Restoring Federal Way Fire Damage Fast

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy smoke can affect the contents and structure of your Federal Way home. Call SERVPRO to remediate the fire damage and clean up smoke soils.

FSRT-Certified Technicians Overcome Fire Damage

Fire damage incidents can be traumatic and devastating between the thousands of homes throughout King County and the Seattle Metropolitan area, including historical landmarks. For this reason, we invest our time and resources into educating our FSRT-Certified professionals with the latest restoration strategies, mitigation equipment, and products in our inventory to help.

Mitigating Federal Way fire damage hinges most on the fast response of our SERVPRO professionals. Our facility stores dozens of Green Fleet vehicles and hundreds of recovery tools for post-fire cleanup and restoration. After the first notice of loss, our restoration team works to mobilize fast to perform needed emergency services to help.

The Hazards of Post-Fire Environments

A post-fire environment is one of the most volatile environments that our SERVPRO team can enter, except for biohazard cleanup jobs. Not only is the atmosphere often saturated with soot solids and particles, but our contractors must also expect structural instability and compromise. Much of the emergency services and mitigative efforts are performed to make the environment safer for our team working on cleanup up fire damage.

Eliminating Structural Threats and Safety Hazards

Emergency services first focus on the safety hazards that prevent mitigation action from getting underway. The most pressing concern is circulating carcinogenic smoke particles. HEPA 500 Air Scrubbers from our inventory can significantly reduce volatile environments. Similarly, the contractor license allows us to inspect and remove compromised structural elements to replace them later.

Cleaning Up After Smoke Damages

Smoke remediation is one of the more necessary elements of fire restoration and recovery services. Because there are multiple types of smoke damage, naturally, the cleaning approach for these various compositions also changes. We have hundreds of products ranging from solvents and detergents for moist deposits and greasy residues to chemical sponges to remove lighter soiled surfaces. Types of smoke damage include:

• Wet Smoke
• Dry Smoke
• Oil Furnace Puffback
• Kitchen Fires

Deodorization Solutions

Odors are one final obstacle to returning properties to their original condition. We can implement several deodorizing practices, sometimes simultaneously, to manage the presence of offensive scents. These can include:

• Fogging – High-heat fires open the pores of sensitive materials in the house to direct malodor exposure. Thermal and ULV fogging turn potent deodorants into penetrative vapors to impact trapped smells.
• UV Cleaning – UV Cleaning is effective and can help entire rooms of damaged property. Hydroxyl machines are the tools capable of cleaning in this manner. The onboard HEPA filtration capabilities also make the volatile environment less hazardous.
• Ozone – The use of ozone is one of the most efficient and effective strategies available, but not without its costs. Because the compound is very harmful to breathe, we must allow the right amount of time for ozone to dissipate before returning.

Fire Damage Repairs After Restoration

One of the final steps to fire damage restoration and recovery is replacing removed materials and repairing structural compromise. Contractors of our team can provide several types of build-back services to help homes and businesses with post-fire clean up and get their life back to normal as fast as possible. We carefully assess needed repairs and construction to seamlessly transition to rebuilding after fire restoration and smoke remediation are complete.

Because of the condition of homes and businesses after Federal Way fire damage incidents, it is vital to get professional restorers to the scene as soon as possible. Quickly following extinguishment leaves less time for surfaces to be destroyed by soot and materials more able to be restored and cleaned. Give our experienced SERVPRO of Federal Way team a call now at (253) 838-8999.

Preparing for Federal Way Mold Damage Possibilities

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Contact our SERVPRO AMRT-Certified mold damage remediation technicians in Federal Way to assess and help with mold damage in your home.

AMRT Specialists Offer Mold Damage Recovery

Did you know that your insurance often does not cover repairing and remediating mold and microbial damage? Unless it is one of the destructive triggers in your home policy, like a burst pipe or damaged appliance that leads to this development, the entire remediation cost might be out-of-pocket for the customer. Many areas could be directly affected, including:

• Attics
• Basements
• Crawlspaces
• Garages
• Laundry Areas
• Bathrooms

Because of how widespread Federal Way mold damage could be, it is vital to have our remediation team respond as fast as possible. The longer that mold colonies go unchallenged, the more they spread and require lengtheir and more invasive cleaning measures. We are trusted AMRT-Certified technicians accredited through the IICRC to provide your household with correct and experienced remediation decisions.

How Likely is Mold?

Humidity is a persistent concern with the rainfall, and precipitation King’s County receives every year. Because there are no buildings and residences entirely impervious to mold infestation, it is necessary to consider how readily poorly ventilated structures can be affected. From The Commons and St. Francis Hospital to the homes of the nearly 100,000 in the city, mold damage is a common occurrence that our SERVPRO team stays prepared to face.

Acting Quickly on Mold Development

Direct action can often help keep the situation from being worse than it needs to be. The first measure that we can take in this regard is to establish physical containment barriers. With a wooden framework, spring-loaded rods, and thick 6-mil plastic sheeting, we can create a set boundary for manipulating airflow, temperature, and humidity – the main principles of efficient drying. Influencing these environmental factors can also contribute to slowing the progression of mold damage.

Mold Removal Strategies for Damaged Homes

Because of the finite timeline, our AMRT-Certified professionals must address the active mold colonization in your home. Remediation comes down to several strategies simultaneously. The ideal scenario only utilizes superficial techniques like antimicrobial products, sporicides, and biocides. When more aggressive methods are necessary, we can implement equipment like media blasters, sanders, and other units.

Eliminating Offensive Odors

Malodors are one of the common indicators of active colonization. Despite the lessening of these smells that might occur with remediation and surface cleaning, the full measure of musty malodors is not resolved through these efforts. Deodorization is a necessary component of restoring comfortable living conditions. This includes fogging with neutralizing products to penetrate and reach trapped odors in:

• Clothing
• Carpeting
• Porous building materials
• HVAC system

Preventing Mold Damage Recurrences

There are multiple advantages to choosing experienced SERVPRO professionals for the remediation and recovery of your home after mold exposure. One example is the general contractor license, which allows us to complete any necessary repairs and build back services. An objective for these professionals in the post-remediation phases is to prevent recurrences. We can replace and repair structural vulnerabilities and utility damage to prevent water damage where it can be a more significant threat.

We work tirelessly to return your home to preloss condition after mold threatens the structure and contents. Between regular pre-job inspections and interfacing with the customer, we can meet milestones and expected goals to get an everyday life back as fast as possible.

Federal Way mold damage might seem commonplace in wet environments like the basement, but it should be removed and cleaned as soon as possible to prevent losses in your home. We have effective remediation methods and experienced professionals on our SERVPRO of Federal Way team to help. Call now at (253) 838-8999.

Removing Fire Damage in Federal Way

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides disaster cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Removing Fire Damage from a Federal Way Attic

Residential attic fires may only take up two percent of all home fires, but the costs are still massive because 99% of these incidents are nonconfined. An average of 10,000 attic fires occur each year and cause property losses of over $477 million. The cleanup for these fires is outside the scope of consumer-grade cleaners, and without professional assistance, soot residues can spread odors and corrosive soils.

When your Federal Way residence requires fire damage cleanup, SERVPRO is always prepared to send an emergency response team to restore your home. SERVPRO's comprehensive cleanup services do more than remove soot. Technicians take a thorough inventory of damaged goods, sanitize with EPA-registered antimicrobials, and are licensed to offer general contracting services (#SERVPCS911LE). Completing the job means minimizing property and structural losses so that your home is as close to a preloss condition as possible.

Facts About Attic Fires

• Residential attic fires will most likely occur between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm in December and January.
• Electrical malfunctions are the most frequent cause of attic fires in residential buildings, accounting for 43% of fires. Electrical arcing is the most common heat source, accounting for 37% of attic fires. 
• While over 30% of these fires spread to the entire building, only two percent spread far enough to affect adjacent structures.

Make sure to inspect the area regularly or have a professional assess the electrical components in your attic. Taking proactive measures for preserving your home is highly beneficial for approving your insurance claim.

SERVPRO's Emergency Services

Before cleanup can begin in a fire-damaged structure, careful planning is necessary for successful restoration. Measures such as boarding up, structural drying to mitigate water damage from firefighting, and pest extermination may be needed to restore your home. Depending on the fire's extent and the attic's condition, SERVPRO technicians can provide emergency electricity to power the equipment needed to clean and deodorize your home. Initial cleaning of contents may be performed to minimize property loss and provide occupants in temporary housing with clean, functional belongings.

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides disaster cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. When disaster strikes in your home, call (253) 838-8999.

Significant Losses in Federal Way Require Special Water Removal Tools

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your go-to team for commercial water damage restoration.

Water Removal for Offices and Warehouses 

Commercial properties of all types are susceptible to water damage and unexpected disasters that require fast mitigation. From the warehouses and production facilities of the city to multiple office buildings and retail locations, the quick response of SERVPRO professionals remains the same. We provide removal solutions to help with:

• Surface water
• Migrating moisture
• Water-damaged materials
• Humid environments

Removing Pooling Water on Flooring

Water removal for Federal Way office buildings and businesses often starts with a wide area contending with surface water threats. Standing water is a huge issue for the structure, as this can quickly absorb into porous materials like carpeting and drywall, creating considerable deterioration concerns. We have several extractors to help, most being pumps or vacuums. 

Clearing Water in Structural Cavities

Structural cavities can hold water when pipe bursts or leaks occur with the plumbing hidden in the ceiling or wall assemblies. We utilize weep-holes to drain and allow water circulation, but positive and negative pressure systems have the most significant drying impact on these vulnerable spaces.

Eliminating Saturated Building Materials 

Another potential form of water removal services for offices or production facilities is controlled demolition and bulk material removal. It does not take long for exposed materials to become heavier from saturation and collapse or degrade. Bulk material removal prevents more significant environmental moisture and helps eliminate surfaces likely to experience mold. 

Managing Environmental Moisture 

Yet another type of water removal necessary for your business is reducing humidity. Damp conditions can be destructive to documents, furniture, and other contents. Additionally, moisture can be welcoming to microbial development and mold damage. We have multiple dehumidifiers to manage this concern, including a large, trailered desiccant unit.

Water removal for our Large Loss team can mean several approaches and tools. We work fast to eliminate as much water as possible and make disasters “Like it never even happened.” Trust our SERVPRO of Federal Way professionals to help when you need it at (253) 838-8999.

Why We Are the Leader in Federal Way Flood Damage Restoration

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has mobile high heat units to dry out structures damaged by storms. Call us 24/7 to prevent further damage to your belongings.

How Heavy Rains Can Cause Sewer-Based Flood Damage in Your Federal Way Home

Torrential rains can lead to virtual rivers running down the street of Federal Way. The amount of water deposited over a short period during a severe rainstorm can challenge the ability of the storm water system to respond, causing the downpour to fill roadways and parking lots because of an overabundance of fluids. Public storm sewers are in place to help manage the water, but they cannot always handle the task.

Drains Are Interrelated

Homeowners in Federal Way can experience flood damage inside their residences even if your roof and gutter systems are draining correctly, your basement is waterproofed, and you have no exterior storm damage. The pressure in the municipal storm water system exerts in all directions. Utility hole covers can blow out the pavement, and curbside sewer grates overflow. Inside basements and crawl spaces, the lateral lines that connect your waste pipe to the public sewer can provide a pathway for raw human waste to enter and contaminate your lower levels because of the tremendous force coming from the over-capacity storm drains.

What Are the Risks When Sewage Backs Up?

SERVPRO employees know that sewage is Category 3, the most contaminated type of flooding damage. Category 3 water contains disease-causing agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Exposure to the microbes from sewage can result in illness and incapacity from infectious diseases, allergies, or toxic poisoning. The microbes can attack your system when you:

• Breathe them
• Swallow them
• Absorb them through skin contact

Flood Damage from Sewage Needs a Professional Response

The SERVPRO team has advanced training and specialized protective equipment to handle flood damage resulting from a sewer backup. We set up containment areas to keep you and your family safe while we work, employing air scrubbers and physical barriers to ensure limit microbial drift. Throughout the project, we use personal protective equipment (PPE), another way we keep the potentially infectious water and muck away from your living areas. Our company continually updates our understanding of the local hazardous waste collection, containment, and disposal rules. You can rely on our team to take care of both solid and liquid flood damage materials lawfully and safely.

SERVPRO of Federal Way commits to helping residents weatherproof flood damage, including the mess and hazards of sewer backups. Call (253) 838-8999 day or night for an expert evaluation and planning for flood damage abatement.

Our Certified Professionals Can Properly Manage Your Federal Way Water Damage

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Plumbing leaks mean the removal of the flooring in your home. Our air movers partner with dehumidifiers to extract excess moisture.

Addressing Simple Water Loss that Leaves Stubborn Water Damage in Your Federal Way Home

Water loss is a common occurrence, and in most cases, it is easy to deal with by containing the source immediately or extracting water as fast as possible. However, some cases can be tougher to deal with for various reasons. This category falls under an incident when no one is around to take action. Events where remedial steps are taken but IICRC standards are not followed can also be problematic, especially if materials are not dried properly. Calling water damage professionals should help.

Taking insufficient action after water damage in your Federal Way home can be worse than not taking action at all. Water spreads quickly and can reach concealed sections of your property instantly. Also, materials absorb water depending on their level of permanence. Drying such materials to the proper moisture level helps prevent further deterioration through mold development, rotting, and staining. Through advanced training, our SERVPRO technicians understand what level of moisture content signifies a material is dry to the right level.

Proper management of water damage incidents requires the identification of water movements and following the correct removal procedures. Scoping all areas the water reaches, takes the right skill and sophisticated equipment. Removing the water requires equipment and knowledge to carry out a controlled demolition. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to a wide range of scoping tools, including thermal cameras, moisture meters, and sensors. We also have specialized extraction equipment such as injecti-dry systems, which minimize the level of demolition needed to reach water in concealed areas.

Although steps such as making flood cuts, carpet removal, or stripping floorboards help in the water removal process, the house may look like a warzone after the effort. Rebuilding and finishing the demolished areas is necessary to restore the preloss state. Our SERVPRO technicians reinstall drywall panels and repaint affected areas, ensuring we match the colors with the rest of the house.

Water loss incidents can cause recurring problems. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 to address all issues, making it "Like it never even happened."

Seasonal Storms Can Damage Federal Way Homes

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can cause a lot of problems. To get it removed, call SERVPRO for professional technicians and equipment. We are here 24/7.

SERVPRO Mitigates Flood Damage Caused by Spring Storms in Federal Way

Spring storms can tear off roofs and bring water pouring into your home. Flash flooding can cause basement flooding. When any of these things occur, you need an expert like SERVPRO to help.

Emergency Services & Water Damage Experts

A flood can displace your family and do serious harm to your home. One of the biggest concerns is contaminated water. SERVPRO provides professional flood damage restoration in Federal Way that restores your home to preloss condition if at all possible. Here are some of the services we offer:

• Water Damage Remediation
• Flood Restoration
• Water Clean Up
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Sewage Cleanup
• Water Removal Services

What SERVPRO Does to Mitigate Flood Damage

When we arrive on the scene, we deal with all safety issues first. We tarp the roof if needed, use trash pumps to remove water with debris in it, and shovel or rake out silt if necessary. We dispose of anything that cannot be restored or repaired. When the water has been removed, we then start the cleaning and drying process. We sanitize and disinfect as we go along. 

Call in the Flood Restoration Pros

When you suffer flood damage, need ceiling repairs from water damages, or water clean up in general contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Efficiency is Vital When Performing Fire Damage Restoration in Federal Way Homes

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire in your home you need to make sure everything is handled properly. SERVPRO technicians have been trained and are ready for the job.

Fire Damage Repair in Federal Way is Faster With SERVPRO

The damages resulting from a fire can be vast. As a homeowner, you might be unaware of some components of fire damage. The damages can be structural, odor from soot and smoke, damaged belongings, and water damage from fire extinguishing efforts.

When this occurs in your house, you should contact SERVPRO as fast as possible so that we can prevent the damage from worsening. We can efficiently perform fire damage restoration in your Federal Way home. The destruction in your house may include:

• Soot damage, which is the result of burnt materials. Its acidity might cause more intensive damage to your textured and porous surfaces.
• Mold damage - Mold mostly does well in dark and damp places, leading to porous items' damage.
• Corrosion of metallic objects, causing them to be irreparable. It also elevates the risk of being electrocuted.
• Odor - Smoke residues and charred remains can cause a putrid smell.

After we have assessed your house and removed the water and the debris, Our SERVPRO team can use air scrubbers to eliminate the pollutants that might be suspended in the air.

Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians can also use dry cleaning sponges to remove light to medium and non-greasy soiling. We use the sponges on non-porous surfaces, especially those that can sustain damage if wet-cleaned. We can also use dry-cleaning sponges as the first step before wet cleaning surfaces that can be wet cleaned.

Our SERVPRO crew can use various professional products to remove smells. Every product brings about different deodorizing actions. For instance, we can use odor counteracting beads to deal with unpleasant scents. These products are made of a specially treated porous material permeated with solvent-based counteractants. When restorers open the package of beads, volatile odor counteracts are released and migrate on the air current. Odor counteracting beads are masking agents which work by time release. They give off pleasant fragrances which freshen up the area we are treating. 

Delaying fire damage restoration can lead to secondary damage, increasing repair costs. To avoid that, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for prompt repairs.

My Flower Shop in Federal Way Has Mold – What Should I Do?

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your shop you need to deal with it quickly. Contact SERVPRO for professional advice and for remediation services.

SERVPRO Can Seek Out the Source of the Mold and Provide Remediation

Federal Way is the ninth-largest city in Washington. Originally a logging town, it is now a modern city and home to over 96,000 people. There are many businesses and shops in the area, and every one of them can be prone to mold infestation.

My Backroom Cabinet Has Mold – Can It Be Removed?

 A flower shop can be the perfect environment for mold growth if there is high humidity. Plants and flowers need water, and that is a crucial component of mold infestation. If you discovered mold in your Federal way cabinet while putting away supplies, the source of the moisture needs to be found. You may have a hidden leak or something spilled and seeped in between the cabinet and the wall, causing water damage. The professionals should handle mold removal in Federal Way. Here are some of the remediation steps SERVPRO uses:

•   Inspection – Our technicians inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Since mold can hide, we use various techniques such as moisture sensors, to detect mold and hidden water.
•   Containment – Containment procedures are necessary to prevent the spread of the mold. The extent of the damage determines the method used. Fans, heating systems, and cooling systems are turned off during the cleaning process.
•   Air filtration - Our specialized filtration system captures microscopic pores out of the air. Powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums help prevent the spread of mold spores during the restoration process.
•   Cleaning – We use antifungal and antimicrobial agents to eliminate mold colonies. This also helps prevent new colonies from forming. This step includes disposing of porous material, such as drywall, that is infected.
•   Restoration – Our trained crews may be able to clean furniture, curtains, clothing, and restorable items such as glass vases. 

If the mold infestation is limited to your cabinet, the mold remediation should be straight forward. If it has spread beyond where you can see, more in-depth repairs may need to take place. This can include replacing drywall and carpets, painting, or area reconstruction.

Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for expert mold removal service.

What to Do About Fire Damage in Your Federal Way Retail Outlet

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, commercial fire damage happens. Your SERVPRO of Federal Way team is always on call to restore your business.

Restoration of Fire Damaged Shops in Federal Way

Not all businesses prepare for critical events. SERVPRO can help companies in Federal Way recover from fire damage quickly and with less fuss. We can eliminate the soot and odor, perform the controlled demolition, and carry out the rebuilding that gets your business up and running again.

Fire damage to a Federal Way shop causes problems in several ways. SERVPRO has the response affected business owners need to minimize profit loss and maximize the outcome. 

We understand your concerns regarding a quick recovery, insurance requirements, and costs incurred for inventory and reconstruction replacement materials. Our dedicated and experienced team knows how to manage any size project, resulting in specific-to-you work. Working under our contractor license (SERVPCS911LE), we provide:

• Professional guidance of timeframes, possible floor plan changes, and insurance assistance,
• Rapid response and the initiation of necessary cleanup and reconstruction, and
• Deodorization on an as-needed basis.

Our crew leader can explain how long rebuilding takes and when your shop can reopen. Because fires sometimes cause gutting, business owners often see changes in floor plans as an unexpected and positive surprise, and we can show you how such changes might lower your total costs. Reimbursement of losses to your building, inventory, and any equipment in the shop and your offices typically requires verification. We can help list such losses to help make this process smoother.

Smoky air is uncomfortable to inhale, so one of the first things we do during projects involving post-fire reconstruction is to run an air scrubber. Allowing this to run while we perform tear-offs and clean otherwise undamaged materials helps keep soot from settling on surfaces. During this time, our reconstruction team is already taking measurements of materials needed and making lists and notations of imminent tasks.

When we perform post-construction deodorization for you, we can also inspect areas where soot tags, a web-like accumulation of smoke particles, often appear after a fire.

SERVPRO of Federal Way is always here to help area businesses of all sizes recover from fire damage. Call us at (253) 838-8999, 24/7, 365 days a year.

The Real Truth Behind Federal Way Water Removal Services

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO specializes in not only finding the leak but effective water damage remediation as well. Contact us 24/7 in case of emergency.

Identifying Moisture and Water Removal in Federal Way  

A leaky pipe behind a wall often goes unnoticed until you start to see moisture coming through the drywall. Usually, it spreads like a ring and slowly expands across the wall. Besides stopping the leak, it is essential to find hidden pockets of moisture and remove them. Failing to deal with humidity correctly may lead to secondary damages such as dangerous mold infestations or warped walls.

Water removal in Federal Way does not just mean drying the floors and cutting out the destroyed drywall. That is only one step in the process. Other actions include detecting moisture to ensure dry, moisture-free materials and using air moving and dehumidifying equipment to dry the impacted areas of your home.

The Purpose of Inspection Devices

Inspection devices include moisture sensors, thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and thermo-hygrometers. Some of these devices sense the presence of water in your home, and some detect moisture levels. In both cases, the inspection devices save SERVPRO technicians time by taking the guesswork out.

How to Find Moisture with Thermography

Thermal imaging cameras detect the presence of water by detecting temperature differences of a material. Thermal capacitance is a critical component of how thermal imaging cameras work. Surfaces with water hold heat and take longer to change temperatures than surfaces without moisture because water can store heat, slowing down the evaporation rate. This means that when the room is cold, the thermal camera detects the warmth of moist areas, and when the room is hot, the camera detects the colder wet areas.

Other Ways to Find Moisture

SERVPRO technicians use moisture sensors to find moisture hidden in carpets and their padding. The sensor has probes that penetrate the layers of carpet and padding to detect the moisture levels of the floor underneath. The sensor alerts visually and audibly if it detects water. The more water there is, the faster the alert. 

These sensors detect moisture. Moisture meters read the moisture levels within materials, while thermo-hygrometers ascertain a room's relative humidity (RH). Inspection devices allow technicians to create the best restoration plan possible by identifying and reading moisture and humidity levels.

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way (General Contractor # SERVPCS911LE) of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Who Deals with Mold in Residential Properties?

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Having Visible Mold Signs? TIme to Call SERVPRO for a Fast Arrival and Remediation at Your Federal Way Home

Visible Signs of Microbes May Require Professional Mold Removal Experts for your Federal Way Home

Why does mold grow in some Federal Way properties?

SERVPRO Has Extensive Experience Dealing with Microbial Growth Issues.

Mold growth can occur in Federal Way properties due to excess quantities of moisture. The main reason that SERVPRO technicians aim to dry materials quickly in a property is to prevent mold growth. These microscopic organisms can lead to the decomposition of organic matter in your home, including woods, drywall, and textiles or fabrics. Spotting mold in the house is enough to justify professional microbial remediation technicians who can ensure that the colonies are cleaned and do not return several weeks later.

How does mold affect a residential property?

• The growth of microbes is a central concern for the water restoration industry.
• Microbes can spread and increase quickly, causing extensive damage to residential property and unpleasant soiling and odor.

How do restoration professionals get rid of mold?

When performing mold removal in your Federal Way home, the critical factor is taking control of moisture. Microbial organisms require water to grow, which is why a lot of mold remediation focuses on finding the source of moisture and drying it appropriately. Experts may need to inspect a property with signs of mold growth and direct SERVPRO IICRC trained remediation technicians. These experts may include Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) professionals or industrial hygienists (IH). Having specialized talent can ensure that your property recovers and remains sanitary after microbial infestation.

What chemicals do molds release?

• Mycotoxins can be produced by some molds.
• Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOC) are commonly made by mold infestation and are the reason for musty or stale odors.

Molds can spread fast without intervention from professional remediators. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Our Experts Can Restore Your Des Moines Home After A Flood

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

Excess water destroys both the contents and structure of your home. Call SERVPRO 24/7 to quickly start the water removal process.

Restoring a Home After Flood Damage in Des Moines

Flooding is the number one disaster that occurs in the US each year. From 2005 to 2014 alone, the average flood claim was $42,000, and the annual average for flood insurance claims was a whopping $3.5 billion. The cost that comes from these disasters occurs on several different levels. Structures can suffer long-term damage from moisture and contaminants without professional mitigation.

If you need rapid cleanup for flood damage in your Des Moines residence, SERVPRO teams are available 24/7, to restore your home. If your structure requires additional work after a flooding-related disaster, your local SERVPRO as a general contracting license (#SERVPCS911LE). This team strives to bring homeowners a deep clean with contemporary technologies and scientific theory.

Residential Yard Drainage Options

While smart landscaping cannot entirely prevent flooding, there are many cost-effective options available to minimize damage and exposure, including:

•   Add landscaping rocks. Whether you arrange these rocks to create a small fountain or edge your yard with them, they are a practical, yet visually appealing way to lower your home flood risk.
•   Install grates, drains, or rain barrels. Not only can drains lower home flood risk, but storage options like rain barrels can keep your plants healthy.
•   Make smart design decisions. Consult with an experienced landscaper on how to use a variety of methods that can minimize flooding. These can include plants, mulch, landscaping rocks, and sloping terrain to safely redirect water away from the structure without affecting nearby residences.

How SERVPRO Can Help

When SERVPRO comes to your residence, technicians can not only thoroughly extract floodwaters, but they can disinfect and remove sediment and debris. Professionals also have access to a variety of odor control methods, such as ultra low-volume fogging. ULV foggers release a mist of solvent that binds with odor-causing particles to eliminate them. Odors can also be addressed with the help of EPA-registered antimicrobials, direct spraying of deodorizing materials, and ventilation box fans.

SERVPRO of Federal Way is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. For disaster cleanup that starts within hours, call (253) 838-8999.

We Have The Experience And Equipment Necessary To Restore Your Federal Way Home After A Fire

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

If an electrical fire occurs in your home, you need to quickly call in a professional restoration team. SERVPRO is standing by to help your home.

Fire Damage Was Not the Biggest Issue in Federal Way Home

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), home-based electrical fires account for nearly one-third of home structure fires and more than $1.3-billion in property losses.

In some cases, Federal Way homes may not see much in the form of structural fire damage, but massive issues may remain with smoke residues that require cleaning, or they can spread throughout the property.

Removal of Smoke Damage

SERVPRO technicians have a vast array of cleaning agents, solvents to capture deposits, and specialized cleaning tools and methods to lift away stubborn evidence of the fire loss left behind. However, sometimes that is not enough to completely and safely remove large-scale smoke residues.

