Recent Why SERVPRO Posts
Saying Goodbye to Musty Odors
8/12/2022 (Permalink)
Why Mold Smells?
The fungal kingdom is a fascinating one, but not when it invades your home in Galveston, TX. Although it is natural for most homes to have mold growth to some extent, that musty odor you’re dealing with simply needs to go. Continue reading to find out why mold smells this way and what you can do to fight it.
A Diverse Organism
One fact about mold that can explain its unpleasantness has to do with the toxins it creates. A mycotoxin, or a substance produced by microfungi, is incredibly small and impossible to see with the naked eye. Just one species of mold is capable of producing a variety of mycotoxins.
An Intense Odor
Mycotoxin is also what causes that nasty smell in your home. The smell may seem as if it has seeped into everything, but one way you can get to the bottom of the problem is to conduct an odor investigation. Sniff around rooms to determine which ones have the most odor. Some common areas for mold to thrive include:
- Bathrooms (especially around shower curtains)
- Basements
- Closets with permeable materials
A Resilient Intruder
Although you may have overcome the mold battle and are on your way to a crystal-clean and odor-free living space, this tough fungus has a way of coming back. Sometimes, the help of a professional can ensure mold remediation is done right the first time around. Once professionals have located all affected areas, they can also help you better decide on what preventative measures to take. For instance, placing a fan in the bathroom is one way you can get to the root of a mycotoxin takeover.
That musty odor can certainly jeopardize your comfort in your own home. Want to make sure mold gets turned away at the door? Acquaint yourself with facts about fungus and reach out to the professionals for cleanup and prevention tips.
The Water Problem Has Been Resolved, But the Mold Hasn't Gone Away
8/12/2022 (Permalink)
The Mold Hasn't Gone Away Despite The Water Problem Being Solved
You know a moisture problem in your home in Galveston, TX, has to be addressed as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of damage done to your house. Once the water has been cleaned up, you may think your problems are over. While this would be nice, the fact is that removing the water will not help you get rid of the black mold already growing in the affected areas.
Mold Has To Be Removed
Even after the water and moisture has been taken away from the mold, a serious mold cleanup process is still necessary. If you leave the dried-up fungus where it is, it can become active at the slightest introduction of moisture. Dried-up mold does not wither away and disappear from your home. Instead it lingers, waiting for the return of the food and moisture sources it needs to continue growing. True mold remediation experts will tell you that the cleanup process requires a number of steps:
- Address the moisture problem
- Inspect the mold damage
- Contain the black mold
- Install an air filtration system to trap mold spores
- Remove mold colonies and items infested with the fungus
- Clean any salvageable items
- Restore the home
If any of these steps are skipped, the cleanup may not be as effective as you want it to be. For example, if you reintroduce moldy furniture pieces into the home after the remediation, you may also be reintroducing your mold problem. The fungus can spread quickly from the furniture to other parts of your house.
Whether you are dealing with black mold or any other form of fungus, you want your Galveston, TX, house to be properly restored. Without the right mold cleanup steps, you may be dealing with mold for a long time. Taking half-measures to deal with the fungus will not help you get rid of the issue. You need to take care of the moisture problem and then address the mold growth.
MOLD REMEDIATION: The Importance of Using a Licensed Mold Remediation Specialist
8/9/2022 (Permalink)
Mold remediation is a serious job that always needs to be handled by licensed mold remediation specialists like the team at SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson. Mold is a potentially hazardous health concern.
FEMA warns residents of homes that flood to thoroughly clean and dry any areas affected by flood water to ensure that mold does not grow, but sometimes that is not enough. SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson uses dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity present in water damaged properties.
A home owner is unlikely to have access to the specialized equipment used by the team at SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson, which is one reason insurance companies trust the team when their policy holders experience a water loss.
Many insurance companies call SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson first when their clients experience a loss because they trust that the team will complete the work properly preventing subsequent mold claims.
IICRC Certified Firm
8/9/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson 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 of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson
SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson 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.
Why SERVPRO Is a Leader in Galveston/Lake Jackson Disaster Recovery
7/27/2022 (Permalink)
Call 409-762-4411 for any disaster recovery issues.
