What Makes One of the Best Mold Remediation Firms in San Antonio?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth discovered behind washer & dryer

Specialized Skills and San Antonio-Based Resources Makes a Top Remediator

Finding a fast and effective remediator is crucial if you ever need mold cleanup work done on your San Antonio residence. This diligence is necessary because the longer the problem persists, the more difficult and costly it is to clean up. Fortunately, SERVPRO can give you the high-quality service you need.

Not many mold remediation firms in San Antonio have the specialized knowledge, locally based equipment, and mold specialists who have routinely performed everything from mold inspection to complete mold removal and black mold repairs. Underpinning all this extensive hands-on experience is the advanced training SERVPRO receive and their arsenal of state-of-the-art equipment.

A few of the specific resources remediators possess are:

• Industry-recognized education and restoration
• A veritable armory of advanced cleanup and gear located within easy reach in the San Antonio area, enabling us to respond more quickly and powerfully to your call
• Equipment and products, like air movers, dehumidifiers, Injectidry systems, foggers, antifungals, and deodorants, designed to address almost every possible problem you may have

Employing all of these at our disposal, we can often return your home to its original state before the mold outbreak in less time than other local mold remediation services.

So, if you ever need a good mold remediation company, consider your neighborhood SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio. We are always ready to help you conquer all your worst mold problems. Call anytime at (210) 899-1017.

SERVPRO Removes Odors

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fire, water, mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away; SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is here to help!

Don’t Live a Life Full of Unpleasant Smells.

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition, or mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn’t necessarily get rid of these smells. With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC) SERVPRO provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by smoke, mold, or other sources. Our professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the odor's sources.

Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more. Our proprietary line of cleaning products, SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio, uses various techniques and equipment to treat odors.

These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Some of Our Tools to Neutralize Odors

Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke, and more without chemicals. Though the room being treated cannot be occupied while in use, the generator works quickly to clean, sanitize and remove offensive odors. 

Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main benefit is that the room being treated can be occupied during the deodorization process, though it does work slower. The Hydroxyl Generator can be used to treat fire and smoke and biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors. 

Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold, and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. This helps clean the air and remove odors.

Whether you are a building manager who needs an apartment cleaned for the next tenant or a homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority.

Fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is here to help make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Call us today at 210-899-1017 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com

Ensuring a Smooth Insurance Claim Experience

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio helps with the insurance process.

If you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, the last thing you want is more worry. For this reason, our team ensures that the claim process is as stress-free as possible.

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio will help make it “Like it never even happened.” That way, you and your family or business can get back to what is important.

Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible. Therefore, we will:

• Create thorough visual and written documentation of the damage to your home or business.
  
  
• Document the condition of each item we remove for cleaning or storage.
  
  
• Work directly with your insurer, communicating with you at all times.
  
  
• Handle the paperwork to make sure the processing and payment of your claim is as fast as it can be.

We are very proud that so many insurance companies recommend SERVPRO to their clients. They are fully aware of the benefits that come with our partnership. We do everything we can to make the entire process as easy as possible.

Our team is here for you if you experience a disaster. Our technicians have specialized training and years of experience in water, fire, mold, and cleanup and restoration services.

Call us anytime at (210) 899-1017

Why You Should Call SERVPRO

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Always ready to help!

We know that when emergencies happen, whether it be from storm damage, mold infiltration to your house, a fire or much more, that stress levels can be high but SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is here to make the process as easy and least stressful as possible.

Our motto is to make it “Like it never even happened.” We value our customers and know that when they call us it is not always a pleasant time for them but our highly trained staff is ready to help, no matter the hour or situation. We are available to our customers 24 hours a day seven days a week and we are here to take the worry away. 

When a loss of any kind happens, Fire, Floods, Storms or Mold, it is important to call on a reliable service to help restore your home. Here are just a few reasons why SERVPRO is a leading choice during emergencies.

Available Nationwide

SERVPRO has over 1,700 franchise locations across the nation, so they can arrive quickly wherever they are needed for disaster recovery. Corporate locations can provide any needed equipment to franchise locations so that they have the right tools to get the job done. When extra help is needed in a particular location, teams from other areas can be called in for help.

