Mold: What Types Are There And Which One Is Hazardous

Name: SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County
Address: 1632 Holloway Rd., Holland, OH, 43528
Telephone: (419) 867-8678

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

When we hear the word mold it can make us squeamish. However, most of us have dealt with it at some point in our lives. Whether it be on our loaf of bread, surface of our wall, or penetrated into our walls. There is no shame if you are dealing with this type of situation. It can be very helpful in understanding household molds and how to prevent or treat them to ensure a clean and safe environment for you and your family.

Let’s start with the most common mold that almost every one of us have dealt with. The bread mold, one day when you open your bread you see green and/or black blotches on it. This is known as the food mold. This type of mold is natural and more than likely does not mean there is any cause for concern in your home.

The second type of mold we are going to talk about is called the surface mold. This type is strictly on the surfaces of items or walls. It can be easily cleaned using certain over-the-counter cleaners. It also does not cause any harm. However, you want to make sure that it truly is only limited to the surface. If you see surface mold you can reach out to us here at SERVPRO Of Bowling Green/West Lucas County where we specialize in detecting what type of mold you may have.

Lastly, we now want to talk about the most hazardous one called mold infestation. This type will typically show up in areas where significant water damage has occurred, or where there is high humidity. A mold infestation requires deep cleaning of the structure to ensure complete clearing of the infestation and restoration of the structure affected. This mold can be very invasive and dangerous. Please do not try to clean this yourself! The cleaning of a mold infestation needs to be done by a specialist in this area that knows how to remove it correctly. We here at SERVPRO Of Bowling Green /West Lucas County are trained and certified to make sure this is done safely for you and your family. So if you only suspect a problem or have had a water damage where you know for sure that there is a problem, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here for you 24/7.

When should I test my Home for Mold?

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

MOLD GROWING ON A CEILING

Mold or Mildew?

If you find green spores or notice a musty smell in your home, then you may have a mold problem. A mold assessment can help you find out for sure whether this fungus is in your house.

You Find Evidence of Mold
Not every fungus in your home is dangerous. What you think is mold could be relatively harmless mildew. A test can determine whether mold is present.
You Want to Identify the Mold
Mold testing can also identify the exact type of fungus in your home. This can help you determine what to do next. If the test identifies black mold, you need to have the spores removed immediately.
You Want to Make Sure the Mold Is Gone
After hiring certified mold remediation professionals to eliminate the fungus from your home, you should confirm that they have done their job. A mold assessment can determine whether your house is truly clean.

Ways To Test for Mold
There are several different types of mold tests available. Surface tests check household surfaces for mold, and air tests collect samples from the air. There are also bulk tests that collect various items from the house and send them to a lab for further examination. Ideally, you should utilize these tests.

Some test kits are available in stores. However, to determine the exact extent of your mold damage, you should have an environmental hygienist or certified mold specialist perform the tests.
A mold assessment can determine whether your home has a potentially harmful fungus or the less dangerous mildew. The test can also reassure you that remediation professionals have removed all of the mold from your property. While store bought tests are available, you are better off calling a professional to have it tested properly.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County at 419-867-8678. We are Here to Help!

How to stay SAFE this Holiday Season

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays from ALL of us at SERVPRO!

If your home, like millions of other households in the United States, includes a Christmas tree and festive holiday decorations, you should be aware that the breathtaking beauty of the decorations also comes with a fire risk. That is why we are offering helpful tips to people as we come closer to one of the biggest holidays of the year!

The following are a few tips for individuals to consider when putting up and maintaining their holiday decorations this December:

• Do not overload power outlets with holiday lights. Pay close attention to the
manufacturer's instructions on the number of lights you can string together.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
• Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle.
• Use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting.
• Do not purchase a Christmas tree that is dry or dropping needles excessively.
Be sure to water your Christmas tree regularly.
• Do not use strings of lights that are worn, frayed, manually spliced, or broken.
• If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-retardant.
• Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe.
Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Be sure to periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.

If a fire disaster does strike your home, SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County offers services to help people quickly recover and restore any damaged property. We are here to help @ 419-867-8678!

Why is SERVPRO the Best in Mold Remediation?

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

BLACK MOLD GROWING ON CORNER OF WALL

Why is SERVPRO the one to trust when it comes to Safe and Effective Mold Remediation?