Cleaning of Wood Building Materials

In the case of rafters in the attic or basement support beams, the techs use rigorous methods to avoid fire damage to the surface of the wood. When dealing with massive deposits, soda blasting is an excellent method to remove the soot without marring the surface. These machines use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) delivered at a high velocity, and it "blasts" away the residues clinging to the wood. This method does not eat away the surface of the wood, such as sandblasting. As a bonus, this type of cleaning not only removes the smoke damage but also deodorizes.

Other Common Concerns

SERVPRO techs inspect the ductwork to determine if the HVAC and ductwork require cleaning. If it ran after the fire loss, there is a good chance there are soot particles in the ducts that require removal. This action halts fire odors from permeating the entire structure.

Take the Stress Out of Repairs

Even when the number of charred items is minimal, there may be some repairs necessary to restore the home to its pre-fire condition, such as walls treated with a sealant to inhibit smoke odors need repainting or sheetrock repairs. With their general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE, the techs can handle the entire restoration process from start to finish for the homeowner and take the stress out of finding both a restoration and reconstruction company to handle the loss.

SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 has the equipment and experience to restore homes to their preloss condition from fire damage and make it "Like it never even happened."

We Have the State-of-The-Art Equipment Necessary In Des Moines To Restore Your Water Damage

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Our vans are equipped with water extraction units to remove all the moisture from the property before we use our drying equipment.

Mitigation of Water Damage Includes Inspection of Your Des Moines House's Interior Structure 

Many of your Des Moines home structures were always intended to stay dry. Contact with a damp towel during cleaning does minor, if any, damage. A broken water line, however, changes everything. Drywall, many flooring materials, and other components are absorbent, letting moisture permeate easily. Once dampness sets in, damage begins. Our goal is to mitigate this process and restore everything to preloss condition as inexpensively as possible for you.

SERVPRO wants to explain to our customers in Des Moines some water damage inspection methods used to determine the severity and spread within their house. We need this information to put our efforts exactly where they are the most effective. These monitoring activities also occur at regular intervals during the entire process of drying out a house. Toward the end, they help ensure the achievement of complete dryness as accurately as they detect the excess moisture content.

Some materials, like drywall, almost immediately show visible signs of absorbing water damage from its contact with water. Others, such as stone, brick, concrete, or tile, seem impenetrable to water. However, these harder materials do have microscopic openings in their surfaces, as does any mortar or grout. The more durable nature of these items makes them more difficult to dry as quickly as softer materials. 

Locating moisture in almost any area of your property happens with an infrared camera. However, some homes with metal framing might need a visual inspection of the interiors of walls. These areas can retain water much as an HVAC system can. Our building crew, registered with General Contractor License # SERVPCS911LE, assists with such endeavors, ensuring that as little demolition work occurs.

Moisture meters come in two main styles. One uses two tiny prongs that enter slightly into the material the technician is checking. The current strength that passes from one prong to the subsequent increases when more moisture exists in any particular material. Some homeowners worry about these prongs causing damage to their property. If you have concerns about this, please talk to us, and we can answer any questions. We want you to know we respect your property and do not want to do anything contrary to your wishes.

The other moisture meter does not use these probes but typically only reveals moisture content levels in concrete or tile flooring. We use one of these meters to determine how far the moisture has seeped into a material. Once this is known, we then switch to a penetrating meter to have the moisture content reading and proceed with drying. 

SERVPRO of Federal Way also covers Woodmont Beach, and Zenith, helping homeowners with restoration after water damage threatens their property. Call us at (253) 838-8999, so we can begin the mitigation work needed to make restoration efforts more efficient.

Scoping Federal Way Office Contents for Fire Damage Restoration

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Everything in your office, from furniture personal items is susceptible to fire damage.

Content Assessment Helps Focus Fire Restoration in Federal Way Office Buildings

Contents are present in every building and business, so responding technicians prioritize providing appropriate preventative care when disasters like fires occur. Several fire loss results like:

• Soot Damage
• Odors
• Blistering
• Water Damage

Office Furniture

Fire damage restoration for Federal Way offices includes damage to several contents and items throughout the building. Furniture is one of the most impacted groups of contents after a fire loss, as chairs, desks, and cubicles can take up the most significant space against circulating soot and smoke debris.

Electronics

Electronics are a common staple of the modern office, from the multiple computers and monitors to the equipment used to file paperwork and general office activities. Fires threaten these items with the circulating soot and smoke residues that come to rest on the surfaces or infiltrate vents and openings to get inside the exterior of these necessary elements.

Documents and Records

Between the combustion, spreading smoke loss effects, and water used to suppress a fire, documents, and hard copies of records for clients and customers can be destroyed. Our SERVPRO professionals must work fast to help in these situations and relocate these items to a safe place on the property to prevent this irreparable harm.

Personal Items

Employees are encouraged to bring in some personal belongings and decorations to make workspaces feel more comfortable and unique. Personal items are as sensitive to soot and smoke damage as the furniture, so these must also be included in the cleaning and recovery processes of the team.

When fires impact your office, there are several layers of potential effects, from odors and soot to the destruction of contents. Our SERVPRO of Federal Way fire restoration specialists work fast to help get your business back up and operating normally again after disasters. You can reach our response team anytime by calling (253) 838-8999.

A Proactive Stance to Protect Federal Way Homes from Mold

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

A small section of mold can grow into a larger area fast. Call SERVPRO at the first signs.

When You Find Mold Damage in your Home, Count on SERVPRO

If you suspect mold growth in your Federal Way home, you should not wait to find out if the situation will get any worse. Often by the time homeowners encounter signs of mold colonization, the organism has already taken root and spread through a broad, unseen area of the house. The best solution to combat this growth and any in the future is with a proactive stance that begins with you and can end with the qualified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) on our SERVPRO team.

Because mold can seat and spread in as little as 48 hours, we have to take an active and rapid stance against mold damage in Federal Way homes. To protect structural elements and the contents of the house, our technicians begin by establishing a containment zone. These areas can help our team regulate air filtering to reduce contaminants and a higher concentration of spores from circulating to new areas of the residence.

Nearly all strategies to remove the entire mold organism from hosting materials can generate some degree of dust and debris, which is another benefit of these containment areas. We can reduce the threat of dust and debris to new areas of the property and progressively filter these particulates out through exhausting practices.

Reducing potential damage to your home and health effects to its occupants begins with securing the fast response of qualified and experienced professionals. Our IICRC trained SERVPRO team is a wise choice because our AMRTs are available 24/7 to get to your home whenever you suspect mold might exist. We can work from the time we arrive to remove the active colonization and identify how the moisture damage happened so recurrences can be avoided if possible.

Taking a proactive stance against mold growth can be challenging when you are not always sure whether or not your home is at risk. If you suspect mold growth and colonization, give our SERVPRO of Federal Way team a call for a thorough inspection and effective remediation to make this loss “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (253) 838-8999.

How SERVPRO Removes Water From Carpet in Federal Way

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Excess water ruins carpet. SERVPRO has the tools for fast and effective water extraction. Call us today!

Water Removal Options for Saturated Carpet in Federal Way Homes 

Many of our specialty tools connect to our extraction devices like submersible pumps or self-priming trash pumps to provide Federal Way homes with an efficient water removal solution. These attachments are often designed to regulate the moisture and saturation removal of flooring options like carpeted areas of your house. Our fast response during these emergencies can protect damaged portions of flooring when possible. 

Depending on the specific circumstances, there are dozens of potential options for effective water removal for Federal Way homes. We have two types of units for carpeted areas to remove moisture from the carpet and the padding beneath it, stationary and self-propelled machines. Our SERVPRO production manager can determine the need for these tools during the job's initial scoping process and determine which available extractors could complete the needed tasks most efficiently. 

Self-Propelled Extraction Tools 

These are motor-powered and can move around the carpeted area consistently. In most cases, these are weighted extractors that squeeze carpet and padding beneath it tightly together to force moisture to the surface. A vacuum system can pull the displaced water from the surface and into the designated discharge location. Many of these same units are ride-on machines, allowing additional weight from the technician to improve the effectiveness of extraction even more. 

Stationary Tools 

This equipment is not motorized, meaning that though it works similarly to the weighted extractors in the self-propelled options, these exclusively use the weight of our SERVPRO technician. These stand-on stationary units can vary in size, but their use remains the same. Our professionals stand on the device, and the onboard vacuum removes the surface moisture. This powerful extractor can then get moved over to a new section, and the process starts again until we remove all of the excess water. 

Extractors play an essential role in the recovery of water-damaged residences. Our SERVPRO of Federal Way professionals have a large inventory of recovery tools and extensive experience to help however you need. Give us a call anytime at (253) 838-8999. 

Give Our Experts A Call Today In Des Moines After A Fire

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

In an event of a fire we have all the necessary supplies to clean your home and restore it back to normal. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

The Threats in the Air After Des Moines Structure Fires

Smoke residues and particulates can enter a perpetual cycle of circulation in Des Moines during a structure fire. As the rise of warm air swirls cooler air towards the floor, many of the particles from the burning of organic and inorganic materials become a health hazard for those exposed. After extinguishment, these hydrocarbons still exist, and the smoke itself can be toxic depending on the gases included. 

DIY damage assessment can be an unpleasant experience for unprepared homeowners who do not understand the full measure of risk with specific fire damages in Des Moines homes. Structure fires can affect contents, construction materials, and other matters. The combustion of these objects and materials can produce contaminants and particulates that circulate through the environment. This presence can be harmful to technicians if they get inhaled directly, which makes the use of personal protective equipment so valuable to assessment and early mitigation steps. 

Our initial response to these conditions is to focus first on proper ventilation of the structure. Because both the sulfur produced by burning inorganics and the nitrogen produced by burning organics can cause health effects, air movers should get deployed to effectively reduce the concentration of airborne threats in a given portion of the residence. This ventilation step can effectively remove most gas emitted from debris in the building until our SERVPRO team can begin fire damage removal techniques. 

Mitigation in any capacity cannot successfully begin without ensuring the protection of our SERVPRO technicians at the house. Our team can use respirators when the concentration of residues is high enough to require them. Applying our air scrubbers and other filtration tools can help trap many of the particulates circulating in the environment that ventilation does not remove entirely.

Because of the risks associated with the hydrocarbons and carcinogens that burning and combustion can leave behind, our SERVPRO of Federal Way team responds to fire losses immediately. We have efficient practices to reduce the concentration of these threats to begin mitigation and restoration as promptly as possible. Contact us today at (253) 838-8999.

Move-Out Services Help in the Successful Flood Damage Restoration of Federal Way Homes

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage is no match for SERVPRO! Call us today!

SERVPRO Offers the Latest in Strategies and Technology to Clean Federal Way Homes

Storm and flood damage happens thanks to disturbances that invite water, debris, and pollution into the home. Sludge, dirt, and potentially harmful particles are present in black water, and quickly acting is of utmost importance. It is just as important to find a certified team with the right skills and equipment to work efficiently to restore your home to its pre-flood condition. A team capable of facilitating cleanup and restoration equates to mitigating your loss.

In Federal Way, flood damage is no match for our trained and certified team of experts at SERVPRO. We start our work as soon as you call our 24/7 hotline and let us handle the removal of blackwater, debris, and preservation of your personal property. Our team disposes of unsalvageable items and repairs walls and structural elements as needed. Whether we use centrifugal pumps, submersible or high-pressure, you can count on us for stormwater extraction.

Beyond extracting water from your home, our SERVPRO staff focuses on drying it and applying anti-microbial solutions to protect it further. Many clients also rely on us for our move-out services to protect their furniture and belongings while we work on the house. In a nutshell, we remove salvageable items to our off-site facility to clean and store while the larger needs are being restored. As part of the move-out process, you should expect:

• A precise inventory of all of your items and their location
• Documentation of placement and condition so we know where to place them upon return
• Treatment of each surface with cleaning agents to erase the effects of the storm

SERVPRO of Federal Way is available by calling (253) 838-8999. When a storm hits, you can rest assured that our team is capable and eager to work with you we make your home “Like it never even happened.”

How Does Fire Damage Affect Painted Drywall in Des Moines Homes?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your home, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO to quickly assess the situation and formulate a custom plan.

Smoke and Fire Damage can be Destructive to Building Materials in Des Moines Properties

Fire and smoke damage are among the most challenging cleaning needs a property might have after a disaster. Smoke can impact homes in multiple ways, requiring varying cleaning products and practices to resolve. Some of these include:

• Combustion
• Smoke solids
• Odors

Why is Drywall an Easy Damage Target? 

One of the main reasons that drywall is so easily affected by fire damage in Des Moines homes is the material's porosity. High-porosity elements like sheetrock are more sensitive to smoke infiltration and damage. Drywall is also one of the most heavily impacted building materials in a house based on the frequency of its use, as it is the staple of wall surfaces throughout the full structure.  Sheetrock screws that secure the panels can show black spots as ionic soot particles are attracted to them resulting in black circles on the painted surfaces. If the anchors have not popped, wiping can remedy this fire damage.

How Does Smoke Damage Drywall?

Drywall is threatened by smoke when solids and odor compounds infiltrate the material's pores to cause significant damage. Even painted surfaces cannot fully resist the penetrative power of soot and smoke damage.

Can SERVPRO Restorers Preserve These Building Materials? 

One of the advantages of choosing our experienced professionals to help is our commitment to providing the most efficient restoration practices using industry-leading equipment. Our objective is to preserve and protect affected drywall and other building materials whenever possible, though aggressive measures like controlled demolition might be needed.

Sealing and Repainting Surfaces

We have effective sealing primers to use on surfaces that have not been so heavily damaged that they require replacement. Adjacent rooms can have these surfaces ruined by long exposures of smoke odors, so repainting the affected materials can restore the original appearance of the wall assembly without replacement. Our odor-sealing primer prevents recurrences of harsh smells when the coat of paint gets applied.

When fire damages impact homes and businesses, materials like drywall are often caught in the line of destruction. Our experienced team can help with cleanup and repairs after a fire disaster. Give our SERVPRO of Federal Way team a call today at (253) 838-8999.

When Do Submersible Pumps Work Best in Federal Way Homes?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

When you need more than a sump pump to deal with the water damage in your home, SERVPRO can help. Call us anytime 24/7 - 365 days a year.

Water Removal Needs for Federal Way Properties are Deep

Removing water is often a combination of the many tools and products available to our SERVPRO team. As rapidly as water should be removed from the premises, careful considerations must be made regarding the affected materials, water depth, and best practices to extract it as efficiently as possible.

Why Are Submersible Units Popular Extraction Choices?  

There are few tools more able to conduct the needs for water removal in Federal Way homes than submersible pumps. As fairly mobile units often powered by electricity, we must conquer obstacles like providing the necessary energy to keep the equipment pulling water. As a quiet and continuous draw of water, we can manage hundreds of gallons of standing water over a brief period.

When Do They Struggle? 

Electric submersible pumps are not always the best choice, however. When the water depth is too shallow, the pump cannot maintain the prime to pull liquid into the unit and push it through the discharge line. When more substantial damages exist in time-sensitive situations, more powerful extraction units must be used.

Mitigating Loss Through a Combination of Extractors 

Various pumps and extractors are needed to properly manage different levels of standing water from one room to the next as the damaged area moves away from the source. Some of the common water removal devices in our inventory beyond submersible pumps include:

• Truck-Mount Pumps –These are engine-driven units affixed to Green Fleet vehicles for substantial power and draw. 
• Trash Pumps – Gas-powered trash pumps are a more powerful alternative to electric units and provide stable use when electricity is difficult to obtain. 
• Wet Vacuums – These units are ideal if attachments are needed, or the standing water is too shallow for truck mounts.

Water removal services are critical to mitigate loss in damaged homes and businesses after plumbing disasters and flooding scenarios. As WRT-Certified technicians, our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help with efficient extraction, drying, and cleaning of water-damaged residences. Call us now at (253) 838-8999. 

Signs of Oil Furnace Puffback in Federal Way Homes

2/20/2022 (Permalink)

When an oil furnace puff back has occurred, it’s time to bring in the professionals to help with fire damage restoration. Call our team 24/7.

Fire Damage Restoration is Needed in Federal Way Homes After Soot Damage

Many throughout the Pacific Northwest heat their homes using oil furnaces. While this can produce a stable, even heat of the household, it is not without potential risks like any other furnace style. When situations like oil furnace puff-backs occur in a home, it can be something that must be professionally cleaned.

What is Furnace Puffback? 

Furnace puff backs require fire damage restoration in Federal Way homes and can happen to units of all makes and models. As a furnace ages, this destructive phenomenon is more likely. The puffback occurs when fumes build up in the ignition chamber of an oil furnace when it does not immediately light. The result is an explosion that hurls oily and challenging soot and solids through the ductwork and into connected rooms.

How Do You Tell When This Occurs? 

A few key signs can indicate when furnace puffback damage has occurred. These include:

• Soot Deposits Around the Furnace – Soot and debris around the furnace unit and registers can indicate a growing puffback concern. 
• Strange Noises from the Furnace – When the furnace makes banging or rumbling sounds when a cycle begins or ends.
• Ionized Soot Deposits in Connected Rooms - Puffback soot damage can appear stringy like cobwebs in the corners of rooms around vents. 

Can SERVPRO Help? 

Removing oily deposits from the corners of the room, along the baseboards, and in other challenging areas of your home requires many of our most advanced cleaning products and practices. Emulsification is a key element of eliminating soot concerns, and water-based detergents can lift deposits from the surface of affected materials to be wiped away.

No matter what type of fire and smoke damage your home contends with, our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help with experienced professionals, industry-leading equipment, and knowledge of how to recover the property. Give our experts a call now at (253) 838-8999.

Can Des Moines Water Damage Cleanup Restore Confined Spaces?

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO trained professionals use the latest technology and equipment for every job.

SERVPRO's Equipment Plus Trained Technicians Rid Des Moines Recesses of Water Damage

Water damage cleanup in Des Moines can be challenging when the spaces affected contain tight spots hard for technicians to access. Basements, walk-outs, and crawl spaces pose issues where water pools. Building cavities between walls, above ceilings, and within certain types of structural materials such as cinder blocks increase the chance that water intrusions will be difficult to evacuate.

How Do SERVPRO Technicians Locate Caches of Water?

When pipes burst within walls or water seeps into foundations, it can take time for homeowners in Des Moines to realize water damage is lurking. Although the standing water is sometimes visible, removing it requires special equipment or clever strategies. To map out the extent and severity of the incursion, SERVPRO technicians use

• Moisture Sensors -- penetrating probes detect the presence of water. 
• Moisture Meters -- measure the amount of water absorbed into porous materials. 
• Infrared Imaging Camera -- shows temperature fluctuations that indicate water behind surfaces, interpreted by a trained technician.
• Visual Inspections -- peeling paint, bulges on walls or ceilings, and even "sweating" or staining on surfaces signal trapped water.

What Strategies Work to Release and Capture Water in Confined Spaces?

• Water visible but in low-lying and ceilinged areas (like a basement or crawlspace) is removable by submersible pumps connected to hoses directed to a drain or outside.
• Water seeped through cracked foundations and caught in cinder block cells or between drywall and concrete suctions out through portable extractor wands inserted from the top -- holes drilled in mortar joints also release the fluids for extraction.
• Water pooling over a ceiling drains when technicians punch weep holes, moving from the room's perimeter to the center to avoid an uncontrolled breakthrough.
• Water caught between walls also drains after holes are drilled or cut at the baseboard level -- if materials crumble, technicians saw flood cuts, removing damaged walls between studs several inches above the waterline. 

SERVPRO's general contractor license permits us to repair and rebuild after using controlled demolition techniques like the above to perform water cleanup.

Nothing is impossible for SERVPRO of Federal Way. Call us at (253) 838-8999 to discuss innovations that provide water removal services in even the most difficult circumstances.

Can Fire Damage Restoration Save Federal Way Built-In Cabinets?

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes your home, SERVPRO fire damage restoration specialists will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call. Call now!

Why SERVPRO? We Practice the Art of Hardwood Fire Damage Remediation in Federal Way

Many structures and fixtures in Federal Way need fire damage restoration after a kitchen blaze or dining room candle mishap. Of great concern can be the toll fire takes on a beautiful buffet or custom-made cabinetry.

What Variables Affect Success in Restoring Smoke Damaged Hardwood?

The particular problems posed by household fires are why SERVPRO professionals learn how to evaluate hardwood soot and smoke damage during their Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) coursework. The following considerations affect how to proceed with soot and smoke remediation:

• The type of finish on the hardwood -- varnish, shellac, lacquer, paint, or waxes

Note: Unfinished wood is present in drawers, back and bottoms of units, and elsewhere in built-ins. It presents unique cleaning challenges if dry cleaning is ineffective.

• The “symptoms” of fire damage --
• Blistering of the finish, varying depending on how near and long the exposure to heat and charring occurred
• Staining of the finish, caused when smoke penetrated beneath the finish and absorbed into the underlying wood 
• Presence of residues from the fire’s combusted fuels, some of which respond to bruising or vacuuming (dry soot) and some of which requires application of cleaning products (wet or protein-based soot)  

What Strategies Work When Cleaning and Restoring Hardwood Furnishings?

As with other fire residue-damaged surfaces, technicians match residues with effective cleaning products. A significant concern is how durable the hardwood finish and the wood itself are when more aggressive cleaning methods are needed. This worry is why SERVPRO

• Prefers the use of low alkaline cleaners
• Chooses wood oil soap as an effective emulsifier 

Tightly adhered soot or firefighting watermarks might require semi-refinishing with the fine grit of a wood cream cleaning paste or extra-fine steel wool. All cleaners need an application with the grain and a practiced hand to avoid surface breakdown and darkening of the wood.

Training and experience support successful hardwood fire damage restoration, why SERVPRO of Federal Way is an industry leader in this specialty. Call (253) 838-8999 to schedule an assessment and partner for a reliable plan.

Why Is Rapid Water Mitigation Essential for Federal Way Businesses?

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial damage restoration services are second to none. We have the manpower and equipment for every size of disaster.

SERVPRO Prioritizes Halting Water Damage Spread in Federal Way Commercial Buildings

After a burst pipe, ceiling leak, or sewer backup requiring cleaning up, you will hear many confusing terms concerning your affected commercial building in Federal Way. Water mitigation, water damage remediation, water damage restoration are all used in connection with the recovery. Each of these phrases has its place while planning clean up of water damage and repairs. Mitigation is especially critical, the foundation of the other tasks.

What Happens During Water Mitigation in Federal Way Businesses?

Put, water mitigation, as practiced by IICRC-certified firms like SERVPRO, stop the spread of water damage and removes the existing water intrusion. Fast action is needed to protect your business, including the following and more. Depending on circumstances we::

• Shut off the main or ancillary supply line to halt the flow of water from incursions like a ruptured water heater or malfunctioning dishwasher pump 
• Open the drain in an overflowing tub or sink
• Use lightweight wands attached to an extractor to stop the migration of water from wet to dry areas of wall-to-wall carpeting
• Pump water more than two inches deep out of confined areas
• Squeegee water across floors to waiting pumps or truck-mounted extractors before running the extractor over the surface, suctioning the standing water into tanks for lawful disposal
• Employ advanced water removal techniques like floor mats and other Injectidry-type solutions using negative air pressure to pull moisture from multiple floor layers or building cavities
• Complete applied structural drying through air movement, temperature manipulation, and dehumidifiers 

What Happens After Water Mitigation?

SERVPRO project managers direct IICRC-trained technicians to provide the above emergency services while water damage remediation and restoration strategy planning continue. Remediation options concentrate on salvaging materials and contents. Then restoration, relating to needed repairs and rebuilding after controlled demolition during mitigation, rounds out the protocol. SERVPRO's general contractor license allows us to provide the build back required.

Advanced training in industry best practices and extensive water damage mitigation through restoration experience steadfastly guides SERVPRO of Federal Way. Line up our skilled team to support your water-damaged business with one call to (253) 838-8999.

Is Surface Cleaning Sufficient for Mold in Woodmont Beach Homes?

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

When mold damage exists, fast remediation is critical for area homes.

Remediation Varies Based on the Conditions of the Mold Damaged Woodmont Beach Property

When mold damage exists, fast remediation is critical for area homes. Mold keeps growing and spreading until the conditions are regulated, which is a focal point of responding to team members.

What Does Surface Cleaning Entail?

To begin mold removal in Woodmont Beach homes and condos, we must first assess the needed remediation and mold removal tactics that will be most effective. In most situations, surface cleaning can prove beneficial to the affected hosting material. This process involves the use of powerful biocides and sporicidal sprays.

What Mechanical Actions Can Improve Surface Cleaning?

Surface cleaning is a preferred remediation method for active colonies, and the inclusion of specific mechanical actions amplifies the approach's success. Combining effective antimicrobial products with techniques like sponge and brush cleaning can dislodge organisms and more effectively clean impacted surfaces. Our team is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Services (IICRC).

Are More Aggressive Measures Necessary? 

We work fast to ensure that initial efforts like surface cleaning are as effective as possible. Many situations involve more severely impacted properties and contents that require more aggressive and invasive techniques to eliminate active mold colonies before irreparable harm occurs to the hosting structural materials. Some of the processes we utilize to impact mold directly beyond the surface include:

• Power Sanding
• Media Blasting
• Controlled Demolition

Mold can be one of the most pernicious threats to your home and one that is often underappreciated. With as fast as this situation can get out of control and multiple areas of the house become affected, it is essential to trust in the fast and reliable response of our SERVPRO of Federal Way team to help. We are available at (253) 838-8999.

Is Water Damage Expected in Federal Way Homes this Winter?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

An ounce of prevention goes a long way. Protect your pipes from freezing this winter.

Cold Snaps and Rough Winter Weather Can be Damaging to Federal Way Properties

The winter months bring beauty and excitement to the area, but intermittent harsh conditions can leave homes and businesses threatened by disasters like frozen pipes or storm flooding. Understanding these concerns and how to prevent them might save your property costly restoration.

How Do Pipes Freeze?

Winters can impact properties in many ways, including frozen pipes and ice damming in Federal Way structures. Frozen pipes occur when severe temperatures surround exposed pipes or standing water in fixtures expands and ruptures the line. These problematic situations impact several areas like:

• Wall assemblies
• Cabinets
• Flooring
• Ceiling materials 

What is Ice Damming?

Ice damming is when the environmental conditions freeze snowmelt faster than it runs into gutters. The result is a ridge forming on the roof eaves, building steadily into a dam that allows no new water to pass. Pooling has nowhere to escape but back underneath shingles and into the attic space. Some of the affected areas include:

• Shingles
• Insulation
• Attic flooring
• Underlayment materials
• Joists

Are There Preventative Actions That Could Avoid Damage? 

As overwhelming as situations like freezing pipes, flooding, and plumbing ruptures might be for the property, a few strategies are feasible to help minimize these possibilities. Avoiding broken or burst lines can often be as direct as ensuring exposed plumbing is sufficiently shielded from the cold with foam installation. Likewise, ice damming is avoidable, focusing on insulation in the attic or more direct approaches like installing heated cables on the roof surface.

How Can Our SERVPRO Team Help? 

If you have not sufficiently acted to prevent the spread and severity of these potential conditions and damage occurring, our SERVPRO team is Here to Help. We have experienced professionals capable of implementing unique strategies to eliminate threatening situations through mitigation and thorough drying. 

When you suffer the worst of the damages the winter season can cause a home or business, you can depend on our SERVPRO of Federal Way to help. Give us a call today at (253) 838-8999.

What Steps Are Needed After Kitchen Fires in Federal Way Homes?

