Everything You Need to Know About Black Mold

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

Black mold is a serious issue that can pose a threat to the structural integrity of a building and the building occupants.

Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of mold that can grow in damp and humid environments. This type of mold is often associated with water damage and can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of a building. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about black mold, including how it grows, where it can be found, and how to prevent it.

What is Black Mold?

Black mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid environments. It is often found in areas that have been affected by water damage, such as leaky roofs or pipes. Black mold is known for its dark color and musty smell. It can cause serious damage to buildings and can pose a threat to the building occupants.

Where is Black Mold Found?

Black mold can be found in a variety of environments, but it is most commonly found in areas that have been affected by water damage. This includes areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Black mold can also grow in areas where there is poor ventilation, such as crawl spaces and attics.

How Does Black Mold Grow?

Black mold grows in damp and humid environments. It requires moisture to grow and can thrive in areas where there is poor ventilation. Black mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, drywall, and carpet. It can also grow on organic materials such as paper and fabrics.

How to Prevent Black Mold

Preventing black mold starts with controlling moisture in the building. This includes fixing leaky pipes, repairing roofs, and ensuring proper ventilation in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Regular inspections of the building can also help to identify areas where moisture may be present and prevent the growth of black mold. Additionally, it is important to clean up any water damage promptly and thoroughly to prevent the growth of mold.

How to Remove Black Mold

If black mold is present in a building, it is important to have it removed promptly and properly. This typically involves hiring a professional mold remediation company, such as our SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick team. The remediation process may include containment to prevent the spread of mold spores, removal of affected materials, and thorough cleaning of the area. It is important to ensure that the source of the moisture that caused the mold growth is also addressed to prevent future growth.

In conclusion, black mold is a serious issue that can pose a threat to the structural integrity of a building and the building occupants. It is important to understand how black mold grows, where it can be found, and how to prevent it. If black mold is present, it is important to have it removed promptly and properly to prevent further damage and protect the health of everyone in the building. By following proper prevention and remediation techniques, building owners can ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Electronics After the Fire: How SERVPRO Can Help with Cleaning and Restoration

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

It's crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage to your electronics.

Fire is one of the most dangerous and destructive forces in nature. It can cause severe damage to your home, business, and possessions. Fire can also damage electronics, causing them to stop working or even become unusable. 

What Fire Can Do to Electronics

Fire can have a direct and indirect effect on electronics. Directly, fire will damage the internal components of your device, such as the motherboard or hard drive. Indirectly, it may cause corrosion or other damage to the outer casing of your electronic device that can make it more susceptible to breaking down over time. 

If you're not sure what kind of damage has been done by fire and smoke exposure in your home or business, the trained technicians on our team can help identify what needs cleaning and restoration services at no cost to you!

How Our Team Can Help

Here at SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston, we can help you with your electronics cleaning needs. Our team has the expertise to safely and effectively clean all manner of electronic devices, including computers, televisions, and gaming consoles. The process begins with a thorough inspection of your device to determine the extent of damage caused by smoke or fire. Once we understand what needs to be cleaned and restored, we'll begin working on it right away!

Our technicians use specialized equipment that allows them to remove soot from inside components without damaging them further. This allows us to restore many electronics back to working condition so they can be used again.

Tips for Electronics Cleaning After a Fire

When cleaning electronics after a fire, it's important to wear protective gear. You should also be aware of the proper way to clean your electronics and what materials to use. The first step in cleaning an electronic device is removing any debris from its exterior. You may need to use tweezers or other tools for this task, depending on what kind of damage has occurred. Once you've removed any visible dirt or debris from the outside of your device, wipe down its surface with a soft cloth dampened with distilled water (or another appropriate cleaning solution). This will remove any remaining soot or ash residue that might have been left behind by firefighters during their efforts at extinguishing the flames around your home or office building.

Next comes drying time--but don't rush this part! It's important not only because moisture can cause further damage but also because it increases the risk of corrosion over time if left untreated long enough.

In conclusion, fire damage can be devastating, and it's crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage to your electronics. Our team can help you with the critical task of electronics cleaning and restoration after a fire. We have the expertise and specialized equipment needed to restore your devices to their pre-fire condition.

4 Ways To Be Proactive And Avoid Plumbing Issues In Your Home

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems are never fun. They can cause water leaks, flooding, and expensive damage to your home.