Water damage in your Galveston/ Lake Jackson residence can stem from many different sources. Most common are everyday accidents and malfunctions like overflowing tubs, leaks in plumbing, or appliance breakdowns. Sometimes these present as significant crises like a burst supply pipe or water spraying from a broken hose connection on a washer. Other times the water incursion seems minor but builds in intensity over time, like tiny cracks in plastic conduit or a gap in caulking around a shower or sink. Our crews are ready to respond regardless of the cause, why we are well-positioned to help.
We Have Met the Challenge Before
Coping with water cleanup in your Galveston/ Lake Jackson home can feel overwhelming. Whether you face gallons of water all at one time or discover hidden damage due to a slower leak, it is difficult knowing what to do first, much less completing a water removal and drying project. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians bring many combined years of experience to every job. Although each water loss is unique, our familiarity with water cleanup industry best practices over a range of different circumstances is why we are prepared to manage nearly any water event confidently and skillfully.
We Arrive with Necessary Equipment
Our team can assess your water cleanup needs quickly and develop a recovery plan that is both practical and efficient. We enhance of success of our efforts by traveling to your site with fully stocked service vehicles, avoiding any delay in the implementation of the project agenda. An extensive inventory of commercial-grade pumps and extractors, along with air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers, are why SERVPRO crews begin work immediately. Fast, professional action is the most reliable indicator of a successful outcome after water incursion.
We Remain Available After the Work Is Done
Customer satisfaction depends on both expertly planned and completed projects and responsiveness now and in the future. Our commitment to the community is why SERVPRO stands out among water cleanup contractors. We stand behind our work and intend to be here, helping area residents for decades to come.
WHY TIME = MONEY AFTER A WATER DAMAGE
7/18/2022 (Permalink)
WHY TIME = MONEY AFTER A WATER DAMAGE
It’s very important to act quickly after your home has been struck by water damage and flooding. The first 24 to 48 hours are critical. The more time that goes by before extraction and drying process begins, the more damage the property will endure. If you act fast and get residential water damage restoration service on the scene to clean up and dry out your house, you will have the greater chance of saving your possessions and avoid further damage from rot, mold and bacteria.
Fast Response is the single most critical factor in restoring water damaged materials. SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson averages of 1-hour response time for all emergency service calls. The longer the moisture is present, the more time for building to absorb and consequently breakdown structure. When water damage affects your home, it can travel through walls, under floorboards and around all surrounding materials. When water is allowed to sit, it will begin to saturate everything around it. Structural materials, like wood and drywall absorb water, they will start to swell. Cracking and deterioration will begin to occur once full saturation is achiever. If water is not dried completely as quickly as possible, water will spread to the materials and will cause a structural damage and microbial growth.
Carpet and carpet pad is like a sponge, soaking up water and bacteria. If you experience storm and flood damage to your home call SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson at (409) 762-4411. We know how important quick response to water damage is, that’s why we are reliable 24/7 for immediate assistance.
SERVPRO: "Like it never even happened."
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
A customer's home as SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson helps to restore the property after water damage.
SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson prides itself on its slogan "Like it never even happened." When a disaster or emergency happens the dedicated team of professionals’ springs into action saving homeowners and insurance companies thousands of dollars by offering services to return properties to the preloss state.
The team is professional and assists families in need to help them get back to normal as quickly as possible after an unexpected disaster or damage. Some of the property maintenance services SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson offers are mold remediation, property restoration, board ups, air duct cleaning, fire and water restoration and more!
The SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson team prides itself on providing excellent customer service during the customer's time of need and works closely with insurance companies to make the entire process as easy as possible.
SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson Customer Shocked When a Car Drove Through Their Home
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
The home of a SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson customer after a car drove through their home during the night.
SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson recently received a call from a homeowner after a motorist drove through their home in the middle of the night. The car plowed through the back of the customer's property crashing into the living room. Thankfully, no one was injured in the accident, but the customer was left with a big mess and a giant hole in their home.
The SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson team quickly arrived and helped the customer by cleaning up the damage and boarding up the home, so the customer could live safely in the property with their family. It is always a shock when a motorist drives through a building, especially a home when the family is sleeping. The team at SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson was happy that they could help this family.
IICRC Certified Firm
6/29/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson 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 of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson
SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson 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.
Cost Saving Water Damage Tips while waiting for SERVPRO to arrive
6/29/2021 (Permalink)
- Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer; in winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
- Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
- Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.