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

A kitchen fire may not spread throughout the entire home, it can be one of the more challenging obstacles for restoration professionals to address.

Appropriate Mitigation and Restoration Can Return Your Federal Way Home to Pre-Loss Conditions

While a kitchen fire may not spread throughout the entire home, it can be one of the more challenging obstacles for restoration professionals to address to return properties to their original condition. These fires produce thick residues and formidable smells, making swift action for cleanup and mitigation critical.

Addressing the Bulk Materials and Debris

To start this type of fire restoration in Federal Way homes, we must first address bulk materials and charred remnants throughout the room. Rapidly spreading fires common to kitchen flare-ups can overwhelm many fixtures and structural elements, so we work quickly to determine what areas require controlled demolition as well. Debris removal can help to regulate threats like:

• Odors
• Soot Particles
• Contaminants
• Grease residues

Clearing Soot and Smoke Damage

Thick residues are the most challenging obstacle in returning a property to its preloss condition after a kitchen fire. Because grease and protein residues can spread beyond the ignition source, many surfaces in the kitchen, like the cabinets and countertops, can be coated with a thick and challenging soil deposit. We use mechanical actions and wet cleaning solutions to overcome these oily residues where they are found.

Deodorization for the Kitchen 

A common condition of fire-damaged homes after kitchen flare-ups is strong burning odors left behind. With many porous elements throughout the kitchen, odors can quickly become trapped. We have multiple deodorization practices and products to help neutralize these threats.

Build-Back Services for a Full Restoration

Our efforts to provide a complete and comprehensive restoration experience allow us to manage needed build-back and repair services following destructive kitchen fires.

Fires can be an overwhelming and destructive event for area homes, but our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help quickly. Contact us today at (253) 838-8999.

Do You Have Water Damage? Call Skilled Restoration Technicians to Your Federal Way Commercial Property!

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Finding out that water damage has affected your business does not need to stop progress for long. Contact Team SERVPRO to assess and remediate.

SERVPRO Uses Proven Water Damage Restoration Methods to Ensure Best Results in Federal Way

It is not only imperative your Federal Way business stays open, but you also need to ensure safety for your customers and employees alike. Rapid water cleanup is best whether you have a retail space, offices, or a foodservice business. SERVPRO features experienced IICRC-certified technicians ready to handle any size project, day or night. We not only act fast to facilitate water removal, but we also get drying underway to limit secondary damage. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Are you looking for assistance with commercial water damage restoration in Federal Way? Let us go over some of the steps we take when called for emergency services water damage projects:

• Assessment – The commercial space gets evaluated by our crew chief. We look at the water migration path, damage levels, safety hazards, contents and inventory saturation, and possible secondary damage.
• Drying – A plan for drying gets formulated, but we adjust accordingly and move our equipment to better achieve our drying goals while restoring relative humidity (RH).
• Extraction – Water removal begins with the help of powerful pumps, industrial-grade tools, and other specialized equipment.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – The team sets up air scrubbers that use HEPA filters to help pull potentially hazardous elements from the air.
• Controlled Demolition – In some cases where water damage occurs, reconstruction is necessary to get your business back to looking as it did pre-water incident. Unsalvageable building materials get removed, flood cuts might get made, and everything gets replaced to make it look “Like it never even happened.”

We know that daily operations are essential to your commercial space, so we are here for all the water damage restoration needs you have. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way 24/7 for rapid response at (253) 838-8999.

Federal Way Storm Flood Damage Calls for Addressing Odors and Moisture During Cleanup

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by a recent storm and flooding? Team SERVPRO has the certified technicians and equipment to deal with the excess water. Call immediately!

For Prompt Flood Damage Restoration After Storms, Federal Way Residents Can Count On SERVPRO

Even if you feel as though your Federal Way property is safe from storm flooding, you still need to be prepared. Homes outside of flood zones could take in a lot of water, leading to basement flooding or a leaking roof from storms. Even homeowners that are ready for storm fronts will need the contact information for skilled restoration professionals to handle standing water, contaminants, debris, and controlled demolition. This is where SERVPRO comes in with our years of experience and trusted name in the business for water removal services and more!

When you contact us for flood damage and restoration in Federal Way, we have a Green Fleet of vehicles filled with all the equipment we need for extraction, drying, moisture control, and sanitizing.

Is odor control an issue after storm flooding?

Standing water or moisture in your home can cause mold and mildew growth. However, there could also be foul odors that come from contaminants found within the floodwater itself. We use EPA-registered biocides, antimicrobials, and HEPA-filter air scrubbers to help with odor control efforts. There is also a broad range of advanced equipment and deodorization units we use to handle floodwater malodors.

• Ultra-low volume foggers (ULV) work to tackle flood-related odors
• Foggers work by dispersing tiny deodorant particles from water-based or solvent agents
• Once dispersed, the particles form a bond with odorous particles on various surfaces

Containment barriers are a must with any water restoration project, but especially those with category 2 or 3 water. This may include negative air chambers, plastic sheeting, or drop cloths. 

There is nothing like the results you get when contacting SERVPRO of Federal Way for flood damage restoration after recent storms. Call us at (253) 838-8999, and we can come out for an assessment.

Why Should Des Moines Property Owners Call for Professional Mold Remediation?

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home is certainly a reason to call the professionals. Contact SERVPRO to assess the situation and help you.

Restoring Your Des Moines Home is Faster and More Efficient with SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

Once you start noticing excessive moisture in an area or musty odors, you could develop black mold. You must check areas under your kitchen sink, around piping in your basement, or in your bathroom to ensure no mold colonization is going on. Never try to douse mold spores with spray cleaner or wipe them because it could make things worse. SERVPRO helps set you up with a mold inspection to determine the level of the issue; then, we can handle the entire remediation process for you. This is the best way to ensure you do what you can to keep your living environment healthy and clean for yourself, your family, and your pets.

Something to remember is that professional mold remediation in Des Moines should get done sooner than later. Mold can cause health effects, and the mold and excessive moisture wreak on your building materials and belongings.

Why Hire SERVPRO’s Mold Services?

To bring your interior back to a safe and livable condition, you want to have cleaning, sanitizing, and black mold damage repairs. Microscopic mold spores travel and spread quickly once they get disturbed. Rather than causing further contamination when trying DIY cleaning, SERVPRO brings these critical principles to each project:

• Following safety and health protocols – The team addresses the root cause of the mold growth and concentrates on how it impacts your interior.
• Documentation of every part of the process – We constantly keep meticulous records of mold remediation projects.
• Controlling mold at the source – This usually involves negative air chambers, plastic sheeting, and other containment methods to keep spores from spreading.
• Carefully working on mold clean up – We use various tools and techniques to stop mold in its tracks, including damp wiping, vacuums, and HEPA filtration.

Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999, and we can send a crew out for mold remediation service.

How Essential Is Cleaning During Fire and Smoke Restoration in Des Moines Properties?

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Residual damage after a fire can affect floors, walls and ceilings in your home. Contact SERVPRO to put together a plan for you today.

SERVPRO Inspects Damaged Properties to Establish the Areas and Level of Cleaning Needed

Fire destroys several materials in a home by exposing them to high temperatures and corrosive residues that readily spread throughout your Des Moines property propelled by smoke movements. One crucial step in restoring the home to its preloss state is cleaning all the affected areas thoroughly.  

Cleaning as part of a fire and smoke restoration in Des Moines homes requires different approaches, unlike ordinary house soiling. First, you need strong cleaning agents capable of breaking down wet or oily soot residues. Physical power is also necessary to loosen the bonds residues have with different materials. Finally, finishing is also necessary, and it can range from polishing surfaces to deodorization. SERVPRO provides well-equipped teams with the resources to address each category of problems, thus restoring preloss conditions at your property

Successful cleaning also requires the right level of preparation, including:

• Inspection to establish the level of soiling
• Organizing the loss site
• Organizing the equipment used for restoration

Fire residues spread widely and penetrate materials through cracks, pores, and other openings. An inspection helps establish how far the residues reach or the level of penetration in materials. Our fire restoration IICRC-certified technicians use various techniques to perform such inspections, including running cleaning sponges on surfaces to check the accumulation of residues.

Other essential factors established during an inspection include:

• The type of surface
• The age of the materials
• How hot the fire was
• Presence of moisture

Having the right information about these factors makes it easier to handle the restoration. For instance, if the fire affects older materials or is scorching, cleaning residues from the surfaces is challenging. Heat and age make materials more porous while moisture sets residues, thus making cleaning more challenging. 

SERVPRO of Federal Way handles cleaning and deodorization professionally during fire and smoke restoration. Call us at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Addressing Simple Factors That Mess up Fire Damage Cleanup in Federal Way Business Premises

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your business, everything stops. Contact SERVPRO for effective fire damage cleanup including trained technicians.

SERVPRO Focuses on the Burnt Materials and Moisture Levels to Help Expedite the Cleaning Process

Cleaning up your Federal Way business premises after a fire incident is necessary to clear debris and residues or restore discolored surfaces. Fire damage cleanup is generally difficult. However, some factors can mess up with your plans, complicating the process even further. 

The two main things that influence fire damage cleanup in Federal Way business premises are the materials burnt and the level of moisture at the loss site. SERVPRO classifies materials broadly as natural or synthetic when determining their effects on the cleaning process. Typical synthetic materials include plastics and rubber. Unlike natural materials, synthetic materials leave wet and smeary residues that require significant cleaning effort, especially through dry cleaning methods.  

Removing wet smoke residues from synthetic materials requires:

• Use of industrial cleaning agents
• Striping off surfaces and refinishing them
• Use of specialized cleaning methods such as soda blasting

Moisture can originate from different sources at a fire loss site. In a commercial setting, an automatic fire suppression system such as a sprinkler system can release a significant volume of water, leaving vast property sections wet from the ceiling, walls to the floor. Moisture sets soot residues making it difficult to clean them. The combination of heat, moisture, and smoke residues also causes yellowing of vast surfaces. 

Establishing various moisture control measures at the fire-damaged property helps improve the cleaning process. For instance, our SERVPRO technicians set up dehumidifiers on arrival to minimize humidity levels. We also extract any pooling water minimizing moisture interaction with smoke residues. Eliminating moisture also allows the use of faster dry cleaning methods such as vacuuming.

SERVPRO of Federal Way takes care of any challenges that impede fire damage cleanup, thus restoring preloss conditions faster. Call us at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Essentials for Faster Completion of Water Removal From Federal Way Homes

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

Quick action needs to be taken after water damage has affected your home. Team up with SERVPRO to mitigate the situation. We are here 24/7.

SERVPRO Takes Care of Major and Minor Issues That Influence the Speed of Water Removal

One of the troubling things after water intrusions in Federal Way homes is the time removal takes. A faster turnaround is desirable since you can resume your daily routines in good time.

Getting a faster turnaround during water removal from your Federal Way home may be harder to accomplish than you expect for various reasons. For instance, some of the spilled water is absorbed by structural materials and contents so mopping it off is not possible. The spilled water may also spread over vast sections of the floors in your home. SERVPRO can help hasten the removal.

Some of the useful approaches in expediting water removal include:

• Use of extractors with high vacuum-lift capacity
• Regulating heat within the property
• Increasing airflow within the property

Various water extraction equipment, including dry wet vacs, can be used to remove the intruding water from your home. Our SERVPRO technicians choose devices with high vacuum-lift to ensure faster extraction of pooling water. Such equipment also helps extract most of the water trapped within porous materials such as carpets.

After dealing with the surface water, the objective shifts to soaked materials. Evaporation is the main solution at this stage. Increasing heat levels and airflow are the two crucial actions to facilitate faster water removal at this stage. Heat allows air to hold more water and therefore increases the evaporation from wet materials. Increasing airflow ensures that the air inside the house does not become too humid. 

Various approaches help sustain heat and airflow, including:

• Redirecting warm dehumidifier exhaust back into the house
• Using several air mover units in wet areas
• Using portable heaters

SERVPRO of Federal Way has the resources to complete water removal in good time, taking care of any loss, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (253) 838-8999.

Why Is Moisture Monitoring Crucial During Storm Damage Cleanup in Des Moines Homes?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Excess moisture can affect both the contents and structure of your home. Call SERVPRO right after the event to tackle the storm damage cleanup.

SERVPRO Monitors Moisture for Better Planning and Prevention of Secondary Damages

Cleaning up a storm-damaged property involves the removal of various materials including soils, and deteriorated structural materials. Water removal is also part of the process. Proper moisture management is essential for maximum efficiency, especially if different sections of your Des Moines property are affected.

Moisture management is essential at every stage of storm damage cleanup in Des Moines properties, although the goals of such effort may vary. When the property is still inundated with water, keeping the indoor relative humidity levels below 60% is one of the crucial moisture management steps since it forestalls issues such as mold development which can complicate the cleaning process. SERVPRO technicians help manage moisture by setting up dehumidifiers in strategic sections of the property.

Other initial moisture management processes include:

• Extraction of pooling water
• Drying wet structural materials
• Establishing containment around unaffected areas
• Pack outs to minimize exposure for contents

When performing these processes, constant monitoring is essential to ensure the desired outcome is realized. Monitoring may not be as simple as it sounds since changes in moisture levels are not readily discernible, unlike other processes such as removing mud or silt from surfaces.

Some of the strategies our SERVPRO teams use for accurate monitoring include:

• Using the same equipment to take readings at different times
• Using both penetrative and non-penetrative moisture meters
• Marking surfaces with colored dots based on saturation levels

SERVPRO of Federal Way goes the extra mile when carrying out storm damage cleanup, making it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (253) 838-8999.

What Steps Are Essential After Unexpected Flood Damage in Federal Way Homes?

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage can quickly turn into a mold infestation. Tackle the situation and prevent mold with a quick call to SERVPRO. Our technicians are ready.

SERVPRO Takes Steps to Contain Damage Before Embarking on Flood Restoration Processes

Although it is common for flooding incidents to cause significant damages, sometimes the damage may exceed expectations. For instance, heavy rain alone may not be expected to breach a property without a significant accumulation of groundwater. However, driving rain during a storm can force water inside your Federal Way home through an improperly sealed window or a compromised roof. 

Apart from happening unexpectedly, some forms of flood damage in Federal Way properties may seem less harmful. For instance, the accumulation of rainwater may not seem as hazardous as the contaminated groundwater that flooding is usually associated with. However, the risk is still significant. One of the steps that SERVPRO takes on arrival at your property is probing the dangers an incident poses to your property and your family.

Some of the risks you might fail to notice:

• Microbial development leading to mold infestations
• Physical hazards from slick surfaces of falling objects 
• Electrical hazards

SERVPRO begins combating the damage by establishing various containment measures. For instance, setting up a roof tarp prevents further ingression of water through the roof. Boarding up windows or other wall openings is also helpful. 

It is essential to combat flood damage immediately after containment through:

• Rapid water removal
• Expedited removal of saturated materials
• Application of antifungal products

For rapid water removal, our SERVPRO technicians rely on extraction equipment and their building skills to perform controlled demolition. For instance, before attempting removal of water trapped in wall cavities, we make flood cuts to remove drywall panels blocking access. On ceilings, we drill small weep holes to release trapped water, preventing ceiling tiles from collapsing. 

SERVPRO of Federal Way can help you manage any type of flood damage. Call us at (253) 838-8999 for assistance. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Unique Advantages Do Water Restoration Companies Offer Federal Way Businesses?

9/26/2021 (Permalink)

When your business has water damage, time is of the essence. Call our SERVPRO team right away for effective water removal and restoration services.

SERVPRO Has Highly Trained and Fully Equipped Water Restoration Technicians

Any type of water intrusion has the potential to drive you out of business if improperly handled. At the very least, it leaves floor surfaces at your Federal Way premises slick, increasing the hazard of slip and fall accidents for your staff or customers. Water is also detrimental to many of the materials causing rust, mold, rot, and other problems.

Having the appropriate gear is one of the crucial aspects of managing water intrusions. Water restoration companies ensure Federal Way business owners have easy access to any needed resources, whether it is moisture detection devices, extraction equipment, specialized drying equipment, and general safety equipment. SERVPRO production trucks are packed with everything from wet floor signs, portable extractors, dehumidifiers to moisture sensors and meters.

Sufficient knowledge is also essential since it helps ensure:

• Appropriate equipment matching to tasks 
• Better estimation of timelines
• Appropriate use of equipment preventing damages or accidents

Matching equipment to tasks applies because of the physical differences of the materials affected by the water intrusion. One such difference is the porosity which might influence the choice of drying equipment. To the ordinary person, any dehumidifier may seem appropriate for a task. However, advanced training ensures SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians choose differently. For instance, when drying hardwood, we opt for desiccant dehumidifiers since the equipment matches the low evaporation of such materials.

Knowing how best to operate the equipment for maximum efficiency is also essential since it can cut down the timelines or help save more items. Our SERVPRO technicians can set up containment such as plastic sheets over wooden floors to increase dehumidification efficiency. We also vent hot, dry air from dehumidifiers into the contained area boosting the drying process further.

SERVPRO of Federal Way is one of the premier water restoration companies that provide tailored moisture management solutions. Call us at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Should Soot Be Handled During Fire Restoration in Federal Way Properties?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Soot can get everywhere during a fire. Team SERVPRO can help with fire damage remediation services after an event. Call right away for best results.

SERVPRO Combines Preventive and Corrective Steps to Deal with Soot during House Fire Clean Up

One of the main residues left after a fire burns materials is soot. Although collectively known as soot, these residues can have varying physical properties and thus present various challenges to the fire restoration process. A professional restoration team can help address such challenges.

Clean up is the main fire restoration method your Federal Way property requires to eliminate soot. However, you must choose the appropriate cleaning methods to remove the residues without harming contents or structural materials. SERVPRO has resourceful technicians who are well-versed with several cleaning techniques suitable for soot removal in its different states. We also understand the effects of soot on different materials and thus can take protective steps before we complete removal.

The soot removal method may vary depending on whether the overall goal is:

• Water & fire damage restorations
• Smoke remediation
• House fire clean up

Typically, mechanical agitation using feather dusters, vacuums, brushes, or compressed air provides the easiest way to dislodge dry soot from most surfaces. For surfaces caked with thick or wet layers of soot, the light approach may not suffice. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians use chemical sponges, dusting cloths, or cleaning towels. Incorporating cleaning agents also helps improve the outcome.

Apart from choosing a removal method, proper handling of the residue is also crucial. Naturally, soot is acidic and thus corrodes or stains metals and stone surfaces. It is also fine, which means it can easily spread when disturbed. Our SERVPRO technicians help manage these detrimental aspects of soot for your benefit. 

Common steps that help improve handling include:

• Pre-cleaning soot-covered surfaces
• Applying a thin oil film to vulnerable material
• Managing moisture on sooty surfaces to prevent residues from setting

SERVPRO of Federal Way has sufficient experience to handle critical or minor fire restoration processes. Call us at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Does Minor Water Damage In Federal Way Homes Require Professional Help?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can escalate if not attended to in a timely manner. Team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7 to take your emergency call. Contact us right away.

SERVPRO Helps Identify Any Challenges that Might Complicate Water Damage Repairs

Accidents involving water happen all the time in homes. Most of them are minor and readily taken care of with mops and rugs. However, some cases of water intrusion in your Federal Way home that you might consider minor may present more challenges than you can handle.

The water damage in your Federal Way home may be more significant than you realize, especially if leakage develops in a concealed area such as the ceiling or wall space. The water you notice accumulating on the floor or the deterioration you notice on materials may be just a fraction of the real damage concealed out of sight. Involving a professional like SERVPRO ensures identification of the true extent of the damage and the correct repairs are made.

Professional assistance may be necessary for water cleanup may be necessary in case of:

• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Leaking roof from storms

SERVPRO takes various steps to resolve the problems that develop. In case of a problem with the roof, our technicians can install a roof tarp to offer protection until full repairs can be done. The tarp prevents further water intrusion into the house, yet it does not cost the same as full repairs.

Once water leaks into a property, it readily spreads across surfaces affecting contents and structural materials. The water also evaporates into the air, increasing humidity levels. Uniformly drying everything can be a challenge. Our SERVPRO technicians set up several air movers and dehumidifiers in the affected areas to manage the drying process.

SERVPRO of Federal Way has significant experience addressing water damage incidents. Call us at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

The Correct Mold Damage Intervention Guarantees Convenience when Restoring Federal Way Properties

8/22/2021 (Permalink)

Finding mold on your property can certainly be cause for alarm. Contact our SERVPRO certified mold damage remediation technicians to assess and help.

SERVPRO Packs out Items and Sets up Containment Barriers for Convenient Mold Removal

Mold can proliferate in areas of your home that you rarely visit, such as basements, attics, or even extra bedrooms. Such growth can be fueled by minor water leaks that go unnoticed. On discovering the mold damage, you may focus on prompt removal. However, it is also crucial to ensure the removal does not create additional problems.

Although structural deterioration may be your biggest concern after mold damage affects your Federal Way home, it is also essential to consider the impact the infestation and removal processes might have on the occupants. Mold exposure can cause health effects. SERVPRO takes several steps to ensure safety and convenience during the removal process.

Precautions are necessary during various processes, including:

• Mold inspection
• Mold removal
• Black mold damage repairs

When the mold develops in a secluded section of a property, it is possible to address it while the house is still occupied. However, before starting the process, it is crucial to check for hidden mold in the rest of the building. Our SERVPRO technicians use thermal cameras to check for hidden moisture or drill small exploratory holes on surfaces. 

On verifying where the mold growth is restricted, our technicians set up containment barriers to separate it from the unaffected sections. A typical barrier is set up with 6-mil plastic sheets and spring-loaded metal rods for the support, thus sealing off entire rooms or small sections within a building.

Other protective measures that help safeguard people include:

• Setting up negative air pressure machines
• HEPA vacuuming surfaces to remove mold residue
• Storing mold debris in zipped heavy-duty plastic bags

SERVPRO of Federal Way is dedicated to addressing mold damage safely. Call us at (253) 838-8999 to help you deal with any infestation, “Like it never even happened.”

Fast Extraction Solutions for Des Moines Office Buildings

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Having a burst pipe at your business location can certainly cause problems. Contact our experienced SERVPRO team for effective water removal.

Removing Water Quickly from Des Moines Commercial Structures is the First Step in Full Restoration

An office building can quickly become irreparably harmed by burst pipes or flooding. Our fast response can rescue important documents, furniture, and equipment from these changing conditions.

What Considerations Are Needed Before Extraction Can Begin?

With so many businesses and commercial properties that could experience water damage in Des Moines, our restoration team rises to the occasion as a large loss recovery provider. With our fast response, we can implement specific mitigation strategies that precede water removal services. These include content relocation and structural damage assessment.

What Large Extractors Work Best for Open Areas?

Choosing among the best extraction devices in our inventory is not always a straightforward decision. Many factors play a role in the ideal removal tools, especially when substantial water damage exists. Office buildings can require specialty removal equipment like weighted extractors, though the bulk of water removal rests on:

• Truck-mount pumps
• Trash pumps
• Wet vacuums

With so many open areas in your office building, water can spread quickly throughout the structure and pose problems for those still working. Our fast response to these emergencies can ensure that extraction tools get used appropriately and efficiently to remove standing water as soon as possible before low pile carpeting, and other contents become irreparably harmed. Our SERVPRO of Federal Way team is available 24/7 at (253) 838-8999.

What Damages Occur to Federal Way Basements During Flooding?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Was your basement recently flooded? Contact our experienced SERVPRO water removal and flood damage remediation specialists today for services.

We Can Help with Nearly all Facets of Repair and Restoration After Flooding in Federal Way

Being a one-stop shop for post-flood recovery and restoration begins with a fast response and certified technicians. We have trained professionals representing nearly every aspect of the restoration industry to be a full-service solution for area homes.

Standing Water and Water Damage

Flood damage in Federal Way homes and businesses often centers around a high volume of standing water that must get addressed as soon as possible. Mitigating flood damage introduces our leading inventory of recovery equipment and extractors to the house. From wet vacuums to truck-mount pumps, we have a wide range of water removal options.

Structural Concerns and Necessary Repairs

Intruding water in this lower level can directly impact concrete and masonry constructions used as the foundation and basement walls. As solid as these wall systems are, they are vulnerable to hydrostatic pressures against weak seams or mortar joints. When water can penetrate freely, reconstruction will be necessary for:

• Masonry Repairs
• Tucking/Pointing
• Drywall Installation
• Cleaning/Replacing Floor Joists

Basements are often the most heavily damaged areas of homes when flooding occurs. Because of how quickly water can collect in this lower level and the damage it can do, our SERVPRO of Federal Way team needs to respond promptly to help. Our professionals are ready 24/7 to mitigate flood losses “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (253) 838-8999.

How Can SERVPRO Overcome Wet Smoke Damage in Federal Way Homes?

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy smoke can affect the contents and structure of your home. Call SERVPRO to remediate the fire damage and clean up smoke soils.

Smoke Residues can be Formidable and Destructive in Federal Way Properties Without Cleaning

Post-fire damage effects are substantial when wet smoke gets created. As one of the more thick soils generated from a fire, the cleaning process can be tedious or often unsuccessful. Our experienced team works quickly to manage these conditions.

How Can Wet Smoke Impact Contents and Structural Elements?

With wet smoke being fire damage in Federal Way homes that overwhelms surfaces, contents, and building materials can become severely damaged by this presence. Spreading soot particles resting on these surfaces can ultimately stain and damage the finish of specific materials, making the need for cleaning and removal critical.

What Methods Can Clean These Soils?

Because wet smoke damage is thick and oily, the available options for cleaning and restoring after this soiling can be limited. Wet cleaning strategies are not universal, as many of the detergents and solvents do not dissolve or emulsify these residues. Much of the removal of wet smoke is mechanical processes or direct material removal, including:

• Media Blasting
• Controlled Demolition
• Abrasive Cleaning

The type of smoke damage that your home experiences can directly impact the restorability and efficacy of specific cleaning practices. Because these conditions vary considerably, having experienced professionals like our SERVPRO of Federal Way involved can help. Give us a call today at (253) 838-8999.

Can SERVPRO Offer Water Removal Services to Des Moines Residents?

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's skilled technicians have the tools and experience to put an end to your homes water damage.

Water Removal from Des Moines Homes Happens Fast With SERVPRO in-Charge. 

Accumulating water on your property, whether due to ceiling leaks or burst pipes, is never a good sign. If water removal from your Des Moines home is not done promptly, it can lead to aesthetic as well as structural damage. With a fast response time and trained professionals, SERVPRO is here to help. After all, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

SERVPRO technicians carry out water removal from your Des Moines home and also take care of the residual moisture left behind. Our water damage restoration technicians meticulously plan the remediation process using scientific methods to effectively dry wet structures and contents. Rather than applying a ‘one size fits all’ approach, SERVPRO technicians consider every water incidence as unique and work out the best strategy under the given set of conditions. 

SERVPRO Techs Apply Scientific Restorative Drying Principles During Water Cleanup from Des Moines Homes

SERVPRO techs follow the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration and use multiple drying procedures during the restoration of your Des Moines home. 

- During the Initial Stages of Drying- SERVPRO restorers use air movers to evaporate surface and free water. Technicians control various factors, including humidity ratio, temperature, and speed of air during this stage.

- During the Later Stages of Drying - As free water is gone, air movement alone is not enough to evaporate the bound water. SERVPRO techs increase the temperature of the material to loosen the bound water that can then evaporate. 

Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999; we are here to help you. 

