Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Mold Defense

Name: SERVPRO of Carroll County
Address: 60 Aileron Court Unit#2, Westminster, MD, 21157
Telephone: (410) 857-5332

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Defending against mold growth can feel like such a major feat to take on, but have no fear, your local mold specialists are on the case! However, just because we are on hand to help whenever mold should occur, we think you should be prepared to prevent mold on your own. Use these following tips to amp up your mold defense:

Keep the humidity in your home or business between 30-60%
Make sure your property has property drainage to keep water away from your building's foundation
Regularly inspect your plumbing and other appliances for any leaks. Water left to sit is mold's favorite food!
Keep your gutters and drains clear and free of any debris
Inspect your roofs, windows, and any other potential entryways for water. Perform maintenance ASAP when necessary
Immediately deal with water intrusions in your home
Never try DIY mold removal!
If your home experiences water damage, call SERVPRO of Carroll County for immediate assistance, as improper mitigation of water damage can lead to secondary damages such as mold

Dealing with any damage to your home or business can feel so daunting, but that is what SERVPRO of CarrCo is here for. Other mold cleaning services might not take the time to educate you and answer any questions you might have, but we know how important it is to make sure you understand the process your home is undergoing in such stressful times. We're the number one name in the disaster mitigation industry and we're here to help!

Life-Long Learners

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

"The best advice I ever got was that knowledge is power"...(David Bailey)

It always makes sense to be a lifetime learner. SERVPRO of Carroll County couldn't agree more.

Our crews are always learning. Learning new equipment, new techniques etc. Our crew members have to always keep their credentials up to date every year and have to keep adding to their expertise.

SERVPRO of Carroll County is so proud of the men and women that are called in to help people on some of their worst days. We are able to keep them informed every step of the way. Our crews are able to help them understand the methods they are using, the chemicals they are using and why. The more they know the more "super" powers they have ;). Next time you see one of our crew members don't be afraid to ask them about their credentials etc.

We are here to help.

Being Proactive Cleaners

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

As disastrous possibilities become realities, you can lean on on us at SERVPRO. SERVPRO is helping to contain the coronavirus and mitigate the impact on our neighbors.

It is important to note that the cleaning methods need to be more sophisticated and effective with this level of Bioremediation than just wiping hard surfaces with disinfectant. Health comes first and with the use of PPE and protective masks, our teams adhere to OSHA and CDC guidelines.

SERVPRO of Carroll County will use the fogging methods to more deeply disinfect. SERVPROxide, the hospital-grade disinfectant, is released from the fogger, and its particles adhere strongly to surfaces and objects. The procedure must ensure that all surfaces including walls, doors, floors, and ceilings are uniformly coated. Instead, we follow our initial fogging with a wiping of all surfaces followed by a further fogging round. It is an extreme and comprehensive disinfection process, which should be the norm when dealing with this magnitude of a virus hazard.

Our team is ready to assist with preventive or post-contamination.

In describing "Proactive," we would say that means as cleaning when no person is suspected of being exposed to COVID-19. It would be a smaller area of study since no verified case has been identified.

If there was exposure to anyone suspected of either testing positively for COVID-19 or being subjected to someone displaying symptoms in your facility, we call this "post-contamination" cleaning. In this situation, the scope of work and the required safety measures will increase.

Call SERVPRO of Carroll County with any questions. (410) 857-5332

The Cure can be Worse than the Symptoms

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

I feel like we all know so many more people who are affected by allergies, if not ourselves. With that being said, most of us are always searching to figure out how to clean our homes naturally.

What happens though when we really have to disinfect, battle mold, or water damage, etc. We don't want to have to choose from using the right chemical to do the job and the safe chemical for our immune systems.

SERVPRO is so aware of the sensitivity of our clients and want to do our best with using chemicals that won't hurt or leave long lasting affects on our environment.

Benefect is the world's first government-registered hospital disinfectant using essential oils from plants.

This technology is used to kill germs without having any health impact on pets or humans.

This products is essential in our process at SERVPRO of Washington County. Please contact us with any questions about this product or any that we use.

Disasters Don't Give Out Warnings

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Far too often, disaster can strike without even the slightest warning. We know how important it is for your business to not be bogged down by unforeseen circumstances. You already know how important it is to be prepared for anything that could happen to your home, whether it be fire, water, mold, or storm damage. Have you applied the same thought to your business? If not, keep reading for tips on how to best protect and prepare for commercial risks.

