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Commercial Buildings and Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
3/2/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Sioux Falls can help you get dried out quickly.
If you have damage in your commercial building, there is a good chance that water is the cause. Even a leaky toilet that seems like a small problem can cause a large amount of damage faster than you would imagine.
Owning and operating a commercial building comes with a long list of responsibilities, and trying to track down every leak or drip can feel like a huge challenge. Learn the top places leaks start so you can stay proactive at prevention.
3 Common SourcesUnplanned business interruptions are never good for operations. If you have to shut your doors because of water damage, you could be facing losing income and thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Create a habit of checking certain locations in your building regularly in order to catch problems quickly:
1. The roof. When your roof leaks, it can trickle through your building and leave every floor damaged. Roof leaks can start after a weather event or as the result of aging. Clean your gutters often throughout the year and inspect your roof once a quarter. If a wind or ice storm blows through, take a look at the roof to correct any damages it sustained.
2. Bathrooms. Commercial buildings lose 15% of all water from their bathrooms. Toilet and sink pipes can develop pin hole-sized leaks that can go unseen long-term. Make sure someone is assigned to checking every bathroom at least once a month to ensure the plumbing is working correctly.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. Large appliances all come with a leak risk, particularly when drains become clogged or pipe connections loosen. Check for puddles around your heating and cooling units, and take note of increases or decreases in the building’s water pressure. These are all indicators there could be a leak or other water issue, and when you correct them quickly you can avoid extensive damages.
Take Preventive StepsWhile natural disasters will always be something we can’t control, most other forms of water damage can be prevented or lessened when you know how to react. Prepare your staff, your building and yourself—and lessen your losses during a disaster.
Start preparing by putting together a plan that covers maintenance in every bathroom in the building.
Think about working with us at SERVPRO to create a step by step plan, or Emergency Ready Plan, that will take away any question of how to respond.
In your planning, don’t forget to cover every water fixture in your building. Check your window and door seals often to ensure they are not allowing additional moisture into your building. Locate water shut-off valves in your building, and train some staff to turn the water off if an emergency happens.
Responding quickly is the best way to control water damages. When a situation occurs, do everything you can to safely get things under control fast, and then call SERVPRO. We are available 24⁄7, and it is our goal to get your building cleaned up so you can get back to work.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
All the Ways Hidden Mold Reveals Itself | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
2/27/2023 (Permalink)
If you find hidden mold SERVPRO of Sioux Falls should be your first call!
One of the main reasons mold becomes such a severe issue for homeowners is because of its
ability to go undetected until it evolves into a headache that cannot be avoided. Those tiny
spores that form as a result of excess moisture are excellent at hiding, and if you don’t know
what to look for, they can grow into a terrible home infestation.
In many cases, there are no visible signs of growth, but there are a few other subtle indicators to
look for. It’s possible that mold is intruding on your home and making small, unusual changes
around the house.
So, if you suspect mold is growing in your home but see no visible evidence, you’re not crazy!
You could be dealing with invisible mold that requires a closer inspection to lead you to the
source.
What’s That Smell?
Whether mold is hidden or visible, it will always produce a musty, unavoidable smell. The nasty
odor is commonly described as earthy, rotten and stale.
Sniff around your home with your nose; wherever the smell is strongest, that’s where your mold
problem may be hiding. If you smell something but can’t figure out where it’s coming from, look
in places that are prone to leaks, such as your bathroom.
Cosmetic Changes to the Home
If your wall, ceilings or floors aren’t looking as clean as they usually do, it could be mold.
Changes such as warped walls, peeling paint and discoloration could be mistaken for a home in
need of a touchup.
Dark stains or spots can appear in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors. As you search around,
be on the lookout for spots in hues of black, brown, green and white.
Previous Moisture Problems
If you’ve ever had a toilet overflow or a pipe leak that let water into your home, you may have
had it repaired and forgotten about it. Locations where flooding or leakage occurred should be
one of the first places you look if you detect mold growing in your home.
Unfortunately, mold can appear quickly, and even if there is no visible leak, you may still have a
problem hidden deep where it occurred.
Mold growth can be devastating for homeowners, but our team can kick mold to the curb for
good! Reach out to SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for rapid mold remediation.
Safe Home Heating All Winter| SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
2/24/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
The winter chill set in a long time ago, and you have probably been heating your home for some time now. If you are not taking good care of your heating system, though, you could be creating a fire risk in your home.
