Mold in Your Indianapolis Home or Business

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis and our mold experts will make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold is a sign of a moisture problem in your home or business. This moisture issue needs to be addressed to prevent mold from growing. The mold can be hazardous to your health and should be removed and treated by mold remediation professionals.

Moisture Is Molds Friend

Mold happens as a result of excessive moisture. While mold out in the woods is perfectly fine, mold in your home or business is not good. Moisture in your home can be from a leaky pipe, cracks in the foundation, gaps around your door or windows, poorly ventilated bathroom, and a damp basement or crawlspace, to name a few. It’s essential to address the moisture problems quickly; otherwise, mold can start to grow, causing even further damage to your home.

Address the Moisture Problem

If your bathroom, basement, or crawl space smells musty, you probably have a moisture problem. While a dehumidifier may remove some moisture from a basement, you want to identify what is causing the excessive moisture and fix the root of the problem. Moisture in a basement and crawl space can be caused by poor drainage from your home’s perimeter. It can also be caused by cracks in your foundation, leaky pipes, or condensation from poorly insulated pipes.

Moisture in a bathroom is usually caused by poor ventilation. After taking a shower, it is recommended to open the bathroom door to allow the excess moisture to escape and air out of the bathroom. You may also want to ensure the exhaust fan is working correctly and running when taking a shower.

By addressing the moisture problem and preventing it, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growing in your home or business. However, even if you don’t spot any mold around a moisture problem, it is still a good idea to have mold remediation professionals, like SERVPRO, examine your home for mold spores.

Mold Remediation

If you spot mold in your home, it is highly recommended to call the SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis mold experts. Our professionals will inspect, assess, and remediate your mold problem. As mentioned earlier, the first step in mold remediation is fixing the moisture problem. The next step is to keep the mold from growing further. Once the mold is contained, it is removed along with mold-infested materials like drywall and insulation.

It’s important to note that mold spores are microscopic and naturally occurring inside and outside a home. Therefore, mold spores are not dangerous and cannot be removed completely. However, when mold spores are exposed to moisture, they can quickly grow into mold colonies, leading to health problems. When this happens, you should call mold remediation pros at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis to remediate the mold problem.

If you should spot mold in your home, call the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis at 317-243-0896 for 24-hour emergency service. We have specialized equipment, professional training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home or business to its pre-mold condition.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis New Location!

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  joins you as a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry as your restoration company. We strive to meet or exceed the expectations of every customer, client, and business. We provide an optimal experience for everyone involved with their property damage. Every property, every project, every customer deserves excellence.

Water intrusion for a home or business is always a traumatic event. Effectively restoring a fire or water damaged property is such a valuable service to any homeowner or business owner. This type of disruption creates stress and uncertainty for many individuals and can be very costly.

This is when you call us at SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  to provide guidance and assistance. Our goal is to ensure the best decisions are made through these difficult times for your residential and commercial properties.

If the damage is severe, you will need to hire a water damage restoration company for to repair and restore your home or business. Understanding what to expect from a water damage restoration company can help make the process less overwhelming.

There is no such thing as a small disaster, especially with the intrusion of water you can’t see; it can contain bacteria, mold, rot, or other unseen damage.

Excessive water and moisture in any indoor environment can pose health risks for occupants and if it is not resolved properly. Water intrusion can cause severe damages to both your structure and contents, as well as risking the need for mold remediation.

Water damage can also affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and clean it yourself, consider how the damage can potentially affect the long term structure of your home or business. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis knows how disruptive water damage can be for your home or business and are trained to manage the drying process from start to finish.

With our water cleanup and restoration services, we can help you regain control quickly by helping to ensure your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized, and protected.

The goal of emergency restoration is to protect your structure and contents from further damage. This typically involves calculating and positioning air movers and dehu's within the affected area.

Once the equipment is placed, we monitor the drying process and make sure it is working properly. Monitoring services continue until the structure and contents are dry as we evaluate, update monitoring logs, and make adjustments as needed.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis , independently owned and operated focused on damage restoration services to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis Emergency Fire and Water Damage

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis Fire Damage

Dealing with the aftermath of emergency fire damage restoration can be extremely stressful especially when soot has made its way through your house and completely covered all of your belongings.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis is trained and licensed to give you an optimal experience as we care for your residential or commercial property as your SERVPRO of Indianapolis, independently owned and operated location. It should be known that soot restoration is one of the most difficult aspects of a house fire as it can be very damaging.

 According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), three of every five home fire deaths could have been prevented.

Most fatal fires happen when families are asleep giving them less than adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. Smoke alarms are crucial elements in the early detection of fires.

National Fire Safety is important all year round and while the main focus is preventing residential fires, our team here at  SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  would like to remind everyone this is a great time to revisit workplace fire prevention & safety.

 Below are 12 tips to ensure a fire-safe workplace:

Step 1. Get Organized– Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.

Step 2. Designated Smoking Areas – Smoke only in designated areas and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.

Step 3. Fire Extinguishers – Maintaining the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

Step 4. Electrical Hazards – Report all electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment.

Step 5. Access to Control Panels – Electrical control panels need to have free access maintained so that the electric could be shut off easily.

Step 6. Maintenance – Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.

Step 7. Sprinkler Systems & Smoke Detectors – Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials. Testing of sprinkler systems and smoke detectors at least annually.

Step 8. Chemical Safety – Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.

Step 9. Waste Control & Storage – Control the accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency.

Step 10. Prevent Ignition – Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.

