Salvageable Items During Mold Removal in Reading

5/21/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with mold can often be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO to be your partner during this difficult time. Our technicians are standing by 24/7.

Saving Mementos Damaged by Mold Infestations in Reading

Mold infestations can damage personal belongings, contents, family mementos, and structures in many Reading homes. Clients naturally want to save everything they can, especially family heirlooms with sentimental value. Porous items such as clothing keepsakes, paper products, and photos are among the many things clients strongly desire to save. Non-porous items are much easier to clean and remove all traces of mold.

SERVPRO provides mold removal services to residents living in Reading and the surrounding area. We urge clients to throw away items exposed to mold. Included in this list are things such as:

• Porous items such as linens, drywall, and carpet
• Papers that do not hold any value to the client
• Clothing, drapes, and blinds
• Food items in contact with mold, including canned goods and kitchen appliances
• Mold can contaminate items in 24 to 48 hours 

Many items can be salvageable with varying degrees of success depending on the porosity of the article:

• We can clean nonporous items, e.g., glass, plastic, tile, metal, and sealed wood products.
• Mold-contaminated clothing can be laundered if the clothing is not discolored.
• Once clothing is discolored, laundering will not be successful.
• Electronics can be recovered; however, professional servicing is usually needed even after removing mold and water.
• Valuable papers such as birth certificates, wedding papers, and photographs can be saved if immediately placed in the freezer, freeze-dried, and cleaned.

SERVPRO IICRC-certified mold removal technicians can provide guidance and suggestions regarding recovering and restoring your cherished family heirlooms after they have been contaminated by mold. As soon as clients observe mold in their homes, call SERVPRO to take immediate action before there is long-term permanent damage to your home and its contents.

Call SERVPRO of Reading for mold removal services. We provide service to Reading and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189.

SERVPRO Mitigates Reading Mold Damage 24/7

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

Finding a patch of mold in your home can cause some alarm. Luckily, our SERVPRO team in Reading is certified in remediating mold damage.

Sophisticated Mold Remediation Technologies Restore Reading Properties

Mold impacts approximately 70% of homes all over the United States, including in Reading. Microbes cannot be entirely removed because mold spores exist in all properties on some level. However, professional cleanup can restore comfort and safety after mold damage and return the property to a pre-damage state.

Reading SERVPRO mold restoration professionals provide 24/7 cleanup for homeowners. This process includes inspection, careful demolition of unsalvageable materials, and documentation of affected structures and belongings to aid homeowners and claims adjusters.

What exactly is mold?

While homeowners may know what mold is generally, the term is quite broad in scope. It refers to organisms that digest organic materials and reproduce by releasing spores that cling to other organic surfaces to repeat the cycle. Mildew, fungi, and even rust can fit into this broad category of microorganisms.

Some forms of mold are much more common than others in residences. These common species can include Aspergillus and Alternaria. Conditions like limited ventilation, excess condensation buildup and relative humidity levels above 40% can exacerbate mold growth, leading to stains and odors on walls and ceilings.

Some of the most vulnerable residential surfaces include:

• Rugs and carpets
• Insulation, particularly those made of cotton or cellulose
• Wood furniture, flooring, wall studs, and ceiling joists
• Drywall
• Tile grout and caulk, especially in bathrooms

HVAC systems can also be impacted by mold growth. Vents can enable spores to spread when fans, air conditioning, or heating are on and allow spores to multiply inside the ductwork. Professional mold mitigation technicians can prevent the impact caused by this with a combination of thorough remediation training and commercial-grade tools and biocides.

SERVPRO's mold remediation loadout for residential disasters

Mold requires specialized care to safely return the property affected to a clean, pre-disaster state after disaster strikes. SERVPRO technicians are certified to meet Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards for mold cleanup and rebuilding services.

Equipment used during microbial remediation can include:

• Multiple inspection tools, including penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters calibrated to measure surfaces like wood and drywall. Some sensors focus on shallow depth readings or surface-level measurements, while others need to be more in-depth to formulate an accurate drying plan
• SERVPRO's personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment tools help create a safe, contained space for remediation that prevents mold from spreading to other properties. These processes also include such practices as
• Erecting polyethylene sheeting to seal doorways and ventilation intakes
• Temporary sealing of contaminated or damaged ductwork
• Establishing a decontamination area for equipment and PPE used during restoration
• Moisture extraction, typically implemented with portable hot-water extractors, helps eliminate excess moisture from many types of household surfaces, including upholstery, drapes, rugs, carpet, and wood furniture
• Drying equipment, which includes powerful air movers and dehumidifiers, removes excess moisture to dry spaces to humidity levels consistent with the rest of the home. SERVPRO professionals inspect unaffected materials when possible to determine an ideal moisture content for contents during the inspection and planning process.
• Deodorizers are implemented with fogging equipment to eliminate residual mold and moisture odors that can affect the comfort of a space. Deodorizers work on porous surfaces and can also be used on sheet metal and duct board HVAC.

SERVPRO of Reading is ready to return homes to a preloss condition when property owners call (610) 779-8189.

Proper Mold Remediation in Reading Properties

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

“We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.”

For Assistance with Mold Cleanup in Reading-call SERVPRO

One of the major worries homeowners have after water damage is microbial growth. After all, mold can ruin building materials and the contents in your Reading home. While one can easily spot the presence of these microbes, in some cases, it can be difficult to determine, making it vital to call a qualified mold remediation company like SERVPRO as soon as possible.

The mold remediation process in Reading properties aims to determine the cause of the problem, deal with the microbes, and avoid a recurrence. Microbial growth generally thrives because of moisture from water faults, floods, or high humidity levels. Therefore, it is crucial to address any moisture problem to avoid regrowth after remediation. SERVPRO teams offer advice on preventing microbial growth in your home and taking the safety precautions necessary during the cleanup process.

Hidden places where you can find microbial growth:

• The backside of drywall, paneling, or wallpaper
• Topside of ceiling tiles
• The underside of carpets and pads
• Structural materials above ceiling tiles

Probing hidden microbial growth can be challenging and requires caution, especially when it involves disturbing affected surfaces. For example, in case of infestation on the underside of a wallpaper, removing the wallpaper can cause a massive release of colony debris and spores. SERVPRO crews establish containments to ensure mold does not spread to uncontaminated areas.

The Remediation Process

The remediation procedure is unique to each microbial growth scenario. You find that different cases usually require unique solutions. However, the fundamental microbial remediation should cover the following.

Other steps during mold remediation include:

• Inspection
• Removal
• Disinfecting
• Drying

It is pointless only to have some of the mold in your home removed, as colonies can grow and spread soon if you miss even a small spot. SERVPRO accurately inspects every room in your house, paying particular attention to damp areas and where there’s a musty odor. We then prepare the work area by sealing it off using plastic sheeting and establishing negative air pressure inside.

For assistance with mold remediation, SERVPRO of Reading is always available. Call us at (610) 779-8189. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Ways to Remove Soot from Items during Fire Restoration in Reading

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster may strike at any time in your area. Call SERVPRO for the fire damage restoration services needed for your property.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Cleanup Solutions in Reading Homes

One of the effects of fire damage is overall soiling. The soot deposited by the smoke as it spreads around the property is particularly challenging to remove since it might coat, adhere or penetrate beyond surfaces. Removing all the soot traces from your Reading home is essential to restore pre-damaged conditions and prevent the deterioration caused by the corrosive residues.