Effective mold remediation of your home involves a protocol that trained professionals develop. SERVPRO's team of mold specialists may include indoor environmental professionals (IEPs) and indoor air quality professionals (IAPs) during the restoration process

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County follow the proper safety protocols during the restoration process. Our goal is to ensure that the mold damage is mitigated as fast as possible without spreading it to unaffected areas during mold inspections, remediation and removal.

SERVPRO technicians develop a strategy based on industry mold remediation guidelines and standards.

EPA mold remediation guidelines- These guidelines provide a flowchart of critical steps in mold remediation. Initially developed for schools and commercial buildings, some of the suggestions in these guidelines are often applicable in residential mold damage as well:

Clean and dry moldy materials
Discard non-cleanable moldy items
Dry the non-moldy items within 48 hours

IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard- Professionals from the indoor air quality industry and the restoration industry developed this standard. It guides practical procedures for both small and large mold remediation. SERVPRO uses the five principles of mold mitigation outlined in this standard:

Provide health and safety
Document the conditions and processes
Control mold at its source
Remove contamination
Correct moisture problem

Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County for all your needs! We are here to help!

Why is SERVPRO the Best Choice in Restoration?

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are ALWAYS Here to Help!

Serving the Community for over 50 years!

Since 1967 SERVPRO corporate has been a leader in the restoration industry. With over 1,800 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO has created a system that allows for personal touch while giving access to resources on a much larger scale. As a part of that system, We believe that part of the importance is in the name itself, to “serve” and to be a “pro”, as in a professional.

Nothing matters more to us than the people we serve. With every job from our initial call to the last interaction, our customers will know that their wellbeing and peace of mind matter to us. We consider ourselves a company of helpful problem solvers, that value people first, and happen to be excellent with the work of restoration. Much of our heart for people can be seen in our community involvement, and programs we have developed to help our local community outside of our work with restoration. If you are looking for a company that will treat you with professionalism as well as compassion, you have come to the right place.

Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County for your restoration needs @ 419-867-8678. We are "Here to Help!"

Who should I hire for Mold Remediation?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

MOLD GROWING ON DRYWALL

Why Should I Hire a Mold Remediation Company?

When a home in devastated by water damage from floods, broken pipes, or leaks, a homeowner may end up having to pay for costly repairs. If you leave water damage untreated, your property becomes susceptible to mold. Mold colonies form when mold spores find optimal conditions to survive. When these colonies develop, they rot the natural construction materials of a building. You should hire a mold cleaning service if your building has untreated water damage and has become rotted due to mold. Signs of mold are:

Rotting wood
Falling bathroom tiles
Visible green sludge on walls and ceilings

Here are three reasons you should hire a mold remediation service:

They Will Help You Find Hidden Mold
Bathroom tiles will fall when mold colonies consume the grout holding them up. Sometimes, mold can hide behind these tiles. A mold remediation company will first inspect your property to find hidden mold and places with higher humidity levels.
They Will Dehumidify Your Property
After a leak or a flood, materials that are affected can remain damp even after the water has been cleaned away. Dampened construction materials are ideal hosts for mold, especially if it is located in a dark space. A mold cleaning company will help dehumidify your property to keep mold from rotting wood, drywall, or grout.
They Can Help Restore Your Property
A company specializing in remediation and cleaning services will help to restore materials that have mold damage. Along with dehumidifying, they can assist with repairing drywall, carpets, and paint. Depending on the severity of the damage, they can also help reconstruct entire rooms affected by mold.
If you have water damage that has been left untreated and has become a hotspot for mold, hire a mold cleaning company to assist you in cleanup and repairs. You can prevent costs from accruing by restoring water-damaged materials immediately. Contact SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County @ 419-867-8678 to help!

How do you know if it's Mold or Mildew?

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growing on a wall

Mold or Mildew?

You have seen it in the basement before, and it has now reappeared after cleaning. What is it? A remediation expert has different tests they can perform to figure out if you have mold damage. However, if you don't want to ask for an assessment, then three identifiable features can help you differentiate between these two fungal cousins.