Always Ready

Because they are open 24 hours a day and are available any day of the year, SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is always ready to come to your aid.  Getting mitigation done in a timely manner means that there will be less overall damage and the restoration process will take less time and money to complete.

When you are in need of a restoration service for your home or place of business, you should choose a company that can work well while completing mitigation and repairs as quickly as possible. With highly-trained professionals that are always available in many locations across the country, SERVPRO is an obvious choice.

For more information about SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio call us today at:              210-899-1017 or visit us www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com 

Foundation Problems

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio if your home's foundation has shifted causing water damage.

Home- as they say, there’s no place like it. However, it is important to take care of your house and notice whenever there are issues that maybe detrimental to keeping up with it. Certain issues will cost you even more down the road if you chose to ignore the warning early signs. An example of this is foundation issues. Below are some of the key things to keep a lookout for.

1. Cracked, crumbling or compromised foundations

When doing a routine inspection of your house watch for this things in a cracked foundation:

• Hairline fractures or cracks (vertical, horizontal or zigzagging)
• Sloping, sagging or buckling of foundation floors or walls
• Ruptures or gaps
• Crumbling or flaking (of the concrete)
• Moisture (including pooling water, mold and stains)

2. Water damage and soil shifting

• Homeowners can check for potential signs of water damage by inspecting the soil around the property to see if it is either unnaturally wet or unusually dry
• Homeowners can also check invisible leaks by shutting off all water-based appliances, spigots and faucets, then noting the exact readout of the water meter. After waiting six to 12 hours, they should then check to see if the water meter has changed

3. Sagging Floors and warped ceilings

• With a level tool, you can verify whether the slope is consistent on each floor and ceiling. An easier solution is to use a tennis ball to see if minute gradients exist. When placed in random locations on every floor, the tennis ball should never move.

4. Cracked, crumbling or buckling walls

• Homeowners should routinely inspect all interior and exterior walls for cracks, fissures, warps and shifts, crumbling and decay — especially with cement or brick façades and water damage (moisture, mold and stains)

5. Improperly Fitting Doors and Windows

• All of the windows and doors throughout the home should fit snugly in place — neither too tight nor too loose.

Be on the lookout for any of these issues! If you notice something is wrong, SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is ready to help. Call us today at (210) 899-1017

Why, Choose SERVPRO North Central San Antonio

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO North Central Team is ALWAYS ready!! We have all the tools and knowledge needed to help with your water damage needs.

Water loss incidents can disorganize your life in many ways, including interfering with your daily routines and leaving piles of debris in your house. Your response to the outcome of such an incident should, therefore, achieve different goals, including restoring order. Considering specific issues when finding a water removal solution can help you achieve the intended goal.

The Speed of Water Removal

Executing fast water removal from your San Antonio property is not just a matter of convenience. When water is left to sit in a property for more than 24 hours, problems like mold can start developing. Materials also continue deteriorating the longer they remain wet. When choosing a solution to deal with the loss, it should address these concerns. Our SERVPRO crews can help expedite the extraction process by using high-speed pumps or truck-mounted water extractors.

Removal that Reaches Hidden Areas

In ideal situations, the spilled water does not breach the surface of materials. However, it is rare for a water loss situation to be ideal. The water soaks into materials or intrudes into concealed areas such as subfloors and wall cavities. Any removal effort should reach all areas, including the concealed ones. Our SERVPRO technicians can perform controlled demolition to open up walls, floors, ceiling, and any other concealed area affected by the flooding. We also have specialized water extraction equipment such and injecti-dry systems and drying mats.

Moisture Management

Even after removing all the standing water, the problems caused by water intrusion can still happen if moisture control is not well executed. For a positive outcome, it is essential to identify all wet areas within the property before starting the drying processes. Our SERVPRO technicians use various moisture detection equipment, including moisture meters, with probes to the level of wetness below the surface of a material to handle water removal. We also use thermal cameras that help identify moisture in concealed areas. After identifying moisture, we make calculations to determine the number and placement drying equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, for optimum results.