Although cleaning during fire restoration at your Reading home is one job, it takes several tasks to achieve the final goal. You need to capture the residues and transfer them from the soiled areas. Routine and specialized cleaning approaches are also necessary to eliminate soiling from different materials. SERVPRO provides the expertise required to complete these processes.

Light cleaning techniques

• Dry cleaning 
• Foam cleaning
• Spray and wipe

Dry cleaning processes such as feather-dusting or using cleaning sponges help remove dry soot from hard surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians mostly use this approach when cleaning fire residues from walls, ceilings, and wooden furniture or appliances.  

Wet Cleaning Approaches

Incorporating moisture and chemical agents improve the cleaning process by dissolving and dislodging fire residues embedded on surfaces. Also, since soot tends to cause discoloration or stains due to its corrosive properties, chemical action is necessary to reverse such changes. The application method used to deliver the chemicals is as crucial as the type of chemical used. Our SERVPRO crews help with the choice of an appropriate cleaning approach. 

Foam cleaning effectively removes soot from upholstery without exposing the materials to excessive moisture that would damage them. Spray-and-wipe, on the other hand, is perfect for hard surfaces such as glass windows. For severe soiling of upholstery items, hand cleaning approaches might not deliver. Our SERVPRO teams use Upholstery Cleaning Machines to wash and rinse the material. The machines make it easy to use water or solvents to deal with various fire residues based on their physical properties.

Fire residues categorization

• Lipophilic
• Hydrophilic
• Lipophobic
• Hydrophobic

SERVPRO of Reading effectively cleans soot from properties during fire restoration removing traces of soiling “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (610) 779-8189.

Why a Mold Infestation in Your Reading Home is Always Much More Than a Surface Covering

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Finding a patch of mold in your home can cause some alarm. Luckily, team SERVPRO is certified in remediating mold damage. Call immediately.

How to Handle Mold Damage in Reading Effectively

Mold infestations in Reading properties can happen for many reasons, although in every case, there is an underlying moisture issue. Common reasons such infestations occur includes flooding incidents and leakage in plumbing systems. Other causes may not be typical, but they can lead to constant growth. For example, the house's higher than normal relative humidity levels can lead to growth. Such spikes in relative humidity can occur from regular activities such as cooking and showering. Our IICRC certified Applied Mold Remediation Technicians handle mold removal effectively in all cases.

Like many other problems, dealing with mold damage in Reading early helps ease the process and limit the damages it causes to the structure. Since mold infestations are more common in hidden spaces such as wall cavities and crawl spaces, it is not always possible to notice the problem early enough. Knowing the early signs of microbial growth can help. These include a musty smell and allergic reactions such as constant sneezing for some people. Lots of condensation on surfaces such as glass windows and metal pipes show the house has high moisture levels that lead to mold formation. Our SERVPRO technicians can help confirm this using equipment such as thermal cameras, moisture meters, and other detection tools.

It is possible to remove mold with a few simple clean-up steps if the growth is only confined to the surface of the affected materials. Our SERVPRO technicians HEPA vacuum the affected area removing any loose fragments. We also damp-wipe the area with professional cleaning agents to remove any remaining debris and kill spores.

Sometimes advanced removal steps might be necessary, especially when dealing with severe growth. As the mold searches for organic food materials for growth, its hyphae penetrate deep into affected materials, and if left unchecked, they can compromise the structural integrity of such material. After a thorough assessment, our SERVPRO technicians can opt to remove porous materials in the affected areas. We can also use advanced cleaning methods such as soda blasting, which allow us to remove mold debris without damaging the material affected by the infestation.

If you suspect mold infestation, call SERVPRO of Reading to help create a response plan. You can reach us at (610) 779-8189 at any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Can Be Done About Cabinets with Mold in Kutztown Homes?

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect your cabinets often for signs of water and mold damage.

Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO can Provide Mold Remediation

Mold can develop rapidly wherever there is moisture and a food source. The microscopic spores develop into a multicellular structure known as hyphae. Mold is easy to detect. It often has a distinctive musty odor that is a sign even if you cannot see it. 

Mold Causes Damage

When you are considering mold removal companies in Kutztown, you want one that has experienced, certified technicians. Our mold remediation specialists can mitigate the damage done to impacted areas. We can help you decide what can be salvaged and what needs removing.

Can My Cabinets Be Restored?

Porous materials quickly absorb water. Restoring the cabinets depends on the type of material and mold growth. Wooden items often need discarding, but controlled demolition may help. Our mold removal process includes:

• Containment to prevent spreading
• Air filtration via HEPA vacuums and filters
• Using air scrubbers
• Removing infested material
• Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting
• Restoration

Should you need mold removal companies in Kutztown, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.

Can SERVPRO Contain Mold Damage to One Area in Reading Buildings

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

When a mold infestation starts, time is of the essence. Contact team SERVPRO to investigate the extent and remediate the mold damage in your home.

SERVPRO Utilizes Containment Strategies to Control Mold Damage in Reading Homes

Once a mold infestation takes hold in a room in a Reading house, it can quickly spread to other areas in the home with the right conditions. Clients may first notice a strong, musty odor whenever they enter a particular room or area within their home. This odor is a sure sign that an active mold infestation will be distributing spores to trigger additional infestations in your home, wherever there is warmth and moisture. It is very important to take action before the infestations spread further.

Our SERVPRO mold specialists can help contain mold damage and remove the mold in your Reading home before it spreads further. Delaying mold remediation can cause further damage to contents and structure and increase the strong, musty odor. Mold can cause health effects for people living in or entering your home.

We complete mold inspections and set up containment barriers to prevent distributing mold spores throughout the house. We may also employ negative pressure rooms where the mold is located and exhaust the contaminated air outside your home during mold remediation and removal activities. Mold particles and spores are dislodged during the cleaning process, and these particles and spores must be prevented from moving to additional areas where another mold colony can form.

We also seal HVAC vents and establish clean and decontaminated rooms to enter and leave the contaminated area. We follow standard industry-recommended processes to keep you and your family safe while removing mold infestations.

Our services include:

• Mold inspections, remediation, and removal
• Bathroom mold removal
• Basement and attic mold removal

Call SERVPRO of Reading in Reading and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189.

The Reading Area Is Now Safer with SERVPRO's ERP

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare for an emergency by completing a Mobile Emergency Ready Plan with SERVPRO. Contact our technicians 24/7 - 365 days a year with any questions.

Emergency READY Response Plan for Reading Area Commercial Businesses and Properties

The Mobile ERP Emergency READY Profile is here and can help keep business in business. Ask us how to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation at your convenience.

SERVPRO's new Emergency READY Profile (ERP) system allows business owners in Reading to keep track of all properties and locations during a fire or storm and respond appropriately. You can have multiple individualized profiles and information sets for each property you own or manage using the tools. With the ERP, our technicians can have all the information they need to get your business running back to normal. As a result, they can save owners of multiple properties, such as landlords, thousands in repair costs after a fire by responding fast to each location.

How the ERP Helps After water or fire Damage

There is always physical damage during a fire or water damaging event to an apartment complex or other rental properties. Usually, our technicians have to evaluate the building and formulate an approach, but this process is an excellent way for SERVPRO to respond quickly. Through it, we can access relevant contact information, building plans and layouts, and critical information about utility systems. This is especially useful to fire chiefs, which can quickly help locate the fire source.  Knowing where the shut-off valves, electrical panels, and drainage infrastructure are located and how they function is critical in mitigating water or fire damage.

This mobile device allows the party in charge to have delegated representatives on-site if needed to okay any work orders and insurance forms to work along with an adjuster.

SERVPRO of Reading operates on the principle of mitigation to respond around the clock and save landlords thousands in restoration costs. Call us at (610) 779-8189 for our help or learn more about the Emergency READY Response Plan.

Which Mold Removal Companies Also Build Back Kutztown Homes?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage is no game, call SERVPRO of Reading today.

24/7 Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO Perform Structure and Contents Restoration in Kutztown

Water damage, flooding, and fire suppression can all bring excess microbial growth into a Kutztown home. Elevated humidity, adequate temperatures, and sufficient organic material are all needed for microbes to thrive enough to require the assistance of a professional mold removal company.

SERVPRO is unique among Kutztown mold removal companies for its 24/7 rapid-response remediation, build-back services, and thorough education for technicians, staff, franchise owners, and related industry professionals. This firm’s commitment to learning helps the community thrive with up-to-date restoration industry know-how.

SERVPRO Mold Removal Strategies Require Extensive Training

SERVPRO training for Kutztown restoration technicians incorporates comprehensive education, self-paced learning, and a curriculum that stays up-to-date on Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

• Technicians receive Initial Crew Training as well as fire, water, and mold remediation education
• Self-paced e-Learning modules are available for technicians and staff to expand their knowledge base about mold remediation and other restoration subjects
• Franchise owners undergo a 15-day program at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to learn about water, fire, and mold remediation, as well as what running a SERVPRO entails
• Courses and seminars, both credit and noncredit, are available for SERVPRO staff, insurance adjusters, real estate agents, and other professionals who wish to improve their know-how on such topics as:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
• Restorative Drying for Loss Control

SERVPRO of Reading provides “Like it never even happened,” restoration services for property owners who call (610) 779-8189.

Do You Have Any Tips on Preparing for Flooding During or After a Storm?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage to your home is very devastating. SERVPRO will handle all the storm damage remediation services needed for your home. Call now!

SERVPRO of Reading Helps Reading Area Homeowners and Businesses Prepare for Floods Resulting from Severe Storms

It doesn’t matter what type of severe weather hits Reading; it can make life easier if you plan ahead. Braving a storm is one thing, but suffering in the aftermath is yet another. If it is looking like floodwater could be a real possibility, rather than wait until you have a flooded building and water damage, consider the following unique hacks that go beyond the usual common sense preparations.

Preserve Memories

There are some items that money just cannot replace. Redundancy is key to preserving belongings such as scrapbooks, wedding albums, and other precious keepsakes. To guard against water damage, put them in plastic bags — many layers, even — and then place the package in a closed dishwasher. To avoid the washer getting accidentally turned on, turn off the power at the circuit box. Also, keep in mind that this hack may work effectively if you get only a foot or two of floodwater in your Reading home, but beyond that, it most likely won’t, hence the reason for the multiple layers of plastic bags.

Shut Off the Power

It is normal to want to keep the lights on as long as possible, but water and electricity do not mix, so preemptively shut it off as soon as you suspect water could enter your home. This also gives you a valuable test period to see what things you still need to do to prepare for the potential of being without power for a while.

Get Pets in Carriers

Trying to find a scared and hiding cat while water pours in, or you’re trying to heed an evacuation order is not a good scenario.

The important thing is not to panic and plan as though you may need to evacuate should rising floodwater become a reality. If you do wind up with a flooded building, it is best to get a professional on the job quickly. Standing water puts even waterproof things to the ultimate test and drives up the cost of water damage restoration.

SERVPRO of Reading can help businesses and homeowners prepare and mitigate flood damage. Call us at (610) 799 - 8189 today.

SERVPRO Technicians Effectively Remediate BOTH Large and Small Mold Infestations in Exeter

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO Relies on Advanced Technologies when Dealing with Mold Damage 

Mold can develop from simple problems around your property that you ignore. A small leak in the roof may not raise the alarm because there is no flooding, but it can lead to a severe mold problem. One great way to deal with mold issues is to hire a professional remediation service. Mold remediation is part of our restoration services, and we rely on advanced technologies to restore affected properties to their preloss states.

For effective remediation of mold damage in Exeter, there is a need to identify the actual cause of the problem. Every case of mold infestation has an underlying moisture issue, but assuming what that cause is without checking can be disastrous. For example, an infestation caused by condensation can be confused with a roof leak. Our SERVPRO technicians use advanced tools such as FLIR thermal cameras to check for cold spots and trace moisture issues in walls and other concealed surfaces. Using such tools makes it easier to identify the source of moisture.

Water Damage Can Lead to Other Issues

Mold problems develop easily after water incidents such as spills or flooding. Even a fast response to the water may not be a guarantee against mold development. Leaving moisture traces on materials or higher than usual relative humidity can fuel mold growth. Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have a variety of moisture control equipment to help eliminate all moisture from the property. With thermo-hygrometers, it is easy for our technicians to check humidity and temperature levels in different parts of the property and surrounding areas allowing us to dry them properly. We also have different varieties of drying equipment like dehumidifiers and centrifugal air movers that produce higher static air pressure for improved drying.

Mold residues stain surfaces and lead to deterioration of materials. Saving some of the affected materials can help reduce cost or preserve items with sentimental value. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on advanced technologies such as soda blasting and dry ice blasting to remove stubborn mold residues from materials without damaging them.

In case of mold issues in your property, call SERVPRO of Reading to assist. You can reach us at (610) 779-8189 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Kutztown Residents Prevent Structural Damage Using Mold Remediation Services?

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spreads like wildfire. SERVPRO has trained and experienced technicians for every phase of mold remediation. Call now for the safety of your home.

SERVPRO Operates in Kutztown and Can Dispatch Expert Mold Remediation Professionals to your Home

Mold growth, if left unchecked, can cause damage to your home. There are thousands of different types of mold organisms, but they are uniform because they all digest organic matter and require water to grow and produce digestive enzymes. In a home, humidity, poor insulation, leaky appliances, and pipes can lead to mold growth. SERVPRO is here if you need:

• Basement mold remediation
• Bathroom mold removal 
• Mold specialists

Without mold remediation for your Kutztown home, these microorganisms can begin to affect a building assembly. Some mold species are known to feed on cellulose or glues, which are commonly used to attach wallpaper, drywall, and carpets. Over time, cracks or structural deficiencies can appear as the result of mold infestation. One of the core aspects of mold remediation is containment. Containment allows technicians to address or remove mold colonies without the risk of them spreading to other areas of the home. 

• Poly sheeting should be laid on the ground and in front of doorways or entranceways to prevent spores from spreading.
• Any mold-infested materials must be double-bagged for transport out of the property.
• Once infested materials are removed, a powerful chemical can help sanitize surfaces and break down any microscopic mold organisms or spores. 

For a thorough remediation process, contact SERVPRO of Reading for mold remediation at (610) 779-8189.

Is it Too Late to Prevent Mold Growing?

3/21/2021 (Permalink)

Found mold? Team SERVPRO will search for the cause and remediate the damage. Standing by 365 days a year for your call.

SERVPRO Can Remove Mold-Infested Materials from your Kutztown Home and Reduce Microbial Growth

Kutztown is a small borough in the State of Pennsylvania. The borough is situated between Reading and Allentown, with a population of just 5,012 people. Kutztown is one of the most historically interesting with its eighteenth-century churches, some of them among the oldest Pennsylvania State structures. The initial town grew out of a large land purchase by George Kutz in 1755, from where the borough derives its name. The 130 acres of land were again purchased in 1785 before the borough finally became incorporated within the United States in 1815. 

Kutztown's architecturally significant landmarks include H.K. Deisher Knitting Mill, built in 1881 and dedicated to mass-producing cotton garments. The Kutztown 1892 Public School is also on the register of historic places as a shining example of Fin-de-siecle Victorian architecture. The borough hosts an annual folk festival each year that is attended by residents and those residing in nearby Allentown. The tradition began in 1950 and celebrated the town founders' culture, artwork, and food. Combining both Dutch and German tradition, the event, which takes place every July at Whiteoak Street, is highly-anticipated throughout the summer.

• The Crystal Cave is a stunning natural museum with unique rock formations and has had tours running since its discovery in 1871. Situated on Crystal Cave Road, treks through the subterranean passages last around one hour while the surrounding grounds span 150 acres. The attraction also has a museum, gift shop, cafe, and ice cream parlor open seasonally.
• Pinnacle Ridge Winery is a highlight of Kutztown that opens to the public for tasting sessions, tours, and grape picking seasons. The tasting rooms are large enough for group events, while live music frequently occurs during the summer months. Special events are available for members of the winery.
• Renningers Antiques & Farmers Market on Noble Street is a rare experience combining a collection of vendors selling antiques with baked goods, farm produce, and cafe. Visitors are recommended to attend early before the best antiques are gone from the outdoor flea market. During the summer months, Renningers has some excellent food stands.

SERVPRO Can Reduce the Impact of Mold in your Kutztown Home

Discovering mold in your property can be frustrating. Porous and semi-porous items can become infested by mold growth and require replacing to avoid cross-contamination with nearby materials. SERVPRO technicians understand how mold builds through a home environment and can use that knowledge to stem the tide of microbial growth. Using industry-leading equipment, we can return your property to a preloss condition. 

• Mold thrives in moist conditions. Using advanced structural cavity drying equipment, we can correct the moisture problem in your home.
• Antimicrobial chemicals are specifically designed to target fungi and prevent them from building up through their growth stages. 
• Our deodorization procedures are comprehensive and can often improve the indoor air quality within your home. 

Avoid long-term microbial growth issues. Contact SERVPRO of Reading for mold damage remediation at (610) 779-8189.

Can a Bathroom Leak Damage a Home?

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

The smallest of leaks in a bathroom may be hazardous. SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified. Water restoration is one of our specialities.

Even a Small Leak Costs Reading Homeowners Hundreds in Repairs

Many water leaks go unnoticed or are misunderstood for long periods. A little water near the refrigerator or dishwasher is usually shrugged off as a spill from getting ice or setting a dripping, rinsed item inside the washer.

Unfortunately, even small leaks can cost thousands in water restoration to Reading homes. That is why SERVPRO should be the first choice to restore area homes after an incident. Our response teams train extensively to stop leaks, repair them if possible, and restore the property to its original condition. 

To reduce costs and preserve property, technicians perform a thorough inspection and then quickly begin these operations:

• Removing puddles and drips with sponges and cloths
• Drawing water out of walls, ceilings, and floors with air movers to push the moisture out and capture it with dehumidifiers for removal
• Set furniture and other items on blocks and pallets, then dry them with air movers to increase the rate of evaporation without damaging the items.

For professional water restoration in your home, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 today.

How Can a Small Water Leak Become a Substantial Concern?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO assess, plans, removes debris, shores up structural weaknesses, fixes the leak, and restores this Reading water damaged home

Over time, steady leaks can overwhelm building materials and create a considerable mess to clean in Reading homes

Water damage emergencies do not always get recognized immediately in Reading homes. In fact, there are many instances where a leak can persist for days or weeks without notice. These situations significantly test the limitations of building materials. When drywall, insulation, and other ceiling system materials become impacted by a water leak, we must work quickly to clean up the mess and repair these damages.

A water leak in your Reading home can be much more of an immediate concern when it quickly begins to impact areas of your ceiling system closest to the plumbing breach. From frozen pipes in the winter to scaling and throttling of galvanized and lead service lines from older homes, breaks, and holes can form that can result in substantial water loss. You might also only experience a leak that persists unnoticed for many days before it becomes overbearing on the nearby installed materials and collapses.

What Materials Exist in Ceiling Systems?

There are no installed elements of a ceiling system and subsequent floor system in your house that cannot become overwhelmed by saturation concerns. A consistent, even minor leak on this hidden network of plumbing can quickly expose immediate materials to this clean water. The longer a threat like this persists, the more likely the damage goes farther than the surrounding materials. Because the closest areas become the most overwhelmed by the steady flow or presence of water until they succumb to the added weight and collapse, the windows of opportunity for repairing and replacing those elements are highly limited.

The standard composition of a ceiling system includes:

• Drywall 
• Insulation
• Floor Joists 
• Subflooring
• Utilities 

Can Leaks Get Identified Before Irreparable Damage?

While in situations where structural collapses have occurred where the ceiling falls out under the immense pressures and presence of water, you might not notice these concerns all at once. Instead, potential flooding or leaking of fixtures and plumbing can leave our professionals seeking the best possible solution for efficient water removal and cleanup. If you are attempting to find where a leak or drip in your service lines might be, inspect the ceiling and wall materials for a few telling signs:

• Damp spots
• Water staining
• Sagging Materials 

What Immediate Repairs Must Occur After a Ceiling Collapse?

Repairs are among the essential services our SERVPRO team can offer after a structural collapse and widespread water damage. One steady leak could substantially impact the entire property, so knowing what repairs and reconstruction are necessary is vital. Because you are not pursuing a secondary company for building trade services, we can be much more versatile in the tasks that these professionals of our team perform when working on your house. Some of these actions include:

• Debris Cleanup – After a ceiling collapse, you have heaps of material in the middle of the room as shown in the Photo. You cannot begin to assess the full scope of the damage until ruined materials get removed and discarded. 
• Plumbing Repairs – When our team first arrives, especially if a ceiling collapse has already occurred, we must note the exposed plumbing and determine where a breach might exist. 
• Controlled Demolition – We must determine the extent of the damage to materials still installed to the ceiling studs and second-floor joists. Wicking of moisture can lead to further collapse and deterioration, so we establish dry lines and remove any impacted materials still in the damaged area like insulation and drywall. 

Is Extraction Necessary Without Pooling Surface Water?

Extraction can often be a misleading term for water restoration services that our SERVPRO team provides. While this word often leads to images of several inches of standing water getting pumped out with advanced, high-powered tools and equipment, it can also showcase some of the more subtle tools in our inventory. Extracting water can also mean the trapped water inside porous materials near the damage site, including plywood subflooring, carpeting, and cabinetry. There are multiple elements used to reduce water and moisture pockets in the walls and structural cavities, often this falls to a combination of extraction devices and evaporative drying techniques like centrifugal air movers, heaters, and positive pressure systems.

Because there are so many different types of water damage incidents that could impact your home, it is recommended to seek the experience and advanced technologies of our SERVPRO of Reading team. With a fast response and experienced technicians available 24/7, that leak in your kitchen or second floor does not have to become a must costlier concern over time. Give our team a call today at (610) 779-8189.

What Tools Make Professional Fire Restoration Most Efficient?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

We can sweep in and take away all your fire fears in Reading as soon as they appear.

Our SERVPRO professionals can work to quickly recover fire-damaged Reading homes using several powerful tools and practices. 

Often Reading homeowners do not have a choice but to pursue the knowledge and experience of restoration professionals after a fire. Insurance companies covering these properties want to ensure that the work done in the house restores the structure to its pre-fire conditions. As a preferred vendor in the area, many providers contact us directly when their clients and customers suffer losses. 

Because fire restoration in Reading homes and businesses is so involved and complex, it often requires dozens of different tools, pieces of equipment, and specialty products to manage. With so many levels to fully restoring a home, from removing soot and smoke residues to contending with lingering odors, the right equipment and cleaning approach for these situations becomes vital to the mitigation process when our SERVPRO team first arrives. Some of the areas that we can help your home include: 

• Deodorization – While removing harsh, lingering odors is among the final stages of fire restoration in a home, there are several potential paths that our technicians can take, including fogging, ozone, and hydroxyl generators. 
• Cleaning – Removing residues and soils from surfaces involves several potent solvents, chemicals, and detergents depending on the material affected and the type of smoke residue present. 
• Air Filtration – Circulating particles of soot and other contaminants after a fire can become hazards for those exposed. Air scrubbers and hydroxyl machines can utilize HEPA filtration to clean up the environment. 

Can SERVPRO Help with Reconstruction As Well? 

For many fire disasters, repairs and reconstruction are inevitable. Having a team of general contractors along with our SERVPRO restoration technicians means that these secondary recovery tasks happen immediately after mitigation. 

After a fire, our SERVPRO of Reading team can quickly reach your home to begin vital mitigation tasks to reduce your losses. Give us a call at (610) 779-8189.

What Do I Need to Know About Mold Remediation Companies?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Kutztown mold remediation and demolition are best left to superior companies like SERVPRO--Done Right the First Time!

Any Kutztown Home Can Have a Mold Problem – Know What to Look for in a Professional Mold Removal Business

You cannot escape mold spores. They surround us every day, traveling through the air, hitching a ride on your clothes, and spreading through HVAC systems. When you add moisture and high humidity into the mix, you have a problem. When considering mold remediation in Kutztown, there are some things you should look for before hiring a particular company.

What Are the Qualifications of a Good Mold Remediation Specialist?

Mold removal companies in Kutztown should have the correct certification needed for dealing with mold. SERVRPRO’s technicians are trained as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) and are Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified. They should also have any local licensing required for mold removal.

Understanding the Process

The company you hire should be able to explain to you the mold removal process clearly. If they make it confusing or try to use scare tactics involving mold, move on to another restoration business. Professional mold removal involves:

• Containment – Includes physical barriers and negative airflow.
• Moisture removal – Mold remediation cannot begin until the water problem is addressed.
• Professional equipment – HEPA products and commercial equipment should be used.
• Air Purification – Cleaning the spores from the air is vital.
• Antimicrobial Cleaners – Any affected surface gets treated with this and antifungals.
• Proper Disposal – Irreparable items such as drywall needs to be disposed of correctly.
• Sealants or Encapsulants – Prevents mold from reoccurring.

Experienced Mold Remediation Services

Experience is another important aspect of mold removal companies. SERVPRO has years of experience in providing mold damage cleanup for homes throughout the Kutztown area. Our techs are continually learning and implementing the latest techniques. Check out our review that we proudly display.

 Contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 when you are looking at mold removal companies. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to get the job done right.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

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 in Reading, 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 Reading today at (610) 779-8189 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.

Do You Need Help Understanding the Fire Damage Type and How it Leads to Better Remediation in Your Exeter Home?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

When fire damage stems from an electrical source, a different kind of soot results rather than from another type of fire. Contact SERVPRO to assess.

Matching Products and Techniques -- Why SERVPRO Delivers High-Quality Fire Debris Cleanup in Exeter

Almost 3,000 residential fires per year identify a dryer issue like lint or other electrical malfunction as their cause. Kitchen fires are a close second. Getting familiar with the types of debris that may be left behind after various types of fires in your Exeter home is good for homeowners to know and review often.

Fire Debris Types

The kind of debris a fire leaves in your Exeter home relates to the types of fuel burned and the temperature of the fire. Paper and wood burn high and hot, leaving behind loose ash. Electrical fires and slow, smoldering burns with fabrics as the fuel leave a thick and sticky coating. Fires starting in the kitchen are often grease and protein related, leaving a thin and hard to remove layer on surfaces, and a particularly unpleasant odor.

With the types of fire debris possible after household fires in Exeter covering a broad range, a one-size-fits-all approach to clean up is unreasonable and ineffective. As a fire moves its way through the spaces of a home a variety of articles are likely to provide fuel for the flames. This means that when our team arrives to assess the fire damage scenario and to plan for fire debris remediation, we must pair up the types of soot and charred items with the cleaners and tools we have available, expecting variation space by space.

Fire Debris Restoration

Fire debris restoration is one of the main reasons why SERVPRO exists as a disaster recovery business. Our technicians pursue certification as fire and smoke specialists from the IICRC, learning how to identify the different kinds of soot and other fire debris and to pair the damage and residues with effective cleaning and clearing options.

Light soiling responds well to dry sponging and vacuuming. SERVPRO prevents spread of fire residues by using equipment fitted with HEPA filters. We use a foam cleaner on fabrics with ashy residues, the tiny bubbles lifting and containing the tiny, dry particles.

Thicker, sticky fire residues need a cleaning product with wetting agents and surfactants to break up the coating for wiping off. When the residues are particularly hard to dislodge SERVPRO crew members use agitation or abrasive tools to remove the coating. The thin, shellac-like coating left after kitchen fires often needs a solvent and both agitation and an abrasive sponge or cloth to remove.  

Damaged Building Materials and Furnishings

Charred building materials and furnishings are another type of fire debris SERVPRO manages. Our crews train to clear your property of this potentially toxic debris safely, bagging what cannot be restored and disposing of the materials as directed by local regulation. We also work with homeowners to explain and ensure that everything we say needs to be removed or destroyed, really does need to be.

SERVPRO of Reading helps residents in our communities with the difficult job of clearing debris and residues from fire damaged properties. As soon as the firefighters release your home call us at (610) 779-8189 for an assessment of the fire debris cleanup needed.

Learn more about Exeter.

What is an ERP and Why Your Exeter Business Needs it Now?

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Saves Landlords Thousands in Restoration Costs in Exeter, PA

Learn More About SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Response Plan for Reading Area Commercial Businesses and Properties

The Mobile ERP Emergency READY Profile is here, and we can help to keep our business in business. Ask us how and we can set up an appoint for a no-cost consultation at your convenience.

SERVPRO's new Emergency READY Profile (ERP) system allows business owners in Reading to keep track of all properties and locations during a fire or storm and respond appropriately. Using the tools, you can have multiple individualized profiles and information sets for each property you own or manage, and with OUR ERP our technicians can have all the information they need to get your business running back to normal. As a result, they can save owners of multiple properties, such as landlords, thousands in repair costs after a fire by responding fast to each location.

During a fire, or water damaging event to an apartment complex or other rental properties, there is always physical damage. Usually, our technicians have to spend time evaluating the building and formulating an approach, but this process is a great way for SERVPRO's response quickly. Through it, we can access relevant contact information, building plans and layouts, and critical information about utility systems. This is especially useful to fire chiefs, who can respond quickly to help locate the fire source.  Knowing where the shut-off valves, electrical panels, and drainage infrastructure are located and how they function is key in mitigating losses from water or fire loss.

This mobile device allows the party in charge to have delegated representatives to be on-site if needed to okay any work orders, and insurance forms to work along with an adjuster.

SERVPRO operates on the principle of mitigation to respond around the clock and save landlords thousands in restoration costs. Call us at (570) 622- 8991 for our help or to learn more about the Emergency READY Response Plan.

Learn more about Exeter, PA.

Removing Fire Damage In Reading

2/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call (610) 779-8189 when you need cleanup from a reliable and experienced crew.

Removing Fire Damage from a Reading Attic

Attics are a common source of fire damage in homes, particularly those caused by the home's electrical system. Whether the failure comes from air conditioning, electrical wiring, or other sources that rely upon electricity, these fires can spread quickly and damage significant portions of the home without fast detection. Worse still, soot residues are highly corrosive to the surfaces they settle upon, which can leave homeowners with more to worry about than they anticipated after a fire.

If your Reading home requires fire damage mitigation after an attic fire, you can count on the experienced professionals at SERVPRO to provide rapid service at any time of the day or night. Our technicians receive extensive training in fire damage mitigation, as well as water damage and mold remediation. No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO is sure to have the tools and techniques available to restore your structure to a preloss condition.

SERVPRO's Emergency-Response Team
Disasters do not happen on a typical 9-to-5 schedule, so SERVPRO technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — including all holidays. These franchise locations, totaling over 1,700 between the United States and Canada, are uniquely positioned to be able to respond quickly whenever disaster strikes in a home. The faster the response, the less damage that you have to worry about, and the more likely it is that items and structures can be successfully restored.

SERVPRO's Fire Cleanup Process
After an attic fire, there can be significant damage to the structural components of the home, including insulation, wooden supports, and flooring. If you use your attic for storage, your possessions may have also suffered such damage.

SERVPRO technicians start by removing debris and possessions that are too charred for restoration to prevent the spread of odors and soot throughout the home. Containment measures may be used to minimize the spread of these residues through your HVAC system. Items and debris removed from your home are never disposed of before your insurance adjuster has seen them. Extensive documentation is taken to bolster your insurance claim.

SERVPRO of Reading has the tools and techniques necessary to leave homes looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (610) 779-8189 when you need cleanup from a reliable and experienced crew.

For more about Reading click here.

How Professionals Remove Water From Reading Homes

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold and mildew. SERVPRO has the training to restore your water damage quickly.

The Two Different Types of Water Removal Services for Residents of Reading

Our homes are full of always moving parts like appliances, sewage systems, drainage, heating ventilation & air-conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as water supply pipes. When all of these are functioning correctly, we barely notice them. However, a fault with any of these moving parts can result in a water emergency in your home. Sometimes these malfunctioning can result in excessive amounts of moisture entering the home and damaging flooring, carpets, rugs, and furniture.

Residents that need water removal services here in Reading can reach out to us via our twenty-four-hour emergency call line. SERVPRO technicians live and work locally so we can mobilize expert technicians with short notice. The restoration planning starts from the moment you contact us, and from here, we can assess what equipment is necessary as well as the extent of harm. There are two main categories that we need to be aware of for a water restoration project.

The first category for water restoration technicians (WRT) is the removal of standing water. We classify standing water as any amount of moisture above two inches. Water at this level has a high risk of migrating into other areas of the home, including cavities in wall spaces and subfloor. There is also a high risk of clean water degrading into a more severe case. Our range of gas pumps at SERVPRO can transport high volumes of water out of the home. This equipment is fully-submersible and can be electric or gas-powered depending on the requirements of the homeowner.

The second category for us to consider is removing residual moisture. Soggy carpets, flooring, or other areas of the home can increase the chances of mold and microbial growth. Using extraction equipment, SERVPRO technicians can remove up to one hundred gallons of moisture from home without having to replace storage tanks. Extractors can be light-weight for thin or weak carpets, or, for thicker rugs, we can use weighted extraction units to squeeze the moisture out of the affected material.

Water issues can come in many forms. Contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.

More about Reading.

Drying Mats Can Remove Water from Wood Flooring in Reading Homes

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Let us remove all of your Reading home, not just the water on the surface.

SERVPRO knows how far water damage can go in your Reading home.

Most homeowners only work to remove surface water and moisture when loss incidents occur in their Reading houses. While this is a vital step to take in the cleanup process, it often disregards how water can migrate after direct exposure. Porous materials like wood flooring can absorb surface water and allow this moisture to soak through to the subflooring and support materials.

To preserve and protect wood flooding, water removal in Reading homes must begin as soon as possible. Considering that many homeowners have limited access to useful extraction tools, this is where many lean on the expertise and extensive inventory of our SERVPRO professionals. Removing the surface water is undoubtedly the first step to take towards drying out your damaged house, and this often begins with the use of powerful tools like our electric submersible pump and light wands under heavy flooding circumstances. The removal paves the way for practical drying tools like air movers and dehumidification units.

Identifying the migration of water throughout the house can determine the appropriate measures necessary to dry out and restore damaged elements. Hardwood flooring can get assessed in several ways, from probing moisture meters and surface detection tools to thermography. Before water has the opportunity to warp and distort the planks of the hardwood flooring, these areas can often get protected with the deployment of drying mats.

These units get placed perpendicularly to the seams of the planks throughout the damaged areas to affect a broader area with drying potential with greater, concentrated suction. For controlled moisture removal from these materials, we can utilize rolls of poly sheeting to encase the drying mats in a tent to maximize drying efforts. Continual monitoring of the damaged areas can prevent over-drying to return this flooring material to its original condition.

As challenging as water loss incidents can be in your home, especially with standing water concerns, our SERVPRO of Reading team is here to help. Because We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, you have an entire roster of skilled professionals available whenever emergencies occur. Give us a call anytime at (610) 779-8189.

To learn more about Reading, click here.

The Ultimate Guide to Flood Damage Remediation in Reading

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Whether the floodwaters came from inside or outside of your home, team SERVPRO can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Using Air Pressure for Containment of Sewer Gases after Flood Damage in your Reading Home

Floodwaters register as a contaminated water supply. These contaminants can make entry into your home restrictive because blackwaters are known to carry pathogens that can be harmful to humans with ingestion or inhalation. Being unable to enter your property adds another layer of stress and debilitation to the situation. Many homeowners experience anxiety about the state of their possessions. It would help if you had a restoration service provider that you can trust to deliver on their promises and with the human resources to make your home safe. 

Contamination as a result of flood damage to your Reading home affects both the air you can breathe and the safety of build materials. SERVPRO technicians must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) even to enter a property with flooding issues. There are also slip and trip hazards or electrical concerns. Our restorers can enter the property to set up the necessary equipment to stop and reverse damages. 

Our first concern is containment. Containment protects the unaffected areas of your home but also halts the degradation of possessions and material construction. There are both physical and non-physical methods of containment. Physically, we can block furniture or place it into a cleanroom. SERVPRO can set up decontamination areas and place affected items within an enclosed polyethylene tent to ensure they do not spread onto other items. 

Non-physical containment is achievable through manipulating air pressure in the affected area. Manometers measure gas and vapor rather than moisture. By ensuring the air pressure is low in the affected area, and high in unaffected areas, we can ensure that toxic air does not leave the containment zone. To modify air pressure, SERVPRO uses negative air pressure machines. Setting up low air-pressure in the affected area is essential to containing sewer gases but also any debris that may result from demolishing drywall, drilling or sanding. 

Protecting the rest of your home from further damage is something you can trust us to perform. In an emergency, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.

Click here for more information about Reading.

Don’t Take On The Remediation Challenge For Your Home Alone-Call SERVPRO Today

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Many times your home is affected by a combination of issues during an emergency. Often water and mold damage go hand in hand.

Why Reading Property Owners Should Choose Professional Restoration Services for Home Disaster Cleanup

In Reading, property disasters arrive in many forms ranging from water damage, fire damage, and of course, mold. All of these problems facing homeowners should be handled by a professional restoration services company to limit the loss and get the best outcome for a bad situation. 

Water Damage Mitigation Should Begin Immediately

Water damage in a Reading home requires addressing as fast as possible. This rapid response helps homeowners to avoid loss and other costly issues whether it is from a broken pipe, washing machine on the fritz or an overflowing toilet. For example, water wicks quickly into sheetrock which in turn warps and buckles and when this happens, SERVPRO technicians know that there is no restoration potential and it requires removal through controlled demolition techniques to cut it away cleanly for the dual purpose of better airflow and fast repairs.

Thorough water extraction is a must after a water loss event in a home. Consumer-grade wet-dry vacuums do not have the lifting power of professional pumps. Additionally, specific attachments for forcing water out of the carpet and upholstered furnishings assists in the complete drying. If the water removal process begins within 24-hours, and the water type is clean or gray, the carpet in the home may not be a loss. In cases where the water cleanup did not start until more than 48-hours after the water loss or contains sewage, it requires handling as a category three biohazard with extra safety precautions.

Safety During Fire Damage Cleanup

When SERVPRO technicians handle fire damage cleanup in Reading properties, safety for all is the number one priority. Soot and smoke residues are unhealthy, and homeowners should ask the fire department if it is safe to remain within the premises or not. If the fire loss happened in a single area of the home, the technicians set up containment to halt the prospect of cross-contamination of the spread of soot. 

The odor is a significant problem as long as charred materials and soot remain in the home. The technicians remove items that have no restoration potential and document it with both a detailed description and photographs to make filing the insurance claim more expedient for the homeowner. If any residual odors remain, technicians have multiple methods and equipment for the neutralization of fire odors.

There are specialized formulas for all types of surfaces affected by smoke damage, and the technicians perform tests before cleaning to ensure they use the proper cleaning method for the kind of surface without the danger of color bleeding, shrinkage, or surface damage. 

Storm Damage is a Year-Round Threat

In Reading, intense weather brings storm damage to properties through winds, flood damage, or ice and snow. When the water or snowmelt enters the home, the loss begins and grows from that point until mitigation starts. In instances where a roof or windows received damage, SERVPRO technicians proactively tarp or temporarily repair leaking roofs or broken windows, so no further water loss occurs. 

When groundwater enters a home, it is a serious situation due to the probability of the water containing bacteria, sharp objects in debris or sewage. Technicians test the water, so they know what hazards they are dealing with and proceed to extract the water and lessen the water damage in the home. 

Organized pack-outs are common during the flood water removal as exposure to prolonged periods of humidity damages paper items and causes wood frames of furnishings to swell along with the danger of mold. Moving undamaged contents to a safe location ensures no threat of further loss. After the completion of mitigation efforts, the technicians move the items back into the property and put them back in their previous places.

Complete drying and hand cleaning with professional antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions eliminate much of the odor after flood water removal. Technicians use professional drying equipment in tandem with dehumidifying equipment to rapidly lower indoor humidity levels and lessen the chances of mold growth. If any residual water odors remain on-site after meeting preset drying goals, the technicians have a diverse array of odor control applications to use.

Mold Damage Remediation Done For You

Mold damage appears in Reading properties whenever elevated humidity exists and if ambient temperatures are 70F-degrees or warmer, mold spores have the potential to germinate and spread quickly, creating costly destruction to the property and contents. 

Safety during mold remediation is a priority for SERVPRO technicians. They contain the areas in the home affected by mold colonies to halt any further spread of spores. The mold abatement techniques used depend on the location and quantity of colonies requiring removal. 

Follow up inspections determine if spores spread within the home via the HVAC and the technicians clean the ductwork if necessary. 

Mold is often a symptom of a more significant issue usually pointing to poor ventilation trapping humid air, drainage, or an undetected leak. If technicians find problems that require repair during mitigation, they alert the property owner with the problem and suggest solutions. After completing mold remediation in the property, proactive treatments such as antimicrobial sealers inhibit the return of mold. 

Why SERVPRO?

It is vital for the restoration services company in Reading that you trust with the cleaning and recovery of your home and contents has staff who have the training and certifications to return your property to its preloss condition. The technicians undergo extensive educational instruction in the restoration sciences and learn the latest techniques used in tandem with technologically advanced equipment for the best outcome on every job they do.

Availability is another crucial issue in choosing a mitigation company. The longer the damage in your home sits, the greater the loss to your property and belongings. SERVPRO technicians have a commitment to 24-hour a day service and no matter when the loss happens; they arrive within an hour in most cases to begin cleanup efforts.

SERVPRO of Reading stands ready to support local community members who need assistance with the cleanup and restoration services from fire, storm, water or mold damage. The emergency response team is available by calling (610) 779-8189 to make the loss to the property "Like it never even happened."

Click here to learn more about Reading. 

We Act Fast To Limit More Damage To Your Reading Home

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

The carpeting became soaked from the water damage in this home. We arrived right away with the right tools to restore the home quickly.

Why Involve SERVPRO When There is Water Damage in Your Reading Home 

Water spills are among the most common incidents that happen in Reading homes. The damage level varies in each case, with some requiring professional assistance. When looking for such assistance, there is a need to find a knowledgeable partner that can address all issues that crop up during the restoration process.

Better scoping of the problem

One common characteristic of water damage that affects Reading homes is widespread moisture migration. While most of the water might pool close to the source, the rest spreads through gravity action or wicking through materials. A spill starting in upper floors may also leave walls and ceilings in lower floors wet. It is not always feasible to identify such water migration from visual observation. Our SERVPRO technicians help because we have a wide range of moisture detection equipment. We use thermal cameras, which rely on temperature differences to establish the presence of water in concealed areas. We also have moisture meters that check wetness in materials.

Superior Drying Equipment and Procedures

Water spills damage homes in different ways, including soiling if the source of the water is not clean and degradation of materials due to wetness. The wetness aspect is what leads to losses. Our SERVPRO teams include IICRC certified WRT, Water Restoration Technicians, who use advanced approaches to dry all wet materials and contents. We scope the loss situation, including establishing the common types of materials in your house. Such evaluation establishes whether we need high capacity extraction equipment such as truck-mounted water extractors or wet vacs can do the job. We also establish whether there is a need for demolition processes such as carpet removal or making flood cuts.

Quality Customer Service

Dealing with water spills can be an emotionally draining process. Apart from saving your valuables, you might also need to deal with your insurer and in some cases, seek accommodation elsewhere. Our SERVPRO technicians understand these challenges, which is why we offer quality customer care service. We work closely with your adjuster ensuring decisions such as disposal of items are authorized. We also use our training and experience to estimate the likely duration that it would take to restore your property, allowing you to make informed plans.

Dealing with water spills requires the right approach. Call SERVPRO of Reading to assist. You can reach us any time at (610) 779-8189. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Reading.

How SERVPRO Uses Technology to Locate Hidden Water Inside Your Home

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

When floodwater invades your home, SERVPRO has the equipment and expertise to get it out!

Flood Damage Experts In Reading Point Out Different Types Of Inspection Equipment

Stormy weather in Reading can create conditions like rain and high-speed winds that can cause you problems with buildings on your property. Flood damage that exists after A storm can involve several processes to completely restore your residence to its preloss state "Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO team can provide fast 24/7 service, and we can begin working on mitigating problems as soon as you give us work authorization.

During any flood damage project in Reading, our highly trained team uses a combination of our work experience and training to remediate problems with your building materials and contents quickly. Our SERVPRO team starts restoring your home immediately after we get your emergency call. First off, we inspect your entire building to figure out how the severity of the damage and how many rooms inside your house got negatively affected.

Our team of SERVPRO technicians is IICRC certified, and we have a vast amount of experience dealing with varieties of flood damage restoration jobs that have been both minor and severe. Our crew also can implement a wide range of advanced technology during the entire restoration process. The following four inspection tools help our team immensely in determining the overall scope of your project.

Thermo-Hygrometers

A hygrometer is used to measure your building's relative humidity and your indoor temperature. Some thermo-hygrometers also give us other readings such as your building's dew point, the pressure of vapor, and your house's humidity ratio.

Manometer

A manometer does not measure moisture, but instead, it measures the pressure of vapors or gases. The device is most often used to figure out the difference of pressure between a room that was affected and a room that was not.

Inspection Cameras / Boroscopes

Inspection cameras and boroscopes are used to look into wall cavities or other sealed off areas to determine the structure's construction and if moisture is present. Motorized inspection cameras can be used to look inside your ductwork.

Luminometer

We often use luminometers to test water and surfaces in your home for contamination.

Having professionals like our team inspect your home for damage can be handy so that you make sure we missed nothing. To ensure proper mitigation after flooding, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Reading.

When It Comes To Dealing With Water Damage In Your Kutztown Home, Our Crew Is Your Best Option!

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Please contact us at (610) 779-8189 as soon as the storms subside so we can help and stay out of your home for safety reasons until it is safe again.

Why SERVPRO Is The Best Option For Flood Damage Restoration In Your Kutztown Home

There are few places where people do not need to worry about flooding, and Kutztown is no exception. Anywhere rainfalls can be vulnerable, even though it is not the only cause of flooding. Floods happen when land which is usually dry experiences overflowing water over it. Most times, when streams or rivers overflow their banks, this can happen. A ruptured levee or dam, excessive rain, or a beaver dam in the wrong place can overflow a river, flooding the land next to it.

When your home in Kutztown has experienced flooding, you need help cleaning everything up right away. The longer water sits, the more damage is done, so that is why SERVPRO is an excellent choice for flood damage restoration. As an experienced and well-trained restoration company, we understand how time is of the essence after floodwaters have invaded your home and we move quickly to help you when you give us a call.

A majority of floods develop in just days or even hours, but this time frame gives residents plenty of time to evacuate or prepare. Sometimes, they generate faster and with little warning. Known as flash floods, they can be very dangerous, instantly turning a peaceful brook into a wall of water that thunders down and sweeps away all in its path downstream.

Since structures which have been damaged by storms and flooding can suffer from significant damage, SERVPRO techs are very careful when we first enter your residence. If water has been sitting in your home for any length of time, materials which are saturated, such as drywall and flooring, can become weak, which creates a hazard for everyone. We check for any structural hazards before entering and proceeding with water mitigation and restoration. We ensure to keep you and your family out of the home until the structure is safe again.

If your roof was at all damaged and water has entered through the hole, we check for water trapped in cavities of the ceiling. When it is wet, drywall softens and ceilings can fall in. Weep holes are drilled so that we can free any trapped water in the ceiling cavities. We are cautious not to make a straight line of holes, so we avoid perforating the ceiling. We examine subflooring to figure out what it is made of and how stable it is if it has become wet. While walking around we must be cautious as nails which have become exposed, splinters, broken glass, or other sharp objects can be in the water.

SERVPRO of Reading is an experienced restoration company who can help dry your home in Hamburg, Exeter, or Gilbertsville out after flooding. Please contact us at (610) 779-8189 as soon as the storms subside so we can help and stay out of your home for safety reasons until it is safe again.

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4 Water Damage Issues After a Fire

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage to building in Kutztown,PA

Dealing With the Aftermath of Fire Damage

Experiencing a fire in your business is bad enough, but you also have to deal with the aftermath. Embarking on a complete fire cleanup mission includes water cleanup. When the Kutztown,PA, firefighters work hard to stop the fire from causing more damage, they use a lot of water. This water saturates everything and can seep into hidden areas within the building. During cleanup, you want to look out for four main types of water damage.

1. Mold Growth

Mold loves wet conditions. Excess water sitting around and seeping into porous surfaces makes an ideal location for mold to begin to grow. You can have a problem in as little as two days.

2. Rust

Water also is not a friend to metal. If exposed for too long, metal eventually rusts. While this may take some time, there is often hidden water lurking in areas near pipes that may lead to future issues. Quick and thorough water cleanup can help mitigate the problem.

3. Warping and Rotting

Wood is especially susceptible to water. Not only will it absorb the water but also it reacts to it. Wood will change shape due to swelling. This may cause it to warp. If water remains in the wood for too long, it rots.

4. Short Circuits

Electronics may be the hardest hit by water. If electronics survived the fire, the water can take them out easily by getting into the inner components and causing them to short circuit.

A Few Tips

You probably will focus first on smoke cleanup since it is most obvious due to the smell. As you are ventilating and working on getting rid of the lingering smoke, you can also look out for water damage since it may be found in similar areas that experience smoke damage.

Water cleanup is not an easy task, and it can be tough to find every affected area. It is highly recommended that you seek the help of a professional emergency restoration service to help ensure all the water is actually gone from your building so you can return your business back to its former condition.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Canceled

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared for a weather delay or a canceled flight

Whether you’re traveling to or from Gilbertsville,PA, bad weather can sometimes interrupt your travel plans and even result in a canceled flight. There’s nothing that can be done about the atmospheric conditions, but with a little planning and forethought, you should be able to weather the storm without too much trouble.

Keep These 3 Tips in Mind

Finding out that your flight's been cancelled may be inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. Here are three main points to remember:

• Put safety first. Don’t go against travel advisories or other official recommendations. Bad weather can be fatal, so pay attention to storm tips and keep the safety of yourself and your family foremost in your mind.
  
• Have a backup plan. Learn what hotels are in the area that you could stay at in case you are stuck in town for another day.
• Travel light. The less stuff you have to keep track of, the easier it will be to change course should the need arise.

A Canceled Flight Is Nobody’s Fault

If the weather has caused your flight to be canceled, you may be stuck in place for a while. Stay calm, and ask the airline if you can rebook on a later flight. Often, if you remain polite yet persistent, the airline will compensate you in some way for a flight that's been cancelled. However, if you become belligerent or threatening toward the airline employees, they are less likely to work with you.

Ultimately, there’s not much anyone can do about weather delays or a canceled flight, so the important thing is to be prepared. Heed all safety warnings, and travel light so that any detours can be made as smoothly as possible. It is reasonable to request compensation for a missed flight (due to weather or other difficulties beyond your control), and it’s best to stay calm with airline employees. A little patience can go a long way in this type of situation. After the storm comes the restoration and repairs.