Technology on our side

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Utilizing the latest technology to better help you in your emergency

Infrared camera technology allows technicians to see what cannot be seen with the bare eye.

According to an article posted online by Flir Systems, Wilsonville - Oregon,

"An infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems."

Pretty neat technology, don’t you think? Now, we use it *slightly* differently than mentioned above. Water Restoration Technicians use the Infra-Red tech to search for water by looking for COOLER spots, which are indicative of the presence of water. It helps us to measure just how saturated the wall, the floor, or the door might be, which helps us better map out how best to help you and your emergency.

You see this is why we use the infrared technology on all of our jobs because seeing is not always believing.

When you contact us for any water damage related service, our team will use the best technology we have to ensure your property is taking care of.

Call SERVPRO® Team McGinnis anytime day or night for help 541-745-2097.

Emergency Water Damage Tips

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Helpful tips if you experience a water loss!

Emergency Water Damage Tips

After a storm passes, it is important to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some tips to help prevent further damage after a storm, especially if your property has some water damage:

Shut Off Water Source

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.  

Turn Off Circuit Breakers

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the business when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.   

Move Important Objects

Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents, or other sensitive valuables to a dry place.  

Don't Enter Affected Areas

Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards!   

Stay Away From Structural Damage

Stay away from visible structural damage. Close and rope off the affected area if possible.  

Have Insurance Available

Have your insurance policy available and know the name of your insurance company and broker. Call SERVPRO® today at 541-745-2097! A professional will come out and assess damage and provide necessary mitigation services.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

8/9/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can get worse the longer you delay calling for help

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® 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 –541-745-2097

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®

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 our SERVPRO® Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Even small leaks can spell BIG disaster

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes under a sink can spell big trouble

No matter what time of year it seems like kitchen sink pipes like to leek. We, here at SERVPRO® get many calls about leaks from kitchen sink pipes. One recent call we received was a kitchen sink pipe leaking. Unfortunately, the home owner was not aware of the small, slow leak until it had soaked through the bottom of the cabinet, through the flooring and on into their daylight basement! This ruined the bottom of the sink cabinet, the subflooring, insulation, and ceiling dry wall.. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to avoid this situation.

1. Make sure you check once month under you sink for leaks.

2. Don't keep a lot of stuff under the sink, so it hard to notice if a leak is happening.

3. Line your cupboard with cupboard liner, so that it can protect from moisture.

4. When the weather is below freezing leave you cupboard open it bit to allow heat under the sink, to prevent frozen pipes.

5. Do simple moisture checks once a month to make sure the wood/plywood is not wet, not any visible water drops coming off your pipes.

If you run in to a kitchen sink leak that has cause damage SERVPRO® can help. All you need to do is call!

Design tips to help minimize flood damage in basements

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

An Epoxy Coated basement floor not only looks beautiful, but it can help protect your home in the event of basement flooding

Finding a home with a basement here in Oregon is almost as rare as seeing Sasquatch. When we do find a basement, our excitement is hard to contain as the possibilities are endless! This extra square footage could be ideal for storage, a guest bedroom, a playroom for the kids/grandkids, a den, a room for entertaining...the list goes on and on. But before we make any final decisions on what to do with this extra space, we must keep one thing in mind: basements are rare here because our ground gets very wet. Wet ground can lead to water leaking into you home. While there are steps you can take to help prevent water from gaining access to your basement, there are also a few simple flooring ideas that can help minimize damage IF water ever did get into your home.

AVOID CARPETING It may seem appealing to have a softer floor covering if you plan to turn this space into a cozy room for relaxing, or a playroom for children. But, unfortunately, carpeting and its padding soak up any moisture that may come into your home, and can become a breeding ground for mold.

Epoxy Coating a concrete basement subfloor with epoxy will make it waterproof and durable. Available in a variety of colors, epoxies can easily be applied over a weekend.

Concrete Stain Stains can dress up concrete floors with very little cost an effort. Unlike some other types of concrete coatings, stain is resistant to chipping or flaking. Stains also come in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to match your décor.

Ceramic Tile Affordable and timeless, ceramic tile can easily be applied directly over a concrete slab. Tile is also resistant to water and humidity, making it a good choice for basement flooring.

Painted Concrete Paint is easy and the least expensive solution.  Do your research, and be sure to get a latex based paint that is resistant to humidity and cooler temperatures.  Use a roller to apply at least 2 coats directly to the floor. You may have to touch up the floor every few years.