Life in Sioux Falls means that you have to enjoy cold weather at least a little bit, but you deserve to be able to warm up as much as you want. Take care of your units now so you can rest easy.
Furnace BasicsWhile furnaces are one of the most common types of heating sources, many of our homes also have radiant floor heat or a boiler. With our extreme winters, it is also not unusual to have a combination of units in a home. Regardless of what kind of heat you use, regular maintenance is crucial to keep things running correctly and long-term.
Keep outside units clear of snow and ice, including any vent covers. Dust regularly to avoid buildup, and change your filter every 90 days. The air filter is crucial for keeping things running well, but it can also help maintain the proper humidity in our moist environment.
Fireplace SafetyFor most of our homes, fireplaces or wood-burning stoves are a necessity to provide additional warmth, particularly when a big snowstorm blows through. While the flames can make your home feel magical, they can also leave it at risk for fires. Have them cleaned and inspected regularly to continue the magic without worry.
Wood-burning fireplaces or stoves should be cleared of ash and soot after each use, and the chimney or stove pipes should be inspected to clear any blockages. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, dust it often and remove the logs. Clean the glass and the screen.
Portable HeatersSpace heaters are a great way to warm up a single room quickly, but without proper use, they could easily cause fires. Opt for more blankets on a cold night instead of your space heater, and only run it on a flat surface.
Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off feature if it is tipped. Never plug your unit into an extension cord, but always directly into the wall to avoid electric surges and fire.
Keep an eye on little ones and pets when you use any of your heating equipment. Most house fires start from an avoidable accident. Prevent chaos in your home and stay warm and cozy by always being fire-aware.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
Stop Mold From Setting Up Shop in Your Basement | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
2/17/2023 (Permalink)
When you find hidden mold call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls
If you live in a house with a basement, it may not be your favorite location to visit. The stale air
and dim lighting are reasons enough to get in and out as quickly as possible. While visiting the
basement may be unsettling, it is vital to do so on a regular basis to check for threats like mold
growth.
Basement mold growth is a common issue that can lead to substantial damage. Darkness,
humidity and excess moisture make your basement an ideal breeding ground for mold. And
since you might not frequent your basement, mold might grow there without your knowledge.
Regular maintenance and inspections are the most effective ways to keep mold at bay in your
basement. The more you maintain it, the fewer scary trips you’ll have to make down to your
basement!
Eliminate Seepage
You should start by ensuring there are no areas of your basement water that might be able to
seep in. Inspect your foundation for cracks and gaps along the walls and seal them up. Cracks
aren’t always a cause for concern, but it’s important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t
expand.
Cracks aren’t the only issue that can create moisture problems. Your pipes and appliances can
both flood your basement before you know it. Inspect your pipes and the appliances you keep in
your basement after each usage to ensure there is no leakage.
Even if there is no water leak, the moisture levels in your basement may be high, allowing mold
to flourish. Using a humidifier in your basement can lower humidity and control moisture. The
humidity levels you need to set will vary depending on the season and climate, but 30 to 50% is
the ideal range.
Protect the Inside From Outside
Creating safeguards around the exterior of your property is another great technique to secure
your basement. Small tasks like cleaning your gutters, maintaining your roof and extending your
downspouts can help keep outside water from leaking in and growing mold.
The landscape that surrounds your home also has an impact on how much water seeps down
into your basement. Grading your yard is an effective way to send excess water flowing away
from your home’s foundation. Create a slope using dirt to allow water to flow away from your
home rather than pooling at the sides.
If you find mold lurking in your basement, we are the team to call! SERVPRO can perform
expert remediation and return you to a safe, mold-free property.
Protect Your Home From Water Damage This Year | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
2/10/2023 (Permalink)
When a new year rolls in, it brings with it the opportunity to take on new projects that can make life a little easier to live. This year, make one of the projects you tackle protecting your home from water damage by adding simple steps into your regular routines.
Water is one of the most common damage causing natural disasters, and it only takes a tiny pinhole to leave your home in complete chaos. Protect your home for water damage this year with a resolution you can really keep.
What Causes Water Damage?In order to prevent damage to your home, you need to first understand where it comes from. Water issues can start inside your home or outside of it.
Dirty gutters and excessive rain are two outside sources, while large appliances and bathroom fixtures are common problem-causers inside.
Pipes that have worn out due to age and window seals that have lost their caulking can also leave your home with excess moisture. Left unchecked, too much moisture can lead to mold problems and rotted out walls and floor boards.