Plumbing problems are never fun. They can cause water leaks, flooding, and expensive damage to your home. However, if you're proactive about keeping your plumbing in good condition and recognize signs of trouble before they become major issues, then you can avoid these problems entirely!

Get Regular Plumbing Inspections.

To avoid plumbing problems, you need to be proactive and keep an eye out for them in advance. You can do this by getting regular inspections of your home's plumbing systems and fixtures. This will help you catch issues before they become serious problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix.

To help ensure that your plumbing system is in good working order, it's important to have a professional do a thorough inspection on it at least once every year. During this inspection, they will be able to identify any potential problems before they become serious and expensive to fix later on. If there are any issues with the system found during this inspection, they'll point them out so that you can take care of them right away.

Look Out For Leaking Pipes & Faucets.

Leaking pipes and faucets are a major cause of water damage in the home, so it's important to know how to identify them. The first step is turning off the water supply, then checking for drips or pooling water around your plumbing fixtures.

If you notice any leaks around faucets or pipes in your house, take care of them right away so they don't get worse over time and cause damage to other parts of the house.

Flush the Water Heater.

Flushing the water heater is an important step in maintaining its efficiency. It's recommended that you flush your water heater once every year, but if you live in an area with hard water or high mineral content, then flushing more often may be beneficial.

To flush your hot-water tank: Turn off the power supply to your water heater and drain all of its contents into a bucket or drain outside of your house. Then refill it with fresh cold water and turn on the power again so that it can heat up again before use!

Flush the Drains.

One of the best ways to keep your plumbing functioning properly is to regularly flush out all drains with hot water and a drain cleaner. This will help clear out any debris that may have built up in the pipes, preventing it from clogging up later on.

Avoid Plumbing Problems by Being Proactive.

Plumbing issues can be a pain, but they don't have to be. By taking care of your home's plumbing systems and fixtures on a regular basis, you can easily avoid most problems before they even happen.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Having a plan in place is important incase of a fire in your home to help keep your family safe.

Fires are a serious threat to our homes and families. In the event of a fire, you need to know what to do. You should be prepared with an evacuation plan for your family and have an escape route that doesn't put anyone at risk. A fire can spread quickly through walls, floors and ceilings so it's important to stay out of the building if there is a fire until firefighters arrive on scene.

Draw a map of your house.

This is the most important step in creating a home fire evacuation plan, so take time to do it right. Your map should include all rooms, hallways, doors and windows in your home. Use arrows to show the direction of traffic flow (for example: if you were leaving through the front door). Use numbers to label each room and label each door or window with its number on your diagram.

Identify two ways out of each room.

You should identify two ways out of each room. If you have a window, make sure it is not blocked by furniture or other items. If you have a door, make sure it is not blocked by furniture or other items. Choose a safe meeting place outside of your home in case of fire. Make sure it is in a safe place and can be easily found by everyone in the family. If you have pets, keep them nearby so they don't get lost or hurt while trying to escape from the fire. If you are unable to get out of your home due to injury or lack of mobility, stay near a window and call 911 using your cell phone or landline.

Escape Safety Ladders.

Safety ladders are a good way to get out of a second-story window in the event of a fire. They should be installed at least one foot above the window sill, and used in pairs with one person holding onto the ladder while another climbs down.

Pick someone who is calm and can help. Make sure they know the escape plan, and that they are nearby when the fire starts. If you have children or older adults in your family, it's a good idea to pick someone who has experience helping these people out of their homes in an emergency situation.

Meeting place outside of the home

Make sure everyone knows when to go outside and where to meet. Make sure you have the phone numbers of all members of your family, including their work and cell phones, written down in case you need them during an emergency. If there are children living at home, make sure they know how to get out of the house without help. Not all children can do this by themselves as young as five years old.

Smoke Alarms

Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Test them once a month, if not more often. If you're hearing impaired or hard of hearing, make sure to have a backup warning system such as strobe lights or bells that can be heard through closed doors and windows.

If you have young children or older adults in your home, make sure they know how to escape the home safely. Give SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston a call if you are in need of help after a fire loss in your East Greenwich, Rhode Island home.

Restoring Your Home after Storm Damage

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience storm damage to your Warwick home or business, give SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston a call today.