You can always accessorize for comfort by using area rugs. These not only look nice, but can easily be replaced if any water damage does occur. If you ever do find yourself with water damage in your basement, do not hesitate to call your Water Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®. We are on-call 24/7 and ready to help you get back to enjoying your basement.

SERVPRO: Your Go-To Provider for Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup Services

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for any homeowner or business owner. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a flood, or any other kind of water damage, the effects can be devastating. That’s where SERVPRO comes in - a leading provider of water damage restoration and cleanup services.

They have a team of highly trained professionals who are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and start the restoration process right away.

When it comes to water damage, time is of the essence. The longer the water sits, the more damage it can cause to your property. That’s why SERVPRO offers a quick response time and uses state-of-the-art equipment to extract water and moisture from the affected area.

The first step in the water damage restoration process is to assess the damage and come up with a plan of action. SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect any hidden moisture in walls, floors, or ceilings. This helps them to determine the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive plan to restore your property.

Next, the team at SERVPRO will begin the water extraction process. They use powerful pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected area, including carpets, furniture, and other belongings. This helps to prevent further damage and reduces the risk of mold growth.

After the water is removed, SERVPRO will begin the drying process. They use high-powered fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area completely. This helps to prevent any remaining moisture from causing further damage and minimizes the risk of mold growth.

Once the area is completely dry, SERVPRO will begin the restoration process. This includes repairing any damage to walls, floors, or ceilings and replacing any damaged materials. They will also clean and sanitize the affected area to ensure that it is safe and free from harmful bacteria.

In addition to their water damage restoration services, SERVPRO also offers mold remediation, fire damage restoration, and other cleaning services. They are a one-stop-shop for all of your restoration and cleaning needs.

Overall, SERVPRO is an excellent choice for anyone dealing with water damage. Their quick response time, state-of-the-art equipment, and highly trained professionals make them the go-to provider for water damage restoration and cleanup services.

If you’re dealing with water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO and let them take care of the problem for you.

Restoring a Child's Room: How SERVPRO Helped Repair Water Damage Caused by an Aquarium

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by an aquarium can be a problem for homeowners, especially those who have aquariums in their child's room. While aquariums can be an enjoyable addition to any home, they can also pose a risk of water damage if not properly maintained or if a mishap occurs.

One family experienced such a mishap when their child's aquarium broke and spilled water all over the carpet, walls, and furniture in the room. The family quickly took action by shutting off the water source and calling a professional restoration company, SERVPRO, to assess the damage and begin the restoration process.

Upon arrival, the SERVPRO team first assessed the extent of the damage and determined that the water had seeped into the carpet and padding, causing potential mold growth. The team then began the restoration process by removing the damaged carpet and padding, and thoroughly drying the affected area to prevent any further damage or mold growth.

Once the area was dried, the team moved on to repairing the walls and any furniture that had been damaged by the water. They worked diligently to restore the room back to its original state, taking care to ensure that all the repairs were completed to the family's satisfaction.

Thanks to SERVPRO's swift and thorough response, the family's child's room was restored back to normal in no time. The family was extremely satisfied with the results and grateful for the quick response of the SERVPRO team.

In conclusion, water damage caused by an aquarium can be a stressful situation, but with the help of a professional restoration company like SERVPRO, it is possible to restore the affected area back to its pre-damaged state.

If you ever experience water damage in your home, it is important to act quickly and contact a professional restoration company to prevent further damage and ensure a successful restoration.

Why Kitchen Water Damage is Often the Most Costly!

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

When we think about the kitchen in a home we think about cooking, food, dishes, and appliances.

Often these days we also think about the finishes in the kitchen. It’s fairly common for counters to be made of Quartz, Marble, or Granite. Also cabinets have become more costly in the last decade, and even more costly in the last year with the lumber prices skyrocketing. Often the thing people splurge on is the appliances in a kitchen, which can run anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

The average cost of a kitchen renovation today in America is $22,184 dollars. Or roughly $150 dollars per square foot! This makes the kitchen the most expensive square footage in your home. With bathrooms only coming in at $18,000 (Master Bath, much less for guest bath).

So taking all the costs into account, it’s easy to understand how a customer can be very upset when we arrive onsite at a water loss in a kitchen. Many times water losses in kitchens means we have to take out all flooring and cabinets to dry the underpayment (and sometimes subfloor!) Most of the time water losses in kitchens are due to dishwashers, refrigerators, insta-hot devices, and freezers. Sometimes kitchen losses are due to an adjoining laundry room having a water loss from the washer.

This is why our SERVPRO technicians will try and dry wooden floors in place if possible. It saves the homeowner time without a kitchen if it can be achieved, and also many times saves the customer from having to file a costly claim with their homeowners insurance.

If the water is contaminated, that is another situation entirely, and SERVPRO always recommends that the flooring be removed and replaced if saturated beneath the surface area.

Your house is damaged by water… What do you do?

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

It is vital to act quickly, before more damage occurs. First you must stop the water source or intrusion. Once stopped, mitigating, or keeping more damage from happening, is where service professionals like SERVPRO of Benton County. SERVPRO can come out to your house, assess the damage, clean and dry the area affected, and restored. 

Professionals, like SERVPRO of Benton County can identify water damage in obvious areas, classify the type of water doing the damage, and put together a plan of action to mitigate and restore the affected area. In addition, restoration professionals find areas unseen that have been affected and create access, or use professionally designed equipment, that allows the drying and restoration process to occur.

Whatever type of water damage you may have, whether it is a clean water break, a leaking washing machine, or a sewage leak, it is still very important to address it quickly before further damage occurs. SERVPRO is equipped to handle whatever the situation, whether large or small.

Permanent damage happens quickly, from wood surfaces deteriorating, carpet de-laminating, or mold beginning to appear because of the moist conditions. This is why it is so important to act quickly.

While you are waiting for your restoration professional to arrive, here’s a few things you can do:

1. Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
3. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
4. Remove any newspapers, magazines or colored material that may bleed onto carpets.
5. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
6. Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

To prevent future water damage, it’s a good idea to make sure that you regularly maintain your plumbing and roofing. In your bathroom and other rooms, you should make certain that you have good ventilation, and you should use good insulation in your windows and walls – especially your basement. Make sure as well to clean your gutters regularly and to make sure that there is no overspill. If you are buying a new home, make sure to research the area first to avoid houses on flood plains.

You can also prepare for potential water damage by making sure you keep your most important belongings up high and away from basement level. You should also make sure you have the number of a 24-hour emergency water damage restoration service, like SERVPRO of Benton County, in your phone at all times and you should have good insurance coverage for your home and for your possessions to cover the restoration services and items that needs may need replacing.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO

Water Conservation Tips

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Conservation can come in many forms. Water is a very important resource to us and we have to be sure to turn off faucets and conserve water when we are able to. Here are some tips for your family and children to follow when it comes to conserving water from SERVPRO of Linn County.

When it comes to water conservation, making the matter apparent to your children will have many benefits. It will begin to teach them the value and practices of conservation early on in their lives, a lesson that will hopefully stick for long into the future. Kids are sponges – chances are if you teach your child a way to save water in an interesting way, he or she will relay the message to classmates or friends.

Turning off the tap: minimize water use in the shower by turning off the shower head while shampooing and conditioning. Depending on where they live, this practice alone could save the average family up to $100 and 3,200 gallons of water per year (*based on a family of 3).

Sometimes you or your kids will pour more water than they wind up drinking. Instead of dumping this water down the drain, use it to water your plants, pour it into your pet’s water bowl, into your teapot or another practical use that will eliminate having to use the faucet. The same goes for ice cubes left at the end of your water glass.

Avoiding toys that require a constant stream of water as opposed to those that you fill can make a major difference when it comes to water usage. If it’s just too hot, limiting their time playing in the sprinkler can keep tabs on the situation. Also reminding your children to not play in the running water faucets and keep water use to just the needed usages.

Once you start conserving, expose your children to the struggles for clean water around the world. What they’re doing at home may translate into wanting to do more to help others.

How to deal with a flood

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

After your home has suffered a water damage such as a flood it is important to get into your home and address the problem as quickly and safely as possible. SERVPRO can help you get the water damage fixed and salvage the furniture and goods that were damaged. Here are some things to look out for:

Re-entering your home

• Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
• If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
• Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
• The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.

Ensure building safety

• Make sure the building is structurally safe.
• Look for buckled walls or floors.
• Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Water

• Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
• If through colour, odour or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, don't drink it.
• Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local regulations.

The Dangers Of A Slow Leak

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Slow leaks can devastate the condition of the materials in your home that come into contact with them.

A slow leak is an extremely inconvenient occurrence that happens constantly in the residential homeowner’s world. Slow leaks can go on for weeks or even years without being noticed. Thus they can cause so much more damage than an average leak that is addressed right away and discovered right away. Water that sits for a while without being addressed can cause mold or dry rot to happen.

