Common Secondary Damages from Water in Your Home or Business

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa is the best in the restoration business

When your home or business experiences water damage, the primary concern is always to make sure the water is dried as quickly as possible. This is not only because the water will continue to cause damage on its own the longer it sits, but also because the longer water is in your property the more likely you’ll be to also experience secondary damages. To better understand these risks, here are a few of the most common secondary damages that happen due to water in a structure.

• Corrosion – When water is left to sit in a building, or water leaves a lingering high humidity, metal components of the building can start to deteriorate. This exposure is called corrosion or rust, which causes the materials to weaken or in the worst cases can cause your building to be structurally unsound. Additionally, corrosion on the outsides of the pipes in your building can cause them to fail thus creating even more water damage.
• Electrical Damage – One of the first things you learn about electricity is that water and electricity do NOT mix. Exposed wires, electrical outlets, and appliances are all at risk with water present. In some cases of severe water damage, the fire department may turn off the electricity to the building to prevent any dangers due to this.
• Mold Growth – Probably the most common secondary issue to deal with due to water damage is mold growth. It’s almost inevitable due to the fact that mold colonies can start to form in as little as 24 hours. Fortunately, when using a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Central Tulsa, we will clean and treat the surfaces of your building when we remove the water to help combat this.

Secondary damages are not always the most obvious but can still cause some serious damage to your property. That’s why when you experience water damage it’s best to let a professional company handle the cleanup and restoration. Our team has the experience and technology to help ensure that there is no moisture left behind or hidden in the walls, and that your water loss will be handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. We’re available 24/7/365 for emergency services and are always here to help.

Can Humidifiers Cause Mold? What You Need to Know

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

If mold has developed in your property because of your humidifier or other causes, don’t hesitate at all in contacting SERVPRO of Central Tulsa today!

Mold is one of those stubborn substances that can be found just about anywhere since a mold colony can grow in any place where moisture is present. With that in mind, one can only ask if it’s possible for humidifiers to cause mold.

It can be frustrating handling mold since its complete removal often relies on knowing its exact source. And while it seems likely that your humidifier is the cause, you can never tell without an expert’s opinion.

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa has been providing Tulsa mold remediation services for years. We know a lot about mold growth and how to stop it. So, if you own a humidifier and are unsure if it’s the cause of your mold problem, then continue reading below. 

What are Humidifiers?

As the name implies, humidifiers are devices that release steam into the air. They’re designed to increase moisture levels (humidity). Different types of humidifiers exist on the market today, such as central humidifiers, steam vaporizers, and evaporators.

The purpose of humidifiers is to help relieve discomfort caused by dry indoor air, including bloody noses and cracked lips.

Do Humidifiers Cause Mold?

The bottom line is yes, humidifiers can cause mold. Because moisture feeds mold development, and humidifiers increase moisture levels, mold can easily grow from their use. 

But this doesn’t mean that humidifiers will always cause mold growth. In fact, mold growth from a humidifier can easily be prevented with the right dehumidifier maintenance. 

Humidifier Maintenance Steps to Take to Prevent Mold Growth 

In order to prevent mold development from humidifier use, we recommend following these steps:

Change Humidifier Water Regularly

Certain deposits can develop inside your humidifier if you don’t change the water often. Make sure to empty the tanks and refill them every day, if possible.

Use Distilled Water

Tap water contains minerals that promote bacterial growth. By using distilled water, which has lower mineral content, you can reduce the risk of mold development significantly. You can also reduce the risk by using demineralization cartridges or filters.

Clean Your Humidifier Frequently

Every three days, you should unplug your humidifier and clean it. Remove mineral deposits from your humidifier’s tank or other parts with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution available at most pharmacies.

Read the humidifier’s manufacturer notes. They may mention using another disinfectant instead of hydrogen peroxide.

Replace Your Old Humidifier

If your current humidifier is an older or outdated model, you should consider replacing it. Older humidifiers can build deposits that are difficult to remove and can promote mold growth. 

In Need of Central Tulsa Mold Remediation Services?

If mold has developed in your property, because of your humidifier or other cause, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Central Tulsa today!

Why Choose an IICRC Certified Company?

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

What Being an IICRC Certified Company Means 

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa is an IICRC-certified 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. As a result - Our technicians are amply qualified to take care of any commercial or residential loss you may encounter.

The IICRC Certification Requirements We Follow

In order to keep and maintain our elite status as an IICRC Firm, our office takes steps to meet the following requirements:

• 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.
• Maintaining a written complaint policy and agreeing 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. This benefits our customers, as they directly benefit from our trained and certified technicians.

About Us - SERVPRO of Central Tulsa

At SERVPRO of Central Tulsa, we specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after fire, smoke, or water damage. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are (as you may have gotten by now!) 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.