SERVPRO Helps Federal Way Businesses to Get Mold Damage Under Control

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's skilled technicians have the tools and experience to put an end to mold damage on your property.

Federal Way Establishments Count on SERVPRO for Mold Removal

Discovering mold damage on your Federal Way commercial property can be stressful. Mold brings all sorts of problems with it, including the risk of structural damage, aesthetic issues, and not to forget, mold can cause health effects to your staff and customers. Professional mold specialists of SERVPRO can deal with these problems, allowing you to focus on what matters the most- your business. 

SERVPRO technicians use a targeted approach to remediate mold damage from your Federal Way property. Mold is present everywhere in the form of highly resistant airborne spores. Once the spores find a conducive environment with high humidity and warmth, they germinate and grow rapidly. SERVPRO, unlike many other restorers, understands that mold can never be truly removed. We can, however, perform mold remediation to get the mold problem under control. 

Mold Remediation Steps That SERVPRO Techs Take at Federal Way Properties

The IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians take the following steps during mold remediation of Federal Way properties-

• Mold Inspection- SERVPRO techs perform a thorough inspection to spot any visible signs of mold. Our mold specialists may also take air samples to figure the type of mold present.
• Containment- SERVPRO understands the importance of keeping the doors of your business open. We work hard to contain the damage by sealing off the affected area. 
• Mold Cleanup- Antifungal and antimicrobials are used to clean the colonies of mold from hard surfaces thoroughly. Porous surfaces might need replacement if the damage is extensive.
• Address the Underlying Problem- Our technicians help you identify and rectify any potential moisture issue to prevent a recurring mold problem. 

Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999; we are available 24/7. 

Local Homeowners Trust our Team for Water Damage Restoration

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of water damage. Call us today, we are always available.

SERVPRO in Federal Way Offers Professional, Quick and Efficient Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration of your Federal way home needs to be done by professionals with the right training and experience. It is important to hire premier restoration services such as SERVPRO to prevent any long-term damage due to water loss incidence. 

SERVPRO experts are committed to a 1-4-8 response standard during water damage restoration of your Federal Way home. Within one hour of notice of loss, expect a call from a SERVPRO professional to arrange for the service. Within four hours, a team member reaches the site to begin the mitigation process. Within eight hours, SERVPRO technicians prepare a verbal brief regarding the scope of the mitigation work. Our technicians also use advanced technology during water damage remediation. 

Some Advanced Equipment That SERVPRO Techs use During Water Cleanup of Your Federal Way Home

The IICRC certified SERVPRO techs use several advanced types of equipment during the water damage repairs of your Federal Way home. Some of the equipment that you might see us using at your property include- 

• Inspection Cameras /Borescopes- These are advanced cameras mounted on top of a flexible metal wire for easy maneuvering into cavities and crevices that are impossible to observe otherwise. Technicians use these cameras to detect moisture and signs of contamination in such places. Motorized inspection cameras are also used to inspect ductwork and have the ability to take still images and videos. 
•  Luminometer- An advanced instrument that allows the SERVPRO water damage restoration technician to detect organic contamination on surfaces after water damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for 24/7 service.  

Who Do Homeowners Call with Basement Flooding from Des Moines Storms?

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storm flooding can impact your home in many ways. If your home has been affected by storm damage, just call the experts at SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Provides Basement Flooding Cleanup in Des Moines That Restores Homes to Pre-loss Condition

Basement flooding is a real concern when storms hit the area you live in. Whatever you have stored in your basement is at risk for damage. Standing water can seep under the surface and migrate, causing structural damage.

SERVPRO Provides Emergency Services – Water Damage Is Our Specialty

At SERVPRO, we know how devastating floods can be to homeowners. That is why we provide quality flooding cleanup in Des Moines. Floodwaters are a dangerous thing. When they are swiftly moving, they can sweep up everything in their path. When floodwaters enter your home, they can:

• Ruin carpet and padding
• Cause wood to warp and swell
• Bring contaminants into the home
• Cause mold if not taken care of immediately
• Displace the residents

Mitigating the Damage Done by Storms

When we arrive on the scene, the first thing we do is scope the situation to determine a plan of action. Then we take care of any safety issues. Our services include:

• Water damage remediation
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water cleanup
• Basement flooding cleanup
• Sewage cleanup
• Water removal services

If your basement is impacted by flooding, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Kitchen Fires Damage Homes in Federal Way

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will leave your kitchen looking "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (253) 838-8999.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration in Federal Way When a Kitchen Fire Occurs

Kitchen fires are common types of fires in homes. Even if caught early, they can still do damage. Smoke residue can spread throughout the home and can embed itself into surfaces.

Preventing Kitchen Fires

One of the best ways to avoid the need for fire damage restoration in Federal Way is to prevent fires. Most kitchen fires start because someone is not paying attention to the stove. Skillets get too hot, or the person walks away while something is cooking, and before you know it a fire breaks out.  Safety tips in the kitchen include:

• Never walk away from the stove when cooking.
• Avoid wearing long flowing sleeves or clothing.
• Keep flammable items away from the stove.
• Do not let oil or grease get too hot.

SERVPRO Can Help

If a fire breaks out, you can count on SERVPRO to provide professional fire damage restoration. Our team works with fire-damaged homes to return them to preloss condition whenever possible. We help with:

• Smoke Remediation
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• House Fire Cleanup
• Fire Restoration

For dependable fire restoration service, you can trust contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fire and Smoke Damage Specialists in Des Moines

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO immediately following a fire in your Everett home. We will leave your home looking "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is Here for all of your Fire Damage Restoration Needs in Des Moines

Even if a small blaze ignites inside your house, the smoke it puts out can get everywhere and cause you to have to perform smoke remediation in areas of your home that are far from the source. When partially combusted particles touch cooler surfaces such as your building materials and contents, they can solidify into soot residues.

During fire restoration in Des Moines, our SERVPRO crew first inspects your entire structure for signs of damage. When dealing with fire damaged homes, we can perform the following services:

• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Smoke Remediation
• House Fire Clean Up

One major part of the fire and smoke damage repair process is to remove soot residues from your furniture and other contents in your house. Residues are a primary source of unpleasant aroma, so cleaning your affected items occurs before any deodorization procedures. Depending on the type of item and how thick the soils are, we can use the following methods to clean your contents:

• Dry Cleaning
• Wet Cleaning
• Spray and Wipe
• Foam Cleaning
• Abrasive Cleaning 
• Immersion Cleaning

If you ever notice smoke damage after a small kitchen fire, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Have You Ever Needed Water Damage Remediation in Federal Way?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

We can get your property back to the state it was in before the unfortunate incident.

SERVPRO Offers Water Removal Services in the Federal Way Area

If you ever suffer from burst pipes, you know that a lot of moisture can enter your structure in a short period. Once your building materials and contents get wet, the humidity levels can rise in your house, and mold can develop if organic items stay wet for more than 48 hours. 

When dealing with water damage in Federal Way, our SERVPRO technicians can take several steps to remove moisture and prevent secondary issues such as fungal contamination. If your ever notice burst pipes or ceiling leaks, we can provide the following services:

• Water Clean Up
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Water Damage Repairs
• Sewage Cleanup

As a part of our water removal services, we can provide carpet cleaning after the moisture has been removed. When your carpets get wet, they can attract dirt or develop a mildew-like smell. Depending on how dirty your carpets got, we can utilize the following carpet cleaning methods listed in order from the least aggressive to most aggressive:

• Bonnet Cleaning
• Hot Water Extraction
• Deluxe Pre-Condition and Rinse
• Rotary Jet Extraction
• Showcase

If you ever find yourself needing water damage repairs, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. 

Do You Need Mold Remediation in Federal Way?

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

"We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster"

SERVPRO Can Provide Mold Inspection, Remediation, and Removal in Federal Way

Federal Way, Washington is a city located just north of Tacoma, and it is part of the Seattle Metropolitan district. The town sits on the water and has a little more than 90,000 people. 

For visitors, there is plenty to do in Federal Way. From enjoying sports events to relaxing on a beach, the area is filled with fun activities for the whole family. 

Things to do in Federal Way

• Dash Point State Park: This 400-acre park boasts over 3,000 feet of coastal shoreline. Camping is available at several spots within the park. The park's trails allow visitors access to places where people can fish, swim, hike, and picnic. While on the trail's hikers can experience unobstructed views of Puget Sound. Spectators also get the chance to view a variety of marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
• Centerstage Theatre: This famous theater prides itself in providing entertainment for the whole family. During the year, the theater puts on live performances, including plays and musicals.
• Celebration Park Sports Complex: Here, people can watch aspiring athletes and get the chance to see national baseball and soccer championship games. The complex includes playgrounds, trails, and pathways through the park, a concession stand, a lighted batting field, and a total of eight baseball and soccer fields. 
• Federal Way Farmers Market: The area's farmers market is held every Saturday from May to October. The market takes place at the Commons Mall Parking Lot at 1701 S 320th St. The market features breakfast/lunch items, snacks, fresh farm produce, crafts, flowers, and live entertainment.
• Federal Way Community Center: This facility is located at the southern end of Celebration Park, and it hosts a variety of activities and events for the community. People who come to the center can enjoy the state's largest recreational pool complex. The facility has a current channel over 400 feet long, a six-lane lap pool, and a two-story water slide. The complex also has meeting areas and gyms that can be rented for private events. On the grounds, there are also outdoor areas where weddings can be held.
• Historical Society of Federal Way: At the historical society, people can get a chance to learn about the rich history of the region. Visitors can tour historical places and see some restored cabins.

SERVPRO Can Offer Mold Removal Services in Federal Way

Any time moisture enters your home; there is a possibility that you could need black mold damage repairs. Since mold can cause health effects, it is wise to hire a professional company to help you if moisture has entered your home or you see something that looks like mold.

Our mold specialists at SERVPRO can help provide the following services if a fungus develops inside your house:

• Mold Inspection
• Mold Removal
• Bathroom Mold Removal
• Attic Mold Removal 
• Basement Mold Remediation

Once a fungus forms somewhere in your house, it starts to release microscopic seeds that can spread and contaminate other regions of the house. As a part of the mold remediation process, we can do things like setting up a containment chamber with negative air pressure and spray fungicides to keep mold from spreading to previously unaffected places in your structure.

For mold inspections, remediation, and removal, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. 

Is Restoration Cheaper than Replacement?

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of water damage. Give us a call, we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Can Assist Des Moines with a Cost-Effective Solution to Water Intrusion

Water intrusion can often result in the demolition of certain parts in the building assembly. Sometimes it can be cost and time-effective to demo materials rather than attempt to restore them. SERVPRO crew chiefs calculate the expense of restoration versus replacement when deciding which parts of a home to restore.

A water cleanup service in your Des Moines home may be faster if materials are removed altogether. Highly porous materials, contaminated materials, and pre-test results are typically the deciding factor in whether items are salvageable or not. Sometimes a demolition may be necessary to access cavities in the home and dry or clean them.

• Technicians can detach carpets using a Knee Kicker or a Carpet Awl to inspect them. Often the carpet pad must be replaced in water cleanup.
• Baseboards are commonly removed to access wall cavities and involve using a pry bar or putty knife to reduce wall damage.
• Assemblies in the home, such as staircases, are frequently removed to inspect the inner cavity. 

Get fast, efficient restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way for water cleanup at (253) 838-8999.

Can Commercial Fires Lead to Permanent Structural Damage?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, many times demolition is necessary. SERVPRO has the training for safe debris removal and building restoration.

SERVPRO of Federal Way is Here to Help Local Business Owners Overcome Fire Damage

The extent of damage a structure sustains from a fire depends on the materials burning, temperature, and the length of time that the structure is exposed to fire. Commercial buildings can often be adversely affected by an out-of-hours fire as these generally burn longer before firefighters are called. 

Restoring severe fire damage in your Federal Way business is possible even when damages have affected the structure. Most buildings have a wood or metal framework underpinning the building assembly. These can become charred or blackened by exposure to direct flames or high temperatures. SERVPRO has a range of methods for restoring the structural framework of business premises. 

• Scraping charred frames or using an abrasion blaster can remove the structure's surface layers and return it to a good condition.
• If abrasion blasting risks damaging the structural integrity, we can seal the surfaces to reduce visible signs of charring or odor.
• SERVPRO works alongside structural engineers when assessing the safety and integrity of frameworks adversely affected by the fire.

Professional restoration services can speed up premises recovery. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way for commercial fire damage restoration at (253) 838-8999.

Can Water Cause Continuous Damage to a Property?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

You can depend on our professionals with state of the art equipment to thoroughly dry your property so you can return safely after a water incident.

SERVPRO of Federal Way Can Mitigate the Damaging Effects of Water in your Property

Federal Way is in the top ten largest cities in Washington State. The population of 96,289 residents makes it the fifth most populous city in Kings County. Initially, the city was a timber settlement that shipped wood products across the United States. As more and more residential properties cropped up, the region was named Federal Way, which comes from the US highway route 99. The area was only officially incorporated as a city twenty years ago in 1990 following three previous attempts in the late twentieth century. 

Much of Federal Way was privately owned by the Weyerhaeuser timberland company, which has over 12,400,000 acres of timberlands across the United States. It was not until 2014 that large amounts of Federal Way became open to the public. Among these attractions are botanical gardens, a pacific bonsai museum, and the Rhododendron Species Foundation, which opens to the public six days of the week. The Weyerhaeuser headquarters' departure from Federal Way occurred in 2014, but the city still retains large employers like World Vision International, Walmart, and DaVita. 

• The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is a 22-acre space dedicated to the varying species of this plant. Tours are available with expert botanists that can explain both the providence and properties of these unique plants. The Weyerhaeuser company formerly owned the botanical gardens on 336 street. 
• MaST Center Aquarium is a research center into marine biology that is open to the public. Situated on the northern border of Federal Way in Redondo, the center is crucial to university research. The Aquarium is open to tours and education on the Puget Sound and its unique wildlife species. 
• Wild Waves Theme and Water Park is one of just three parks in the State of Washington. Initially opened in 1977, it remains a popular attraction in the Pacific Northwest. The amusement center features a mix of theme-park rollercoasters with water slides and swimming areas.

SERVPRO Can Provide Exponential Water Damages Occurring in your Home

The main principle of professional restoration services is to mitigate damages. Water intrusion can happen to any homeowner. However, those that suffer the most negligible damages act quickly to enlist professional assistance. One of a water restoration professional's first actions is to extract water and remove any bulk waste from the property. This step alone can save thousands of dollars worth of water damages. 

• Pumps are used to remove water from the property quickly. These significantly reduce overall pressure on the walls, floors, and ceilings of a structure.
• Technicians can then rake or shovel any existing contamination and solid-waste, for example, from a sewer backup. 
• Extraction is much more efficient than drying. Water extraction units are used to reduce excess water further before a structured drying system is put in place.  

Avoid costly damages after water intrusion. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way for water damage mitigation at (253) 838-8999.

Do you See Fungi Inside your Federal Way House?

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Effective mold remediation requires more than a DIY approach. SERVPRO's techs are trained to safely remove the mold.

SERVPRO can Provide Top-notch Mold Restoration Services

In many cases, various types of fungi can grow inside a structure due to a small water leak over time, which can cause the issue to go unnoticed at first. If organic materials stay wet, the mold can start to grow structures in all ways. These formations then release microscopic seeds into the atmosphere that can travel throughout your building.

Most mold removal companies in Federal Way like SERVPRO start restoration projects by repairing the source's water leak. After moisture is no longer entering the area, our technicians can then complete the following steps:

• Establish Containment: Because other parts of your house do not get contaminated by the mold colonies during the restoration process, our highly trained team can build a plastic barrier that will trap any loose debris.
• Remove Contamination: Once we establish containment in the affected area, we can remove the mold by scrubbing, sanding, or possibly using a sandblaster.
• Decontaminate the Air: We can use advanced technology such as industrial air scrubbers to create negative pressure inside the containment chamber. Any contaminated loose particles will then flow through the scrubber equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter before getting dispensed back into the environment.

If you ever notice mold anywhere in your home, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Do you Have Water Damage in Des Moines?

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly ruin cabinets, floors, and furniture. SERVPRO is always ready to remove the water.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration Services in Des Moines

Whenever water leaks into your residence, it can quickly travel throughout your home, getting many of your contents wet along the way. Once items in your house like carpet have retained moisture, other issues can develop, including mold growth or problems with elevated humidity levels.

When conducting water cleanup in Des Moines, our SERVPRO technicians first remove the moisture while it is still a liquid. We can extract water from your flooring, furniture, or other building materials using a truck-mounted extractor and the following extraction tools: 

• Handheld-Wands: We can use light wands to extract smaller amounts of water from glue down carpet or some types of upholstered furniture.
• Self-Propelled Extraction Tools: These machines operate by a separate motor that consistently moves across the carpet. The tool uses the operator's weight standing on top of it to compress the carpet while extracting.
• Stationary Tools: For heavily saturated, thick carpets, our technicians can use stationary tools. These tools use only the operator's weight for extraction, and the largest units will only extract about 200 square inches of carpet at a time.

If you ever notice that water has leaked into your home after a pipe broke, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Suffer from a Fire in Federal Way?

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size of the fire, soot and smoke damage travel throughout the home. SERVPRO of Federal WAY has the cleaning tools to restore your home.

You can Call SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services in Federal Way

Federal Way, Washington is located in the state's Seattle metro area and currently has about 100,000 people. The city is a hub for ethnic and cultural diversity as more than one-third of its residents are Asian-American, African-American, or Hispanic-American. At one point, the school district in the region reported 111 different languages spoken in their students' households.

Sports Lover's Paradise

The city is home to many options to play or view all various sports. The town is where both the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners play. The Celebration Park Sports Complex in Federal Way is a park with eight baseball and soccer fields where people can watch tournaments of some of the state's top-notch soccer and baseball players. The region also hosts the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, where visitors can swim in the same waters where Olympic stars practice. 

Things to Do in Federal Way 

• Brown's Point Lighthouse: This four-acre green space is located at the tip of Brown's Point and provides visitors waterfront access. People can tour or rent the restored lightkeeper's cottage or hang out on the beach and watch large ships go in and out of the Tacoma port.
• Dumas Bay Centre: This meeting place and events venue provide a pleasant, natural setting along the water. The spot offers exquisite accommodations and delicious foods at a reasonable rate.
• Federal Way Farmers' Market: The local farmers' market occurs every Saturday in the Commons Mall parking area between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in early May through late October. The event offers fresh farm produce, live entertainment, crafts, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more.
• Dash Point State Park: This state park spans nearly 400 acres and offers visitors over 3,300 feet of shoreline. While there, tourists can observe marine life and beautiful views of Puget Sound. Other activities available within the property include fishing, hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
• Federal Way Community Center: This popular location sits on the southern end of Celebration Park and is a hotspot for several events and activities. Those who wish to have some fun in the water can go swimming in a six-lane Olympic size lap pool or enjoy themselves in its leisure pool with a 110-foot long current channel and a two-story waterslide. The center is also home to several gyms, an indoor track, and a climbing pinnacle. Visitors have the option to rent out spaces for events or meetings or get educated in one of the many classes offered there.

SERVPRO Can Provide Fire Restoration Services in the Area

Our SERVPRO technicians can use the following methods to remove soot residues and soils from the various surfaces inside your home: 

• Dry Cleaning: For porous surfaces, we can use sponges or dry cloths to remove the soot so that no liquids soak the residues deeper into the material.
• Wet Cleaning: When cleaning hard, non-porous surfaces we, can use various water-based detergents.
• Soda Blasting: When dealing with heavy soot residues, we can utilize a soda blaster that shoots a baking soda mixture to neutralize and clean the affected surface.

If you ever notice any smoke damage after a fire, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Can Smoke Damaged Booths Be Salvaged in a Federal Way Diner Fire?

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

If your property is damaged in a fire, SERVPRO of Federal Way is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Smoke can cause fire damage, but SERVPRO can remediate the problem in most cases

Any type of eatery is subject to kitchen fires. In commercial kitchens, they are typically contained quickly, but they can still do damage. Smoke and soot can spread rapidly and settle throughout the diner.

Can the Vinyl Covered Booths Be Cleaned?

The last thing you want is fire damage in your Federal Way retro diner. A fire can close a business down. Even if the blaze is contained quickly, the smoke and soot can ruin fixtures, furniture, and the diner content if not dealt with as soon as possible. Food items can be damaged by not only soot but by high heat. Depending on the intensity of the fire, we can often repair your booths. We handle the restoration depending on the components:

• Vinyl covering – We use specialized wet chemicals to clean the booth seating as vinyl resists water-based agents. 
• Formica tabletops – Formica tabletops and countertops can be cleaned with dry cleaners. Wet cleaners are used if the damage is severe enough.
• Metal fixtures – Wet cleaning is typically recommended for metal.

SERVPRO of Federal Way can provide fire damage mitigation in Federal Way. We help to restore your company. For more information, contact us at (253) 838-8999.

Storms Caused Flash Flooding in Des Moines Homes – Who Can Help?

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you need a company you can trust, call SERVPRO of Federal Way today for any of your water or fire damage remediation needs.

SERVPRO technicians mitigate flood damage and provide floodwater cleanup

Flooding can damage homes and requires a professional water damage company to clean the house properly. The most important thing you should focus on when floodwaters come raging into your house is to make sure your family is safe. Leave the cleanup to us.

What Happens First?

When there is flood damage in Des Moines, the first thing you should do after seeing your family is to call SERVPRO. When our crew arrives on the scene, they ensure everyone’s safety. This can include:

• Tarping the roof
• Checking for electrical concerns
• Inspecting structural components

Once that is done, the primary concern is water extraction. Our crew is trained to deal with biohazards such as floodwater, also known as black water. Blackwater is extremely contaminated, and you should never try to eradicate the problem on your own. SERVPRO's certified team understands the risks and knows what to do. We use trash pumps designed to remove water and debris along with the proper PPE. 

Flooding can put your life on hold. Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to provide the help you need. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-899 for professional flood damage service in Des Moines. 

Can SERVPRO Handle Any Size Water Intrusion in Federal Way?

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works to provide Fast and Efficient Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration to Your Federal Way Property

Our technicians are trained to provide water mitigation to any size disaster 

Federal Way eventually gained city status after several failed attempts. The area began as a logging settlement and got its name in 1929. It is a beautiful town with plenty of local attractions to keep residents entertained. With an abundance of parks and botanical gardens, Federal Way is a nature lover’s delight.

Weyerhaeuser’s Botanical Gardens

Weyerhaeuser is the largest private owner of softwood timberland. It was based in Federal Way until 2014. The company generously opened up much of its land to the public and including these two botanical gardens:

•   Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden
•   Pacific Bonsai Museum

The Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden spreads out over 22 acres and is dedicated to the flower whose name it bears. The organization began in 1964 and moved its final location, provided by Weyerhaeuser, in 1974. When it comes to rhododendrons, the foundation is dedicated to:

•   Conservation
•   Research
•   Acquisition
•   Evaluation
•   Cultivation
•   Public displays
•   Distribution

When strolling through the gardens, you can see over 10,000 species in a background of native conifers. Visitors can check out species grown only in certain countries such as Malaysia and Borneo in the Rutherford Conservatory. The Conservatory is home to rare examples that are in danger of extinction in their native lands. Displays also include rare wild orchard species and tree ferns. There are other floral areas in the park to be enjoyed, as well.

Pacific Bonsai Museum

The Pacific Bonsai Museum is one of two such museums in the U.S. dedicated solely to bonsai. It is a treasure as there are only a few such museums in the entire world.  At PBM, visitors can enjoy a selection of 150 of the world’s finest bonsai. Trees come from all over the world, including:

• Canada
• China
• Japan
• Korea
• Taiwan
• United States

Any donation gets you into the museum to enjoy the beauty of the bonsai tree. There are numerous exhibits, and guided tours can be scheduled. Exhibits change over time, but the current exhibit is World War Bonsai: Remembrance & Resilience. It is a fascinating look at the art during the period of WWII. One of the trees on display was grown by a gentleman incarcerated during the war. This exhibit remains in place until October 2021. PBM is an excellent way to spend the delay relaxing and connecting with nature. 

No Water Catastrophe is Too Big or Too Small for SERVPRO

Residential homes in Federal Way can experience water damage from things such as a dishwasher overflow or a leaky pipe. The most common causes of water intrusions in homes are:

•   Water fixture overflow – a faucet or pipe can be the culprit, and water buildup tends to be minor.
•   Single room flooding – room size and water depth is a factor in water extraction techniques.
•   Home flooding – a catastrophe that causes submersion of the entire home.
•   Basement flooding – can occur from something like a burst pipe or a natural disaster.

Prime the Pumps!

Each one of these situations is handled differently with specific water mitigation techniques in Federal Way homes. Our goal is to prevent further damage and resort your home to preloss condition when possible. Some of our methods include using:

• Truck Mounted Extractors
• Portable Extractor or Pump

Water extraction is just the beginning. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for professional water mitigation.

Careers Events for Federal Way Students Open Up this January

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Green River College provides virtual career events for high-schoolers in the Federal Way Area. What? A house fire damaged your home? Call SERVPRO!

These Virtual Career Events Give Students of Federal Way the Opportunity to Refine their Ambitions

Green River students and those in the vicinity of Federal Way can take advantage of this government-funded career event running from mid-January onwards. The virtual event features experienced practitioners from a variety of successful career paths and backgrounds. Students are encouraged to explore and ask questions about careers in government, environmental planning, infrastructure, and public relations. Many of the programs here feature preliminary training that can be used as college credits or to advance your work experience and job understanding. The virtual information session runs twenty-four-hours a day while one-to-one meetings can be arranged. Many programs offer training or money off from tuition fees for taking part in their courses.

• The application process can begin at the age of seventeen, with leadership programs for older students.
• Enhance your networking opportunities by meeting people within the sector
• Gain an edge over other applicants by demonstrable work experience.

The damaging effects of smoke on an indoor environment require immediate intervention. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Des Moines Residents Prepare for an Unforgettable New Years Day Walk

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides commercial water damage cleanup and restoration to Des Moines area structures while you go fishing at Saltwater State Park

Saltwater State Park in Des Moines is Hosting this Year's Annual Walk

The Saltwater State Park is located in Des Moines between Seattle and Tacoma. Just off the Interstate highway, there are several serene walking trails and camping facilities. To celebrate the new year, an organized walk of the Ravine Loop Trail takes place at 10:30 am on the 1st of January. The promenade stretches to two miles in distance, making it well suited to all ages and hiking abilities. At the same time, a first-day paddle in the Marine Protected area is taking place. Saltwater State Park is one of the more popular green spaces thanks to its long stretches of sandy beaches, wildlife preservations, and camping options. An experienced guide gives this year's walk and finishes at a nearby cafe for refreshments.

• The Saltwater State Park encompasses 137 acres with a 1,445 foot stretch of beach along the Puget Sound.
• Paddle boating and diving to see the protected marine life is encouraged.
• Fishing and shellfishing are acceptable, providing users own a recreational license from Washington State.

A fire in your business could lead to temporary closure and lost revenue. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for commercial restoration.

Incomplete Drying Can Have Long-term Consequences for Your Federal Way Home.

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Federal Way offers local Washington State homeowners a lot. SERVPRO can offer water damage cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Federal Way Can Expertly Restore a Property to its Pre-loss Condition.

