Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Faster To Any Size Disaster

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Vigo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (812)242-9611

Faster to Any Size Emergency

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 2010 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of Vigo arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Our Customers say it all!

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Nothing is more valuable to a business than the reviews left by their customers.  SERVPRO of Vigo County takes great pride in providing the highest possible level of customer service to residents and business owners throughout the Vigo, Clay, Parke Sullivan and Vermillion county area when disaster strikes, and this is evidenced by the online reviews we receive.  From fire damage restoration in a single-family home when the pot on the stove gets a bit out of control, to multi-story water damages affecting numerous owners, SERVPRO of Vigo County is Here to Help make the damage “Like it never even happened.”  So, what do our customers have to say about the service we provide?

 I can’t say enough about how happy I was with the service from all the guys at SERVPRO! I called in a panic when I found 2 feet of water in my basement, they showed up within the hour and had everything under control. I would highly recommend them to anyone, truly a lifesaver for me! Thanks SERVPRO! - Jill T.

Unfortunately I had a water heater blow out in one of my rentals. The damage was substantial. Luckily SERVPRO was called and the work they performed was outstanding. They had to open my walls 3 feet up where the water damage occurred to insure there was no mold growing. SERVPRO was quick to respond, cleaned up all the mess and fixed everything. The left my rental property just as they advertise, "like it never happened ". Thank you SERVPRO! - Mike E.

AMAZING!!!!! They were at my house within an hour of our flood! They answered all my questions and took the time to walk me thru all the steps of the process as I had never had to do anything like this before. Customer service at its finest! And... they got things dry so fast I didn’t have to do major repairs due to water damage!!!! Very very impressed SERVPRO! - Ruthee L.

When it comes to finding a local professional that you can trust for your cleanup and restoration needs, look no further than SERVPRO of Vigo County.  Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies, SERVPRO of Vigo County is “Faster to any size disaster.” (812)242-9611

The Benefits of HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Dirty Duct Work Dirty Duct Work

HVAC systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. The air inside your Western Montana home is full of tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. When your furnace or air conditioner draws air, it also pulls airborne particles. Over time, these contaminants can build up inside the ducts, reducing airflow and re-circulating throughout your living space.

Like furnaces and air conditioners, air ducts require proper cleaning and maintenance to perform at their best. Keeping ducts free of dust and debris can also help reduce your energy bill and improve air quality in your home. More frequent duct cleaning is recommended if you have indoor pets, or are sensitive to indoor air quality. You should also have your ducts cleaned if you have recently renovated your home, as this will increase the amount of dust in your forced air system.

Air duct cleaning clears debris from your HVAC air ducts, registers, grilles, and other components of an HVAC system and provides these benefits for you and your home:

- Creates a cleaner living environment
- Reduces allergens and irritants
- Helps your family breathe easier
- Removes unpleasant smells and odors
- Improves airflow efficiency

Duct cleaning is not an easy job. Doing it right takes specialized equipment in the hands of skilled professionals like ours at SERVPRO of Vigo. Call us at (812)242-9611.

Microbials In Your Home & How SERVPRO Can Help!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

 

Two dreaded word for homeowners:  MOLD and MILDEW. Microbial growth can cause all kinds of issues and can be very expensive to mitigate.

Microbial growth grows best in dark, damp, humid and warm conditions and spreads by reproducing spores.  Some microbial growth can grow in a harsher condition as well. Some common indoor types are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.  These kinds of microbial growth, and others, can cause health effects.

Here are a few locations that are more likely to have mold issues in your area:

  • Antique shops
  • Greenhouses
  • Saunas
  • Farms
  • Mills
  • Construction areas
  • Flower shops
  • Summer cottages

If you believe you are having a microbial growth issue in your home or business, let SERVPRO start working on the issue before it gets out of hand! Call us today!We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Table tent signs describing the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program on top of a wooden table. Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Vigo County today at 812-242-9611 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

During This Time Of Need SERVPRO of Vigo County Is Here To Help

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO CLEANING Badge If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vigo County today! 812-242-9611

During this unprecedented time caused by  the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vigo County today! 812-242-9611

Fire Safety During Winter Months

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Dec, Jan, Feb Winter Months Fire Safety Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best.
 

Nothing is better during the holidays than gathering around a warm, crackling fireplace to celebrate the season with family and friends. Just make sure your fireplace is safe and holiday-ready before lighting to decrease your risk of a house fire. Make sure your chimney has been cleaned, and that your damper is operating properly and open when lighting a fire.

Clean the firebox after each fire but retain a light layer of spent ashes to create a good based for the next fire. Remember, coals can remain hot for several days. When you remove them, immediately take them out of the house and store them in a fire-safe vessel. If you have a ceiling fan in the same room as your fireplace, run it clockwise on a low speed to redirect warm air from the ceiling into the living space.

Fireplace Safety Tips

There is an art to making a good and safe fire for your loved ones. Here are some guidelines:

  • Don’t overload the fireplace with wood
  • Use only clean, dry wood, cured for 8-12 months
  • Build the fire slowly
  • Never leave a lighted fireplace unattended
  • Make sure fire is extinguished before going to sleep
  • Remove dry spent ashes from fireplace and store outdoors in a fire-safe vessel
  • Keep any flammable materials a safe distance from the fire
  • Glass doors should be kept open when a fire is lighted
  • Keep a fire screen in front of fireplace
  • Keep children and pets a safe distance from fires with a gate
  • Place a non-flammable rug in front of the fireplace
  • Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working

Chimney Cleaning and Maintenance

  • When your chimney is cleaned of creosote buildup, make sure it is also checked structurally for cracks, missing mortar, loose bricks or any signs of deterioration.
  • Install a wire-mesh cap over the top of your chimney to prevent birds, squirrels and debris from entering.
  • Keep any tree limbs from growing near your chimney to avoid igniting.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, area. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your needs following disasters and accidents in your home and business.

We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

When It Comes To Mitigating Water Damage - Call SERVPRO

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Air movers drying floor Before photo after the water was removed and the equipment was set.

With a back up pump failure the church was left with 2 inches of standing water. Not only do they have Sunday service to worry about they also run a full time very large Pre-School.

SERVPRO of Vigo County was called in to remove the water and restore their church back to normal ASAP.

After we arrived we removed the water and set equipment and had them back up and running within 48 hours. We also made it to where the pre-school could stay in session with no hazards to the children while our equipment was set drying out the facility.

We were very pleased with the quality service and fast working technicians. We had no regrets calling SERVPRO of Vigo County and will use them in the future if needed.

SERVPRO Is A Step Ahead Of The Rest!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO with people So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Have you ever wondered what makes each restoration company unique? What sets them apart? What makes you want to use them? Some companies are nationally known franchise operations, like ours. Some may offer more services than others, but not all are qualified to perform those services.

We as an office and a company in general, are governed by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They set the rules and guidelines for how we take on and produce each job. Our owners, production managers, crew chiefs, and many of the office personnel have sat through hours upon hours of classes. They have taken tests to be certified by the IICRC, which renews annually.

Have you asked if your service professionals are certified to do the work they offer? SERVPRO has trained and qualified professionals coming to your home or business. Not all restoration companies are created equal. Ask if your service professionals are licensed, insured, and certified (which we are). 

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO Is Open 52 Weeks A Year, 7 Days A Week, 24 Hours A Day!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO 24/7 Did you know that SERVPRO is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
 

Did you know that SERVPRO is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Top notch customer service and protecting your home from extended damage are our top priorities so we are open all the time.

Our dedicated and experienced crew is always ready to answer the call. Whether it is at one o'clock in the morning on a Sunday or Christmas Eve your water damage, fire, or mold loss is not going to wait so neither do we! SERVPRO understands the urgency of home damage and we are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about our crew of skilled professionals click here and for service or questions give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and we are here to put our expertise to work for you! No matter what time of day or night, let us get you back to preloss condition! 

SERVPRO of Vigo County proudly serve the communities of:

  • Terre Haute
  • North Terre Haute
  • Brazil
  • Clinton
  • Springhill
  • Seelyville
  • Rockville
  • Sullivan
  • Riley
  • Otter Creek Junction
  • Farmersburg
  • Southwood
  • Youngstown
  • Clay City
  • Shelburn

Check out our reviews and more information on GoogleFacebookYelpAngie's List and the Better Business Bureau.

Why SERVPRO? Because carpet stinks, but don't worry...we can help!

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever been sniffing around wondering where a certain smell is coming from? Then you realize it is coming from your carpet. If your carpet has a bad smell, consider these possibilities, it may require a professional carpet cleaning. Once you find the source of your carpet odor, you can decide the best treatment. 

  • Moisture or dampness
    • Oftentimes moisture can be trapped in the carpet and carpet pad leading to a musty odor. This can be caused by humidity, spills, potted plants dripping on them.
    • A flood in a finished basement can cause carpet odor. If the situation is not handled properly, continued moisture exposure can cause mildew and mold growth.
  • Pet odor
    • When pets use your carpet as a bathroom, the smell can really linger around.
    • The smell of pet urine can sometimes return even after a carpet cleaning. This is due to the gases released by the bacteria that are digesting the urine.
    • The best solution for eliminating pet odors are dry carpet cleaning treatments or treatments that use enzymatic odor removal products.
  • Cigarette smoke
    • If someone smokes inside the home, the carpet can hold in the cigarette smoke odor.
    • While the person living there may not notice the smell, but visitors will.
    • A professional carpet cleaning is suggested to remove the smell, but if the smoking was excessive, the carpet may need to be replaced.
  • Old age
    • Carpeting is made from fibers that break down over time.
    • Carpet cleaning can't remove the old, musty smell from the carpet. It needs to be replaced.
    • Along with smell, old carpets start to release dust contributing to indoor allergies.
  • Food and drink spills
    • Any food or drink spills on carpet can lead to odors.
    • Professional carpet cleaning is best to remove the smell.

Why SERVPRO? We are the business emergency plan experts

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Your business may already have a contingency plan, but do you have everything included that you should? Formulating a complete evacuation plan may not be easy, but doing so can help protect you and your employees. Here are some things you may want to make sure are included.

1. Fire Extinguisher Locations

Making sure everyone knows where the fire extinguishers are located can save precious time during a fire. The extinguishers should be easy to locate and easily accessible during an emergency.

2. Building Exits

An important part of an evacuation plan is knowing where the nearest exits are from any point in the building. This will allow your staff to quickly and safely leave in the event of a fire. There should be at least two exit options from every point in case one path is blocked.

3. A Meeting Place

Another thing to include in your contingency plan is a safe meeting location. This should be outside and a safe distance from the building. All employees should gather here so they can be quickly accounted for.

4. Emergency Information

While 9-1-1 is the emergency number everyone should have memorized, there may be other numbers you want to keep track of. For example, emergency contact information for your employees. You may want to include a note in your plan about where this information is stored to ensure it’s accessible when needed.

5. Post-Fire Information

You may also want to include the location of insurance or cleanup numbers in your plan so it’s easily available after a fire occurs. Having the number of a trusted fire restoration service may make fire cleanup easier.

With these things included in your contingency plan, you can help ensure that your employees will be able to safely evacuate the building during a fire. Also including your emergency numbers will help ensure you know where they are when you need them.

Why SERVPRO? Big or small, we handle them all!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

If your home suffers water damage as a result of water leaks or flooding, there are specific measures you have to consider. That is when you need water cleanup and removal specialists to dry your property and mitigate the damage. Below, we are going to take you through some of the techniques that these professionals employ to restore your property. 
 
When you are working with a locally owned company like SERVPRO to solve water damage problems, technicians start by tracing the wet areas and their respective moisture levels. Thermo-hygrometers, moisture meters, and moisture sensors are some of the tools that our professionals use to examine the level of moisture in contents. After that, drying the materials to their standard moisture levels follows. 
 
Water extraction is vital during the restoration process. Extractors and pumps are some of the tools that our SERVPRO technicians use to remove the water. Extractors can either be portable or truck mounted, and they all have three key components: vacuum, pump, and the heater systems. The vacuum component is very crucial during water extraction, but when cleaning upholstery and carpets, all the three work together. 
 
When performing moisture extraction in areas with limited access, portable extractors are preferred. The work of truck mounted extractors is similar to that of the portable ones, with the significant difference being that they come with their powering sources and are more powerful. Additionally, truck mounts can efficiently perform restorative cleaning and water removal. 
 
Our SERVPRO technicians may also use pumps to remove the accumulated water when attending to a water damage incident. However, we do not use the pumps when the debris is present. The team uses submersible pumps when the depth of the standing water is more than two inches. It is important to note that certified service providers follow the IICRC standards in the restoration work. 
 
So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Because when water finds your basement, we help it find its way out!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Many areas of the country experience heavy rains in the spring and early summer, and our area is no exception. These types of storms send water flooding into your home at its lowest level. Restoring the damage done from several inches of water pouring into your house needs the professional help of the skilled staff at SERVPRO. 
 
The one thing you do not want to do when flood damage occurs in your house is to wait to see if things get better on their own. Water can damage your home’s structure and contents if it remains inside for any amount of time. Also, if moisture levels remain high within your house, you run the risk of mold growth and damage. Flood damage recovery is at the heart of our business plan, and we pledge to do everything within our power to return you to preloss condition. 
 
Our SERVPRO team needs to complete some preliminary steps before they begin removing the water and then drying out your home after the flood. First, we need to be certain that there is no risk of electrocution. Many appliances in the flood water use electricity, so we risk trouble if the power is live. Second, other tools and systems use natural gas or oil for fuel, and they also need to be shut off while our crews work. We also need to be mindful of any structural damage or weakness that puts restorers or you in danger. 
 
Once we clear any hazards, we begin by removing standing or puddled water in the lowest levels of your house. A submersible pump works for deeper floodwaters, and once the level goes down, we use extractors, which are powerful water vacuums. Air movers are the next line of defense, staged to reduce the moisture content of flooring, walls, and ceilings. Carpeting dries in place if we can lift it to get air moving on both top and bottom. Padding is inexpensive, and we often remove and replace it as it dries too slowly and incompletely. 
 
With our drying goals met, we take a final look for any microbial growth. Mold spores are always present, and it just takes a boost of a little water to get them growing. Drying out the structure within 48 hours gives SERVPRO staff the best chance of preventing flood-related mold growth. 
 
Driving rain flooding into your home has little chance of permanently damaging your house if SERVPRO of works on your behalf. So give us a call today! We are faster to any disaster and are here to get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Because we help each other!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchisees are independently owned and operated, but we are all still a part of the SERVPRO family. We help each other out, just like family. If a neighboring franchise has an overload of calls (we call it double occupancy), they can call another SERVPRO to help. 

We also help each other out when large events happen. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, freezes, and wildfires happen every year. We call these Storm events and multiple franchises outside the affected area will send crews to the area to help. 

SERVPRO participated in helping out with the polar vortex in the Mid-West that had temperatures dipping to -52 in some places. Pipes froze. A few days later the temps rose enough to allow those pipes to begin thawing. The local franchises were inundated with calls and our crews were able to help. 

We are here for you when you need us, just like we are when another SERVPRO needs us. We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Chimney Fires

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

Chimney fires happen when there is too much buildup in the chimney. The buildup will begin to burn causing fire to come out the top and push smoke into the house. 

How do you stop a chimney fire?

Cleaning out the chimney using a wire brush or hiring a chimney sweep during the warm seasons is the best way to keep fires out of the chimney and out of your home.

The homeowner put out the chimney fire with a fire extinguisher. They were left with dust covering the home and contents.

The home owner was at a devastating loss and didn't think his home could be restored back to new.

SERVPRO of Vigo County came in to restore his home to "Like it never even happened." The customer stated that he was very impressed with the management team and trust worthiness.

Why SERVPRO? Helping Prevent Dryer Fires

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you notice your dryer is not functioning properly, you should act immediately. Your Terre Haute, IN, home is at risk of fire when the dryer cannot properly redistribute heat. Proper dryer maintenance and cleaning protects your home from the danger of a lint fire.

Know the Symptoms of a Dryer Vent Clog.


There are several telltale signs that you should clean and inspect your dryer:

• Unusually long time for clothes to dry
• Clothes much hotter than they used to
• A burning smell
• Lint spilling out of the hose

These warning signs mean you should immediately stop using the dryer and clean it. Running the dryer when it shows any of these signs could cause a dryer fire.


Remove Excess Lint From the Lint Trap.


Depending on the model, you should be able to find a lint screen on the bottom, top or side of the dryer. The screen may come out fully but should not be forced out.

Once you have the screen out as far as it’ll go, lint can be cleaned up using your hands, a brush or vacuum. The lint needs to be fully removed from the sheet to prevent a potential lint fire. Before putting the screen back, it’s advised to vacuum out the empty lint trap area.


Check the Exhausts for Lint.


After disconnecting the dryer and removing the exhaust hose from the wall, the hose should be checked for any lint. If there is lint, a lengthy cleaning brush tool from a vent cleaning kit should be snaked through and back to fish up any lint until no more comes out.

If there is an exterior vent in your home, it is good practice to regularly clean its screen of lint too.


Prepare for the Worst Regardless.


Your home can be protected from a lint fire, but fire damage always needs a plan. A local fire restoration company can assist you with a fire and should be kept as an emergency contact. Thankfully, cleaning the dryer regularly saves you from fire damage to worry about.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Why SERVPRO when it comes to storms and flooding

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Although no one can stop the rains, there are ways to limit flooding in your home. Overland flooding or backups due to overwhelmed storm sewage systems are but two of the sources of floodwaters in the lower levels of your home. Regardless of the source of the water, we have the technicians and the equipment to help you recover.
 
Even though the water causing flood damage to your home may be drawing your eyes down as it seeps into the foundation or lower levels, the problem often is at the roofline. Clogged gutters and damaged downspouts cause water to pound down near the perimeter of your home, saturating the soil and ultimately invading through the slab, poured, or cinder block foundation. We can respond to and restore the damage but expect suggestions from our managers or production crew to minimize or even eliminate future flooding.
 
The grading and landscaping around your home can also contribute to the seepage of floodwaters into the foundation. Over time even correctly graded ground can erode and shift, encouraging rainwater to drain into your home rather than away from it. SERVPRO crews also see scenarios where plantings surrounding your home contribute to excess water moving into the porous materials making up the base and protecting the lower levels of your house. Irrigation systems or merely an overdone watering of foundation gardens have the unhappy result of a wet home.
 
SERVPRO evaluates the characteristics of the water flooding into your home to determine whether it needs to be contained and disposed of according to local regulations. The sooner you get our team to your home the more likely that the water checks out as Category 1. If the soil around your home is loose, dirt particles can flow in with the water. Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, and even pet wastes can taint the water, requiring careful handling. Gutter overflow can also contain bird and animal waste and mold, threatening the flooded area with microbial growth if not disinfected and dried out after the flood water evacuates.
 
Submersible pumps and water extractors pull most of the flood water out of your home. If Category 1 we can drain it outside, but take care to deposit far from the house to prevent it from flooding again. We use moisture meters and infrared scanners to locate hidden pockets of moisture and to set a baseline for drying goals. SERVPRO crews position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected space. The moisture numbers are monitored to ensure we achieve standard levels.
 
The team at SERVPRO of Vigo has the necessary training and experience to remediate seepage-based flooding. Do not hesitate to call us if we can help!

Why SERVPRO When it comes to the aftermath of fire!

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Vigo County has specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

Board-ups - In some cases firefighters may break windows and cut holes in the roof in order to vent the fire. It is extremely important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders.

Types of Fire/Smoke/Soot

Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

What to do after a fire:

  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.

What NOT to do after a fire:

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Vigo County
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may damage garment further.

SERVPRO of Vigo County has what it takes to restore your home back to pre loss condition.