Storm damage is never fun, but it can be especially frustrating if you have limited experience with home repair. In order to understand how to restore your home after storm damage, you need to know what kind of damage has been done and how much work it might take to fix that damage. If you're not sure where to start or what needs repairing first, here are some tips:

Assessing the Damage

Assessing damage to your home after a storm can be a daunting task, but it is important to do so as soon as possible to prevent further damage and begin the process of making repairs. Here are some steps you can take to assess your home for damage: 

• Check for structural damage: Look for any cracks or damage to the foundation, walls, or roof of your home. 
• Inspect the roof: Look for any missing or damaged shingles, as well as any damage to the flashing or gutters.
• Check for water damage: Look for any water stains on the walls, ceilings, and floors. 
• Check for damage to your windows and doors: Look for any cracked or broken glass, as well as any damage to the frames or seals. 
• Inspect your appliances: Check your appliances such as the refrigerator, washing machine and dryer, dishwasher, and HVAC system to ensure they have not been damaged by the storm.
• Take photos or video of the damages: This can help when you are submitting an insurance claim.
• Inspect your belongings: Take pictures of the damage. 

It's important to remember that it is always best to consult with a professional if you notice significant damage or if you are unsure about how to make repairs. 

Cleaning Up After a Flood

One of the first steps in restoring your home after storm damage is to remove all the standing water, wet furniture, appliances, and carpets. If your home has sustained damage from a flood, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage by removing wet items. You should also remove any wet insulation, drywall, and wood that was exposed during the flooding. 

Repairing or Replacing

If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the whole thing. If your home has been damaged by flooding, it's important to consult a professional before making any decisions about how to proceed. However, if you live in an area prone to stormy weather, there are resources available that can help you repair and restore your home after a storm.

Check with insurance companies about what type of coverage might be available for home repairs associated with storms. Your insurance company may provide money for repairing damage caused by environmental hazards such as flooding and storms.

Call Storm Cleanup Experts For Assistance

If you experience storm damage to your Warwick home or business, give SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston a call today. We will be out quickly to fix the problem and restore your structure and belongings to their preloss conditions.

Workplace Fire Prevention

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

Train employees on fire safety

5 Workplace Fire Safety Tips

Fires are among the most dangerous events that can happen to a business. They can cause massive property damage and put employees at risk of serious injury. To prevent fires and keep your employees safe, follow these five tips for workplace fire safety:

1. Train employees on fire safety

The first step in keeping your employees safe is knowing how to react when a fire starts, and that means they need to be trained on what to do.

• Train all employees on how to evacuate the building safely and quickly.
• Cover what equipment will help them if an evacuation isn't possible. This includes fire extinguishers, smoke masks, and self-rescue devices like ladders or ropes available in stairwells, etc.
• Remind them about the importance of notifying you about any suspected hazards so that you can act immediately—and follow up with regular inspections just to be sure nothing has changed since you last checked it out!

2. Inspect fire exits and evacuation procedures regularly

Due to panic during an emergency situation, not everyone will follow evacuation procedures when there is an emergency. Therefore, it's important that you check that your staff knows what to do. A checklist can be used to ensure all fire exits are clear and the correct equipment is available.

• Make sure the fire alarm system is working correctly by testing it at regular intervals
• Check that all fire extinguishers are in good condition and regularly checked at least once a year
• Ensure that any exit signage has remained in place and hasn't become obscured by furniture over time
• Test emergency lighting systems regularly to make sure they are working properly

3. Select the right fire extinguisher for the job

The first step to choosing the right fire extinguisher for your workplace is to understand what type of fire you are most likely to be dealing with. This information can be found in the manufacturer's guidelines or on the label that comes with your particular extinguisher. 

4. Keep electronic devices and cables away from heat sources

• Keep electronic devices and cables away from heat sources.

• Don't put anything on top of electronic devices, like a laptop or a phone.
• Be careful with lighting. If you're using candles, make sure they're in sturdy holders so they don't tip over when you move around your space or try to grab something off the table.

5. Plan ahead for business continuity

Planning for business continuity can help minimize disruption to your organization, customers, and employees. In the event of a fire or other emergency, following a plan will ensure that critical operations such as communications, human resources, and financial management are not interrupted.