Federal Way is a part of the Seattle metropolitan area and is among the top ten cities within Washington State. Situated in Kings County, the town has a bustling population of 89, 306 residents. The West Coast region features several state parks, forests, lakes, and beautiful natural beauty areas. Compared to many other cities in the Seattle area, Federal Way has a relatively short history that began in the 1920s with the construction of the Federal Way highway. This sizable infrastructure system is connected to trade and docking destinations along the West Coast. The consolidation of a school district within the area saw Federal Way become a residential town for those members of the site that preferred green spaces to the urbanization projects underway in the Washington States bigger cities throughout the twentieth century. While recent investments into the planning stages of a Downtown Project have shown the potential for Federal Way to expand into a business center, the relatively small amounts of retail and shopping destinations ensure that the area remains a close-knit community with strong ties to rural agricultural industries.

The quieter district of Federal Way

lends itself to many community infrastructure projects and public parks. In 2014, one of the largest producers of softwood timber, Weyerhaeuser, announced its headquarters' movement away from Seattle. The company itself had opened much of its land to the public, which features fantastic botanical gardens and the Pacific Bonsai Museum, which houses hundreds of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese bonsai trees and fine art exhibitions celebrating Asian artists throughout the year. One of the most popular parks is Celebration Park, which was repurposed from a commercial airstrip and contains 83.5 acres of green spaces, picnic areas, sports fields, and children's play areas. There are eight state parks within close distance of Federal Way, including wildlife preservation wetlands in West Hylebos and the BPA Trail, which begins in Celebration Park and expands through to the Pierce County border.

• The Weyerhaeuser Kings County Aquatic Center (KCAC) is an enormous swimming arena dedicated to excellence initially constructed for the Goodwill games in 1990. The facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving boards, and arena seating. The KCAC is open to the public throughout the year but also is the grounds for several competitive diving and swimming programs across different age groups.
• Also built on the former Weyerhaeuser campus is the stunning Rhododendron Botanical Gardens. The 22-acre woodlands have the most extensive collection of rhododendrons globally and feature a historic Rutherford Conservatory built in the nineteenth century. The curated garden features some unique species of exotic plants, including Blue Poppies, Japanese Maples, and Magnolias.
• The Bonsai Museum at the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Campus is a celebration of Pacific Rim nations like America, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The maintained park is open freely to the public with regular group tours and exhibitions celebrating Bonsai tree planting traditions. History tours also tell the story of Japanese Americans living in the US during the Second World War.

Traditional American Food from the West Coast

• Dining out in Federal Way is a diverse blend of American Traditional and Asian cuisine that reflects its diverse population and cultural heritage. On the traditional side is a range of delicious steak houses that celebrate local livestock collection and rearing.
• The Black Angus Steakhouse is situated on 320th Street in Federal Way. To serve Black Angus meats, livestock has to undergo a rigorous testing procedure to certify both the cattle's quality and livelihood. Cattle are fed on a grass diet that provides an unrivaled flavor to the meat. The Black Angus Steakhouse uses a fired grill to cook up a range of delicious cuts and sides.
• Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse is another contemporary classic with a traditional American diner ambiance. While the venue specializes in serving up steaks, there are many fantastic sides and fresh seafood dishes to suit all diets.
• Marlene's Market & Deli is something of an institution for Federal Way locals and sits just inside the Gateway Center. A seasonal serving of soups and fresh deli meats are served in the small upstairs dining section, while Christmas or Thanksgiving foods need to be ordered early to avoid disappointment.

Managing Water Restoration in Federal Way with SERVPRO

The prospect of a water intrusion event can be daunting for property owners. The extent of damages caused by liquid water and humidity can be extreme to your belongings or the structure of your home. One of the most effective methods for mitigating these losses is to ensure that the property is adequately dried as quickly as possible. SERVPRO technicians take extra care when dealing with materials in the home to ensure that we use the right response and limit damages. A one-size-fits-all cleaning approach can damage certain natural fabrics like silk, cotton, leather, or wool. Our team pre-test materials discretely to ensure that we apply the appropriate cleaning products. With our restore over replace mentality, you can be sure that our restoration is responsible and time-efficient.

• By carefully testing materials for shrinkage, color-dye fasting, and watermarks, our team can ensure that textiles in your home get the correct treatment and the strongest chance of returning to a preloss condition.
• Using psychrometric science, SERVPRO technicians can adapt and monitor a drying procedure in real-time. Sometimes, making small adjustments can significantly enhance the speed and process of restoring belongings.
• Our technicians are experts at understanding how water reacts in a structure. Using a thorough process, we can limit the cost of secondary damages in your home and control mold growth.
• SERVPRO technicians are determined to transition from damage to preloss condition as quickly and conveniently for a homeowner. You can speak with our technicians directly at any time during restoration.

Water intrusion can deteriorate quickly, causing extensive harm to contents or structure in an indoor environment. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 now.

Federal Way Budding Chefs Can Improve Their Culinary Skills Overnight

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community learn valuable skills from Chef Ruth!

Learn new cooking techniques in Federal Way with Chef Ruth.

Cozymeal has sponsored many hands-on events that have allowed budding chefs or stay-at-home parents the opportunity to improve their culinary skills in a practical way. On December 5th, 2020, you can again join Chef Ruth for a unique experience of creating incredible dishes while coming away with valuable skills that can make you the master of your kitchen.

This upcoming event is slated to show off a skill that even many executive chefs might lack: basic knife techniques. Appropriately cutting, carving, dicing, and chopping can make a substantial difference in how culinary creations end up tasting and looking. Participants can choose among two main proteins to prepare and learn about the intricacies of dishes like ratatouille that rely so heavily on focused, even slicing.

Flooding keeping you from exercising your new skills in the kitchen? Our professionals can offer efficient stormwater removal for Federal Way homes and apartments. Give our SERVPRO of Federal Way team a call today at (253) 838-8999.

A Small Business Saturday Treat for Des Moines Shoppers

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the Miracle on 152nd Street event!

Des Moines residents can experience the holiday season at the annual Miracle on 152nd Street event. 

This year, on Small Business Saturday, take an opportunity to promote local vendors and celebrate the holiday season with the Miracle on 152nd Street event. This free gathering allows families to spend quality time together, enjoy delicious treats, help the local economy, and even catch a family-friendly film. This all takes place in Downtown Burien and Burien Town Square Park.

Shoppers can begin as early as 11 AM shopping around and appreciate free gift wrapping services happening at the Town Square Park for the event. Also, families can look forward to several hot treats, including a hot cocoa bar and free popcorn during the movie event sponsored by Umpqua Bank.

Flood damage in Des Moines homes can make a Grinch out of anyone this holiday season. Our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help with efficient cleaning and drying services. Give us a call whenever you need us at (253) 838-8999.

What Factors Contributed to the Growth of Federal Way?

11/22/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO to be your mold inspection team. Our technicians are experts at rooting out the causes of mold damage.

Federal Way Area Has Developed Over a Long Time Period

Federal Way is a city that continues to grow, evolve, and thrive. With its positioning so close to Tacoma, it is a welcomed escape for many from the more congested city feel. As the population grows, so does the commercial and industrial opportunities for the residents here. Ultimately, the objective is to permit this growing community to be a place that its occupants no longer need to leave to achieve their employment, entertainment, or even educational aspirations. With an estimated population nearing 100,000, Federal Way has moved into the top 10 largest cities in the state and is closer to achieving these lofty goals.

Newly Incorporated

While the area has been known as Federal Way since around 1930, it did not exist as it does now until 1990. Within the first ten years as a city, the population grew by over 23% from around 67,000 residents to more than 83,000. Each subsequent census also saw a minimum of a 7% growth to the area, so that now the city is said to have close to 100,000. This uptick in population has already made Federal Way one of the largest cities in the state and welcomed a diverse assortment of retail locations, cuisine, and industry/manufacturing facilities.

Despite the rapid growth of the city's immediate area with housing developments and apartment structures as more and more residents seek a place within the borders, this slice of King County has not lost its scenic appeal. The city boasts multiple parks and nature reserves, preserving quiet areas for botanical gardens, wildlife, and the rest of area residents.

Employment

The ability to keep residents in the city for gainful employment is one of the many reasons that Federal Way sustained growth over decades, even before the incorporation in 1990. There are hundreds of businesses, shops, and manufacturing facilities that help thousands of families exceed the base cost of living for a residence and utilities to live comfortably in a widening middle-class majority.

Entertainment

While the arts have always had a place in Washington, primarily through area fairs and festivals in Tacoma and other nearby cities, entertainment is an area where the town seems to be catching up. Live theater might have been halted over the past year, but most expect it and the many movie theaters, art galleries, and other venues to make a surging comeback when the time comes.

Perhaps one of the most significant contributions to the local economy and the entertainment factor throughout most of the year is the renowned Wild Waves Theme & Water Park. This is the only permanent amusement park in the Greater Seattle area. The park features close to 40 rides and attractions, ranging from roller coasters and thrill rides to slides.

Retail Growth

The consistent rise in population has welcomed general gentrification to the area with shops and niche locations tailored to a younger demographic. Shopping centers have played a significant role in managing these locations in a singular, convenient place. One of the most popular of these options is the Commons at Federal Way, which is the only indoor shopping mall in the city located on South 320th Street. The Commons features over 90 stored, including several large anchors.

In addition to The Commons, Federal Way residents can also appreciate various shopping experiences and retail therapy through multiple shopping centers and plazas in town such as the SeaTac Village Shopping Center, Gateway Center, Quad Shopping Center, and the Northshore Village.

Nearby Higher Educational Opportunities

While there are no higher education institutions within city limits, there are many within a ten-mile drive from Federal Way. These schools' presence can help reduce the influx of high school graduates seeking the next level of their education farther from home. Washington State University, the University of Washington, and Gonzaga University are all highly regarded in both education and athletics. However, local institutions can rival this with their connection to these schools or their standalone programs. Some of the top regional universities and colleges for Federal Way residents are:

• University of Washington-Tacoma
• University of Puget Sound
• Tacoma Community College
• Green River Community College
• Highline Community College
• DeVry University Washington

The pursuit of degrees closer to home allows students from Federal Way to get a foot in the door with a developing and thriving industry in our area. Once they have a Bachelor's Degree in specific niches, they are even more equipped to get a profitable job here in King County or the Greater Tacoma/Puget Sound area.

How Does Mold Impact Federal Way Businesses?

Given that so much of the area must contend with higher moisture content due to an influx of annual rainfall and the proximity to the Puget Sound, mold becomes a consistent concern for area homes and businesses. The presence of mold in shops, stores, and hotels puts more than the employees at exposure risks. As soon as microbial threats are possible in your businesses, you should rely on experienced remediation professionals like our SERVPRO team to help. We have testing and sampling solutions that can determine the concentrations of mold spores in potentially damaged areas. We are available 24/7 for mold inspection in Federal Way businesses.

Remediation Is different from removal, as the work focuses exclusively on eliminating active colonization and not mold spores that naturally occur in every environment. To accomplish this, our technicians must choose among several remediation strategies ranging from controlled demolition to abrasive surface cleaning. With a general contracting license (SERVPCS911LE), our building trade professionals can oversee repairs, reconstruction, and any business's demolition needs.

Containment is a considerable step in preventing exposure and cross-contamination for your staff and customers. Framing and plastic poly-sheeting can create a barrier that spores cannot penetrate. These barriers create a drying zone that makes airflow, temperature, and moisture regulation more manageable and efficient.

Mold can be a destructive presence, but our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help you get back to business as usual. Call us today at (253) 838-8999.

Federal Way Area Wild Waves Theme Park Plans to Reopen in 2021

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

When fire damages your home, cool off at Wild Waves while SERVPRO makes it “Like it never even happened.”

Fun Is Ahead for Our Federal Way Neighbors

The team at Wild Waves Theme Park has spent thousands of hours preparing to reopen for the 2020 season during the recent pandemic. However, after consulting with medical, industry, and government experts concerning pandemic safety guidelines in our region, park management announced they had made the difficult decision to remain closed for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Keeping the park closed was a tough decision, with a significant impact on their customers and over 600 employees. 2020 Season Pass Holders need not be concerned. Season Pass holders automatically are transferred to the 2021 Premium Season Pass with the following benefits:

• Free parking, free souvenir bottle
• Four bring a friend tickets
• Half-off Cabana rentals
• And additional services throughout the season

Holders of a season pass will receive an email confirmation automatically.

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides professional services to residential and business owners and contributes to local events and charitable organizations in the area. Call (253) 838-8999, 24/7, for fire and water removal services.

What Can SERVPRO Restore during Water Damage Repair in the Kitchen?

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Faulty appliances can quickly lead to water damage in your home. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for assistance.

Federal Way Homeowners are Concerned about Kitchen Contents during Water Damage Repair.

Anyone living in Federal Way knows that any kind of kitchen disaster is frustrating. After all, you need your kitchen for cooking meals, and if it is out of commission, your takeout bill will suddenly rise. If you have any disaster in your kitchen, you need a professional cleanup crew who can get you back on solid ground in no time.

There are many reasons that you might need water damage repair in your Federal Way kitchen:

• Leaking appliances such as dishwashers or refrigerators
• A plumbing problem or leaking faucet
• A leak from outdoors, such as during a flood or storm

No matter what the cause, call SERVPRO of Federal Way as soon as possible. Time matters when dealing with water damage: The longer water is left to stand, the more it can soak into wooden floors, carpets, rugs, and baseboards. The moisture might seep under electrical appliances. There is also a concern about mold – many species can propagate in as little as 48 hours, so it is better to deal with water quickly, thus depriving fungus of the opportunity to grow.

Can SERVPRO help with floor coverings?

Thankfully, it is possible to salvage floor coverings in many cases. Our technicians start by extracting excess water:

• Free-standing and truck-mounted pumps are suitable for lino, carpets, tiles, and rugs
• Rotary extractors are excellent for carpets and rugs
• Wand extractors are effective on the surface of carpets and in hard to reach corners

Once we have removed excess water, we can dry the floor covering. We use air movers and fans to cause evaporation across the surface of floors. Some rugs or carpets we can hang to dry, and direct air movers at them. We can also bring in dehumidifiers to decrease the moisture in the air and hasten drying.

What if the kitchen has a wooden floor?

Water can wreak havoc with a wooden floor, leading to buckling, bowing, or warping. SERVPRO technicians will assess your floor and let you know whether or not we can save it. We apply fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers, just as we would for carpet or linoleum, but we calibrate them for wood flooring. We also measure whether moisture has penetrated to the sub-floor because that makes a difference to the likely outcome.

What about structural damage?

Thankfully most water damage in the kitchen does not lead to structural damage. However, you might find your kitchen in need of some repairs:

• New wallpaper if the existing paper is too soaked
• Drywall removal and replacement if water seeped into the wall cavity
• Drying behind baseboards if moisture soaked into or under them
• Stain removal or re-painting if water stained painted surfaces

Our team will carry out repairs, and we can also call in specialist subcontractors if necessary.

Is it possible to salvage appliances?

Please do not switch on any appliance if you suspect it was water damaged. It is sometimes possible to save devices – we can call in an electronics technician to inspect it, and we will talk to your insurance adjuster before we call the technician.

If the inside is free from water, it is easy to dry off the outside and leave the unit fit for use once more.

Can SERVPRO save cooking utensils and furniture?

Yes, in many cases, we can save water-damaged utensils and furniture. We can use dehumidifiers air movers to dry out wooden furniture and upholstered seats. We can wipe down wooden, metal, and plastic furniture to blot away excess water. 

If the water was contaminated, it might not be possible to save utensils, as naturally, you do not want to use dirty utensils around food. If the water was clean, we can dry out utensils or even use ultrasonic cleaning on them.

We can also carry out spot cleaning on stubborn water stains and apply antimicrobial agents when needed.

What about the food?

We recommend disposing of any fresh food, raw or cooked, that comes into contact with water. Dispose of food if the packaging is damaged, or water might have leaked inside the packaging. It might be possible to save cans of food, but only where the can is not compromised, rusted, or warped in any way, and where the water did not contain contaminants such as sewage. Food safety is essential, and it is better to be too cautious than not cautious enough.

When we finish drying your kitchen, we will deodorize it to leave it smelling fresh. We always aim to leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

For help with a flood-damaged kitchen, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

How Do Professional Companies Stop Water Damage?

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage to your business can be stressful, let SERVPRO take the reins.

A Water Leak in a Commercial Property Can Quickly Escalate in Cost. SERVPRO Specializes in Water Mitigation for Businesses in the Federal Area.

How long does it take before my business can re-open after a water leak?

Water leaks can often be contained to one area of your Federal Way business premises. By containing the damages to one site, we can reduce the amount of time it takes to perform the restoration. Often the central focus of containing water issues is by putting in place an efficient drying program for your business. These could include cordoning off a specific area of the company to continue while the water restoration procedure is underway. Our technicians always aim to work around a business's needs when performing drying, cleaning, or restoration of the premises. 

What are the critical criteria for efficient drying?

• The amount of water that needs evaporating 
• Temperature is a factor since warm air is capable of holding more moisture than cold air
• Humidity controls and air movement are essential to keeping a consistent drying program

What temperatures provide ideal drying conditions?

When performing water mitigation in your Federal Way business, our first step is to establish a closed or open drying system. Closed-systems involve sealing a room to ensure that we have maximum control over the indoor atmosphere. The more power our technicians have over-temperature, air-movement, and humidity, the more effective the drying system can be. Our technicians can bring with them exterior furnaces and industrial dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process for larger commercial properties. The ideal conditions for drying a property are temperatures of between 70 and 90 degrees.

What specific methods are used for drying commercial properties?

• Extraction and consistent air-movement to keep wet air off surfaces
• A relative humidity level of between 30% and 60% 
• Temperature levels remaining between 70 and 90 degrees

Drying your commercial property is vital to mitigating potential losses. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

How Unsanitary Is Flood Damage In Des Moines?

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be distressing, and you may be worried about sanitation issues.

Des Moines Residents Are Worried About Unsanitary Conditions After Flood Damage

Des Moines residents know that storms can cause property damage and create inconvenience in their lives. The after-effects of a storm can be devastating, which is why residents need a cleanup team they can trust.

People are often shocked when they see the results of flood damage in Des Moines. Floodwater can quickly enter a property and contaminate:
• Rugs, carpets, and the padding underneath the carpet
• Wooden furniture which can warp and swell
• Textiles and upholstery including cushions, blankets, and drapes
• Personal belongings from books to clothes?

SERVPRO understands how scary it is to see your home after a flood. However, do not despair – our trained specialists are on hand to help you.

Why is flood damage unsanitary?
Some floodwater falls into the category of blackwater. Blackwater is unsanitary water that may contain:
• Human waste
• Animal carcasses
• Pesticides or other toxic chemicals
• Microbes, bacteria, and viruses

Blackwater typically comes from overflowing sewers, rivers breaking their banks, or heavy rain pushing waste into buildings. Water can also be categorized as clean water, which does not pose a health risk, or gray water, which might contain some contaminants, but is not as dangerous as black water.

What should I do about flood damage in my home?
The best thing you can do is call SERVPRO of Federal Way as soon as possible. Because storm damage can be unsanitary, it is much safer to call a professional team and let us handle it. The longer flood damage is left untreated, the greater the risk of microbial growth and increased damage to your property, so you must call us quickly.? Do not attempt to clean up the floodwater yourself, as you risk encountering toxins and microbes.

Will I have to throw everything away?
If blackwater has entered your home, you will, unfortunately, need to toss out some of your belongings. Porous materials such as carpets and drapes are usually too contaminated to rescue. You can rely on us for advice on what to keep and what to dispose of.
Our teams will remove and dispose of contaminated carpet, padding, and drywall. We can also replace the carpet and drywall.

What health and safety measures does SERVPRO take?
We put many health and safety measures in place to protect you and our teams, including:

• Providing personal protective equipment for our staff, including gloves, aprons, full bodysuits, and breathing apparatus
• Training our technicians in how to set up effective containment around damaged areas
• Using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended antimicrobial treatments during flood damage remediation

We use EPA-recommended treatments to sanitize the surfaces in your home. We might apply these by spraying, wiping, or using a wet fogging machine to distribute the compounds. We are careful not to leave traces of microbial solutions behind – we thoroughly wipe all surfaces before we go. We can also use air scrubbers to remove cleaning particles from the air.

Our technicians attend a 14-day hands-on training program at our corporate facility and have access to ongoing e-learning opportunities. We train our staff to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning Restoration and Certification (IICRC) standards. IICRC training means our team has a thorough understanding of how flood damage happens, the health risks, and the safest way to remediate flood damage.

What about water damage to the floor and walls?
Our technicians will assess the damage to your home structure and advise you on the steps we plan to take. In some cases, we need to remove and replace drywall and wallpaper and repaint surfaces. Sometimes if the damage is not too bad and there are no contaminants, we can focus on drying rather than replacing.

Each case is very individual, and we will draw up a damage reparation plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

Will SERVPRO dry my home?
Absolutely – untreated moisture can cause further structural damage and also provides a breeding ground for fungal growth.
We use a range of dehumidifiers and air movers to suck moisture from the air and dry out your home. We also dry any salvageable personal belongings or furniture. We use moisture meters, moisture probes, and thermo-hygrometers to monitor the drying process and ensure optimal results.

Will the unsanitary water leave a smell behind?
There is certainly the risk of unpleasant damp smells after flood damage. Thankfully, odor removal is an essential part of our water remediation process. Fogging is effective at removing odors, and we also use air scrubbers and odor-eating compounds.

Flood damage can be distressing, and you may be worried about sanitation issues. However, help is at hand. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for assistance.

Can One Des Moines Company Help with Both Fire Residue Cleanup and Rebuilding?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration of fire-damaged structures can get complicated, but SERVPRO streamlines projects with an integrated construction division.

SERVPRO's Construction Division Enhances Our Response to Fire Damage Restoration in Des Moines

When a fire races through your Des Moines property, the assistance you receive sometimes adds to the list of structures that need restoring. Although essential, the water used to knock back the flames can put building materials at risk if it collects in cavities. Decisions made first by firefighters and later by restoration professionals often use partial demolition techniques to get an advantage over the flames and then gain access to damaged areas.

Why Is There More "Destruction" During Restoration of Fire Damage?
Restoration of your Des Moines fire damage must involve more than cleaning away easily visible surface residues. Our crews are proficient in smoke and soot cleanup, but they cannot stop short and ignore the disintegration of building materials happening behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors. Water removal challenges restorers first, and the pathways it takes to migrate from the fire site require tracing. Once we locate hidden firefighting water, we often:

    •    Pry off woodwork to drill or cut drainage holes
    •    Punch weep holes from the edges to the center of a ceiling burdened with trapped water
    •    Saw "flood cuts" in drywall several inches above the water line between studs

This controlled demolition permits us to release the water and affords adequate airflow to reach wet materials when structural drying occurs.

Can Charred Materials Be Saved During Restoration?
Our mission is to attempt restoration first, so SERVPRO technicians use many strategies to clean and scrape charred material down to sound surfaces. We always arrange to test to ensure the structural components retain sufficient strength to function adequately, whether the components are load-bearing supports or visible surfaces. Because fire can destroy some structures' ability to do the job intended, we might need to remove and replace for safety or aesthetic reasons.

Do I Need to Hire a Rebuilding Contractor?
We hold a general contractor's license for the state of Washington. Moving among the mitigation, remediation, restoration, and reconstruction phases of fire damage projects can be completed seamlessly within our company.

Restoration of fire-damaged structures can get complicated, but SERVPRO of Federal Way streamlines projects with an integrated construction division. To explore your options after a fire loss, call us at (253) 838-8999.

How Can Carpeted Floors Get Reused After Water Restoration?

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our team can salvage any floor materials that can be reused to eliminate additional expensive repairs in your Federal Way home.

Repairs and material replacements are unavoidable after water damage, but our SERVPRO team can reuse carpeting in Federal Way homes. 

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are principles vital to the water restoration we provide Federal Way homes. What that means for you is that we attempt to restore over replace - which can even impact flooring materials like the carpets of the house. 

While there might be several needs for water damage repair in Federal Way homes after a water damage property loss, the methods used to preserve and protect carpeting from getting discarded can save money on the repairs necessary for the entire household. With flooding or traditional water damages, restoring and maintaining a carpet for reuse involves several practices: 

• Extraction – Removing any water trapped in the fibers of the carpeting is critical. Because total drying can take days at times, failing to remove water from carpets can lead to microbial growth. 
• Drying – Likewise, drying the carpet must happen before its temporary removal. Floating with centrifugal air movers positioned between the surface layer and padding can accomplish this evaporation.
• Cleaning – Cleaning the carpet can happen before removal when necessary to prevent microbial growth or other contamination concerns. 
• Padding Removal – There are many situations where the padding beneath carpeting is too saturated to protect and must be removed, discarded, and replaced later. 
• Subflooring Restoration – Without a carpet or padding layer, assessments of the subflooring can more easily occur. When necessary, floor drying mats can remove moisture to prepare the structural system for the pad and carpet replacement. 

What Precautions Must Get Taken to Protect Carpet Before Reinstallation? 

Keeping the carpet in a dry, controlled climate is vital to prevent secondary threats like mold growth from developing during the drying and mitigation stages of water restoration. 

Even when flooring needs replaced or repaired, our water restoration technicians and general contractors of SERVPRO of Federal Way can help. Call us today at (253) 838-8999.

Want to learn more about Federal Way.

Why Choose SERVPRO After Water, Fire, Mold and Storm Damage in Federal Way?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

We have the training, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your property after water, fire, mold or storm damage. Call us right away.

Our Certified Technicians have the tools and training to restore your water, fire, mold, or storm-damaged home or business.

The right response to destructive disasters like fire and water losses in your Federal Way home fall on the shoulders of capable, trained technicians like our SERVPRO team. With premier restoration services that encompass both the initial mitigation phases and the cleaning and reconstruction of your damaged property, we can offer real-time solutions that reduce your recovery costs and better protect the house and its contents. No matter what disaster that your home or business might face, we have the tools and technicians to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Mold 

Mold is one of the more destructive situations that homeowners can face because they might not initially appreciate how widespread or damaging that the situation is. Because mold can first colonize in spaces that are often dark and moist, these colonies start out in low traffic areas of your Federal Way residence. By the time the organism has gotten identified, colonies have often spread far beyond the point of origin.

Initially, addressing mold in your Federal Way home or business involves the direct steps necessary to remove active colonization. Depending on the severity of the situation, this could involve several different options. Remediation often involves removing the entire organism from a hosting material to preserve the structural element. Sanding and soda blasting can often be practical approaches to eliminate the entire hyphae of the organism without deteriorating the surface integrity.

Odors left behind after mold growth can be a challenging obstacle to overcome. Nearly all varieties of mold colonies emit harsh, musty odors. To neutralize these scents, we can utilize multiple deodorizing tools such as thermal foggers and ULV foggers. Both of these tools create a mist or vapor of deodorizing products that can neutralize musty odors in your Federal Way home on contact.

Water

With water losses being one of the most common callouts that our SERVPRO restoration professionals respond to, this is an area where we encourage the majority of our team to obtain certification and continued education. The better prepared that our team is for these water loss incidents, the less damaging and destructive they can be to your Federal Way home and your belongings.

While we have many advanced drying tools, we also have unique approaches like positive pressure systems designed to dry out moisture pockets in structural cavities without a need for controlled demolition. The more time and effort that we can reduce, the less water restoration costs a homeowner or property owner. These tools work by creating small, patchable holes in surface structural elements to allow for the insertion of hoses. These hoses supply blasts of heated air into the wall cavities of your Federal Way home to evaporate trapped water.

Rebuilding after water losses is another step that our SERVPRO team can offer Federal Way properties. Instead of forcing you to find a residential contractor to follow up on the mitigation work that our restoration professionals complete, we have reputable in-house contractors that can take over right away to begin repairs, build back, and even new construction as necessary.

Storm

Storms can be a damaging element to the area. With so much harsh weather rolling in from the Puget Sound, Federal Way homes and businesses can see the fierce side of nature as it tests the resolve of construction materials. Once damage does occur, it is crucial to get both contractors and restoration specialists mobilizing quickly to help. Our SERVPRO team offers emergency services encompassing both temporary construction solutions, extraction, and drying.

Extraction is a vital element to storm recovery when our professionals first arrive at your damaged Federal Way address, as flooding can get out of control quickly with structural breaches. While our contractors work to seal off openings in the house, we can utilize many different tools and devices to remove standing water from the floor surface, including:

• Electric submersible pumps
• Gas-powered submersible pumps
• Wet Vacuums
• Carpet Wands
• Weighted Extractors
• Truck-Mounted Pumps

Reducing secondary effects like microbial growth involves our professionals working quickly to establish drying zones with containment barriers and deploying useful drying tools. We have high-velocity air movers that can promote efficient evaporation for exposed materials and contents. Regulating moisture content and relative humidity levels can help to reduce the facilitation of mold colonies in your Federal Way residence.

Fire

Housefires can be an overwhelming experience. Your insurance company often demands the use of professional restorers, and there might be multiple reasons why our SERVPRO team should be a top consideration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, meaning that we can begin our recovery and mitigation efforts as soon as possible after the first responders have turned the property back over to you. The sooner that work begins on your Federal Way home, often making things less costly and destructive, the less the disaster can continue to be.

Content management is a considerable element of the recovery process in your Federal Way home after a fire because not addressing these belongings can ensure that many of them succumb to the destructive presence of soot and odors. We have multiple effective strategies to restore and recover your belongings, from the Esporta Washing System at our SERVPRO warehouse to on and off-site deodorization with thermal foggers and ozone machines. Restoring your belongings can help the loss incident to feel less traumatic and destructive, and can make it easier to move forward after a disaster.

Cleaning and deodorization are critical processes in fire recovery inside the house as well beyond the contents that you have left behind. Soot can exist after nearly any structure fire, and depending on the thickness and severity of this residue, it can be a damaging substance to wipe away. Soda blasting can help with both removing soot residues from the surface of materials and beginning vital deodorization efforts at the same time. One of the efficient strategies for getting restoration completed quicker for your Federal Way property.

As overwhelming and destructive as disasters can be for your home and business, give our SERVPRO of Federal Way team a call today to help. We are ready 24/7 at (253) 838-8999.

What Can SERVPRO Do For Me After Storms Flood My Des Moines Basement?

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7 because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Acts Fast To Remove Floodwaters And Mitigate Damages In Des Moines

Time is of the essence when it comes to Storm-related flooding in Des Moines homes. Dirty floodwaters can quickly cause extensive contamination and damage if not dealt with fast enough, so contact the SERVPRO professionals who have the experience and the tools for the job.

What Can I Do To Help Prevent More Water Damage?

Since storm waters usually consist of dirty category 3 black water, spongier materials (pillows, upholstery, curtains) become a health hazard after contamination. Mitigating flood damage in Des Moines begins with moving these types of materials out of the reach of the floodwater.

How Does SERVPRO Detect Hidden Damage In The Walls?

SERVPRO technicians have several options available to them when trying to locate hidden water damages. These include:

    •    A moisture meter to find the moisture content of walls. Penetrating moisture meters can also be used to test deep inside walls and floors
    •    A thermo-hygrometer to measure air conditions in a room, and to create drying and humidity goals.

If water damage is discovered, our teams can begin the ventilating process by drilling holes beneath the baseboards next to the wall. Using these holes, our technicians can use dehumidifiers and air movers to pump dry air into your wall cavities.

Can SERVPRO Prevent Mold From Growing After Flooding?

Yes, SERVPRO can help eliminate conditions favorable to mold growth in your house. Three primary conditions encourage mold to grow:

    •    A food source such as wood or paper.
    •    A temperature between 68 F and 86 F.
    •    Humidity above 65%.

Our technicians can prevent mold growth by reducing humidity in your home to below 60% with the use of dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO of Federal Way has the professional equipment and training you need to deal with flooding, so call us at (253) 838-8999. We are available 24/7 because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What Do I Need to Look for After a Home Fire?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Always Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy for Sudden Mishaps in Your Des Moines Home--Especially the Kitchen!

Licensed Restoration Professionals Repair Fire Damage in Des Moines Residences

Des Moines homeowners can suffer significant losses from home structure fires. Recovery costs can be anywhere from $800 to well over $12,000, with the typical costs averaging at approximately $4,000. The costs incurred by fires, on top of dealing with insurance and restoration efforts, can be a stressful process. However, there is a team ready to assist you every step of the way.

SERVPRO offers fire damage mitigation services for Des Moines residents after disaster strikes. No matter the extent of the losses incurred, this team of restoration professionals strives to return your home to a preloss condition. This SERVPRO team is also licensed to provide general contracting services (license #SERVPCS911LE) to expedite your rebuilding efforts after a home fire.

What Factors Affect How Much a Structure Fire Can Cost Homeowners?

• The type of home fire. Residential structure fires can be divided into two main categories:
  • Simple fires produce complete combustion of fuel and, as a result, low amounts of soot. Fuel can include common combustibles such as dry grass and paper.
  • Complex fires, meanwhile, burn a variety of materials such as plastics and rubber that can create copious amounts of soot and foul-smelling soils that are difficult to clean. Complex fires are the most common type of residential structure fire.
• The extent of the fire damage. Was the damage to the home extensive or contained? Structural fireproofing, fire detection devices, and easy access to fire extinguishers can all help contain a fire and reduce mitigation and restoration costs. Even water used to suppress a home fire can cause damages that become most costly to clean over time.
• Suppression and extinguishing methods used. Fire hoses are effective at suppressing home fires but can cause significant damage in the process. The moisture can reduce drywall to a soggy, crumbling mess, and contents typically require extensive drying and sanitation to inhibit microbial growth. Sprinklers can help suppress fires with much less water, thereby reducing damage as much as 90%.

Chemical extinguishers leave residues on surfaces after discharge that require extra effort to clean. Fire extinguishers that rely on carbon dioxide are available for Des Moines homeowners who wish to eliminate the risk of chemical exposure and hard-to-clean residues.

What Does a Home Fire Damage Inspection Entail?

Typically, a professional inspection can cover the following aspects of your Des Moines property:

• Examining the foundation. Structural materials like iron and steel can transfer incredibly high temperatures to portions of the home that can destabilize the property.
• Determining the extent of roof damage. Roof damage is another common concern after a home fire. The structure can be compromised through exposure to high temperatures, even if the shingles or flashing were not burned. Wood joists underneath the roofing may also have suffered water damage from fire suppression. Gutters and downspouts also require inspection, as fire damage and high heat can warp and melt the metal.
• Inspecting windows. Damage from heat can cause blistering in window frames and warp the glass itself. Double-paned windows can experience rippling between the panes.
• Assessing drywall, concrete, and other wall materials. A variety of wall materials may not tolerate heat well, let alone direct contact with flames. High temperatures can melt exterior siding. Stucco tends to spall and crack from the loss of moisture. Wood supports can do the same. Even more robust materials like concrete weaken when exposed to high temperatures.

SERVPRO professionals can inspect your home to determine the extent of fire damage and ensure that homeowners are kept well-informed about the state of their property.

How Does SERVPRO Control Odors After a Home Fire?

Odors are one of the most long-lasting aftereffects of a home fire situation. SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) have access to commercial-grade deodorization tools that include:

• Enzyme digesters targeted at eliminating protein residues from cooking fires.
• Scented granules made of Fuller’s Earth that are placed near HVAC intakes spread pleasant odors throughout the property.
• Odor-counteracting beads designed to release solvent-based counteractants that freshen up damaged structures.
• Pump and trigger sprays can dispense large amounts of deodorizing or sanitizing solutions quickly and effectively.
• Thermal foggers designed to dispense sanitizers and deodorizers as a dry “smoke” that penetrates surfaces to eliminate odors.
• SERVPRO’s roster of EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions includes over 100 proprietary cleaning products.
• HEPA filter air scrubbers can catch odor-causing particles as small as 0.3 microns in size to improve indoor air quality.

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides mitigation services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster when you call (253) 838-8999.

What Can Des Moines Homeowners Do To Prevent Flood Damage From A Storm?

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to preventing flood damage, there are several things you can do to help.

How Can Des Moines Residents Help Keep Their Properties Safe?

Des Moines residents cannot control the weather, but there is still a lot they can do to take care of their homes. By undertaking a few routine maintenance tasks, householders can stay more safe and secure.

A storm in Des Moines can cause flood damage to local homes. The after-effects of a storm can be as mild as a downed gutter, or as catastrophic as a flood of water into the home. SERVPRO understands that local homeowners are keen to avoid structural damage to their houses. Here are our top tips to help protect your house from flood damage.

What can I do to prevent flood damage?

You can help protect your home by carrying out these routine maintenance tasks:

    •    Clear out your gutters – clean gutters are the first line of defense against storm damage
    •    Check your roof shingles and sidings – see to any repairs immediately
    •    Keep your trees trimmed – a loose or overhanging branch can do a lot of harm to a house
    •    Make sure your windows and doors are correctly sealed – even a small gap is enough to spell trouble
    •    Give water a place to go – the slope of your yard should be enough to let water drain down and away from your property

How can SERVPRO help in the event of a disaster?

Keeping on top of maintenance tasks can help prevent damage to your house, but sometimes even with the best of intentions, flood damage can still occur. If your home is damaged by water, we recommend you call SERVPRO at once.

We train our teams to handle flood damage quickly and efficiently. We take care of every aspect of flood damage from start to finish:

    •    We carry out a full assessment of your property
    •    We use professional equipment to pump out and vacuum up as much water as possible
    •    We use air movers and dryers to dry out all the hidden corners where water might lurk
    •    We spot clean water-damaged items
    •    We deodorize your house, so there is no lingering damp smell

When it comes to preventing flood damage, there are several things you can do to help. When it comes to dealing with flood damage, you need to call in the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

How Can Anyone in Des Moines Adequately Complete Fire Damage Cleanup with a House Full of Furniture and Other Items?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be a result of a quick fire and leave lingering problems in your home. Call SERVPRO to remediate the damage.

Strategies SERVPRO Uses to Secure Belongings to Streamline Fire Restoration in Des Moines Residences Often Include Partial or Full Pack-Out

The aftermath of a home fire is chaotic for Des Moines residents, frequently engendering a feeling of powerlessness. Some would say the last thing you want to do at that juncture is to give up control of your furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions. On the contrary, using our comprehensive pack-out system can efficiently manage your property, guarding it against additional harm and using our broad range of resources to restore it to full function and appearance after ensuring every item is clean, deodorized and disinfected.

How Does a Pack-Out Impact Fire Restoration Within My Home?

Fire restoration in your Des Moines home comprises an intense and rapid set of phases, tasks, and steps. When technicians must continually move furniture and boxes, they worry about spreading residues, including dealing with the moisture and soot the damaged contents contribute to the overall load of water and soils. Unsurprisingly, a pack-out is considered advantageous by on-site professionals. With the items out of the space, Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) and  Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can:

• Remove firefighting water and extinguisher chemicals
• Contain and dispose of charred debris
• Cope with vast expanses of wet and soiled carpeting and padding
• Dry out the space 
• Clean surfaces with products, tools, and methods matched to the type of soot and durability of the affected structural components and fixtures

What Happens to the Packed-Out Items?

SERVPRO uses the Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to track the location and condition of items removed to our production facility or a safe, smoke and water-free space on your property. A digital file of lists, barcoding, photos, and updates ensures we can document the assessment and restoration of the items for your information and insurance purposes.

Trust SERVPRO of Federal Way to analyze your fire restoration needs before recommending a plan to achieve the best outcome for both damaged structure and contents. Call (253) 838-8999 so we can assess and plan to make your fire disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more information about Des Moines.

Where Can I Find Water Damage Remediation Services in Federal Way?

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

When your home requires water damage restoration, don't wait to get help.

SERVPRO of Federal Way Can Provide Your Home With Water Damage Mitigation Services!

Sometimes homeowners may come across water damage they did not expect to find in their Federal Way homes while working on a DIY project. Imagine that you have decided to renovate your bathroom with the guidance of some online tutorials. However, after you removed the old tile flooring, you discovered a musty smell and damp baseboards.

After some investigation, you realize the culprit of the water damage in your Federal Way bathroom is a leaking pipe behind your bathtub. Finding the damage may interrupt your DIY and put you off schedule. However, it's far better to remediate the issue now instead of later in your newly renovated bathroom. Fortunately for you, here at SERVPRO, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. We can help you minimize the time you're off schedule.

What Is the Remediation Process Like? How Long Can It Take?

Water damage remediation can take days, or it can take weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. When SERVPRO arrives at your home, we can:
    •    Do an initial investigation and craft a remediation plan
    •    Remove any damaged baseboard that is beyond restoration
    •    Use advanced technology to remove excess moisture

Here at SERVPRO, we try our best to remediate your home as quickly as possible. Day or night, we work when you need us.

What Advanced Technological Devices Can You Use in My Home?

Our technicians are familiar with many devices designed to remediate water damage. In your home, we can use:
    •    Infrared cameras to search for any hidden pockets of water
    •    Floor drying mats to reduce moisture in the baseboards of your bathroom
    •    Dehumidifiers, heaters, and air movers to expose your bathroom to warm and dry air

Our goal is to get as much dry air as possible into your bathroom, to create an ideal environment for evaporation.

When your home requires water damage restoration, don't wait to get help. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way by calling (253) 838-8999. Our techs are always available to help.

What Should I do When my Toilet Leaks?

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your property. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Technicians Perform Vital Water Mitigation Services for Federal Way Residents.

Are bathroom leaks dangerous?

Leaks in your home could lead to further issues if you do not contact a qualified Federal Way restorer. However, the source of the leak could be from a wastewater pipe leading to sewer contamination or a malfunction in the clean water supply pipes. These two types of leak can have a massive impact on the scope and breadth of your restoration requirements. SERVPRO technicians can isolate the cause of the leak before deciding on the appropriate plan of action. When there is contamination in the leaking, water restoration becomes more complex, requiring commercial inspection of surrounding materials as well as personal protective equipment (PPE).  Our technicians have the expertise and equipment to restore both types of bathroom leaks to a preloss condition. 

How Can I Reduce Damages from a Bathroom Leak?

Controlling losses relies on the water mitigation techniques we perform in your Federal Way property. Our first method is to find the source of the leak. Without doing so, any restoration effort is canceled out by the continuous flow of water. Repairing the source of the leak is the first step toward mitigating losses, which can take anywhere from two to five days, depending on the severity of the issue. The next step is to assess the area for signs of water migration. Wetrooms tend to have robust safeguards against water migration using mortar, tiling, and sealants to prevent everyday spills from having permanent consequences for your home. However, over time these safeguards can wear away, or the source of the leak could be behind walls in the plumbing system. To reduce long-term damage, we may need to remove material barriers.

What are the core factors causing water damage?

- The permeance of materials affected with porous materials typically at higher risk of water absorption

- The length of time that materials have exposure to moisture is critical to the amount of harm they sustain

- Movement of waters through the structural assembly of your home known as water migration

Why is my ceiling dripping with water?

Bathrooms located on the upper levels of your home may be allowing moisture to migrate below the subfloor and into the ceiling below. The typical consequence of this type of water migration is dripping, mold, or wetness on the roof. When SERVPRO technicians recognize this phenomenon, it typically means that the source of damage cannot be isolated and requires further investigation and restoration. A wet ceiling is likely to be a symptom of subfloor saturation, which can lead to mold growth within your subfloor. Our technicians may need to remove mortar or tiles to gain access to the subfloor for a visual inspection. If there is a confirmation of mold, we can remediate it using a combination of drying equipment, dehumidification, and biocide cleaners. Once the removal of mold is complete, drying the cavity from interior water damage can mitigate against recurring issues. 

Why is water leaking from the bottom of my toilet?

The most common cause of water leaks from the bottom of a toilet is the wearing away of a toilet wax ring. This process occurs naturally over time and removes the sealant between the fitting of the toilet base and the floor. Sometimes, wax rings can wear away without causing base leaking, which usually means that water is migrating into the subfloor. Our technicians can replace the wax ring of your toilet and dry out the cavity underneath to prevent moisture from permeating your subfloor. This is an essential mitigative process that can help you to avoid the cost implications of long-term water damage. Since the length of exposure is a critical factor in mitigating losses, it is essential that you reach out for professional assistance whenever you suspect a leak. 

What issues other than wax ring failure cause a toilet to leak?

- Condensation from the tank of the bathroom which can drip onto the floor below

- Loose joints that leak when the water supply connects with tank

- Faulty installation of the toilet that may require reinstallation

What can I do to restore the ceiling following a water leak?

When water migrates to a lower ceiling, it can cause the ceiling to bulge, which indicates that there is a large amount of water seeping into the floor cavity. Bubbles, discoloration or mold can also be signs of a long-term water issue. In extreme circumstances, a leak can cause ceiling collapse over-time. SERVPRO can dry the subfloor using air moving equipment and dehumidifiers before returning to the lower levels and repainting ceilings utilizing a water-resistant base-primer. 

If you are experiencing a bathroom leak, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999.

Why Should I Use a Professional Restoration Company?

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your property. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Assists Federal Way Residents When Disaster Hits 

Time is of the essence when it comes to home restoration in Federal Way, mainly when there is moisture in unwanted places. Our professional restoration specialists come to scope the damage quickly and create a plan to begin work as soon as possible. SERVPRO has industry knowledge and expertise, allowing for thorough restoration with the use of professional equipment and products.

What Can SERVPRO do to Mitigate Damage that I Cannot Do on My Own?

Our technicians have access to equipment such as truck-mounted and portable extractors when dealing with water damage in your Federal Way home. If you have a substantial leak in your house, a shop-vac just does not cut it when you need larger holding tanks and powerful vacuuming capabilities. Our professionals can also finish the restoration process far quicker than most homeowners trying DIY for the first time. 

If I am not Sure How Much Moisture is in My Home, What Equipment do Technicians use?

• Moisture sensors detect moisture in flooring, reaching under carpet and pads to the sub-flooring. 
• Thermal imaging cameras use heat changes within the walls to detect the presence of moisture. 
• Thermo-Hygrometers measure moisture in the air and is vital in determining the RH (relative humidity goal) for the structure to create appropriate drying goals.

Could I Just Use Box Fans to Dry Out the Moisture?

While technically you may be able to use fans in your home, our high-velocity air movers dry much faster because they are stronger and can direct airflow directly where needed at the floor level. They are also designed in a way that allows the fans to be connected and placed throughout your home. 

For prompt restoration service, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Federal Way.

My Apartment Complex in Des Moines Is Flooded -- What Should I Do Next?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can wreak havoc in your home. Make sure to contact SERVPRO immediately after an event.

Contact Your Local SERVPRO Immediately -- Our Crews Are Ready to Help Flood-Damaged Des Moines Businesses 24/7

Very few events affect your Des Moines tenants as profoundly as flooding. Just last fall, our community struggled with mudslides and flooding after heavy rains brought entire hillsides down, mixed with several inches of water because of the sustained periods of precipitation. If that mix slams into the apartments or condos you own or manage it is disastrous not only for the structure of multi-family residential buildings, but also for the furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions of your renters.

How Can I Prepare for a Flooding Catastrophe?

It is always a good idea when you run a business to line up contractors who can help with emergencies like flood damage to your Des Moines residential complex. If you reached out to a particular restoration contractor for a personal loss and were happy with the service, check to see if that company also helps with commercial jobs. Talk to others in trade associations to get recommendations and think about checking with the insurance company providing coverage for the business property. Insurers often have a “shortlist” of restoration companies that are reliable and prompt during trying circumstances. If you choose us, we urge the development of an Emergency READY Profile Plan (ERP) with us long before any disaster occurs.

How Do We Stand Out from the Rest of the Restoration Companies that Handle Commercial Jobs?

SERVPRO has earned a reputation in our area for premier mitigation and remediation services and features an impressive inventory of heavy-duty water removal and drying equipment in Des Moines. We work hard for our commercial customers, understanding that helping business managers and owners has a positive effect on the entire community, especially when the damage scenario is complicated and impacts many. As a matter of course, we work with your insurer, which might become complicated when a number of your tenants are coping with direct flood damage or issues following the migration of flood waters from other units. We can scale our response to your needs and the requirements of dislocated and distressed renters.

What Will Flood Restoration in an Apartment Complex Look Like?

Of course, every apartment building presents with a different set of circumstances after a flooding event. Many of the basic tasks are the same from job to job, however, and what we would expect during a flooding recovery most likely includes the following:

Safety Walk Through

• Does the electricity need to be shut off until adequate mitigation completes to avoid shock? 
• Are any other utility lines damaged, for example, is there the smell of gas?
• What types of debris or chemicals are in the flood waters?
• Will workers need to shovel out mud and silt?
• Is there sewage in the fluids and debris?
• Does waste need containment and lawful disposal?
• Are any supporting structural components damaged, including ceilings or walls that could collapse?
• Do workers need to shore up walls, board up windows, tarp roofs?

 Emergency Services

Once safety issues are controlled, and the damaged space is mucked out, our technicians position submersible pumps. Truck-mounted extractors then suction up the bulk of the water.

Testing

Because migration of the fluids from unit to unit is guaranteed, our trained technicians use the following to follow the water:

• Moisture detectors to locate the water
• Thermal imaging to locate the water and absorbed moisture in structures
• Moisture meters to measure moisture levels in structures to inform drying goals

Controlled Demolition

Flood cuts and drilled or sawed holes facilitate the release of water trapped in building cavities. We use portable extractors to contain this fluid. The openings made also permit the free flow of warm, dry air during the drying phase.

Cleaning and Disinfection

EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants remove soiling and inhibit molds and infectious pathogens on surfaces.

Structural Drying

Our technicians calculate the number of air movers and heaters needed to evaporate absorbed water out of building materials. We also determine the number and type of dehumidifiers required. When we position the equipment, we choose the most efficacious angle for the air movement and dehumidifying. Throughout this phase, we monitor moisture levels and chart the data until we reach the goals earlier calculated.

Can SERVPRO Help Build Back the Apartment Complex after the Remediation Finishes?

Handling all the tasks needed for the flooding mitigation and remediation through one company certainly reduces the disruption and the stress of those significant undertakings. We also understand that the original flood damage to structures plus any building demolition completed to release water or provide access for drying equipment needs attention.  We hold a license as a General Contractor for the state of Washington and are fully prepared to repair, replace, and rebuild any adapted or damaged structures.

How can SERVPRO of Federal Way meet your needs when a commercial property you manage or own has flood damage? Call us at (253) 838-8999 to learn how we can handle the entire project from assessment to the final touches after reconstruction.

Contractor Licenses:

General: SERVPCS911LE

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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way today at (253) 838-8999 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.

Common Issues From Inadequate Water Removal in Federal Way Homes

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage affects your home, count on SERVPRO

Avoid Issues Removing Water from your Home with Help from SERVPRO

Water damage of any size in your Federal Way home has the potential to create additional issues. Complete extraction and drying of moisture are vital to avoid problems such as foul odors, weakened building materials, or mold infestations. 

Everyday events requiring water removal in Federal Way homes are toilet backups, plumbing issues, appliance failures, and the one thing they all have in common: they are unexpected. 

First Steps After a Water Loss

Put down towels and blot up as much water as possible. If there is the possibility of sewage in the water, avoid contact, and close off the area to prevent cross-contamination until help arrives. SERVPRO technicians are local and arrive quickly after your initial call. 

Avoiding Bad Odors

The permeating musty water odor usually indicates that moisture remains within the home. Wall cavities and floor joists are common areas that require professional methods for extraction and drying. Once the premises are dry, odor control applications with specialized equipment such as ultra-low-volume foggers or hydroxyl generators may be necessary. 

Why Professional Extraction Equipment is a Must

One of the most crucial aspects of water cleanup is thorough removal of the moisture in the home. Consumer-grade wet/dry vacuums do not have the power that SERVPRO's portable pumps and specialized equipment for water removal from upholstery and carpet possess, and it makes a difference in the outcome of the loss event.

Tracking the Water Inhibits Further Issues

When there is a water spill in the home, tracing the migration path is crucial. It is difficult to clean up unseen water. SERVPRO technicians use their detection equipment to locate all areas of elevated moisture and perform both extraction and drying. 

Buckling Sheetrock is a Cry for Help 

Sheetrock wicks moisture rapidly, and if you notice your wall is suddenly warped-looking in the vicinity of a previous water loss. There is a good possibility that there is still a leak or other issue holding moisture in the area. The technicians use their equipment to ascertain if the baseboards and sheetrock need removal for drying. 

Professional water removal ensures secondary damages are not an issue. Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999, their certified technicians arrive quickly and make the water loss "Like it never even happened."

Will I Need to Replace My Appliances After a Kitchen Fire in my Federal Way home?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

We send out a team to you in as little as four hours.

SERVPRO Uses the Best Fire Damage Restoration Techniques to Salvage Appliances in Your Federal Way Home

Fire loss instantly changes your life and home in many ways. You must act quickly to help minimize the loss, and our trained technicians at SERVPRO are here to help. The faster the charred debris and smoke residue get cleaned up, the more chance you have of salvaging many of the items in your home, including your kitchen appliances and other belongings.

What if the Appliances are Covered in Sticky Soot?
When you call us to help with fire damage in your Federal Way kitchen, we send out a team to carefully inspect all of the contents of your home. This includes your personal belongings, surface areas, and appliances. While the items may seem as though they are a total loss, we have specialized techniques and cleaning agents that help us to restore items, even those that become enrobed in stubborn soot and smoke residue.

When called to the scene after a kitchen fire and the home has been deemed safe for entry, we:

    •    Perform a full assessment and inspection
    •    Work to remove any charred debris and items that are unsalvageable
    •    Implement a plan for drying any surface areas hit by water used to extinguish the fire
    •    Put together steps for surface cleaning, including pre-testing of surfaces to ensure no further damage is done

How Do You Restore My Appliances?
Our skilled technicians use professional techniques and EPA-registered cleaning agents to clean and sanitize your refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and other appliances in your home impacted by soot and smoke residue. Careful cleaning methods allow us to release sticky residue so that it can be wiped away without harming the surface. If yellowing or discoloration developed as a result of the fire, we use special paste cleaners to get the job done efficiently.

Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way by calling (253) 838-8999 if you need assistance with fire damage restoration. We send out a team to you in as little as four hours.

For more about Federal Way click here.

What Can I Do to Prepare for Water Damage?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Help in the palm of your hand.

Commercial Water Removal Federal Way – Frequent Moisture Issues

Some properties never experience a water problem of any kind. While other commercial properties appear to have frequent problems with plumbing leaks, sump pump failures, window leaks, and more. These properties must continuously deal with operations interruptions while the water is removed. There is also the corresponding revenue and profit impact when a business must shut down or curtail operations.