Appearance
Color
Resilience

Appearance

The appearance between mold and mildew growth is often evident. Mildew is typically flat and grows of non-porous surfaces, like tile, making it a nonpenetrating substance. Its cousin, however, loves to invade porous items, growing deep within. Mold also has a more three-dimensional appearance and is often described as fuzzy.

Color

Color can also vary drastically between mildew and mold damage. Mold is often more vibrant and colorful, often appearing in green and yellow. Mildew, on the other hand, is often described as being monochromatic, appearing mostly in greys and whites. However, mildew and mold can both alter their color if they come in contact with other liquids.

Resilience

When it comes to resilience, mold growth reigns supreme. Mildew can often be removed with over the counter and readily available cleaners. Mold, however, due to its deep-rooted ways, will usually require deep and invasive cleaning practices. For example, porous items might need to be discarded altogether, and non-porous surfaces will typically have to undergo several rounds of scrubbing. Also, because of how mold develops, drywall might need to be removed as well as the insulation behind it.
While mildew and mold damage might both be considered fungal growths, they are significantly different. Therefore, if you cannot figure out which you are dealing with, you are better off hiring a professional to assess your property. They will look for signs of water damage and probably tests the air quality to determine which fungus you are dealing with.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County to come help with your needs to determine the best course of action!

Your Roof After A Heavy Snowfall

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy Snowfall Can Damage Your Bowling Green Roof..

With the colder months of the season beginning to set in, Bowling Green residents prepare for what could always potentially be a difficult winter. Heavier snowfalls threaten homes, especially when several days of hard snows compact onto roofs throughout the area without temperatures rising enough to melt or getting cold enough to freeze. Either of these scenarios presents a weight issue for your roof, which can expose vulnerable points to allow moisture penetration and eventual water flow into the property.

Your home could experience flood damage if your roof is compromised. When water begins to find a path inside of your house through the attic space, the flow of melting snow from this opening in your insulation could be substantial depending on the amount of snow still trapped on top of the house. This water damage can spread quickly through the attic space and begin to affect the floors below.

Our SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County team can respond quickly at the first sign of flooding in your home.

We have the advanced equipment and the experience to help mitigate your loss while we establish what is necessary to overcome the effects throughout the property and return a restored home to you. This initial assessment can also help to provide your insurance provider with the necessary documentation and evidence of the damages to speed up the process of claim approval to afford the restoration work required.

With flooding in your home, the first step is boarding up the damaged area of the roof to prevent further penetration until reconstruction efforts can occur. Depending on the damages, these rebuilding efforts must happen before restoration work can begin. Our SERVPRO franchise offers build back services to provide a comprehensive package for our customers with reputable licensed contractors.

Recovering from a flood is nothing that a homeowner should have to do alone.

You can depend on our SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County rapid response team to help mitigate the loss and provide our expertise into every step towards restoring your water-damaged home fully.

Give SERVPRO a call today at 419-867-8678!!

Snow Emergency Classifications

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Snow Emergency Classifications

With winter upon us I thought it would be a good time to put out our reminder about staying safe on the road this winter.

Pursuant of Ohio Attorney General Opinion 86-023, the sheriff of a county may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close county and township roads within his jurisdiction for the preservation of the public peace. Attorney General Opinion 97-015 allows the sheriff to close state and municipal roads.

Snow Emergency Classifications

LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.

LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.

LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.

Bugging Out

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Most importantly .. ALWAYS make sure you have working smoke detectors in you home..

Have you ever heard of a Bug Bag?

A Bug out bag is something you can grab in a hurry to help you survive. One of the best reasons to have a bug out bag is in the case of a home fire. Why you may ask? Well, home fire can start with just a small flame and turn into a fully engulfed structure in just a matter of minutes leaving you only seconds to escape.

A Bug Out Bag can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish but for the purpose of this article we are suggesting to keep it simple. This bag should be kept within reach, such as next to your AND your children's beds. If a fire was to strike in the middle of the night you want quick access.

In the bag you should consider some type of fire hood. On the high-end is the iEvac Certified Smoke/Fire Hood. It protects against toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide (the number one cause of death and injury in a fire), smoke, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxide, tear gas and more.

There are several options out there and a little research goes a long way. Next we suggest a fire blanket and a flashlight.