- Stay out of rooms were ceilings are sagging from retained water.
- Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low pressure air.
- Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
- Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors.
- Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed.
- Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.
- CALL SERVPRO of Bellaire Immediately
Why SERVPRO Is a Leader in Galveston/Lake Jackson Disaster Recovery
6/28/2021 (Permalink)
Call 409-762-4411 for any disaster recovery issues.
Water damage in your Galveston/ Lake Jackson residence can stem from many different sources. Most common are everyday accidents and malfunctions like overflowing tubs, leaks in plumbing, or appliance breakdowns. Sometimes these present as significant crises like a burst supply pipe or water spraying from a broken hose connection on a washer. Other times the water incursion seems minor but builds in intensity over time, like tiny cracks in plastic conduit or a gap in caulking around a shower or sink. Our crews are ready to respond regardless of the cause, why we are well-positioned to help.
We Have Met the Challenge Before
Coping with water cleanup in your Galveston/ Lake Jackson home can feel overwhelming. Whether you face gallons of water all at one time or discover hidden damage due to a slower leak, it is difficult knowing what to do first, much less completing a water removal and drying project. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians bring many combined years of experience to every job. Although each water loss is unique, our familiarity with water cleanup industry best practices over a range of different circumstances is why we are prepared to manage nearly any water event confidently and skillfully.
We Arrive with Necessary Equipment
Our team can assess your water cleanup needs quickly and develop a recovery plan that is both practical and efficient. We enhance of success of our efforts by traveling to your site with fully stocked service vehicles, avoiding any delay in the implementation of the project agenda. An extensive inventory of commercial-grade pumps and extractors, along with air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers, are why SERVPRO crews begin work immediately. Fast, professional action is the most reliable indicator of a successful outcome after water incursion.
We Remain Available After the Work Is Done
Customer satisfaction depends on both expertly planned and completed projects and responsiveness now and in the future. Our commitment to the community is why SERVPRO stands out among water cleanup contractors. We stand behind our work and intend to be here, helping area residents for decades to come.
MOLD REMEDIATION: The Importance of Using a Licensed Mold Remediation Specialist
6/28/2021 (Permalink)
Mold remediation is a serious job that always needs to be handled by licensed mold remediation specialists like the team at SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson. Mold is a potentially hazardous health concern.
FEMA warns residents of homes that flood to thoroughly clean and dry any areas affected by flood water to ensure that mold does not grow, but sometimes that is not enough. SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson uses dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity present in water damaged properties.
A home owner is unlikely to have access to the specialized equipment used by the team at SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson, which is one reason insurance companies trust the team when their policy holders experience a water loss.
Many insurance companies call SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson first when their clients experience a loss because they trust that the team will complete the work properly preventing subsequent mold claims.
CE Class of SERVPRO
4/8/2019 (Permalink)
CE Classes being taught by our Sales Manager Keith Thompson.
CE Classes of SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson
10777 Westheimer Ste. 110 Houston TX 77042
Jan 14th
Ethics Course #90420 3hrs 8:30 – 11:30am
Feb 11th
Deodorization of Malodors Course #26205 2hrs 8:30 – 10:30am
March 10th
Cleaning & Restoring Smoke Damage Contents Course #26207 2hrs 8:30 – 10:30am
April 13th
Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry Course #10115 2hrs 8:30 – 10:30am
May 11th
Restorative Drying for Water Damage Course #80904 4hrs 8:30 – 12:30
June 15th
Understanding the Restoration Industry: Property Fire Damage Course #98221 4hrs 8:30 – 12:30pm
July 14th
Biohazard Cleanup Course #86895 3hrs 8:30 – 11:30am
August 11th
M.A.R.S. Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar Course #86896 8:30am - 10:30am
Deodorization of Malodors Course #26207 10:30am – 12:30 pm
September 14th
Restoring Contaminated Building Course # 80901 2hrs 8:30am – 10:30am
October 12th
Restorative Drying for Water Damage Course # 80904 4hrs 8:30am – 12:20pm
November 17th
Understanding the Restoration Industry Fire Damage Course # 98211 4hrs 8:30 – 12:30pm
December 15th
Biohazard Cleanup course # 86895 3hrs 8:30-11:30am
24/7 Emergency Service