A business continuity plan is a document that details how you intend to continue running your business if an emergency situation occurs. It should include: who will be responsible for what tasks; how the business will continue to operate; how you'll communicate with customers, etc.

Proper training and preparation is essential

Fires are a serious concern for any business owner. A fire can cause thousands of dollars in damage and disrupt your daily operations, but with proper training and preparation, you can prevent fires and keep your employees safe!

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you have the power to protect your employees and your business. By following these tips and staying aware of potential fire hazards, you can prevent fires from happening in the first place. If you do find yourself in a situation where a fire does break out, remember that everyone needs to evacuate calmly without panicking or rushing.

What are Flood Cuts?

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts in East Greenwich property

How Do Flood Cuts Work?

Flood cuts are an important part of the home restoration process after water damage. They remove wet drywall from the walls so that mold can't grow on the surfaces or in the insulation behind it. Flood cuts are also used to remove damaged sheetrock and plaster, which will need to be replaced anyway once molds have been cleared out. This guide will explain what flood cuts are, how they work, and why you should use them after a water loss has damaged your home or business.

Flood cuts are used to remove wet drywall

Flood cuts are a common technique for water damage. Flood cuts are used to remove drywall that is wet from water damage. The process involves cutting away the drywall, removing it and installing new drywall in its place.

Flood cuts remove only the damaged portions of your walls and ceiling, including anything that has been affected by water damage. This means you're saving as much of your home's original material as possible while also getting rid of affected materials before mold can begin to spread throughout your home.

Water damage can lead to mold growth, which requires professional remediation. Flood cuts remove excess water from the wall, preventing it from entering your home's structure while providing an ideal environment for mold growth.

Flood cuts are usually the best course of action for homeowners.

Flood cuts are usually the best course of action for homeowners, as they allow you to make the most out of your insurance money and save the most important parts of your walls. A skilled contractor can help you know how far to cut and which walls are necessary for flood cuts.

Removing drywall is the best course of action when it comes to preventing mold growth after a water loss. Mold remediation will require removing drywall anyway, so flood cuts are usually the best course of action for homeowners. It may seem like an inconvenience at first glance but taking precautions now will save time later when working with contractors after cleaning work has been completed.

While flood cuts are labor intensive, they are a great way to remove moisture and moisture affected materials from your home. Flood cuts also allow you to make sure that there isn’t any mold growing in your walls before it becomes an issue. Mold remediation will require removing drywall anyway, so flood cuts are usually the best course of action for homeowners to prevent mold growth from spreading throughout your home. If you think your home may have been affected by flooding or other water damage, then call our SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston team today! Our team can help you with everything from water and mold removal to rebuilding after storms and floods. 

How a Fire Can Cause Water Damage In Your Business

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage cleanup

How a Fire Can Damage Your Business With Water

When a fire takes place, a lot of damage can occur. The majority of the damage can actually be caused by the water used to put out the fire. This water can damage your floorboards and drywall as well as your furniture and other personal belongings. It is important to get a solution to this problem as fast as possible.

When a fire takes place, a lot of damage can occur.

When a fire takes place, it can cause extensive damage to the structure as well as everything inside of it. Water used to put out the fire will also cause further damage in many cases. In addition to smoke damage and soot that gets into your walls and carpeting, water used by firefighters or in attempts to extinguish the flames can cause even more trouble. The water could leak into other rooms through cracks in walls or if part of your ceiling collapses onto another room below it. 

A fast cleanup prevents the water from spreading through your entire home.

Water damage is a serious problem. Water can quickly lead to mold and mildew, which pose several risks to your home or business. If you suspect that you have water damage, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible.

If you've experienced a fire in your home, it's critical to call an emergency restoration company right away. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that water will spread throughout the house through pipes and other connections between rooms. This makes cleanup more difficult—and therefore more expensive—for everyone involved!

The best way to prevent this type of damage is by having a plan in place ahead of time so that everything runs smoothly when something goes wrong.

Water damage cleanup can mitigate many of these problems.

After a fire, it is important to have the water damage cleaned up as soon as possible. Water damage can be especially destructive in a fire environment due to the high temperatures and chemicals that are present. If you wait too long, you could end up with mold growth or even electrical hazards which could cause further problems for your home's condition.