Appliances with a drip may show signs of rust or stop working if water gets into electronic components. The faster you catch a leak at its source, the more you can mitigate your risks.
How to Prevent DamageIt may only take a tiny bit of water to do a large amount of destruction, but there are plenty of ways you can avoid total disasters. Finding water problems fast will always be the best way to avoid damages, and when you are actively taking preventive steps, catching an issue will be fast and easy.
To find water where it isn’t supposed to be, add checking bathrooms and kitchen for wet spots or mold to your weekly to-do list. When it rains, use your hand to check door frames and window seals to see if they are moist. Check rooms for musty odors, particularly in the lower level of your home.
Check your roof monthly and after any wind events. Most homes in our area should have roofs that are rated for high snow loads, but make sure you inspect your roof for soft spots before and after a big winter storm. Keep a close eye on the insulation in your attic for moisture, and add or replace as needed to stay warm and dry through our long winters.
Keep your gutters cleaned out to avoid ice dams that could cause water to overflow and drip through your house. Make sure downspout areas stay clean as well, and use soil to create a gentle slope away from your home so water flows into proper drainage channels.
When you add simple steps into your already existing housekeeping routines, you can save yourself from costly and time-consuming house repairs. And you can finally tell all your friends that you made a resolution you actually kept.
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
SERVPRO Is Your Best Choice for Odor Removal | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
2/3/2023 (Permalink)
Our expertise in odor removal is why you should call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls
You might already know that SERVPRO is your best choice for professional cleaning and restoration after a disaster strikes. We have professionals everywhere who are ready to handle storm, water, mold and fire damage. But did you know we can also handle pesky odor removals?
A disaster damaging your property is certainly a worst-case scenario for all of us, and when it happens, it can lead to a stressful recovery. In the midst of getting everything put back together, worrying about odors is likely far from your mind.
Unfortunately, every disaster can come with smells that might linger long-term in your home when they are not taken care of in a timely fashion. Even when your home is immaculately clean, you might have odors hiding out in places you never thought to look.
The good news is that there is a solution to every odor problem, and our professionals can kick smells to the curb quickly.
Odor Removal TechniquesOdors are caused by airborne particles and gasses in the air. After removing the initial source of the smell, our experts employ various products and deodorizers in a scientific manner to eliminate odors completely.
Some of the products we use in our process include:
Masking agents. These are not a primary source of removal, but instead they are used to cover—or mask—the smell so that the restoration can move forward in a more pleasant atmosphere.
Filtration agents. On furniture and building materials, an absorbent substance is required in order to suck smells out and eliminate them. These agents also capture particles in the air and trap them as they pass through a filter.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. These two substances will be used all through the problem area to kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
These may only be a few of the tools and techniques our professionals will use during your restoration, but they are some of the most common.
The Signature 4-Step ProcessWhen we start the odor-removing process, we will follow four steps:
1. Remove the source. Smells cannot be completely eliminated until the source is identified and handled appropriately. As much as we are able, removing the source will be the first step in the process.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. Once the source of the odor is removed or otherwise dealt with, all surfaces and areas will need to be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized. If proper cleaning doesn’t happen, smells will continue to linger.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. In order to hit all the same surfaces that the disaster hit, we will employ deodorizer in a similar fashion. This means if your home was damaged by smoke, we will use “deodorizing smoke” to correct it.
4. Seal exposed surfaces. When a situation is extreme, it may become necessary to seal odors in using a sealant that blocks them from being released into the air. This step will be used if removal is not possible or becomes too expensive.
Timing is essential when it comes to effective odor removal. If your home has an issue that resulted from an emergency situation, we are ready to respond quickly in order to lessen deep damages and reduce the cost of your recovery. SERVPRO of Sioux Falls is locally owned, which means we are just around the corner and can act fast when you need our help.
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
Stop Water Seepage | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
1/30/2023 (Permalink)
Got Water Seepage?
You may not notice it, but water could be seeping through your house. If your air quality is low and you notice a musty smell or you have seen peeling paint or bubbled spots on your walls, there may be a problem causing damage somewhere.
Rust on your indoor appliances may be another indicator of a water leak. While these can be fairly hard-to-spot signs, there are obvious ones to look for, too. If you come across standing water on the floor that can’t be otherwise explained, you should dig a little deeper to find unseen problems.
It doesn’t take a lot of water to do serious damage, so learning what to look for, how to prevent leaks and ways to correct them is crucial for keeping your home safe.