Another great addition is a whistle! I know this may sound strange but if you are trapped and can not escape on your own blowing a simple whistle will help to alert firemen to where you are located.

This bag is simply for you to get out alive!
Remember to have a plan!
Talk to your children!
Practice your escape routes!

Most importantly .. ALWAYS make sure you have working smoke detectors in you home..

Rental Property Fire Damage: Who Pays for What?

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

An apartment fire, who pays for what?

Rental Property Fire Damage: Who Pays for What?

An apartment fire can be devastating. However, the aftermath can be more stressful than the initial experience as everyone struggles to understand who is responsible for what fire damage. Thankfully, the rules of responsibility are pretty cut and dry.

1. Responsibility and Ownership

Essentially, responsibility and ownership are the leading determiners for financial responsibility. The property owner owns the building and therefore his or her insurance is responsible for covering building damages. The tenant owns their belongings, and thus his or her coverage is responsible for covering personal items.

2. Structure and Property

The building structure and the surrounding property should be covered under the apartment owner’s insurance policy. Therefore, unless the owner is proven negligent, the insurance will cover any damage incurred during the apartment fire. As the owner is not responsible for a tenant’s belongings and as such is not liable for them, he or she cannot be held accountable for any damage unless, again, proven negligent.

3. Contents and Personal Belongings

As tenants are responsible for their belongings, like furniture, clothing and other personal items, his or her insurance will cover this damage. This coverage can be challenged if the tenant is proven both negligent and responsible for the initial blaze.

4. Insurance Coverage and Restoration

While there does exist a clear division between insurer responsibility, the use of a fire remediation specialist in the Bowling Green OH area is most likely the responsibility of the building owner and their insurance policy. The responsible party can be disputed depending on the initial cause of the fire.

An apartment fire is difficult for everyone involved. Whether you are the owner or a tenant, the loss of property can be emotionally taxing enough without worrying about who is responsible for covering what damage.

However, in most cases, the property owner is responsible for the building, and the tenant is responsible for their belongings.

Why you should choose SERVPRO of Bowling Green/ W. Lucas County if you are in Real Estate

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Here to help image with employees

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!

WHY SERVPRO IS THE BEST CHOICE!

Currently, we are in a time where the real estate market is hot. Houses are selling faster than they can be listed. We are seeing interest rates drop to an all-time low and what a better time to have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings, whether it be a commercial or a residential listing. SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County understands that you want to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. How your listing looks is everything to a potential buyer and we can assist in making that happen. It doesn’t matter what shape or situation your listing is in, the SERVPRO team can assist you in many different ways to make sure this sale is quick and the most profitable for you! Our team can assist you in inspecting a crawl space/attic area for mold, water, or biohazard damage and fix this damage efficiently. Our team can even assist in estate sales in the case of hoarder cleanouts with optional inventory itemization and cleaning services. A SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County professional would be happy to attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency. Give our office a call today at 419-867-8678 to schedule an estimate! Our friendly staff would be excited to assist you!!

Advanced Technology and Techniques

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Advanced Technology and Techniques

The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide is a specific set of practical standards that incorporate the field of psychometry, which involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

High-speed air movers causes moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

Air scrubbers
Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Any disaster we are here for you!

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Any disaster we are here for you!

Here No Matter What

There are many services that SERVPRO has that many people do not know about. SERVPRO offers bio hazard clean-up services. It is not easy dealing with a situation involving crime scene clean-up. It can be very emotional and difficult to think about having to deal with certain situations.

There is no need to put yourself through trying to clean-up something traumatic. SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. can take care of any blood borne pathogens. We know how difficult it can be to deal with issues like this. Let us be the ones to take care of these situations.

“We are always here to help.” We are here for you for the good and the bad. Call us today for more information on these services. We hope you never have to deal with something like this, but we are here for you if you need us.

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. (419)867-8678

Why SERVPRO? A Team Effort!

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

Truck full of equipment brought by SERVPRO

Why SERVPRO? A Team Effort!

When disaster strikes, whether it is a widespread natural disaster causing extensive damage in our community, or a water or fire damage to a large property, SERVPRO has the help of a Team Effort!

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. is a locally owned business, but we are part of a team of over 1,700 franchises throughout the US and Canada.