Call SERVPRO North Central today at: (210) 899-1017 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com/ 

All About the People

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Meet Jackson SERVPRO North Central San Antonio Mascot!

Isn’t it always about the people?  When you hire someone to do a job, any job, satisfaction always comes down to the people doing the work.  At SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio we have the best.

Training is important so our leaders and project managers maintain the highest levels of certification from The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  However, training is not just an event.  Our entire team receives ongoing weekly continuing education.  This training is supported by SERVPRO’s industry leading training group. 

Beyond training there needs to be accountability.  All of our employees receive a criminal background check before hire and our project managers are hands on in managing the job site. 

Insurance is also essential.  God forbid something goes wrong, how do you know you will be protected?  SERVPRO maintains all of the necessary insurance at levels that exceeds the industry recommendations.  This includes Liability protection and Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

What does this all mean?  Satisfied customers, as our online reviews can attest!

Call SERVPRO North Central San Antonio at (210) 899-1017

Why SERVPRO is the Best Restoration Company In Your Area

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Local San Antonio Business office with Water Damage

Disasters are by definition: "a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage."

Nobody can predict when a water heater will burst, a pipe will break, or your stove will catch fire while you’re cooking.

But SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is always available, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We are always ready to be there when you call, being "faster to any disaster."

Within minutes water will quickly spread, saturating everything in its path. 

Fire and smoke are especially destructive, leaving physical damage, smoke and soot and lingering odor settling in air ducts, furniture, clothes, and crevices.  In many instances property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts.

In either case, the longer an area remains unmitigated, restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive. That is why SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is ALWAYS available, we can get to the scene the faster. 

As part of a national chain of over 1,700 independently owned and operated franchises, SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is held to a high standard of customer service. Creating happy customers is our overall goal

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio Offers Opportunity to Use Green Products

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

These are just some of the green cleaning products we use that are specially manufactured exclusively for and by SERVPRO

Cleaning up after a disaster is a messy job, which oftentimes calls for specialized cleaning products. Many of the products we use at SERVPRO are our own unique formulas that are manufactured in our headquarters in Gallatin, TN.

At SERVPRO we care what we use and how it affects our environment and the safety of our customers. We understand that sometimes families with children and pets prefer all-natural products. For this reason, we offer the opportunity to use Green products when available and appropriate. There are some jobs, however, that require the use of different products.

Our green products are awarded the “Green Seal” and are registered with the EPA. They do not contain any solvents, phosphates, dyes or fragrances, and are safe and non-toxic.

Opportunities for using our own label Green products are when we do carpet & upholstery cleaning, or need a urine odor and stain remover, all surface cleaner, glass cleaner and fuel oil degreaser.

Other green products we use for disinfecting, mold clean-up and prevention and mold stain removal contain no chlorines, ammonias or other harsh chemicals, are hypo-allergenic, and food-grade non-toxic. 

We hope that as soon as a customer calls SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio and we enter their home, they can rest assured that their remediation job will be done as quickly as possible in a safe and effective way.

Call SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio for more information at (210) 899-1017

Raw Sewage Backup? Why You Need to Call SERVPRO

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to wear protective covering while cleaning sewage

Let’s admit it, raw sewage is disgusting to have to deal with. But if it’s currently a problem in your home, it’s important to act quickly and get the clean-up started as quickly as possible in order to minimize any long-term damage and keep your family safe.

 Until help arrives, make sure you keep any young children or pets away from the affected area. Any adult who may be cleaning raw sewage should make sure to cover up any exposed skin and use safety equipment such as rubber boots, rubber gloves, and safety goggles.

Leaving sewage to the professionals is important due to the possibility of contamination or coming in contact with contaminants. 

The experts at SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio will follow the proper steps to ensure your home will be decontaminated, cleaned and dried professionally and completely by:

• Pumping out and removing sewage
• Cleaning & Sanitizing affected area(s)
• Drying the area to prevent mold growth and the spread of further contaminants.
• Restoring & Rebuilding

Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to remove carpeting or other building materials. You may find that the raw sewage has damaged parts of your home beyond saving.