Step 11. Exits – Emergency exit diagrams should be posted and emergency exits should be well lit with neon-regulation signs.

Step 12. Contact Info – Employees should have a list of emergency contact phone numbers in case of emergency. Remember that people will often panic in an intense situation; therefore basics such as the company address, phone number and floor plan should be posted.

Planning to ensure fire protection and safety is key to avoiding unwanted fire issues.

Residential and Commercial Fire Clean Up

Soot can be one of the hardest parts of fire restoration clean up and is developed through three different methods:

• Wet soot residue—results from smoldering, low-heat fires. This residue is sticky, smeary, and has a very pungent odor.
• Dry soot residue—results from fast-burning fires with high temperatures. This residue is typically dry, powdery, and non-smeary.
• Protein residue—almost invisible but can discolor paints and varnishes in your home. This residue also has an extremely pungent odor.

Each type of soot is different and requires specific expertise to clean for such needs or concerns.

Our fire repair process is outlined online for your review.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis , your SERVPRO of Indianapolis, faster to any size disaster, for all your fire and restoration needs.

Every state in the US is vulnerable to flooding.

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis Storms

Indianapolis homeowners may be surprised to know that every state in the US is vulnerable to flooding--even the dry ones. Storm damage repair in Indianapolis will always be a valuable resource. Changes in sea level, as well as weather patterns, are enough to create sudden floods that cause damage to homes and infrastructure.

Homeowners with flood coverage will still need complete restoration from our professional cleanup team if a flood was to occur. Being prepared and asking your insurance agent about flood coverage is the first step. Once you're aware of what's needed and what a flood policy would cover for your home, you will know exactly what to do if an event like this was to occur.

Water can make its way through any structure causing long-term damage. It is important to hire professionals to provide a thorough water damage restoration process to prevent secondary damage. You can potentially need mold remediation in the future if microbial issues are detected.

If your home has been affected, you need a water restoration company in Indianapolis that can provide storm damage restoration and rapid flood damage cleanup.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  technicians are ready to restore your home or business to a preloss condition. Our team has received training from the IICRC to provide the highest standards of cleaning for fire, water, and mold damage.

We work with insurance companies and homeowners to ensure all cleanup processes comply with policy in the event an insurance claim does need to be made.

Completing a Proof of Loss for Your Flood Claim

Your insurance adjuster can assist you in the process of filling out the right paperwork and completing this portion of your claim. Make sure you file as soon as possible, and everything complies with the needs of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. This will help ensure you are paid within 60 days of the flood.

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis technicians will take photos of the damage, document inventory of all possessions, and coordinate with both you and your insurance adjuster. If there are important documents that need to be restored, we can scan and create electronic copies so you can have access to them promptly.

A successful cleanup begins with thorough monitoring of the situation.  SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  use a variety of moisture meters to evaluate the extent of damage before extracting, disinfecting surfaces, and drying your home.

Throughout the drying process, we can use penetrating and non-penetrating moisture sensors and meters to determine the progress from our restoration services. Infrared imaging allows technicians to see behind structures to determine if subfloors, studs, or fiberglass insulation require further drying.

Every surface in your home has an ideal humidity level to maintain its integrity, from hardwood flooring to drywall or your furniture. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  strives to ensure your items that can be safely restored are handled with the utmost care. Possessions that require replacement are not removed without documentation and the informed consent of homeowners and insurance adjusters.

Your home could potentially need general contracting services for restoration services, which we can walk you through once you decide. SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis  is licensed to handle both restoration and rebuilding this type of work.

How SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis can help with a Tornado

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage & Repair

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds causing property damage. A tornado is a rotating column of air that occurs during a thunderstorm and can have wind speeds that reach up to 300mph. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust, and debris.

Know The Signs And Be Prepared

Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Know the signs of a tornado, a rotating funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar similar to a freight train. Many people have reported that when a tornado is approaching, the sound they hear is like a train barreling down the tracks.
2. Know your community's warning system and understand the difference between a tornado watch and warning through the national weather service.
3. A warning means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon and to go to a safe place immediately. A watch means conditions are favorable, and a tornado is possible.
4. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local news channel for current emergency information and instructions. With advanced technology in weather forecasting, meteorologists can pinpoint circling winds and inform the public like never before.

Assemble An Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit for you and your family. Put these items in zip lock bags and store them all in a plastic tub. Many different times can make up a kit, but here are a few of the basics to keep in mind.

It's recommended to have one gallon of water per person for at least three days, drinking and sanitation. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. A flashlight, first aid kit, and extra batteries are all essential to keep in your kit.

Where To Go

Preparation is essential, and something we should all take time to do. It's a great idea to plan ahead of a disaster and chose a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way.

It could be your basement or storm cellar, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest level. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.

Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Always remember to stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

Understanding The Risk

Know your area's tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a higher risk for tornadoes. If you lived on the west coast, you probably would read about mudslides and wildfires preparedness rather than thunderstorms and tornadoes.

The infamous Tornado Alley, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, still leads in the number of tornadoes. While Indiana is not one of the states that make up the region known as Tornado Alley, tornadoes aren't unusual in Indiana. Indiana averages 22 tornadoes each year, and that's why it's crucial to plan ahead to help keep your family safe.

If You Have Storm Or Tornado Damage

SERVPRO of Central Indianapolis is here to help as your water damage company for Indianapolis. We offer emergency services as a restoration company for homes or businesses after a storm has passed. Some of these restoration services include roof tarping, basement flooding, water removal, covering broken windows, water damage repair, sump pump, structure dry out, and any flood damage repair in Indianapolis.