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. team of over a dozen employees has an inventory of over 25 commercial dehumidifiers, over 300 air movers, dozens of HEPA Air Filtration Devices and 2 Desiccant dehumidifiers. Sometimes, that is simply not enough!

When our equipment and highly trained professionals are busy on projects for our residential and business customers, we might need additional staff and equipment. Thankfully, we are able to rely on our neighboring franchises or special teams from SERVPRO Corporate. With a phone call, we can have semi-trailers full of equipment and trained personnel on site in a day or two.

How To Avoid These 3 Common Causes of House Fires

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

What can quickly happen if you leave food cooking unattended.

3 Common Causes of House Fires

There are many different types of accidents that can potentially lead to a house fire and require fire cleanup services, which is why it is important to always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Three common causes of home fires include cooking fires, a cigarette fire, and candle fires. Find out how you can protect your home in Bowling Green/West Lucas Co., by reading the tips in this guide.

1. Kitchen Fire

From leaving cooking food unattended to accidentally allowing grease to splatter, there are many opportunities for a fire to start in your kitchen. Always make sure to stay near food whenever you are cooking and never leave food in the oven or in a slow cooker when you leave the house. Keep all flammable objects off the stove. When cooking with oil, have a lid nearby and don’t overheat the grease.

2. Smoking Indoors

Cigarette fires are the leading cause of fire deaths, which is why it is important to always practice safe smoking habits. While only smoking outdoors is the best way to prevent a fire from starting indoors, bedrooms should be kept completely off-limits. Steer clear of all flammable objects and make sure to avoid an ashtray fire by always putting out butts and properly disposing of ashtray contents.

3. Candles

Many people use candles around their homes, especially during the holidays. Always make sure to burn candles away from flammable items, such as curtains and towels. Blow out candles before exiting a room, leaving the house, or falling asleep. Keep candles far out of reach from curious animals and children. Additionally, never let candles burn all the way down to avoid overheating the container.
These tips are all great ways to avoid the devastation a candle, kitchen, or cigarette fire can cause. The best tactic in keeping your home safe from a fire is to always remain aware of your surroundings and address any hazards you see right away.

Here No Matter What

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO poster with pictures of different disaster situations and SERVPRO phone number

Any disaster we are here for you!

There are many services that SERVPRO has that many people do not know about. SERVPRO offers bio hazard clean-up services. It is not easy dealing with a situation involving crime scene clean-up. It can be very emotional and difficult to think about having to deal with certain situations.

There is no need to put yourself through trying to clean-up something traumatic. SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. can take care of any blood borne pathogens. We know how difficult it can be to deal with issues like this. Let us be the ones to take care of these situations.

“We are always here to help.” We are here for you for the good and the bad. Call us today for more information on these services. We hope you never have to deal with something like this, but we are here for you if you need us.

SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. (419)867-8678

Is Mold Being Stored In Your Attic

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Attics have an ideal environment for mold. Inspect your attic regularly and call SERVPRO at the first sign on mold.

With the winter setting in around your home, preparing for more massive snowfalls and the damage they could impose on your property is a wise venture. Your roof is particularly susceptible to the collection of snow, which could ultimately exceed the weight and support limitations of this defensive structure. When a roof becomes compromised, moisture and water flow can penetrate the vulnerable points to cause interior damage like mold growth.

A disturbing reality about mold in your attic is that many homeowners do not know about the problem until it spreads to affect more areas in the floors below. By this point, the organism has spread readily throughout the attic space and likely caused significant damages to the structural elements and contents stored in this space. You need a team of professionals that can arrive quickly with the right equipment to remove the growth and begin to return your property to the pre-mold condition.

With the severity of a discovery of mold growth on your property, having a team of professionals available whenever disaster strikes is critical to minimizing the time it takes to restore and re-mediate the conditions. Our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians have the IICRC certifications and experience to make short work of mold growth in your home, and we are available 24 hours a day to help you.

Ultimately resolving mold growth in the attic of your home relies on our SERVPRO technicians and our equipment to eliminate excessive moisture, locate the source of the damage, and keep the mold from spreading to new areas while removal techniques get employed. We utilize tools like our dehumidifiers and air movers to draw out the moisture and remove it from the area. Our professionals can spray unaffected and lightly affected surfaces with antimicrobial solutions developed in SERVPRO labs to prevent further growth and spread.