Water Fixture LeaksSinks, tubs, showers and toilets are common sources of water leaks in the home. Water supply lines can develop small holes or caulk may begin to wear out and lead to seeping water that can damage walls and floors.
Get used to checking these areas as often as you clean, and stop every leak you find quickly. A minor leak can waste thousands of gallons of water every year, making timing essential when it comes to mitigating risks in your home.
Water From AppliancesLarge appliances that have water supplies are another high risk area for slow leaks that may go unnoticed in the home. Refrigerators with ice makers and dishwashers are both prone to leaks that could do serious damage to your floor.
In order to check these appliances for leaks, unplug them and move them away from the wall. Look for puddles or other wet spots, mold growth or soft spots in the wall or floor. If you do notice anything out of the ordinary, call our trained professionals for fast and thorough restoration services.
External SourcesThere are of course other risks that may not originate from inside your home. Exterior leaks can creep in slowly through windows and doors or can rush over your foundation when the weather turns severe and results in flooding.
Living near Big Sioux River and Skunk Creek means that flooding can be a real challenge. Heavy rains throughout the year and snow melt as the winter weather eases both cause our water sources to overflow along with flash flooding when other areas are already overly saturated.
It is crucial to have a plan year-round in order to keep our homes and neighborhoods the most protected.
Fortunately, you can manage the risk of excessive moisture. You will need to prepare your home and update those preparations seasonally in order to keep water intrusions at bay.
Your gutter system and roof are the first place you should start in protecting your home. When gutters are filled with dirt, leaves or other debris water is forced to overflow and can leak through your ceiling, walls and into the foundation. Clean your gutters often and clear any debris from the downspouts so that water can easily roll away from your property.
Your entry points are another area you will want to take care of regularly. Check the seals on windows and doors to ensure they have not decayed or come loose. Sealed windows prevent moisture buildup that could lead to mold growth and damage.
Your landscaping also serves as another great point of defense against flooding or seeping water invasions. Create a sloping pitch on your property with natural resources so that water moves away from your foundation and is absorbed appropriately to prevent ponding. Take every step possible to keep your home safe and dry so that you can rest easy through every season.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.
Can Mold Still Grow During a Frigid Winter? | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
1/25/2023 (Permalink)
Got Mold? We can help!
Mold demands three important ingredients in order to thrive and spread. Excess moisture, the
right location for growth and the ideal temperature all combine to produce the ideal setting for
mold to wreak havoc on your home. So, this must imply that mold gets cold feet during the
winter, right? Wrong!
Mold growth isn’t a seasonal issue. Even when temperatures drop below mold’s sweet spot,
there is still a risk of growth. You need to be aware of a number of factors that make mold a
year-round threat.
Winter weather doesn’t give your Sioux Falls home a break from the risk of mold development.
To keep mold at bay this season, make sure you understand how mold can grow even in
subfreezing temperatures.
Does Mold Freeze Up in the Winter?
Cold weather might not scare away mold completely, but it can slow it down. If your home
already has a mold problem, cold weather does not kill the spores; instead, they become
inactive until the conditions are right.
A sudden increase in indoor temperature and winter weather threats that create excess
moisture are two factors that keep pesky mold at work during the cold months.
Indoor Heating Creates the Perfect Environment
When winter arrives, we use many different heating appliances to make sure our homes stay
warm and cozy. When indoor heating is turned on and the outside temperature is cold, excess
moisture is created, which can result in condensation build-up.
Thanks to this rise in condensation, mold growth around your windows is very common
throughout the winter. Keep an eye on your window sills during these cold months and seal up
any cracks to prevent water from leaking inside.
Winter Weather Brings Water Into Your Home
It should come as no surprise that severe water damage problems could result during these
cold seasons. Sioux Falls’ winter weather brings hazards such as snow and ice storms and
freezing temperatures. When water damage strikes and goes unnoticed, mold is sure to follow!
Snow melt, a frozen pipe rupture and ice dams are just a few of the issues that could send
water straight into your home, increasing your chances of mold growth. When water makes its
way indoors, humidity increases, allowing mold to develop even faster.
If you detect mold growth in your home this winter, call our SERVPRO experts. We can perform
professional remediation and get you back to your cozy home in no time.
Winter Is a Wonderland | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
11/23/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.
Winter doesn’t officially begin until Dec. 21 this year, but depending on where you are, that date may feel very early or very late. In our area and others near us, we know that winter begins much earlier with extreme lows and heavy snows, while other regions mostly slip into winter with only slightly lower temperatures than the rest of the year.