If you find you've had a sewage backup, or need help restoring your property after a backup incident, give SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio at (210) 899-1017

IICRC Certified Firm

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO North Central San Antonio

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Contents Restoration Services

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Ceramic Angels covered in soot aftermath of fire

CONTENTS RESTORATION WITH SERVPRO NORTH CENTRAL SAN ANTONIO 

From furniture to antiques, to artwork and appliances, we'll treat your treasures with the care they deserve. While some items can be cleaned on-site, in many cases we'll need to inventory, pack out and transport the contents of your property to our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the best care possible.

Key Issues

• Contents may need to be cleaned off-site
• Contents inventory
• Determine replacement and restoration
• Pack
• Ozone treatment
• Cleaning
• Odor removal
• Secure
• Return

Contents Inventory

• We arrive on-site and inventory all of your personal belongings.
• We carefully pack all salvable items to transport to our secure warehouse and cleaning facility.
• Unsalvageable contents are inventoried and discarded.

Restoration

• Thorough cleaning
• Proper handling of all electronics
• Photographs and artwork
• Fabrics
• Clothes
• Memorabilia
• Antiques
• Soft goods
• Dry Cleaning
• Appliances
• Surfaces
• Odor Removal

If you have content restoration needs please call us at (210) 899-1017 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com/ 

Having the proper Resources to handle San Antonio water removal

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

This room suffered water damage after a leak. Our experts used air movers and dehumidifiers to dry affected areas

Water loss incidents can disorganize your life in many ways, including interfering with your daily routines and leaving piles of debris in your house. Your response to the outcome of such an incident should, therefore, achieve different goals, including restoring order. Considering specific issues when finding a water removal solution can help you achieve the intended goal.

The Speed of Water Removal

Executing fast water removal from your San Antonio property is not just a matter of convenience. When water is left to sit in a property for more than 24 hours, problems like mold can start developing. Materials also continue deteriorating the longer they remain wet. When choosing a solution to deal with the loss, it should address these concerns. Our SERVPRO crews can help expedite the extraction process by using high-speed pumps or truck-mounted water extractors.

Removal that Reaches Hidden Areas

In ideal situations, the spilled water does not breach the surface of materials. However, it is rare for a water loss situation to be ideal. The water soaks into materials or intrudes into concealed areas such as subfloors and wall cavities. Any removal effort should reach all areas, including the concealed ones. Our SERVPRO technicians can perform controlled demolition to open up walls, floors, ceiling, and any other concealed area affected by the flooding. We also have specialized water extraction equipment such and injecti-dry systems and drying mats.

Moisture Management

Even after removing all the standing water, the problems caused by water intrusion can still happen if moisture control is not well executed. For a positive outcome, it is essential to identify all wet areas within the property before starting the drying processes. Our SERVPRO technicians use various moisture detection equipment, including moisture meters, with probes to the level of wetness below the surface of a material to handle water removal. We also use thermal cameras that help identify moisture in concealed areas. After identifying moisture, we make calculations to determine the number and placement drying equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, for optimum results.

Call SERVPRO North Central today at: (210) 899-1017 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com/ 

SERVPRO and the equipment we use

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Equipment

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio has the technology to get the job done!

The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers causes moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

• Air scrubbers
• Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

For more information on the services we provide at SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio, call us today 210-899-1017

Why SERVPRO

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Clean up services of any kind

Lets face it! Our home is one of the biggest investments we will make. So, its no surprise when something goes wrong or happens we tend to panic. With every flood comes a string full of emotions and with every fire comes a spark of uncertainty and loss of control. Not only is it your home but your belongings as well. You want your life back! 

With SERVPRO North Central San Antonio not only do you get years of experience in clean up and restoration but we have an outstanding track record of results that has earned the trust of insurance companies nationwide. 

SERVPRO North Central is available 24/7 - 365 we provide services in water restoration, fire clean-up, Mold remediation, Bio, Textile cleaning and duct cleaning. 