Overcoming mold damage in the attic space of your home is not something that you can face on your own, but our SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. professionals can help you. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (419) 867-8678.

Is your property winter ready?

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Cold weather in the Midwest can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazer potential.
Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install matts or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
Ask your SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. Professionals about completing an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas Co. Professionals to strike back. We can provide anything from temporary heat, desiccant dehumidification to water damage cleanup and repair.

Why SERVPRO? Because We Care!

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

"We love our customers" with SERVPRO lego

At SERVPRO, our number one priority is to make our customers happy. It may sound like the impossible task; after all, we are arriving on the scene when circumstances for our customers are devastating. A fire in their home, a busted pipe which has caused water damage in their kitchen, mold in their office building. These are difficult situations emotionally which is all the more reason for our employees to be sensitive to what our customers are dealing with. Many times, depending upon the damage we are mitigating, we could spend days, weeks, or even months in customer’s home or office. We get to know our clients one on one. We get to meet their children. We get to hear about their families. We know their pets’ names. We know where they leave the key in case they are not there. We get to know them by carefully handling all of their cherished possessions, sometimes cleaning them and packing them away until their homes are restored. At the end of the day, we are just people helping people. That’s what it’s all about. Sometimes that means stopping what we are doing and having a cup of coffee or dinner with our customers if they ask. Sometimes it means taking out the family pet.

Why SERVPRO?? Because we care about our customers...And they know it! Let us be the one you call when your life gets flipped upside down.

Keeping warm and what you should know.

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

1. Don't leave your heater on in an unattended room. This also includes leaving it running while sleeping. Just don't do it, its just not worth the risk.

2. Make sure you have at least a 3 foot perimeter around the unit that is clear of clutter. Its easy to move the space heater a little closer for the warmth but doing so causes risk. Keep it away from bedding, curtains, trash, etc. Also don't try to dry your clothes by setting them on the heater.

3. Watch what you plug your space heater into. Never plug your space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Space heaters pull a lot of power so you always want to plug it directly into the wall. You don't want to plug anything else into that wall outlet due to the power the heater pulls.

4. Watch the kids and pets. Young children and pets could easily knock over a space heater and cause a fire. It is best to unplug the unit when they are in the area.

5. Make sure to inspect it, regularly. Space heaters are only used a few months out of the year so before you plug in make sure that the cord is in good condition. Also inspect the whole unit, if something seems off, don't use it. They get moved around so things can come loose or break, make sure you have inspected your unit.

Rental Property Fire Damage: Who Pays for What

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

An apartment fire can be devastating. However, the aftermath can be more stressful than the initial experience as everyone struggles to understand who is responsible for what fire damage. Thankfully, the rules of responsibility are pretty cut and dry.

1. Responsibility and Ownership

Essentially, responsibility and ownership are the leading determiners for financial responsibility. The property owner owns the building and therefore his or her insurance is responsible for covering building damages. The tenant owns their belongings, and thus his or her coverage is responsible for covering personal items.

2. Structure and Property

The building structure and the surrounding property should be covered under the apartment owner’s insurance policy. Therefore, unless the owner is proven negligent, the insurance will cover any damage incurred during the apartment fire. As the owner is not responsible for a tenant’s belongings and as such is not liable for them, he or she cannot be held accountable for any damage unless, again, proven negligent.

3. Contents and Personal Belongings

As tenants are responsible for their belongings, like furniture, clothing and other personal items, his or her insurance will cover this damage. This coverage can be challenged if the tenant is proven both negligent and responsible for the initial blaze.

4. Insurance Coverage and Restoration

While there does exist a clear division between insurer responsibility, the use of a fire remediation specialist in the Bowling Green OH area is most likely the responsibility of the building owner and their insurance policy. The responsible party can be disputed depending on the initial cause of the fire.

An apartment fire is difficult for everyone involved. Whether you are the owner or a tenant, the loss of property can be emotionally taxing enough without worrying about who is responsible for covering what damage. However, in most cases, the property owner is responsible for the building, and the tenant is responsible for their belongings.

Advanced Technology and Techniques

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

The past few decades has seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide is a specific set of practical standards that incorporate the field of psychometry, which involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation