
We also offer these specialized services:

Air Ducts and HVAC
Biohazard
Carpet and Upholstery
Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
Document Restoration
Drapes and Blinds
Sewage
Trauma and Crime Scene
Vandalism

Go ahead, Give us a call. 

How to Effectively Deal with Storm Damage on Your Salt Lake City Property

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

Being knowledgeable on how to deal with Storm Damage that has affected your Salt Lake City home is crucial.

Every year in the United States, storm damage, wind damage and river flooding cause billions of dollars in property losses. Knowing how to effectively deal with flooding from storms, wind damage and river flooding is crucial. In the event of flooding caused by storm damage, wind damage or river flooding, the single most important thing that you can do is to call in a professional company for storm remediation. Any time storm damage hits, the professionals in storm restoration at SERVPRO of Utah County are your best bet for a successful storm remediation.

The process of storm remediation.
Business or home restoration after a storm damage event always begins with a call to your local American Fork storm restoration company. It is crucial to remember that whenever a property is hit by wind damage, storm damage or flooding, whether caused by roof leaks, frozen pipes or river flooding, every minute counts. Calling in your local professional storm restoration company will give your property the best chance at a successful storm remediation.

Flooding is a major cause of damage from storms
Flood water can quickly accumulate in homes that have been hit by storms. This can occur due to rainfall creating standing flood water around the home or business. But it is even more often caused by roof damage such as the attendant roof leaks. It is crucial that any property with roof damage immediately undergo roof repair. Roof damage and roof leaks can quickly lead to the massive accumulation of flood water within the home. Roof repairs should always be carried out by a licensed, professional home restoration company. Failure to do so can make roof leaks worse or recur. This type of roof damage can lead to catastrophic amounts of flood water damage in the Salt Lake City home.

A professional roof repair team will be able to quickly survey the damage and make the appropriate roof repairs. Home restoration companies will also have highly trained specialists on staff who can handle water restoration efforts. The team will use advanced, submersible flood pumps to carry out a swift water restoration. Using mobile flood pumps capable of removing thousands of gallons per hour, the water restoration team will be able to clear all standing water with the flood pumps within an hour. This crucial step is not possible without a trained water restoration team and industrial flood pumps.

Hail damage, ice damage and frozen pipes
Home restoration companies operating in more Northern climates are adept at handling winter storm damage. Frozen pipes, ice damage and hail damage are not only major causes of flooding but can also cause extreme physical damage to properties. Ice damming is another serious concern in winter storms.

When an ice dam forms, water can no longer run off the roof and may pool underneath the ice dam. This ice damming can cause water to be forced through tiny leaks. Ice dams have been known to cause roof failures. For this reason, any sign of ice damming needs to be handled quickly by a professional. Ice dams can potentially lead to catastrophic, sudden roof collapse. Therefore, all ice damming needs to be addressed at once.

A professional storm restoration team will also be adept at melting and replacing frozen pipes as well as repairing any ice damage or hail damage that has occurred to the structure. Ice damage and hail damage can both cause serious and extensive damage to structures. Therefore, they should always be quickly addressed by a team of trained and licensed professionals.

My Office is Flooded , What can I do ?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

So you get to work Monday morning after a nice relaxing weekend spent cozy . You open the door to go into the building you hear it and feel it... its that squishy feeling and sloshy sound.  It suddenly hits you like a freight train, the floor is wet, very wet. Your mind starts to race and you question what went wrong? What could have happened?  What do you do now?  You remember seeing these commercials that say something to the affect of "Like it never happened" and you remember seeing those green vehicles driving around town, then you remember your neighbor mentioning they called SERVPRO of Downtown Salt Lake City after a house flood.  You wonder to yourself, "hmmm I wonder if they do commercial work?" You give them a call and guess what, they do work with businesses and do commercial work and they say they can have a team there within the hour!

SERVPRO of Downtown Salt Lake City Franchise Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, they will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

You can count on SERVPRO of Downtown Salt Lake City to get the job done right and quick.  After they leave it will be "Like it never even happened."