SERVPRO provides water removal services in Federal Way and surrounding areas. We have the expertise to manage water leaks and focus on water cleanup as quickly as possible. We understand how important it is to resume operations. That's why our teams are available on a 24/7 basis, and we arrive at your site within four hours to address your company's water removal issues. We also offer our Emergency READY Program (ERP) to help our clients minimize their downtime from various disasters.

Manage Frequent Water and Moisture Impacts on your Business

We developed the Emergency READY Program to help our customers lower the risk of experiencing water-related issues and also reduce the time required to recover from a water-related event. The program is free and involves the creation of a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for each building in the program.

Gathering critical information in advance can reduce reaction time for your employees as well as SERVPRO teams arriving on-site to deal with a water removal challenge. Your employees know whom to call if there is an emergency. We include emergency numbers for senior decision-makers, location of water shutoff valves, keys to doors needed to access closed rooms, and much more. We tailor each SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile to your company and needs.

SERVPRO has found that minutes and hours are saved in reacting to an emergency, which can reduce downtime in your business significantly. Reduced water damage, reduced repair or reconstruction costs, and reduced time off the job benefit the bottom line and improve service to your customers.

Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Federal Way, Des Moines, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Your Best Guide to Flood Damage Remediation in Federal Way

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Quick action when your laundry room floods bring about the best results. Contact SERVPRO for water removal.

Learn How to Resolve Flood Damage in Your Federal Way Home

Among all the disasters that homes endure, water-related issues are the most common. Natural disasters like floods can cause water damage in your home, and you need to take action to handle it before it becomes worse. Excess moisture from unwanted water is not something to take lightly. Water is a formless element, and for that reason, any porous surface or material can absorb it.

After a flood damages your Federal Way home, removing the water, debris, silt, and moisture quickly is a priority. You can use a shop vac to remove the water. Once you deal with the standing water, you may have missed a few areas that require thorough drying. Ignoring the damp and dark surfaces is not an option because they can become ideal places to harbor mold, which can cause health effects.

Another problem is that flood water usually contains high amounts of harmful bacteria. Such water can cause health effects and destroy valuable possessions. Cleaning up a property that has black water is hazardous, and it is, therefore, advisable to hire trained professionals to clean up your home. Our SERVPRO technicians can clean, sanitize, and deodorize your property hygienically. When dealing with flood damage, we perform the following tasks to ensure that a home is dry and safe:

Loss assessment

We analyze damage to structure and contents of a home and separate them into salvageable and non-salvageable categories.

Water extraction 

We have a complete arsenal of water extraction equipment like portable pumps, which can remove the standing water quickly to expedite drying. Portable extractors are flexible because we can take them into most areas of your home.

Applying the principles of applied structural drying (ASD) 

We establish a drying plan based on the available drying equipment and nature of the environment. We create a drying zone as part of this plan. A drying zone is an area where our technicians control airflow, humidity, and temperature to enhance evaporation. Our SERVPRO technicians determine the type and number of drying equipment to place initially. We then place drying machines like air movers and dehumidifiers within each drying zone.

Monitoring the drying process

We use equipment like penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters, moisture sensors, and infrared cameras to determine if the structure and contents are drying as expected.

Inspecting the property after the restoration process 

We inspect a property to see if it is necessary to perform additional repairs. We have a full-service reconstruction crew that can perform the essential repairs. Our team can help you save money and time by handling the entire restoration work. With our help, you can solve the flooding problem in your residential property with ease and speed.

If you are seeking for flood damage cleanup services in Federal Way, Des Moines, or Woodmont Beach, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. Our mission is to restore a home to make the damage look “Like it never even happened.”

For more information of Federal Way, click here.

What Makes Professional Water Cleanup Cost-Effective?

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Water removal for any one person is a tough task, contact SERVPRO to mitigate the damages from water damage.

Our Team Can Help Federal Way Homeowners to Save Time and Money with Thorough and Efficient Restoration Practices.

More and more, homeowners are seeking the options that presumably save money and can get their properties looking better faster after a disaster. While it might look initially like DIY restoration can be more cost-effective and quicker, this is rarely the case.

Is DIY Water Removal Faster? 

When it comes to water cleanup for Federal Way homes, many steps often do not get the attention that they need or the thorough drying that our SERVPRO team can produce. It might appear like starting right away can be a benefit to your property. However, our professionals can arrive typically within hours of your call to start recovery on a much larger scale. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster because of:

• Pre-Stocked Trailers
• Efficient Equipment
• 24/7 Availability
• Extensive Roster of Certified Technicians

How Can Professional Water Restoration Save Me Money? 

Saving money is often one of the driving forces that encourage homeowners to attempt DIY restoration. In truth, there are several clear reasons that professional technicians like our SERVPRO restorers can be more cost-effective choices:

• Thorough Drying – Instead of hoping that you dried up all of the damaged areas, our professionals utilize discovery devices to track water migration and moisture pockets to ensure that drying efforts are thorough and absolute. 
• Comprehensive Restoration and Recovery – Because we have in-house residential contractors as well, you do not have to secure secondary contractors on your own when build back or reconstruction is necessary. 
• Content Management – Protecting your belongings is something that many property owners do not have the resources or ability to do on their own while also managing the water loss incident. We can protect what matters most to you.

As tempting as it might be to attempt restoration on your own, you might leave yourself vulnerable to damaging secondary effects. Contact our SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 to help.

For more information about Federal Way, click here.

We Can Fix Minor Issues In Your Federal Way Home After A Fire

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our fire damage experts are ready to handle any size disaster!

Fixing Minor Issues That Persist After Fire Damage In Your Federal Way Home 

Whether your home is affected by a small or significant fire, the effects can be far-reaching. Severe fires ravage the structural supports requiring a substantial reconstruction process. Smaller fires may have limited effects, but they might still be hard to address. Involving a professional restoration team in the restoration process can help.

Air quality issues

A fire has a lot to do with air than you might realize. Persistent air quality issues after fire damage in your Federal Way home are, therefore, one of the likely outcomes.  The combustion process is a breakdown of sorts where solids turn into gas giving off heat.  The process releases fine debris such as soot and aerosols, which adhere to surfaces such as walls and even the ducts of the HVAC system. Failure to remove this debris can lead to persistent air quality issues. Our SERVPRO technicians can clean or replace reusable filters then use specialized duct cleaning equipment to clean residues left in the system.

An odor that doesn’t go away

Smoke odors are expected after a fire with all the soot and scorched materials left. However, odors can persist even after cleaning the affected areas.  Such persistence is because the odor particles penetrate deep into materials where regular cleaning cannot remove them.  Our SERVPRO technicians help address this by deodorizing your home.  We run hydroxyl generators as we perform other cleaning procedures.  We also use specialized techniques such as ULV fogging, which atomizes deodorizing agent particles allowing them to reach odor particles embedded deep into materials, neutralizing them.

Upholstery problems

Some items such as upholstery are also difficult to clean after a fire. Although they might not be damaged significantly, they might not look as bright as they were before the fire. Our SERVPRO technicians can use saturation techniques without damaging the items.  We have specialized Upholstery Cleaning Machines which applies water-based solutions, agitates the material, and rinses. It is perfect for removing emulsified and dissolved soils.

If you are worried whether you can get wholesome solutions after fire damage, call SERVPRO of Federal Way to assist. You can reach us any time at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Learn more about Federal Way.

Water Has Ruined My Office: Now What?

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage threatens your office, call SERVPRO

Call the Specialists At SERVPRO to Handle the Water Damage in Your Federal Way Office

A leaky roof can cause rainwater to drip from the ceiling and ruin the building materials or items in your office. A pipe can also burst, and water can pool on the floor. It may not be as severe as you think. Still, you need to take action immediately to prevent further damage to the building materials and furniture. 

What can Water Damage Restorers Do?

Water damage in a Federal Way office can cause severe destruction. In the event of water damage, the items in your office are vulnerable to damage. Moisture can penetrate the wood components of the furniture, causing them to warp, swell or split. Moisture that remains on metal components can cause rusting or a reduction of strength. The steps our SERVPRO team can take include:

• Inspecting the furniture to determine if it is salvageable
• Identifying any safety risks present
• Wiping the water and moisture from the items

What Can Restorers Do to Remove the Water and Moisture?

If water has pooled in your office, our team can use portable pumps to extract it. We can also check the ceiling to see if there is water on it, which can lead to its collapse. Our SERVPRO teams can also inspect the subfloors to ensure they have not deteriorated to the point of being unsafe. We can then dry out the affected areas using air movers and dehumidifiers. 

When you need water removal services in Federal Way, Des Moines, or Woodmont Beach, call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

See more about Federal Way here. 

Should the Floors Get Cleaned in My Federal Way Home After Water Losses?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to restore your water damaged carpets and floors.

Our SERVPRO Team Can Offer Efficient Drying and Restoration Cleaning of Your Damaged Residence 

Cleaning after a water loss incident is not often something that many homeowners consider a pressing priority. While drying and extraction are at the top of this list, few think about the residues and soiling of materials that could occur during the saturation of your flooring materials. 

Water cleanup for Federal Way homes can encompass many processes. While traditionally, this gets thought of in the content management and pre or post-construction cleaning processes, it could also be a much more real need. Carpets and wood flooring materials can show signs of soiling or damage after a water loss gets dried. 

What Can SERVPRO Do to Clean Damaged Carpets?  

•   Water Removal   

One of the first steps in restoring the carpet in your home during mitigation is removing trapped water from the fibers. Carpet wands work to do many vital tasks in the recovery of the floor, but these attachments start by removing trapped water. 

• Hot Water Extraction

Carpet wands also blast pressurized hot water to the base of the carpet and extract it. This fast and deliberate process dislodges soils and other sediments from the base of carpet fibers to improve the feel of your floor. 

• Pretreatments

Protecting the vibrancy and color of your carpeted floors is another concern after a water loss situation, so we work to protect the vibrant colors of the floors with protective cleaning products. 

Can Hardwood Floors Get Cleaned Right After Water Damage?  

Hardwood floors are another area that can become substantially damaged by residues and soiling after a water loss incident. Cleaning these surfaces involves an inspection once the flooring gets dried entirely. Often thymol and citrus oils can revitalize the look of damaged wood surfaces to avoid removing these materials and replacing them. 

Our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help with post-disaster cleaning. Contact us today at (253) 838-8999. 

More about Federal Way.

Flooding in Federal Way Basement

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

We have a clear and confident approach to removing standing water and drying up the damage.

Hydrostatic Pressure Causes Flooding in Federal Way Basements

Moisture absorbed into the ground after prolonged rainfall common to Washington state can affect your Federal Way property. One of the most damaging forces to subterranean blockwork used as the walls of your basement floor is hydrostatic pressure. This exertion on the concrete masonry units (CMU) increases with the depth of the soil around the structure. It can worsen still with overly saturated earth after more extended periods of soaking rainfall.

There is a porous nature to CMUs which can succumb to a steady onslaught of hydrostatic pressure, and this can allow for flood damage in Federal Way homes. Because many homes around the area were built before French drains were an everyday staple of construction, water diversion from the foundation of your home is not something every property has. French drains can alleviate the immediate effects of hydrostatic pressure by giving moisture and water an outlet to move away from the masonry.

Once the water has gotten through the blocks or the weakened mortar joints between them, floodwater can pool along the concrete flooring. When you notice there is an issue with flood damage developing, it is vital to reach out to our SERVPRO professionals as soon as possible. We have an emergency response team available 24/7 to arrive and begin critical mitigation tasks like water removal.

With standing water addressed with various extraction tools like electric submersible pumps and truck-mount extractors, our SERVPRO team can work on cleaning and drying the damaged areas to prevent the development of hazardous mold growth. In many cases, reducing moisture penetration is a critical step. Our team of licensed general contractors can also help when wall repairs or reconstruction are necessary.

Flood damage that results from hydrostatic pressure might not always command your attention until the situation gets out of control. We have a clear and confident approach to removing standing water and drying up the damage, including a team of in-house contractors to repair compromised block walls after pressure cracks form. You can reach our SERVPRO of Federal Way team at (253) 838-8999.

For more about Federal Way click here.

Water Cleanup in Federal Way

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help with efficient drying and cleaning approaches.

What Is the Fastest Solution for Water Cleanup in My Federal Way Church?

Our SERVPRO professionals have efficient extraction and drying solutions to help you get back to normal operations quickly.

Pooling water in any Federal Way structure can become a damaging situation, from the potential construction material deterioration to the facilitation of mold growth. Addressing these concerns for your church offers another sense of urgency in that you want the building to be available for scheduled services and meetings. Choosing professional restoration like our SERVPRO team can often be a cost-effective and faster approach than managing the situation on your own.

Do I Need Professional Restoration for Water Damage?

    •    Experienced Professionals
    •    Fast Response
    •    Can Save Money

Water cleanup for Federal Way churches like yours is often more involved than many property managers might believe. As the spiritual leader, you have to determine what situations can get managed in-house, and when restoration professionals are necessary. Wherever advanced drying might be a requirement or water has potentially migrated to areas that are inaccessible to conventional drying approaches, it might be time to consider the experienced professionals of our SERVPRO team to help.

One of the unique advantages of choosing our professionals over other restoration companies is that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. While this slogan might catch attention, it is built on a commitment to reaching damaged sites faster than other companies in the area. Our prompt response begins with our preparedness for water loss emergencies by keeping trailers and production vehicles stocked with axial and centrifugal air movers, dehumidifiers, electric submersible pumps, wet vacuums, and carpet cleaning equipment.

Weighing your options often involves which solution is the most cost-effective and efficient. Considering your timeline to get the facility back to running at its full capacity and the thorough drying necessary to prevent secondary effects like mold growth, the least costly option often becomes our SERVPRO professionals.

How Do I Dry Up Water Quickly?

    •    Extraction
    •    Drying Tools
    •    Specialty Drying Approaches

Restoring the damage to your Federal Way church involves multiple processes happening in quick succession. From the time that we first arrive at your building, we must begin employing our mitigation measures to reduce the migration of water damage and protect more of the structural elements and contents of the affected areas. Extraction is often the most immediately pressing of these needs, as standing water can penetrate porous materials and begin deteriorating them. We have multiple practical water removal tools, including submersible pumps, vacuums, and wands.

Surface water concerns are often only the beginning of the recovery efforts our SERVPRO team must take. Drying is a vital element to water restoration, and it can also encompass many machines and practices. While air movers are the backbone of this phase, evaporation can also occur with the use of drying mats, positive pressure systems, and portable electric heaters.

As useful as the deployment of axial and centrifugal air movers might be, they cannot exclusively efficiently dry out your damaged church. Hardwood and tile flooring are conventional in areas other than the sanctuary, which can be ideal uses of specialty drying equipment like our drying mats. Likewise, carpet wands can be beneficial in removing the majority of trapped water in carpets and padding underneath it in your sanctuary before practices like carpet floating complete the restoration of these materials.

What Do Professional Restorers Do with Furniture During Drying?

    •    Cleaning Installed Components
    •    Relocating Furniture
    •    Pack-Out Process

Many of the structural fixtures in areas like your sanctuary in the church are built into the room. Booths for running sound and video to the raised platform for the worship leaders and sermons cannot get removed and relocated to protect them from migrating water effects. Instead, our SERVPRO professionals must work on drying out these affected materials and clean them on-site where they have gotten installed.

There are some mounted pieces of furniture like the pews that are attached to the subflooring with screws and bolts, but that can get removed when it is necessary to do so. Cleaning these individual pews might require a dedicated workspace where our technicians can easily move upholstery cleaning equipment from one bench to the next.

Loose contents in the sanctuary or other affected areas of your Federal Way church might need more direct attention and restoration. As we intend to restore before replacing, the content management team at our warehouse can offer cleaning and drying approaches that can restore individual items on a case-by-case basis. We can safely store these items until restoration completes in the church.

Do Carpets Need to be Cleaned After a Water Loss?

    •    Damage Assessment
    •    Drying
    •    Deep Cleaning

Depending on the severity of the water loss, present contaminants or debris, and several other factors, it might be beneficial to consider carpet cleaning after a water loss incident. Because the carpet in the sanctuary area is often among the most costly of the flooring investments that you make in the building, protecting its vibrancy, feel, and functionality is an essential aspect of restoring your Federal Way church.

Before any cleaning or other recovery efforts can be relevant or helpful, the full drying of these materials must complete. Carpet can be one of the more challenging materials to dry because it has multiple layers that can each absorb and retain moisture. Fibers of the carpet have magnetism for collecting surface water, and it can quickly spread to the padding and OSB or plywood subflooring beneath the pad. Between carpet wands, floating with air movers, and potentially replacing the padding, we can manage the drying needs of this flooring before cleaning.

Deep cleaning approaches can vary for your carpet, depending on its pile height and types of fibers. From pretreatment conditioning for colorfastness to hot water extraction for heavy soils and staining, we can offer premier cleaning that improves the look and feel of this flooring.

After a water loss incident, you want your church to get back to normal as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Federal Way team can help with efficient drying and cleaning approaches. Give us a call anytime at (253) 838-8999.

For more about Federal Way click here.

Why We Are The Leader In Federal Way After A Fire

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning after a fire takes a lot of clean towels and rags and we come prepared. We are available 24/7 to restore your home so call us right away.

Handling Any Aspect of Fire Damage Loss in Federal Way

Restoration of fire damage involves several steps, and some can be challenging to accomplish. Hiring a knowledgeable fire damage restorer like SERVPRO ensures that any issue that arises is addressed the right way, making it, "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning up the areas affected by fire damage incidents in Federal Way is essential to restore the property to its preloss state. Fast cleanup helps in many ways apart from making the place habitable. For instance, it removes soot and other residues, which can corrode metallic finishes or stain stone surfaces such as granite countertops. The presence of contents can impede such cleaning, especially when the structure needs a thorough cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians assess the situation to determine whether doing a pack-out or cleaning with the contents in place is ideal. We can perform thorough cleaning under either circumstance, so the choice made is determined by the intended goal.

Some outcomes of fire damage require specialized cleaning approaches. For instance, residue deposits on valuable, yet delicate items such as chandeliers or vital utilities such as the HVAC system require careful cleaning to avoid damaging them in the process. Our SERVPRO technicians have specialized duct cleaning equipment. We also disassemble chandeliers or use ultrasonic cleaning machines, which use high-frequency sound waves to produce millions of tiny bubbles that strip away soils from surfaces, leaving them sparkling clean.

The action from heat or flames causes considerable damages to materials like wood. Such damage might affect only a section of an item, and considering the value of the item, there is a need to save it. Our crews can help salvage such items, cost-effectively by using restorative cleaning procedures rather than resurfacing. Soda blasting is one such method, which helps strip away bits of charred materials or heavy residue deposits from the surface without damaging it further.

Many unique situations can arise after fire damages your property in Des Moines, Woodmont Beach, or Zenith. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 to help. We are available 24/7.

See more about Federal Way.

When Water Damage Interrupts Business in Federal Way Banquet Venues

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can quickly remediate the water damage and minimize disruption to your guests. Call us today!

Emergency Ready Profile Simplifies Commercial Water Removal from A Federal Way Hall

Repair works at a Federal Way banquet hall left a burst water line. The contractor used a clamp to stop water flow temporarily, but it later broke, releasing gallons of water and leaving many materials in the facility wet. Elaborate steps were necessary to remove all the water and restore the hall to its preloss state.

Proper management of the commercial water removal process in Federal Way was essential since water intrusion can have long-term implications if left unaddressed. The management at the facility was able to avert a catastrophic outcome because they had SERVPRO'S Emergency Ready Profile. Without a response plan in place, approximately 50% of businesses that close during loss incidents never reopen. The plan highlights crucial steps to take immediately after identifying such a loss, including locating shut off valves, as well as the phone numbers to call to get assistance.

The steps taken at the banquet hall had managed to control the worse aspects of the water loss, such as the free flow of water inside the building by the time our SERVPRO technicians arrived at the loss site. We could, therefore, start extraction of standing water and carry out other steps necessary during water removals, such as cleanup and drying, to stop the deterioration of materials. Our truck-mounted water extractors helped expedite the removal process with their higher lift and volume capacities.

The faster response time meant surface water had minimal chance to soak into materials. When moisture migrates deep into materials, the outcome is a lengthened drying process. It also leads to the deterioration of porous materials necessitating the demolition of affected surfaces. In the hall, these additional steps were not necessary. We set up several units of air movers and dehumidifiers around the hall to help control the drying process.

Successful water removal requires the availability and proper management of resources. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999 to help take care of any loss at your property, "Like it never even happened." 

More about Federal Way.

Moisture Concerns for Concrete Subflooring in Federal Way Homes

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO know about your flood in Federal Way, your concrete subflooring could be causing large risks for your home.

SERVPRO can stop the moisture in your Federal Way home.

In many Federal Way homes renovated from older commercial properties or that were constructed on slabs instead of full foundations with basement levels, it is not uncommon to encounter concrete subflooring beneath wood flooring or carpeting. When flooding occurs, potential contaminants could require the removal of the surface level of flooring material and any padding or support material underneath.

Because concrete takes years to fully harden through hydration, flood damage to Federal Way homes could have a damaging effect on concrete slab foundations. Until concrete materials entirely harden, they are weaker and have a higher porosity. Standing water on the surface of flooring material can quickly affect wood planks and carpeting, requiring our SERVPRO technicians to remove these upper layers to expose the subfloor concrete and work on drying out any potential moisture concerns that might exist.

Learning how damaged concrete slabs might have become during a flood involves the use of a non-penetrating moisture meter. Because concrete naturally retains moisture as part of its composition, our team looks for abnormal spikes that could indicate irregularities in the established moisture baseline. These tools can inspect the top inch of concrete material exposed, which can often be enough to indicate if a more significant threat exists that must get addressed.

Concrete requires controlled drying techniques when abnormal moisture gets discovered in the upper layer of the slab beneath the flooring. This controlled drying approach requires consistent monitoring of the vapor barrier and application of warmer temperatures and direct airflow to promote the evaporation of trapped moisture in the material. Drying mats can help in a constant draw of moisture from this subflooring as well when air movers might not be an accessible option.

Because concrete subflooring is more common than you might think, it is vital for our SERVPRO of Federal Way team to have the equipment, products, and techniques to address these concerns. In many cases, we can preserve and protect concrete flooring despite exposure to contaminants with focused disinfection protocols before build back starts. Give our professionals a call anytime disaster strikes at (253) 838-8999.

To find out more about Federal Way, click here.

Signs of Hidden Water Damage in Your Federal Way Home

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Call our team of experts today at (253) 838-8999.

If you suspect water damage in your home, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for

Not every water damage event in a home announces itself with a gush of water from a broken supply line or malfunctioning washing machine or dishwasher. Sometimes the damage occurring is slow and subtle until small signs begin to appear.

Water damage behind a Federal Way wall or ceiling can appear in various ways. Many homeowners report a musty odor that they cannot get rid of, no matter how much spray deodorizer or air freshener they use. 

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians undergo both classroom and hands-on training to get certified for the restoration services they perform. This instruction includes different types of water damage, fire loss, and safe mold remediation practices. They are taught the latest methods and have access to a vast array of advanced equipment so they can work towards the best outcome in every situation. 

Signs You Have Hidden Water Damage

Any of the following point to a need to have your home professionally scoped for an on-going water loss problem: 

• Water spots on walls or ceilings
• Sheetrock looks softened or is buckling
• Paint bubbles
• Mold
• A musty odor in a particular area
• Delaminated tile 
• Warped hardwood floorboards
• Damp spots in carpet

What to Expect When SERVPRO Arrives

The technicians carefully scope the property to define the scale of the water loss in the home using their advanced moisture detection equipment to peer behind walls without the need to remove sheetrock. Once they determine the loss area, they extract as much moisture as possible and dry the area. Damaged sheetrock and other building materials may require removal and disposal.

Repairs and Rebuilding Service with SERVPRO

With their general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE, they can offer homeowners the opportunity to utilize one company for both restorations from water damage and reconstruction.

This service takes the hassle out of dealing with multiple companies, and since SERVPRO works with both homeowners and adjusters, it ensures any work done is within the scope of coverage, so there are no surprises.

When water damage is the problem, contact SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-8999. Their certified technicians arrive quickly and work to make the water loss in your home, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Federal Way.

We Get You Back In Business in Des Moines After A Fire

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Our fire content cleaning stations are located right inside our facility. We have the technology and staff to properly mitigate contents in house.

Salon Feels New After Restoration of A Commercial Fire Damage Incident in Des Moines 

Fire damage can transform a place with the best ambiance to feel like a dump in a matter of minutes. An unattended hair curling iron ignited a small fire in a Des Moines salon, which was aggravated by the highly combustible styling and hygiene products next to the iron. Although contained early, the fire left most areas covered in smoke residues and charred contents.

When the owner called SERVPRO to help restore the commercial fire damage loss in Des Moines, the biggest worry was whether the salon would regain its preloss state by merely cleaning it since other restoration solutions such as replacing materials would be too costly. Our crew chief took the time to explain various cleaning approaches that we could use to handle different challenges.

The main areas of concern were the oily smoke residues on wall panels, which would require considerable effort to clean and the ceiling tiles, which could be damaged by wet cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians used their advanced training in fire and smoke restoration techniques to handle such challenges safely. After inspecting the site, we realized that we could clean the ceiling using a specialized technique called peroxide-active cleaning, which removes residues from ceiling tiles without damaging them as regular wet cleaning would. For the wall surfaces, chemical sponges helped remove fire damage residues without leaving smudges or damaging the wall panels through moisture exposure.

Away from the construction materials, charring was visible on some of the furniture while residues had deeply stained the granite countertop. For a business that deals with looks, options like heavy abrasion that would mess with the finish or leaving stains in place were not acceptable. The owner was also not eager to foot a replacement bill. Our SERVPRO technicians found a better solution by using a soda blaster, which helped remove the residue stains and charring without damaging the surfaces.

Fire causes a wide range of damages. Call SERVPRO of Federal Way at (253) 838-899 to help find a solution that deals with any issue, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Des Moines.

Federal Way Homeowners Trust SERVPRO for Fire Loss Cleanup for Their Homes and Possessions

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Cleanup Your Fire Damaged Laundry Room in Federal Way, AND Clean the Clothing

Our Approach to Cleaning Textiles Affected by Fire Damage in Federal Way

Identifying, removing, and the proper disposal of soils are all keys to an effective cleaning solution. Many homeowners in Federal Way often assume that their cleaning equipment can remove soils when, in reality, they cannot get it all. Most vacuum cleaners do not have enough power or the proper filtration to remove particles from textiles left behind by a fire.

A properly trained professional can help remove fire damage from your Federal Way home. Our expert technicians understand how smoke, soot, and other residues often act as a magnet for other soils. Electrically charged soot can actually attract and bind to contents. We provide the right products, equipment, training, and services to avoid rapid resoiling, as a result of improper cleaning.

Our team uses the SERVPRO Franchise System of Clean, consisting of six types of clean and are happy to explain cleaning results, unique to each customer. We have practical and technical knowledge of cleaning, helping define the advantages and limitations of the products and services we use.

1.    Looks Clean – Refers to the appearance of the item after cleaning, a comparison between before and after.
2.    Smells Clean – Refers to the addition of pleasant odors, as well as the absence of offensive odors, called malodors.
3.    Feels Clean – When working with fibers, we want them to feel soft, smooth, luxurious, untangled, and not sticky, stiff, or matted.
4.    Stays Clean – Technicians use the correct method of cleaning on the selected textile, removing soils and residues, applying fiber protectors in many cases to keep areas clean.
5.    Dries Fast – Fibers that do not dry quickly, often develop lasting damage. Color bleeding, stains, streaks, and the existence of microorganisms cause fabrics to lose their strength.
6.    Is Sanitized – A sanitary condition, closely related to “smells clean,” often relating to the reduction of microorganisms.