While each situation is unique and deserves personalized care, careful planning and procedures can keep you ready no matter what. Over 50% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster. You don't have to be another statistic. Here's how:

Be informed.

Learn what kind of emergencies can affect not only your company, but your industry.

Develop a business continuity plan.

Make a list of which staff, procedures and equipment are absolutely vital for continued operation. Make a list of backups for that list. Have a plan for what to do if you are unable to access your office/facility. Have a plan for what you'll do if your industry suppliers are impacted, or what you'll do during utility disruptions.

Prepare a finite emergency plan.

Make an evacuation and a shelter-in-place plan. Form a communications plan for you and your employees for before, during, and after any emergency incident. Make copies of building and site maps, on those maps be sure to mark off utilities and emergency exit routes. It is especially helpful if your employees are trained for medical emergencies.

Practice your emergency plans.

Practice your plan, at the bare minimum, once a year. If there are other businesses in your building/facility, try to coordinate with them to plan and practice for emergencies.

Review your insurance coverage.

Make sure your insurance covers your for the disasters your company is at risk for suffering from.

Secure your facility and equipment.

Secure all the ways people, products, and supplies enter and exit your building. Conduct a walk-through to see if anything needs to be strapped down. Unsecured equipment can make a bad situation even worse, in terms of secondary damage.

Promote family and individual preparedness.

Encourage your employees to make personal emergency plans and supply kits.

Preparedness doesn't need to be daunting, as long as you give yourself enough time to plan. SERVPRO of Carroll County can also provide a free ERP plan for your business. (410) 857-5332

Busted Pipes in the Summer

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Many people think they don't have to worry about broken pipes in the summer but that really isn't the case. Before leaving for that vacation you might want to turn off you water and drain the pipes just like you would in the winter.

There are many reasons for a broken pipe in the summer. Here are a few:

Invasive tree roots.(check out the picture)

Extended wet/dry spells ( this can make the ground shift and the extra pressure of this movement can cause problems with buried pipes).

Rust in Metal Pipes.

Wear and old age.

Hard Water.

Clogs.

Substandard repairs.

When a pipe burst; if you can, turn off the water supply at the main cut off valve when a pipe breaks.

Drain the water by running cold water in the sink and flushing the toilets.

Of course call SERVPRO of Carroll County (410) 857-5332 to help get your property dried out.

SERVPRO of Carroll County is there for you year round.

Mops and More

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carroll County is ready when one thing leads to another.

The situation might look like this: You had a water loss and did not discover it for a few days. You might just call a team in that does water extraction. Only when they do the extraction, you notice there is not mold. They might have the certification to remove mold. Then you call someone that does mold remediation but they have to demo the area. Well of course now you need a company to do the rebuild from that demo. I think you're getting the idea how one thing can lead to another.

Here's the good thing. If SERVPRO of Carroll County was called we could have help with all aspects of the loss. No need for other companies. We have the teams that can do the work and take care of anything that is discoed along the way.

We can do all those things mentioned as well as many other. We even do pack outs and storage for clients.

Call SERVPRO of Carroll County (410) 857-5332 and know that we can be there for you no matter what happens and if one thing leads to another.

Roof Leaks

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Trashcans and wet floor signs being used to mitigate a roof leak

Roof leaks happen all the time. Most of the time, home owners get the roof leak repaired and think that everything will then dry out and be fine.

This usually isn't the case. You really need to have SERVPRO come out and read the moisture levels with state of the art equipment. If left unchecked many times moisture will cause mold to grow on the insulation and walls. This was the case with the picture your seeing. The owners had their roof leak repaired 3 weeks prior and then as time went by they saw mold growing. By the time it can be seen on the ceiling it may have been spreading and growing for weeks.

You want piece of mind that you are living in a safe environment.

Give SERVPRO of Carroll County a call at (410) 857-5332. We can give you that piece of mind that everything is okay or we can mitigate and get you back to breathing easy.

Why Use SERVPRO?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Why use SERVPRO? The toughest part about this question is picking just one answer! Instead of doing it that way, here are a few reasons that you should pick SERVPRO as your go-to disaster mitigation expert.

Things don't always happen between 9 to 5.