If you have any remediation/ clean up needs call SERVPRO North Central today at: 210-899-1017 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com/ 

Customer Service

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Faster to any disaster - Truck loaded & Ready

When you have a water damage you look for a company for a quick and immediate response. Naturally water damage and fire damage are the most destructive and can escalate if certain things are not done quickly and timely. This means performing certain task to prevent and minimize further damage to the structure and personal belongings. 

SERVPRO North Central San Antonio believes in placing the customer service as our top priority. Helping our customers restoring their homes, and or their business is what we take pride in. We know water damage can be stressful, but we are here to help through the entire process. 

Call SERVPRO North Central San Antonio today if you have any remediation needs at: 210-899-1017 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com/ 

Why SERVPRO

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Ready to Help!!

WELCOME TO SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio!

SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio is a full scale operation providing homeowners with all the care and services their home needs. By providing the nation with water extractions, fire and smoke remediation, sewage clean-up, mold removal and all others types of disaster recovery, we aim to give property owners piece of mind after a loss to make it “Like it never even happened.”

 

If you experience and of the loss types above, please call SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio at (210) 899-1017 or visit our website at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsnanantonio.com/ we are standing by 24/7 - 365 

Our technicians are licensed, bonded, insured, and certified to eliminate damages from any home or business and provide you with peace of mind

Flood Safety Tips and Information

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Flood Safety Tips and Information San Antonio

Flood Safety Tips and Information:

With your family’s safety in mind, here are things you need to know during a flood disaster:

1. Safety First
Floods are dangerous so the best tip we can give you is to always put the safety of you and your family first. If your home floods, move to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding. If you have a top floor or attic, relocate your family there.

2. Avoid Driving

If possible, avoid driving altogether during a flood emergency. When flash floods occur they strike quickly, leading to collapsed bridges, downed trees and power lines, and roadways completely submerged in water. If you’re caught in your vehicle during a flood, avoid flooded roadways and look for higher ground in the event of rising water.

3. Stay Updated on the Storm

If you’re in an area experiencing heavy flooding, listen to a battery-operated radio for weather and storm updates. If you don’t own a radio, check weather reports on your cell phone, laptop, or television newscast. The website www.weather.gov is a great place to start.

4. Protect your Valuables

This includes both personal possessions as well as the home itself. Move furniture, valuables, and important documents like insurance information to a higher level in your home, such as the top floor or an attic. Additionally, shut off the main power supply, unplug electronics if safe to do so, and move hazardous materials to higher ground.

For more information on flood emergencies and safety, visit www.fema.gov. At SERVPRO North Central San Antonio, we truly care about you, your family, and your home so if you suffer water damage from flooding or related issues don’t hesitate to call!

Water Damage and Mold in Bathrooms

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Mold in Bathrooms

If you’re anything like me, your bathtub is one of the most beloved objects in your home. Nothing beats finishing off a rough day like slipping beneath the surface of a warm bath and soaking your troubles away. However, your relaxing paradise can easily turn into your worst nightmare if not treated with proper care. Water damage and mold can sneak up on even the most pampered of bathtubs and can cause serious damage to your home if not caught and repaired quickly. Here are a few things you need to know about identifying water damage risks.

Know the Signs

Spotting the tell-tale beginnings of leaks in your bathroom is the first and more important step. While some signs of water damage are obvious, such as flooding, there are some smaller signs you will also need to look out for.

1. Softness and discoloration in your bathtub walls – If the tiles or plaster around your tub or shower show signs of distortion such as soft denting, blistering, or warping, this could mean there is water trapped behind the wall. If you have gaps in your grout or caulk, shower spray or bath water may be seeping into the walls and subfloor.
2. Dripping faucets – Even a small drip you hardly notice could be a symptom of a larger problem. There could be a crack or a loose valve in your pipes that could lead to serious internal water damage in your home.
3. Sluggish drains – If water struggles to escape down the drain in your bathtub or sink, this means there is a blockage slowing down the disposal. While this could be simply be caused by hair gathering in the drain and can just as easily be fixed with a basic filter or chemical cleaner if left untended blocked drains can cause a buildup of pressure and bacteria in the pipes, leading to mold growth and pipe bursts.
4. Mold and mildew – Mold growing around your faucet or the rim of your tub is a sign of serious moisture problems and lack of proper ventilation in your bathroom. Bathtubs and showers are havens for mildew because of the dampness and humidity, which can make it difficult to treat once the mold starts to spread.