If you're worried about how much this process will cost you, don't worry! Often times professional companies will offer free estimates so that they can give you an idea of what they think it will take to complete your project before they start working on it. Companies such as SERVPRO will work with your insurance company to ensure that the entire claims process is taken care of from start to finish.

It is important to get a solution to this problem as fast as possible.

Water damage is a serious problem, and it should be treated as such. It is important to get a solution to this problem as fast as possible. Don’t wait for the water to dry out on its own; instead, contact your local SERVPRO team as quickly as possible. 

When this happens, you will want to hire professionals who specialize in treating water and fire-damaged properties so that they can help you get your home cleaned up appropriately before any lasting effects occur.

If you have any questions or comments about getting your home back in order after suffering from this type of damage, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are always happy to help our customers with whatever they need.

Getting the water and fire damage cleanup done quickly and correctly will help you avoid further problems down the line. It is important to take care of this problem as soon as possible because it can lead to mold growth if left untreated. If you want more information on how we can help with your water damage cleanup needs call us today!

The Effects of Mold on Commercial Buildings

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Mold contamination in Potowomut, RI.

It is not uncommon to find water damage in commercial buildings. If left unattended, this will provide mold the conditions it needs to grow. Any areas that provide moisture, nutrients, and darkness will give fungus an environment where it will thrive, causing damage to building materials. To prevent mold, it is important to check consistently for:

• Water damage
• Leaks
• Moisture retention in HVAC systems
  
  

What Is Mold?

Mold is a member of the fungus kingdom. This species is an essential member of the ecosystem with the role of decaying natural materials. Mold spores are microorganisms that travel through the air and attach themselves to materials that provide them the right nutrients and living conditions. Given these, they develop into colonies, feeding off of and decomposing their host.

Why is Mold Dangerous for Buildings?
Mold's function in the wild to decompose waste favors greatly for the ecosystem. However, it can cause severe damage in commercial buildings in Potowomut, RI, where it will gradually decompose natural building materials. If left unattended, mold damage will make some materials irreparable. Fungus should not be allowed to dwell on building materials to prevent damage costs from adding up.

Is Mold Preventable?
You cannot prevent mold from traveling into buildings, but there are ways to minimize the potential for its growth. Mold prevention includes controlling the moisture levels in a building to reduce favorable environments for mold, especially in areas where running water is frequent. Inspecting HVAC drip pans regularly to ensure they are not plugged will also help to minimize its growth. Regularly search commercial buildings for any leaks and repair them immediately to prevent damages.
If your building has been affected by water damage and unattended mold growth, a mold remediation service will help to clean and restore the property. It is important to clear buildings of any mold upon finding it to prevent unexpected costs for repairs.

Taking Care of a Roof Leak

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Damaged roof in an Apponaug, RI building

Take Action and Consider the Following Three Tips

When the storm blew through Apponaug, RI, the intense, high winds potentially hurt the building's exterior, in particular creating a roof leak. These are not always obvious, often appearing down the road only weeks after water has built up in the ceiling. As a business owner, you'll want to have the rooftop inspected and repaired as soon as possible, avoiding major problems and potential shut downs. Protect your establishment. Take action, and consider the following three tips.

1. Get an Inspection
As soon as the system finishes, contact a roofer to look over the top, seeking any cracks, holes or missing shingles. These weaknesses need immediate attention, covered with a tarp to avoid additional water absorption. At this point, a water remediation team should be called and asked to evaluate any trouble. You'll need to understand how much moisture entered the ceiling and the rooms underneath. Tests can be done, determining humidity exposure as well as mold development.

2. Secure and Clear the Area
While the outside is tested, begin looking for any internal complications deriving from the roof leak. Is the carpet soggy? Are walls or ceiling tiles showing stains? Notify the crew of any issues. Then, work with them to safely remove electronics and furniture from the rooms, avoiding further loss. Do not allow others to enter; in fact, post signs warning of issues.

3. Seek Water Restoration
Your experts need to tear out any water-logged structure from the damaged roof. The section is repaired, and then the location needs to be dried thoroughly to avoid microbial growth. With that completed, cleaning occurs, along with an application of antimicrobial spray. Finally, the team begins to tackle repairing anything else that was ruined. Ceiling tiles and drywall get patched, and a fresh coat of paint is applied.
It's important to check for a roof leak anytime a severe storm passes through. By finding and fixing damage early, your company can minimize destruction.