You are going to want to call and be heard by a real person. SERVPRO of Carroll County is open 27/7/365 days a year. We have a state of the art answering service so that someone can talk to you direct and then get you to the right person to help get this problem on the way to being solved.

All crew members receive the best training in the industry via IICRC. (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Restore vs Replace Philosophy

The drying and cleaning method allows us to save a lot more than replace. The benefits are cost effective, time saving and it helps to give the customer piece of mind.

To hear even more reasons just give SERVPRO of Carroll County a call and we can answer any of your questions.

Broken Pipes don't take Vacations

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Many people think they don't have to worry about broken pipes in the summer, but that really isn't the case. Before leaving for that vacation you have planned, you might want to turn off your water and drain the pipes just like you would in the winter.

There are many reasons for a broken pipe in the summer. Here are a few:

Invasive tree roots.

Extended wet/dry spells (this can make the ground shift and the extra pressure of this movement can cause problems with buried pipes).

Rust in Metal Pipes.

Wear and old age.

Hard Water.

Clogs.

Substandard repairs.

When a pipe bursts, if you can, turn off the water supply at the main cut off valve when a pipe breaks.

Drain the water by running cold water in the sink and flushing the toilets.

Of course, be sure to call SERVPRO of Carroll County at (410) 857-5332 to help get your property dried out.

SERVPRO of Carroll County is there for you year round!

Back Up and Running!

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carroll County is dedicated to getting your business back up and running as quickly as possible and lays out a detailed plan of how we will get you there.

We will work when you need us to, to keep business interruption at a minimal.

SERVPRO of Carroll County works for your company and works with commercial structures all the time. We know every business is unique and work with you for the best outcomes in the most timely matter. SERVPRO always has your best interest in mind. We will keep your updated daily throughout the process.

You can rest assured knowing our staff is awaiting your call and is happy to help you. (410) 857-5332 SERVPRO of Carroll County is always Ready for Whatever Happens.

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military

Back to Normal

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carroll County is dedicated to getting your business back up and running as quickly as possible and lays out a detailed plan of how we will get you there.

We will work when you need us to, to keep business interruption at a minimal.

You can rest assured knowing our staff is awaiting your call and is happy to help you. (410) 857-5332 SERVPRO of Carroll County is always Ready for Whatever Happens.

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military

Generator Safety

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator. To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, like under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands. Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator. Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you may store, or the storage location. Ask your local fire department. Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. To guard against accidental fire, do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution. Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions. If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads.

Candle Safety 101

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Never leave a burning candle unattended or lit while sleeping. If you are going to leave the room or go to bed, be sure to extinguish all candles first.

Never touch or move a burning candle. Never move a candle container when the wax is liquified.

Don’t burn a candle all the way down. For safety measures, stop burning a candle when there is ¼ inch of wax left in the vessel.

If burning multiple candles, place each candle at least three inches apart from one another. This is to ensure they don’t melt one another, or create their own drafts.

Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Before re-lighting, let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts.

Use extra caution when burning candles during a power outage. Battery-powered lights like flashlights are much safer sources of light during a power failure.

Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.

Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lit candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.

What is mold?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. They belong to the kingdom Fungi and live in moist places such as soil, plants and dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead trees and other debris; however, indoors mold growth should be avoided.

The spores are like seeds, but invisible to the naked eye, that float through the air and deposit on surfaces. When the temperature, moisture, and available nutrient conditions are correct, the spores can form into new mold colonies where they are deposited. There are many types of mold, but all require moisture and a food source for growth. If you see mold growing in your home please call SERVPRO of Carroll County for an estimate.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carroll County is Here to Help during this time of need

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 today – SERVPRO of Carroll County, 410-857-5332

Emergency Ready Profile

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Most people don’t plan for a disaster, but you can always be ready for it. Did you know 50% of businesses never recover following a disaster? Preparation is very important to making it through any size disaster whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is down and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Advantages of the SERVPRO emergency Ready Profile

A no cost assessment of your facility

A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency

A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster

Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider

Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin

Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information

This App is of no cost to you. It is a complimentary service that SERVPRO of Carroll County will provide to you. We hope that you use us in the event of a disaster, but in the end that choice will always be yours!