Regardless of where you are, the winter season brings a different set of threats that could leave your property with damages and your family facing the cold (or fog, or rain, or…well you get the picture).
When you know what to anticipate and how to prepare for it, you can rest easily throughout the season knowing your family is safe.
Winter Around the NationSnow-filled, freezing, rainy and mild are all ways this year’s season has been described, particularly when you take a look at the nation split into two halves.
In the Midwest and some parts of the East Coast, winter is anticipated to be a dire season with extremely low temperatures and high amounts of snow. On the West Coast, the season is predicted to be much milder with moderate temperatures and more rain than any other kind of precipitation.
From region to region these predictions will certainly vary slightly, but it is still best to prepare your home for the worst extremes in order to prevent as much potential for damage as possible.
Winter Around Sioux FallsWinter in Sioux Falls can be challenging. While we typically only see about 10 inches of snow more than the national average of 28 inches over the season, we still contend with freezing temperatures and biting winds.
Our coldest month is usually January, and our average daily temperatures are between 10 and 38 degrees. We experience a good deal of ice, which can lead to ice dams in our water and eventual flooding.
Even with the risks, outdoor adventurers will find an endless amount of activities to keep them busy, particularly when they know their home is well-prepared.
Get PreparedIn order to enjoy sledding without worrying about your property, you should first take the time to get to know the different kinds of weather we could see in our area. Next, check your devices to make sure your weather alerts are turned on, and invest in one that will work even when the power is out so you can move to safety as quickly as possible.
Prepare an emergency kit ahead of the coldest months and store it near an interior room in your home. If you keep one packed year-round, double-check it throughout the season to ensure you have enough warm items for each member of your family. Put one in your vehicles, too, so that you can stay safe if you are caught out in the cold.
With our extreme temperatures, checking the weatherproofing on your windows and doors is crucial not only in preventing excess moisture from entering, but also in lowering your heating bill. Make sure you have a strong cover on your outdoor faucets that can hold up in the wind in order to avoid waking up to frozen pipes when the temperature creeps really low.
Repair any soft spots or loose shingles on your roof, clean your gutters and trim trees near your home in order to prevent damages. Take a look at your insulation levels in your attic space, and consider adding any needed to fill in gaps and help keep your home warm.
Winter can be the best time of year when you have prepared your home and your family. Make sure you have SERVPRO on your contacts list so that you can call us 24⁄7 if you do end up with storm-related damages. We will get restoration moving quickly so you can get back to fuzzy socks and warm hot chocolate.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
Keep Mold at Bay After a Water Emergency | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
11/1/2022 (Permalink)
Mold typically grows in the lower portion of a room, particularly behind the baseboard.
As if a water disaster isn’t trouble enough, mold is capable of popping up fast when water is left standing and affected areas are left untreated. Water damage worsens quickly, and mold growth can appear shortly after, ready to wreak havoc.
Once you’ve found the source of your leak and completely shut it off to prevent any more damage, it’s a smart idea to call in a mold remediation expert like our team at SERVPRO to get your problem under control.
Until our team arrives at the scene of your disaster, there are plenty of ways to keep mold at bay. Quickly taking action after water seeps into your home will allow you to avoid a much bigger problem until help arrives:
Quickly Dry Out the Area
You may not be able to dry out everything depending on the severity of your situation, but you can take steps to start the drying process. This won’t just keep mold under control, but it could also mitigate damage caused by standing water.
If possible, open up any doors and windows around your property to allow some ventilation. If water is puddled, clean up anything you are able to with towels. Mold can be prevented by using equipment such as a dehumidifier or a box fan to circulate air and reduce humidity.
Remove Any Affected Items
When it comes to water damage, any items that are soaked can possibly create mold. Collect any affected items and move them to a safe location, preferably one that can hasten the drying process.
It’s helpful to move any items out of impacted rooms even if they aren’t waterlogged to keep anything else from being damaged.
Keep an Eye Out for Growth
The location of your water emergency will play a significant role in the development of mold. Mold may appear quickly in areas like your bathroom, basement and attic since these rooms provide the ideal environment for growth. So it’s helpful to keep an eye out for any signs of mold development.
Even when you dry out areas that are soaked with water, hidden mold coils still become a problem right under your nose. To ensure your water emergency and the risk of a pesky mold problem are both remediated, contact our crew at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls, a certified remediation and rapid restoration partner.
Don’t let mold become an out-of-control problem in your home. Count on SERVPRO to dry out your home and keep mold at bay.
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