Mitigation vs Restoration vs Remediation - What's the Difference?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Drying equipment in a second-story game room affected by a water heater leak

When there is a water damage issue at a residential or commercial property, you will often hear the terms “Mitigation, Restoration or Remediation” being used.  While they seem like they may be similar that actually mean very different things:

Mitigation – reducing the severity, seriousness or painfulness of something

Restoration – returning something to a former condition

Remediation – the act of remedying or correcting something, usually cleaning up, reversing or stopping environmental damage

When using the term “Mitigation” in a water damage situation, it is referring to extracting water and drying out the structure or contents so no further damage can occur.  Water is very invasive and can get into just about any area of a home and cause damage.  This can not only be in the form of direct water but also secondary damage from high humidity.  The sooner water can be removed and humidity brought down to normal levels, the better chance of salvaging more contents and structure.

When the term “Restoration” is used, it is referring to restoring the property or contents to its pre-water damage state.  This can mean new paint, new floor, replacing baseboards, etc.  Making it look like the water damage never even happened.

When the term “Remediation” is used in a water damage circumstance, it is normally referring to killing and/or removing mold that may have formed.  Mold can cause a variety of issues for a homeowner.  It is important to get it taken care of so the structure can be safely reoccupied.

It you have water damage and need mitigation, restoration, or remediation assistance, please give SERVPRO of Central Tulsa a call at (918) 271-5922.

Need to Remove Water Damage from a Tulsa Residence?

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides advanced drying equipment like this LGR-low grain refrigerant dehumidifier to mitigate Central Tulsa water damage

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa Water Removal Technicians Offer 24/7 Mitigation

Regardless of the time of year, Tulsa properties are vulnerable to water damage from structural or appliance issues that can happen seemingly out of nowhere, much to the frustration of homeowners. As a result, water–and eventually microbial growth–can potentially affect a home’s safety, indoor air quality, and the structural integrity of materials like drywall.

Extensively trained SERVPRO of Central Tulsa restoration technicians respond to cleanup calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service includes weekends and holidays so community members can minimize home water damage while maximizing restoration potential for structures and contents.

Why Does Water Damage Smell?

Moisture tends to carry a distinctive, musty smell that is easily recognizable. However, Tulsa homeowners curious about this malodor’s origins should know the following:

• The smell does not come from the moisture itself but from bacteria or microbial growth in the water
• Mold and other microbes can spread enough to emit a noticeable odor in as little as 24- to 48 hours after water damage occurs
• Microbes thrive on a combination of relative humidity levels above 60%, lacking or inconsistent air circulation, warm temperatures, and availability of organic materials

Local SERVPRO professionals can remediate potential microbial growth and odors with commercial-grade water restoration services. Staff and franchise owners also undergo thorough training. They can pursue self-paced education modules about water damage’s effects and implement effective remediation strategies.

SERVPRO Water Mitigation Services Go Beyond Cleanup and Odor Control

SERVPRO techs’ water removal services focus primarily on safety and a restoration-first approach where possible. Some materials, like waterlogged sheetrock, are often easier and more economical to replace than simply clean and dry. Other items, like fiberglass insulation, can often be cleaned, dried, and restored successfully in a residential water damage scenario.

• Water damage remediation technicians can expel moisture from surfaces with the help of 3-system extraction units. Most surfaces on a property only require the vacuum system, but the heater and pump systems are also available for implementation during the cleaning of upholstery and carpeting
• Axial and centrifugal air movers work with low-grain refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers to remove, isolate, and collect moisture for disposal in a treated sewer
• Porous materials impacted by water and microbes can be treated with hydroxyl generators, which use ultraviolet light to eliminate odor-causing bacteria
• EPA-registered biocides double as sanitation and, to a lesser extent, odor control, especially when used in tandem with water damage deodorizing solutions
• SERVPRO of Central Tulsa restoration technicians can also implement build-back services after water cleanup that include drywall repairs, HVAC cleaning, and repairing tile flooring

SERVPRO professionals ensure that the water damage restoration process is successful with careful inspection and analysis with calibrated penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters. Potential damage behind walls and ceilings can also be detected with the help of thermal imaging cameras that can pinpoint changes in temperature consistent with wall cavity moisture exposure.

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa can be reached at (918) 271-5922 for comprehensive, emergency-response repair and restoration services.

SERVPRO Is Here to Help With Your COVID-19 Disinfecting Needs

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Certified Cleaned

How do you keep clean with all that is going around with COVID-19? We are here to help with any COVID-19 questions you may have. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the spread of germs.

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean and sanitize your home
• Clean and sanitize your place of business

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we can minimize the spread of germs with a proactive cleaning for your home or business. Using equipment like HEPA 500 air scrubbers, cold foggers, and antimicrobial agents, SERVPRO disinfects and sanitizes after a COVID-19 exposure.

Give us a call today.

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa (918) 721-5922

SERVPRO’s Commercial Restoration Response

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Ready to respond 24/7/365, SERVPRO of Central Tulsa is faster to any size disaster!

SERVPRO has been recognized as a leader in residential cleanup and restoration throughout the United States for many years, however, did you know that we also provide the same high level of workmanship and customer service in the commercial sector?  That’s right!  Utilizing highly trained and skilled technicians, industry leading commercial grade equipment, and an extensive network of resources, we are prepared and able to respond to damages of all shapes and sizes.  So, what services can you count on SERVPRO of Central Tulsa to provide for your commercial property?

• Water Damage Restoration: 24-hour a day emergency response, standing water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification.
• Fire Damage Remediation: Board up service, soot clean up, smoke deodorization, contents cleaning.
• Storm Damage Response: Roof tarping, window board up, structural drying & dehumidification, sanitization.
• Mold Remediation: Oklahoma Licensed Mold Remediator providing cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection.

…and a host of other services, including reconstruction!

With the support of over 2,000 franchises nationwide, the network of the SERVPRO system is strategically positioned to respond, in force, to disasters across the country.  The team members at SERVPRO of Central Tulsa are proud to live and work in our local community, responding to assist residents and business owners in their time of need.  We diligently work with a variety of vendors, subcontractors, insurance carriers, and other interested parties to get your business, back to business, as soon as possible when disaster strikes.  To learn more about our commercial offerings, or request assistance, please give us a call: (918) 271-5922.

Can Central Tulsa Home Fire Damage Be Repaired?

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

This fire-damaged Central Tulsa home can be restored and repaired by our SERVPRO team of IICRC certified technicians.

SERVPRO Professional Fire Restoration Services Address Structure and Contents Damage

Home structural fire damage restoration can be a daunting task for any Central Tulsa homeowner to undertake after disaster strikes. Even small-scale kitchen fires, which are the leading cause of unreported home fires according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), can leave behind hard-to-remove damages that can have a lasting impact on walls and appliances.

Certified SERVPRO fire restoration technicians salvage Central Tulsa properties regardless of the scale of the disaster. Sophisticated technologies, tried-and-true cleanup methods, and extensive fire cleanup training combine to produce effective results that return fire-affected homes to a pre-disaster condition.

How Fire Damage Residues Impact Residential Structures

Fire and smoke damage can have a wide array of effects on surfaces in a home, such as:

• Drywall can easily become stained by smoke exposure
• Soot particles can settle in nooks and crannies of appliances, electronics, and other sensitive items
• Fire and smoke damage residues can also settle in HVAC components and ventilation shafts, which can potentially spread odors and soot throughout the property
• Fire odors can vary based on what was burned. Dry goods, such as paper and wood, have a distinct smell compared to burnt plastics or pungent protein residues. Each material also requires a different type of care for removal
• Soot can seep into porous surfaces like rugs, drapes, and upholstery. While these stains are often removable, consumer-grade solutions are much less likely to remove smoke residues fully

SERVPRO professionals provide Central Tulsa homeowners with commercial-grade solutions that eliminate fire damage stains and odors while minimizing demolition and replacement needs.

Remediating Fire and Smoke Damage with SERVPRO Cleaning Solutions

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa professional soot removal entails a multitude of methodically implemented steps. These include:

• Manual cleaning of fire damage from ceiling to floor, and lightest to heaviest. This pattern provides effective, efficient cleaning that has minimal impact on surfaces
• SERVPRO crews can also perform structural drying for fire suppression before performing fire restoration services. A dry structure is necessary for safe remediation
• Heavy-duty cleaning options for fire damage include EPA-registered biocides, alkaline solutions, and abrasion blasting with soda ash, dry ice, and other blast media
• Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) can deploy solvent-based deodorizers via thermal foggers for fire odor removal. This device allows deodorizers to chemically bind with soot particles to thoroughly eliminate odors. Protein residues from kitchen fires can be addressed with specialized enzyme digesters that turn oily proteins into water-soluble byproducts for easy removal
• Soot removal with HEPA-filter vacuums can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns in size

After performing the cleanup, SERVPRO fire restoration technicians can focus on rebuilding services such as hanging new drywall where necessary, cleaning HVAC systems, repainting walls, and flooring repairs. SERVPRO professionals also clean salvageable contents thoroughly to return them to a pre-disaster condition once more.

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa renders 24/7 disaster mitigation services when property owners call (918) 271-5922.

Always Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Water Damaged Property

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO - Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

Water damage doesn't just happen when a pipe bursts or a water heater can no longer stand the pressure. The truth is, water damage inside a home can come from practically anywhere. While two of the most common causes are burst pipes and leaky water heaters, it can also happen due to a faulty washing machine or dishwasher. This type of damage can also occur as a direct result of storm damage which destroys the roof or some other structural part of the house, effectively leaving it open to the elements. It also happens in the event of a fire as the first responders attempt to put out the flames. It is inevitable there will be a certain amount of water present in the home. The question is, how should you handle it when this type of thing happens to you?

Fortunately, when you are dealing with water damage in Central Tulsa, you can rely on SERVPRO to help you come to terms with everything that is going on. In fact, we have spent some years perfecting our techniques when it comes to repairing water damage and performing restoration services in businesses and homes of all sizes. We use proven techniques that get the best results because we understand that you want to be able to preserve as many of your possessions as possible.

When you have any crisis inside your home, whether the damage is confined to one room or one or present throughout the entire home, you need professionals who know what they are doing. At SERVPRO of Central Tulsa, we can provide you with one of the most important elements that you will ever have when it feels like your entire world has been turned upside down - peace of mind. You might look at your home and wonder how anybody would ever be able to clean up a mess like that. Still, you can rest assured that we have both the expertise and the equipment to get it done, and we have plenty of experience when it comes to handling challenging situations. 

We incorporate special wet vacuums as well as dryers (air movers and dehumidifiers) to help dry items out as quickly as possible, and we utilize reliable, proven techniques to restore as much as possible. The good news is that even when it looks like there isn't anything that can be done and everything is lost, there is a better-than-average chance that SERVPRO trained IICRC technicians will be able to get the job done on your behalf. The truth is, if you try to clean things up yourself, you don't really know what you're dealing with. The water damage could be far more significant than it appears on the surface.

We can check for any structural deficiencies, restore your home and your personal possessions, and ensure that you don't have to deal with mold growth. We don't recommend that anyone attempt to clean up black mold on their own, so it requires the services of an organization like ours to safely get rid of the water and inhibit the growth of mold. You and your family deserve a safe and healthy home environment.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are directly impacted by water damage, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Central Tulsa at (918) 271-5922

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa Offers Comprehensive Mold Damage Cleanup

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation and cleanup in Central Tulsa needed? SERVPRO provides solutions, "Like it never even happened."

Where Can Tulsa Homeowners Get Safe Mold Remediation?

Home mold DIY cleanup for Tulsa properties can seem feasible at first. However, mold growth on surfaces like drywall and fibers indicates larger microbial clusters lurking in wall cavities, HVAC systems, and other home areas. Professional mold damage mitigation can prove safer and more effective for homeowners experiencing these disasters.

SERVPRO of Central Tulsa professionals use mold inspection, mitigation, and rebuilding services to return residential properties to a pre-disaster state per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines. Certified technicians use proper containment measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to implement mold damage mitigation solutions in Central Tulsa.

Preventing Mold Damage Proliferation in a Residence

After discovering mold damage on a property, homeowners may be tempted to get right to cleaning. However, it is crucial to understand how mold grows and what conditions allow it to thrive before cleaning.

• Lacking air circulation allows mold to spread freely. Sudden usage of HVAC systems can unintentionally circulate microbes to other areas of the home instead of getting rid of them
• Elevated relative humidity, particularly over 50%, can accelerate mold damage growth. Pipe and supply line leaks, among other forms of water damage, can accelerate this
• Porous organic materials like area rugs, drapes, clothing, wood, and drywall are particularly prone to microbial proliferation

SERVPRO mitigation services do not entail total mold removal, which is impossible. However, it is possible to return a Tulsa home to a clean, safe, pre-damage state that is free of malodors.

SERVPRO Mold Remediation Returns Homes to a Pre-Disaster Condition

SERVPRO mold damage mitigation technicians render a plethora of tasks that reduce microbes to normal levels for an indoor residential space. These activities include the following:

• Setting up clean rooms for equipment decontamination, as well as sealing off affected areas with polyethylene sheeting. Mold inspection also detects areas with elevated moisture levels that aggravate microbial growth
• Establishing negative air pressure with HEPA-filter air scrubbers traps microbes for more thorough spore remediation. A combination of dry and wet cleaning methods, as well as sanitation with EPA-registered biocides, allows for more rigorous mold damage remediation
• Positioning air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce relative humidity to normal levels for a residential property slows microbial growth
• Performing necessary drywall demolition, carpet and pad removal, and other disposal tasks with homeowners’ permission. This process allows technicians to install new materials where needed.
• Implementing odor control strategies that are tailored to affected surfaces. Mold odors can be quelled with solvent-based deodorizer solutions, time-release pellets, counteractant odor beads, and thorough HVAC cleaning, among other solutions.

SERVPRO’s mold damage process emphasizes repairs and restoration over replacement wherever possible to help homeowners enjoy increased savings and an easier transition back to a clean, safe residence.

Homeowners can reach the SERVPRO of Central Tulsa crew at (918) 271-5922 for rapid-response remediation and restoration services after a disaster.