Water Alarms

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water alarms can be very helpful and can save you money! Water alarms are made to detect water leaks, overflowing or broken sump pumps, or an overflowing toiler. That could come in really handy, especially if you’ve spent a small fortune finishing your basement. Even if you haven’t, a water alarm can help you avoid some costly issues, which can include anything from property damage to mold and mildew.

Ideal Locations to Install Water Alarms:

HVAC unit - There are condensation pumps, usually located at the foot of the unit, these pumps clog easily and often leak unnoticed

Near a Washing Machine – A busted hose can do incredible amounts of damage in short amount of time.

Bathrooms & Kitchens – It could be a leaky pipe or someone simply forgetting to turn off a faucet. Either way, you’re prepared.

Other locations include under cabinets, in basement corners or near your water heater. Think about your home and all of the places where a water alarm can stand guard against water damage. When choosing your water alarm, you will have several options from a simply battery-powered alarm. These simple alarms can be found at Home Depot or Lowes for under $15.00.

Sump Pump Maintenance

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

sump pump

Most sump pumps are equipped with water level or flood alarms, usually battery powered, that alert you if the pump isn't working properly and water is backing up. More sophisticated systems can notify your alarm company or call your cell phone if the water starts to rise. Fortunately, this shouldn't happen often! Sump pumps on the whole are quite reliable. But as with any other important piece of equipment, regular maintenance is always a good idea. Spend a few minutes every few months, when heavy rains are forecast and in early spring to ensure reliable sump pump operation. Basic sump pump maintenance is usually as simple as doing these few jobs.

Make sure the pump is plugged in to a working ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet and the cord is in good shape. In damp areas, GFCI breakers may trip, effectively shutting off the sump pump. Check in on your sump pump periodically so you can reset the GFCI if necessary.

Ensure the pump itself is standing upright. Vibrations during operation can cause it to fall or tilt onto one side. This can jam the float arm so it won’t be able to activate the pump.

Periodically dump a bucket of water into the pit to make sure the pump starts automatically and the water drains quickly once the pump is on. If the pump doesn't start, have it serviced.

Physically remove a submersible pump from the pit and clean the grate on the bottom. The sucking action of the pump can pull small stones into the grate, blocking the inlet or damaging the pump over time.

Ensure the outlet pipes are tightly joined together and draining out at least 20 feet (6 meters) away from your foundation.

Make sure the vent hole in the discharge pipe is clear.

Spontaneous Plaster Ceiling Collapse

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Plaster ceiling collapse

There are a few things to look for such as cracks or nail pops. If you can see small round dimples scattered along a straight line it is a sign that your drywall is pulling away from the nails thus the dimples. Because drywall can warp significantly and the fact that nails can pull through the drywall without causing a hole or dimple in the overlying plaster these visual clues may not be present. People even report hearing the occasional popping or cracking sound prior to failure with no visual clues being seen. The absolute best way to check your ceilings is to go into the attic and see if you can slide something between the ceiling and the joists. Some other ways to check to see if your ceiling is about to fail is to measure the height of your ceiling where it meets the wall and then measure the ceiling height in several other areas in the middle of the room. You should suspect a problem if you find a measurement difference of a quarter inch. If it is a half inch or more you can be almost assured that your family is in danger. You can also try tightly stretching a string from one side of the room to another and see if there are low spots anywhere in your ceiling. You can also push up on the ceiling and see if it moves but remember ceilings are heavy and it takes some strength and experience to catch it this way. If you are experiencing any of these ceiling symptoms please call SERVPRO of Carroll County 410-857-5332.

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with with carpeting or floors.
Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Duct Cleaning

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

occupants with allergies or asthma
cigarette or cigar smoke
water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
home renovation or remodeling projects
Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out. Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work. While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

Who let the deer in?

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

A true story ...We got a call from a panicked customer who had just returned from being out of town for a few days. She found a juvenile white tailed deer had jumped through a window in her basement. The deer was still alive, but disoriented enough to not know how to get out of the house. Additionally, the deer, in its rummaging around through the kitchen area of the basement, had jumped on the counter tops and managed to turn the water on in the kitchen sink. Before long, the basement floor was full of water and one very confused deer. When we arrived on the scene 20 minutes later, the owner had coaxed the deer out of the house. That's when we went to work cleaning up blood, urine and hundreds of gallons of water. Shortly thereafter, we fired up our equipment and dried out the entire basement.

why should I clean my carpets?