What is it and How Does it Spread?

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

What is it and How Does it Spread?

How does Fire Spread?

Once started, a building fire is likely to spread until all fuel has been used up. This could have devastating consequences for your home or business. By understanding how fire spreads, you may be better equipped to extinguish it.

• Chemicals and combustibles: When fire comes in contact with lab chemicals, household cleaners, paint, and other chemicals, the fire burns hotter and more aggressively, encouraging it to spread. Other combustibles commonly found in the home include mattresses, sofa cushions, magazines, newspapers, and various textiles.
• Open space: A building with limited interior structure burns much faster than one with hallways and closed doors. Walls and doors trap the fire and prevent the flames and smoke from spreading. While the fire will eventually burn through the structure and continue to spread if left to its own devices, firefighters have a much easier time dousing the flames in a building with more walls and doors, especially if those structures are built to withstand the heat and damage of a fire.
• Construction materials: While a fire can burn through just about any modern building, fire resistive buildings made of concrete and steel curb the spread of fire better than wood frame homes.
• Ventilation: Buildings with central heating or air conditioning have ductwork, which provides a way for flames and smoke to spread between floors of a building, even when the structure is comprised primarily of concrete and steel.
• Water: In some cases, water is not the best fire extinguisher. Grease fires, for example, can actually spread faster when doused with water. A special fire extinguisher or baking soda should be used to suffocate and stop the spread of grease fires in the kitchen.

If your home or business has succumbed to the destructive forces of a rampaging fire, professional restoration services from SERVPRO of North Central San Antonio can help you get your life back in order. Please contact us today to begin the recovery process. 

Top 4 ways to save energy this winter

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Top 4 ways to save energy this winter

Ready for a whopping energy bill to go along with that pile of holiday gifts you received this year? We didn’t think so. That’s why we’re here to offer you a little help in keeping some jingle in your pockets during the winter months. 

Deck the halls with LEDs.

Make sure your festival of lights don't drain your wallet along with the power grid with the help of LEDs. LED lights use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescents, which cost $10/string for 40 days/12 hours a day of operation versus just 25 cents per string for the LED equivalent. 

Tell leaks and drafts to “stuff it.”

Losing heat to air leaks and drafts is like throwing money out the window. Be sure properly seal leaks around windows, doors, chimneys, and venting. This simple fix can save you up to 20 percent on heating costs. Verifying proper insulation levels and adding more where necessary can save you some serious dough as well.

Give your HVAC system a little gift.

Replace your filters monthly and schedule a winter tune-up. This treat will not only boost efficiency and save you some green but increase comfort levels in your home this winter as well. You can also help your system take a load off with the gift of a programmable or SMART thermostat, which prevents you from paying to heat an empty home, offering substantial savings - about 10 percent a year for those who turn down the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. 

Add a special star to your holiday decorations.

The sun. It may only make a few rare, sparkling appearances in your area this winter, but when it does, open the blinds and drapes and let the sunshine in west and south facing windows to naturally heat your home – and save you 2-12 percent on heating costs.

May your holidays be filled with safety, happiness, and savings.

Holiday Fire Safety Facts

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Holiday Fire Safety Facts

Facts about home holiday fires

• One of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.
• The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.
• Candles start two out of five home decoration structure fires.

SERVPRO North Central San Antonio wishes you and you're a happy and safe Holiday season. 

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Record rainfall in Texas

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Equipment ready to be placed on loss site after heavy rains.

Record rainfall in Llano and Burnet counties in the Texas Hill Country caused major flooding in Marble Falls on Oct. 16, 2016.

SERVPRO North Central San Antonio traveled to help those who were affected by this event. This picture shows just some of the equipment that we placed at these clients house.  

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

Call SERVPRO North Central San Antonio today at (210) 899-1017 or visit us at www.northcentralsanantonio.com/