Our facility has a heavy-duty, industrial-grade Esporta washing system that uses hydraulic power as a feature of deep cleaning fabrics. From a drape to clothing, and even stuffed Teddy Bears, can be cleaned to an almost new condition, "Like it never even happened."

At SERVPRO, we advise against allowing fabrics to become heavily soiled. You might save a little money here or there by waiting for longer intervals between cleaning. However, you also ruin your finely-upholstered furniture, carpets, and draperies by doing so. Bear in mind that sooty residues are acidic and can damage soft fabrics, etch glass, corrode metal, and damage vinyl materials.

Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way for 24-hour access to quality cleanup and restoration services you can count on, today and every day. (253) 838-8999

Unique Approaches for Commercial Properties and Water Damage

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage at commercial properties can present unique challenges in drying and restoring the building. Depending upon the nature of the loss in the building, a variety of drying techniques may be utilized.  As referenced in a previous blog post about commercial properties found here, the severity of the loss can dictate what kind of equipment is used.  A large scale event, such as a multiple story water damage loss, may need a franchise with a large loss team with manpower and multiple equipment placement per floor to effect the drying process.  In a building with multiple tenants renting spaces within, there may be multiple parties to be consulted as well as insurance aspects to be considered.  In a smaller commercial space, the local franchise is fully capable of getting the business owner’s space back into business. 

Our staff is highly trained to assess the situation and guide the business owners/property managers as to the steps needing to be taken to dry the structure.  By working quickly to effect drying, the quicker the commercial business can get back to their day to day revenue production.   When you experience a loss at your commercial building, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  From a small commercial event to a larger one, SERVPRO of Federal Way is fully capable of helping local business owners through their water damage loss and get them back into their daily business use. 

Give us a call today at 253-838-8999

Fall Weather Brings Home Concerns

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Pixabay

Fall weather is upon us and as such the leaves will be turning and falling from the trees.  While the air is crisp and fresh, those leaves can bring hazards to your home that need some careful attention to.  Leaves often fall in the gutter and creating a potential water hazard as the weather systems change around us.  The leaves jam up in the gutters creating an overflow situation which can create water damage as the water backs up damaging the roofing material.

Another hazard to your home could be excessive groundwater that infiltrates the home from an improper drainage system.  Look around your property and see where water could get into the home around the foundation.  Shore up those foundation areas, make sure the vegetation is maintained around the home, any other potential hazards are identified and taken care of prior to the winds and rain that affect us here in the Pacific Northwest.

When severe flooding or storms hit our area, take special caution around your home to maintain safety.  Avoid walking through the storm waters, as hazards can be unseen.  Watch for downed power lines and trees and maintain a safe distance from any perceived damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Federal Way for any water damage needs.  Our team can quickly and accurately assess your homes damage and the proper course of action to repair it. We can be reached 24/7, 365 days a year at 253-838-8999. 
   

Federal Way Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

This home’s basement saved by SERVPRO of Federal Way.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Federal Way basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (253)838-8999

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Federal Way and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (253)838-8999

For Immediate Service in Federal Way, Call SERVPRO

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Federal Way Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Federal Way. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (253)838-8999

Residential Services

Whether your Federal Way home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Federal Way commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROfederalway.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Building Pop Up Parking Garages to avoid Storm Water

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Rising Storm waters can cause damage in Parking Garages

One of the biggest issues when heavy rains cause flooding lies underneath the commercial buildings of the Pacific Northwest.  As the amount of water flowing onto city streets overwhelms the drainage system, cars parked inside parking garages begin to take on water damage.

The issue is a worldwide one and important enough that Danish architects have drawn up plans to build parking garages that rise with the water level.

Until this type of system is common practice, making sure your building's drainage system is adequate is a top priority.

If the rains do overcome the drainage system, SERVPRO is available to mitigate the water in the structure as well as restore the vehicles that received damage.

Why SERVPRO?

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Seattle, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today

When the Power is Out, the Generator should Stay Out as well

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Always place your generator Outside of the home for safety

When the lights start to flicker one's first instinct is to grab the flashlights to be ready if the power goes out.

There is a large number of homeowners and businesses that own generators that can keep the vital systems in a building running.

The generators, which run on gas, exhaust fumes very similar to your automobile.  Making sure these fumes don't come back into your home is extremely important.

Generators should be placed Outside in order to exhaust the fumes out into the open.  Even putting the generator int he garage is not safe practice, the generator should be outside of the home and venting away from any fresh air inlet.

When the power goes off and your property sustains property damage, call SERVPRO to do your repairs and mitigate the damage.

Why SERVPRO? 

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Seattle, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today

Cold weather storms can cause damages to your home

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Trees are often the cause of property damage during a storm

Severe freezing with high winds are a recipe for downed trees which can cause property damage.  Every year the Puget Sound experiences a few storms that pass through leaving millions of dollars in property damage.

The biggest source of property damage comes by way of downed trees which fall onto the roofs of homes.

Damage to Gutters and Siding are just a couple of the types of damage a home will incur.  Broken windows and roof penetrations are two types of damage that require emergency mitigation services to cover up the opening in the structure.

When damage from the cold and wind occur SERVPRO is the choice for repairing your damaged home.

Why SERVPRO?

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Seattle, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today

Use extra caution when navigating flooded roads during a storm

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Use extra caution when navigating flooded roads during a storm

Driving on the roads during a storm doesn't seem like that big of a deal to some.  Getting home is often the biggest concern on someone's mind and choosing an alternate route just doesn't seem efficient.

When flood waters raise it is hard to distinguish just how high the water level is.  Underestimating the power of a few inches of rain has left more than one Seattle area driver stranded in the middle of the river flowing road.

Always pay attention to the emergency ponderer's warning signs on roads and back trails.  Using extra caution when signs aren't present reduces the risk of being stranded as well.

When water levels flood roads and buildings sustain damage, SERVPRO is your choice for repair and mitigation.

Why SERVPRO?

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Seattle, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today

Poorly Ventilated Attics encourage mold growth

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Poorly Ventilated Attics encourage mold growth

The main cause of attic mold is improper ventilation. In cold climates, when homeowners heat their homes in winter, hot air usually escapes through the attic.

This occurs efficiently in attics with proper ventilation, but attic mold can occur if the hot air meets the cold surface of the attic roof and creates condensation.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

Excessive crawl space moisture can cause mold growth to occur

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Excessive crawl space moisture can cause mold growth to occur

With excessive crawl space moisture, mold will grow at a rapid pace. Crawl space mold can be damaging to your home's structure, your flooring, and anything else located in the area. 

Mold survives on organic materials, such as wood, and when it's damp it provides the perfect environment for growth.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

Keeping your HVAC system clean reduces the chance for mold to grow

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping your HVAC system clean reduces the chance for mold to grow

Mold in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems can cause serious health problems. When the furnace or air conditioner is turned on,  microscopic mold spores can blow out of the air ducts and circulate through the air, where they are easily inhaled.

Keeping your Ducting and the Intake clean is vital to reducing the amount of contamination your HVAC system has.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

Top 5 Suspects of Commercial Roofing Leaks

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Drains are one of the top culprits in roof leaks on commercial buildings

Sitting in the entryway of the Advertising firm's office in Downtown Seattle, John felt a light sprinkle hit his hand as he was checking his email.

"Maybe it was just in my mind" he said to himself as he brushed the feeling off as accident.  Then cam another drip....and another.....John looked to the ceiling to find one of the ceiling tiles with a ring of moisture.

There were strong winds and rain in the prior week but today was sunny and not a cloud in the sky.  It was obvious to John that something wasn't right so he contacted his building's maintenance manager and asked him to take a look.

The maintenance manager knew the water was coming from the roof , and that it was probably one of the 5 problems that normally cause water damages in commercial roofs.

• DAMAGED PERIMETER FLASHING

• OPEN ROOF PENETRATIONS

• ROOFING MEMBRANE DAMAGE

• AGE OF THE ROOFING SYSTEM

• PONDING WATER OR CLOGGED DRAINAGE

Once the source was identified the work began to clean up the damaged building materials that the leak had caused.  Trying to do this while still keeping the office running meant calling SERVPRO to help mitigate the damage.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Do you know where your Shut-Offs are?

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Shutoff Tags are an important part of a building's emergency plan

Knowing where your shutoffs are in your commercial building could save you thousands of unnecessary damage to your building.

Often times building owners will rely on the Fire Department to come in and shut off the water to the buildings once a loss has occurred.

Knowing where your shutoffs are and clearly marking them enables the building owner to shut off water several minutes before first responders can.

In the case of sprinklers that malfunction and turn on, just 1 minute less of water flowing could cut days off of a drying project.

If you don;t already , make sure you put together a plan of where the following shutoffs are:

• Gas

• Water

• Electricity
  
  
  

Commercial buildings often times require elevated training and equipment to dry and repair.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints.

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When the Burnt Fish from Friday's meal is still there Monday

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Burning food can cause damage to your home

Why does the last 5 minutes of a football game on TV seem to take an hour? You decided to make that salmon dish your uncle was telling you about so you prepped for it first thing this morning.

Start of the 4th quarter you decided to put it into the oven right as your team fell behind 14 points and the game seemed over.

That's when the magic started!  The rookie they just drafted gets put in the game and the biggest comeback in franchise history starts.

They tie up the game with 10 seconds left as the wide receiver torched the defender.  Torched him so bad you can smell the burning as if you were there.

Wait.....that's not torched defender...that's your Salmon burning in the oven!

It's happened to us all, we see it every day.  If this happens to you call SERVPRO and we'll come out and repair the damage.  Not all smoke and soot are the same, and trained professionals like we have at SERVPRO know how to deal with each type that occurs.

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Regular inspection of Fire Sprinklers

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Sprinkler Maintenance is a Top Priority

Of the many tasks assigned to a Maintenance Manager, making sure the building's sprinkler system is in proper working condition is on the top of the list.

Fire suppression during a building fire replies on the sprinkler system doing it's job of containing/eliminating the fire.

Different types of materials within the structure, along with the amount of time the materials were in contact with the fire, will affect the level of damage that a building incurs.

Once the fire is extinguished, knowing how to properly mitigate and repair the building with the various materials in it is important.

If you find yourself needing mitigation for your fire damage give SERVPRO a call today.

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Be mindful of that pile of rags in the garage

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Rags soaked in stain or other chemicals can cause a Fire

If you've ever used a rag to apply stain to your wood working project you know how stain just makes everything more vibrant.  The color of the grain, the curves of the carving, and sometimes even a bag of rags!

Rags and wood dust being piled up after cleaning up the garage can cause a fire to innocently start.  The oils and ingredients in the stain end up causing heat and if all the ingredients are there a fire can start.

The smoke from the rags/stain are bad enough, but couple that with many of the items you have in your garage and you can imagine the damage that can be done.

If you run into this scenario give SERVPRO a call.  Our highly trained team has the knowledge of the various materials and how they need to be cleaned.  Just like every piece of wood is different, different types of fires/materials require varying methods of cleaning.

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Basement Leaks that can cause issues in your home

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Leaks can affect your Home's Health

Basements can completely flood, have a slow leak, or there’s just have an odd smell in the air – keeping your basement healthy and dry is one of the most important maintenance items you should keep up with.

Here are some places that your basement can leak:

• Top of the Wall
• Window Wells
• Wall Cracks
• Tie Rod Holes
• Honeycomb
• Sewer Pipe
• Mortar Joint
• Water Pipes Conduits
• Floor Cracks
• Sump Pump
• Floor Drain
• Floor & Wall Joint
• Plugged Drain Tile

If you do find elevated moisture levels in your basement, give SERVPRO a call.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Small Toilet leaks can lead to Large issues in your home

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Small Toilet leaks can lead to Large issues in your home

We've all seen it, the first sign of a leaking toilet as we are cleaning the bathroom.  A slow drip in the supply line, leaking around the base of the toilet, or even condensation coming from a loose joint can cause water to affect a bathrooms floor.

If the leak continues it can cause damage to the subfloor and in some cases even the framing.

Routine inspections of your home's toilets can identify these leaks before they cause damage that  needs to be repaired.

If you do run into a repair that needs professional help give us a call!

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

The Top 3 reasons your Roof might be leaking water

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

The Top 3 reasons your Roof might be leaking water

Roofs are often susceptible to water damage that can lead to structure and mold issues if not addressed.  There are several ways water can infiltrate building materials surrounding a roof and the top 3 are:

• Water pipes leaking or dripping

• Condensation inside your home

• Clogged gutters and downspouts

Most of the issues relating to a roof leak can be avoided by doing routine inspections of the attic/roof area on a regular basis.

If you do spot damage and are needing professional repairs call SERVPRO for help.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

February will finish as Seattle’s first drier-than-normal month since September

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Clogged Drains and Heavy Rain can cause Water Damage

Looking back at the month of February, the wind and cold seemed to dominate the weather.  The Seattle Area experiences it’s first drier than normal month since September.  

January, however, experienced much wetter-than-normal conditions as over 8 inches fell onto the roofs of Seattle.  The normal for the month of January is just shy of 6 inches.

The extra rain in January, coupled with winds, meant several building owners were performing inspections to make sure the drain vents weren’t clogged and holding water.

Several times throughout the year SERVPRO clients will call when a blockage on their roof suddenly clears and overflows into the building.

Always check your roof/gutters after a particularly windy storm to make sure your drainage system is running smoothly.  

Floor Replacements can often be avoided with advanced floor drying technology

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Advanced Drying Equipment and Experienced Technicians drying a damaged floor

The kitchen lights turn on as you rub the sleep out of your eyes and stumble towards the coffee maker.  Two steps in you realize the smooth wooden floor you’ve walked across every morning for the last two years now feels different.

The smooth, dry floor you are accustomed to is now a cupped bundle of lumber that feels like it’s been soaked in the bathtub.  You quickly realize that the dishwasher you turned on as you went to bed the night before has been leaking water all over the kitchen.

The wood has begun to swell and buckle and your plans for a quiet Saturday morning reading the paper quickly turns into a call to SERVPRO for help.

For a lot of companies replacing a floor is the first choice to repair.  It seems like the quickest way in the moment, but there are weeks ahead of a compromised kitchen as replacement flooring is order.  

There is a better choice though!  With skilled technicians and the latest in drying technology, SERVPRO can oftentimes dry the wood floor in place using a complex system of Dehumidifying Mats places on the floor and hooked up to a labyrinth of air hoses.

If you find yourself in this situation give SERVPRO a call, go ahead and make that coffee, we’ll be there soon to help get your life back to normal.

What's the deal with that Bathroom Fan?

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

A Clean Fan is a Happy Fan

Bathroom fans are a unique part of your home’s overall health.  Oh sure, “getting that smell out” is one of the obvious benefits of the fan but it provides more than a clean smelling bathroom.

Did you know that a bathroom fan that’s used one hour a day will exhaust over 2,000,000 cubic feet of air a year, or the equivalent of the air inside 1,000 homes?

The moist air that is created when you take a shower or bath can combine with spores and all kinds of organic materials that are brought from the outside into your home.  This can increase the occurrence of microbial growth , which has shown to cause several health conditions.

Exhausting this moist are from the structure helps keep moisture levels low.  To be efficient , though, the vent on the fan should be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis to allow for proper air flow.

Turn the fan off at the switch or circuit breaker before removing the vent cover.

Remove the cover by pulling down until the cover is several inches from the ceiling.

Press the spring loaded wire clips, found on two sides of the cover, together then remove the clips from the slots in the fan housing.

• Use a vacuum to clean the vent of lint and debris.
  
  Use an extension attachment to vacuum out the cavity of the fan.
• The last step is simply replacing the vent cover and testing it out with a flip of a switch!

Sometimes your Kitchen just needs to Vent

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Turning your Vent on Before you cook helps reduce Odors and Moisture

We’ve all been there, it seemed like a good idea to cook the bacon on High heat but that Text from a friend or the person that distracted us from our stove was enough to make it happen.

“It” is that smell that enters your nostrils that makes your hard race as you run to the stove and turn down the heat.  As you fan smoke away from the pan you realize you’re spreading this smoke into other parts of the kitchen.  You reach for the fan and turn it on for the first time in a while.  

Cranking the knob up to high you look over at the smoke detector and the race is on.

“Will the fan suck up the smoke before it gets to the smoke detector and informs everyone in the house you’ve just burned the bacon?”

The Kitchen Fan is mostly a Reactive function in the kitchen.  It rarely gets turned on until smoke comes out of a pan or that pot of water starts to fog up the room.  

The perfect time to turn on the fan is actually Before you turn on the stove and start cooking.  The main purpose of the fan is to eliminate heat and odors from the cooking that you’re doing.  The moisture and odors tend to stick to the walls of your kitchen.

The odors and moisture builds up and can turn your kitchen area into a feeding ground for microbial growth.  

How do you reduce the chance for moisture and odor issues in your kitchen? Be proactive and turn the Fan on every time you turn the stove on.

If you ever do run into issues in your Home or Commercial building reach out to SERVPRO and we’ll come out and take care of you.

Commercial Cleaning for the Health of your Office Building

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning of High Traffic Surfaces in Office Buildings

Sitting in the waiting room at her Architect’s office, Jessica grabbed a magazine that was sitting on a table.  She read an article  the importance of cleaning “high traffic hard surfaces”  in commercial buildings.  The article showed several examples of hard surfaces that are commonly overlooked when commercial spaces are casually cleaned.

Door Knobs, Light Switches, Countertops, Equipment Controls, Chairs, Tables……….the list went on.

Jessica squirmed a little as she looked around the waiting area and imagined all of the people that had come before her who sat in her very seat.  “You can’t avoid germs altogether” she thought to herself, but still she wondered what steps an office took to make sure an acceptable level of cleanliness was maintained.

About that time David, one of the Firm’s Partners, came around the corner to great Jessica.  She asked David how his company kept the office clean as it looked like it was well maintained.

“Well, we really don’t have a regular cleaning company that comes in, we all just pitch in and Pam at the front desk handles everything out front.  We do, however, hire SERVPRO once a month to come in and do a deep clean of high traffic areas”.

Jessica nodded and smiled, “I think I’m going to have them help maintain this new Tenant Improvement Job you guys are working on, let’s go look at the updated plans for the project David”...

If you have a commercial space you’d like SERVPRO to come out and do a deep cleaning, feel free to contact us today!

Vehicle Remediation Services available for Federal Way

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage to a car caused by water damage

SERVPRO of Federal Way, known for Property Damage Restoration, is now offering Vehicle Remediation Services.

When damage due to Water, Mold, Smoke, or Odors occurs in your vehicle trust our skilled team to clean your vehicle.

Both Dealerships and Drivers have experienced the thorough process SERVPRO of Federal Way performs.

Deodorizing by way of OZONE equipment is used to eliminate odors.

The vehicle is then HEPA vacuumed, wiped down on all the hard surfaces, and then antimicrobial is applied.

In the final process the vehicle is closed up in preparation of fogging.  A deodorizer is then fogged in the area. 

If you have a vehicle on your lot or in your driveway that could use deep cleaning to eliminate odors trust the experts at SERVPRO of Federal Way.

New Cleaning Technology for SERVPRO of Federal Way Customers

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Industry Leading Soft Goods Technology

When property damage occurs the initial focus is often on the larger pieces of someone’s life that was affected.  A roof, the kitchen floor, or the finished basement that needs to be repaired if the main focus of most involved.

When the dust of emotions and initial response settles the less noticeable pieces to someone’s life or business then presents itself.  The focus then moves to the “little things” in life that bring far more value than a dollar amount.

The blanket that your Aunt made.  The stuffed animal that your daughter won at the State Fair when she was 8.  Even those pair of shoes you bring out for special occasions, the ones they don’t even make anymore.  These are all items that sure, you could say are worth $9 for a stuffed animal, but honestly is there really an amount of money that can reimburse you for your emotional attachment?

At SERVPRO of Federal Way we had seen several customers that went through the painful process of “being reimbursed” for their contents throughout the years.  We wondered if there was something we could do to improve the level of services that we were providing.  There was a definite need based on the feedback we had received.

In June SERVPRO of Federal Way made the decision to invest in the Equipment and Training needed to provide state of the art soft contents cleaning in house.  SERVPRO of Federal Way is now using the Industry leading Esporta System to clean soft goods contents to Food Grade levels.  This has resulted in less items thrown away, lower claims costs, and a better experience for our customers.

The cleaning technology we now have in house is capable of cleaning a variety of soft goods:

– winter boots

– hiking boots

– leather slippers

– suede coats

– leather coats

– suede handbags

– leather handbags

– suede or leather hats

– stuffed animals or dolls

– throw or bed pillows

– bedding

– curtains or drapes

If you would like to learn more about the technology and process SERVPRO of Federal Way uses on soft goods cleaning please contact us today at 206-282-9500

Seattle Area Building Boom Necessitating Pre Planning for Emergencies

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Seattle Area Construction boom is causing a need for Solid Planning

2017 was a big year for Residential and Commercial construction and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight!

Downtown Seattle alone experienced an additional 5,700 homes, almost 4 million square feet of office space, and 600+ hotel rooms.

Though these numbers are staggering, they are expected to rise by the time 2020 comes around.  In 2020 planners expect more than 17,000 homes to be built!

With the new square footage comes the challenges of making sure your Property Damage Emergency Services are pre planned Before an incident occurs.

SERVPRO of Federal Wayworks with Contractors, Building Owners, and Property Management Companies to set up Emergency Ready Plans.

This No Cost program gathers all of your important site/building information and makes it easily accessible if an event occurs.

This information is in physical form but is also available via Online (as well as our Free App) for your entire Team to access.  This information can be transferred from the General Contractor to the Property Management Team as the structures are commissioned.

If you would like more information on what an Emergency Ready Program would look like for your building or project, please contact us at 206-282-9500

Summertime Water Conservation Tips

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your plants happy and your water bill low with a few simple points.

With summer now in full swing, it's time to consider how to keep your lawn and garden it tip top shape while also considering how to keep your water bill down. Here are a few tips from Popular Mechanics on how (http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/g559/9-water-conserving-tips-for-summer-gardening/):

• Don't over water - a good rule of thumb is that a lawn needs 1 inch of water a week and perennial plants and shrubs will need from 1 inch to 2 inches a week. When in doubt, keep the plant's soil lightly moist and see how it responds. Over-watering is just as bad as under-watering; it leads to root rot and soil compaction that robs the roots of air.
• Water in the morning - If you water while it's (relatively) cool outside, water can soak in before it evaporates on the surface. And if you do it in the morning, that helps the plant to take up the water during the day. 
• Don't waste water - Don't soak the plant's foliage; it does little good. If you see water puddling or running off, stop; let the water soak in before resuming. Likewise, water that runs off your lawn or off the top of a flower bed onto paved surfaces does no good. The same applies to running lawn sprinklers: Water your lawn, not the side of your house or the driveway.

Mold - Things You Need to Know

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Control moisture and reduce your odds of mold - SERVPRO of Federal Way can help!

• There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
• If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
• Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
  • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
  • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
  • Increasing ventilation
  • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
• Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

For more, see this great page by the Environmental Protection Agency:

https://www.epa.gov/mold/ten-things-you-should-know-about-mold 

Federal Way Rains Bringing Storm Damage Pains? SERVPRO is Here to Help!

2/10/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let the weather get you down - SERVPRO of Federal Way is ready!

The unpredictable weather of the last several weeks has brought about an incredible amount of inconveniences and headaches for many Federal Way home owners and property managers alike.

The recent bouts of cold temperatures and snow, milder temperature and rain, and sporadic gusts have tested many of the neighborhoods and systems around the city, including backing up King County's West Point Treatment Plant to its maximum intake capacity and forcing the facility to temporarily bypass the excess into the Puget Sound.

Always Ready to Help

Because we are locally owned, we are ready and capable to respond at a moments notice. With 1650 franchises operating nationwide, SERVPRO of Federal Way has access to equipment required to handle any issues a storm or flooding may bring.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today - (253)838-8999

10 Tips to Make 2017 Your Best Year Yet

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

2017 is now in full swing and with January now having come and gone, has the start of your new year gone the way you had planned? Whether things are going exactly according to plan or if your path has been skewed by particular obstacles, here are 10 ideas that will help you along provided by Richard Branson, founder and CEO of Virgin Group, courtesy of BBC News.

• Follow your dreams and just do it
• Make a positive difference and do some good
• Believe in your ideas and be the best
• Have fun and look after your team
• Don't give up
• Make lots of lists and keep setting yourself new challenges
• Spend time with your family and learn to delegate
• Try turning off the TV and get out there and do things
• When people say bad things about you, just prove them wrong
• Do what you love and have a sofa in the kitchen

So how will you make the rest of 2017 better?

Fire Prevention Tips for your Federal Way Home/Property

1/23/2017 (Permalink)

A few small steps can go a long way to prevent fire incidents at your Federal Way home/property.

"It’s always good to find out you’re going to be working from home…

Unless you’re a firefighter."

According to the National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/fire-statistics-and-reports/fire-statistics/fires-in-the-us), in 2015, there were 500,000+ structure fires causing $10+ billion in property damage! Structure fires were reported every 63 seconds!

Here are a few tips to prevent a fire at your Federal Way home or property, provided by the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness):

• Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Also, install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each separate sleeping area.
• Check electrical wiring in your home.
• Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
• Make sure wiring is not under rugs, attached by nails, or in high traffic areas.

Have you checked your home or property for fire hazards recently? Have you had conversations with your family about what you would do in a fire emergency? What is your plan if a fire impacts your home?

SERVPRO of Federal Way specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire or smoke damage event and can help you get back on track after an incident.

If you have any questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage, call SERVPRO of Federal Way - (253)838-8999

Happy New Year Federal Way!

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Goodbye 2016 - Hello 2017!

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something."

-Neil Gaiman

On behalf of SERVPRO of Federal Way, our team wishes all of you a safe and wonderful New Year!

Federal Way Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

12/2/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home!

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Federal Way for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Federal Way specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (253)838-8999

Federal Way 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Federal Way

SERVPRO of Federal Way is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (253)838-8999

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Federal Way has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Federal Way

SERVPRO of Federal Way specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Click HERE to Meet our Team

Click HERE to view our Company Profile and Certifications

When Storms or Floods hit Federal Way, SERVPRO is ready!

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Federal Way!

SERVPRO of Federal Way specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Federal Way, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams (Storm Flooding Restoration) that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today! (253)838-8999

For Immediate Service in Federal Way, Call SERVPRO

9/27/2016 (Permalink)

Federal Way Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Federal Way. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (253)838-8999

Residential Services

Whether your Federal Way home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Federal Way commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROfederalway.com/commercial-restoration-services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring Your Federal Way Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/20/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Federal Way commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Federal Way

SERVPRO of Federal Way specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew: http://www.SERVPROfederalway.com/employee-photos

Company Profile and Certifications: http://www.SERVPROfederalway.com/company-profile

Does Your Federal Way Home Have A Mold Problem?

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

In Federal Way, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (253)838-8999

Federal Way Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Federal Way Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and Soot Facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Federal Way will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (253)838-8999

Faster to your Federal Way Water Damage Event

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Federal Way provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Federal Way provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Federal Way arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 - (253)838-8999

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Federal Way

SERVPRO of Federal Way specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.