Water that does not sit and is taken care of right away completely prevents mold and the possibility of dry rot occurring from the water loss. Water, even if it is from a clean source such as a supply line, can become contaminated if it sits for long periods of time un-mitigated. For example, if clean water runs into a crawl space, but there are rodents in that crawl space and feces from the rodents spread throughout the space, the job automatically fits into a Biohazardous one because of the extreme contamination of the water, especially if it sits for a while.

Another example of clean water becoming contaminated is if it slowly leaks between vinyl and the underlayment, damaging glue and adhesive from the vinyl. Many times the vinyl contains chemicals and even asbestos, the older the home the more likely it is to contain hazardous building materials.

Here are some examples of slow/long-term leaks in residential homes that we have encountered. A slow leak behind the valve in a stand-up shower. This was impossible to detect due to a full shower surround and a wall on the other side of the leak. The slow leak was spraying onto the drywall behind the shower surround. This caused black mold to grow and required demo of the shower and replacement of the drywall affected as well as the flooring.

Another example of a slow leak was in a high-end home. The owners noticed the flooring starting to buckle in a single place in the kitchen area, then not long after they noticed it buckling in other areas of the home. Finally when we were called in, we found a hot water supply line in the crawl with a minuscule pin-hole leak that was off-putting a small amount of steam each time someone in the house used the hot water. It is crazy to think that one small leak (smaller than a pinhead) can cause mold to grow throughout a 2,000sqft crawlspace. But that is exactly what happened. This was exacerbated also because the customer ignored the first signs of loss with the floors in their home. The subfloor and underlayment became fully saturated, and all the floors had to be replaced in the home due to warping of the laminate backing.

So if something seems off within your home, there is a musty smell, the floors have started showing discoloration or warping, or you spot a water stain on the wall or ceiling, take action and call SERVPRO! We are here to help and even a single day can prevent the damage of hardwood flooring throughout a home. So never hesitate to take care of you home, it is one of your biggest investments.

Swamps are perfectly normal, but NOT in your house!

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Trees like these are used to withstanding water, your furniture? not so much...

Imagine coming home to a swamp in your living room?

Take a few seconds to visualize everything that would be affected if this happened to you, the couch/furniture, the carpet/flooring, toys, electrical equipment, the walls...it’s a mess right?

When we arrive on-scene at a loss like this, the first thing we do is remove and standing water (suck out the swamp!) now depending on where the water came from and how long it has been sitting, we can salvage contents. Best case scenario, the water was fresh, cold, and recent. If water is hot it breaks down materials faster, if water is contaminated by sewage or other sources (if it was a drain line instead of supply) the contents may be very limited as to what we can save.

Next step will be removing all items that can be salvaged and leaving all contents that can be cleaned and dried in place. Cleaning items in place is possible with a clean water source (such as a supply line) most likely losses this large are from supply lines and many have to have the main water to the house shut-off until the source of the leak is fixed. Drying items in place can sometimes be achieved, even with carpet. Most often we will remove the affected carpet pad and float the carpet with air beneath it to dry it out (This is only if the water source was clean).

A house-turned-swamp can be a big hassle and a huge inconvenience, but SERVPRO can return you home to the sanctuary that it was before the water invaded, and we can help you every step of the way in addressing and answering you questions and concerns about the loss.

When Water Damage Displaces A Family

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

One of the things we at SERVPRO have seen repeatedly is a water loss displacing a family. This can be due to several factors, but it is always extremely difficult on the family to be displaced from their home while dealing with a traumatic water loss.
One of the main reasons homeowners have to find temporary housing outside of their homes is due to no bathroom being usable in the current house due to a water loss. When a water loss happens in a 1 bathroom home and the flooring and the toilet need to be removed, it is cause for displacement of the homeowners due to the lack of usable facilities at the home.
Another reason that homeowners are displaced is when a kitchen water loss happens, sometimes the cabinets, stove, fridge, and flooring need to be removed in order to effectively dry the area. A house with no usable kitchen is a common cause of customers finding temporary housing outside of their home.
Unsafe living environments. Unsafe living environments can mean a few different things, the first and most common is mold infestation. Homeowners are sometimes temporarily displaced due to mold that needs to be remediated that has been uncovered/discovered during a water loss. Sometimes the extent of the mold infestation warrants the homeowners to relocate until the mold can be safely and effectively remediated.
Inconvenience. Sometimes homeowners relocate due to the large inconvenience that comes with a water loss. Sometimes flooring, ceiling, walls, and personal belongings are affected due to a water loss. Homeowners may not want to deal with the noises of dehumidifiers, air movers, and the noise that comes with the demo and reconstruction needed at times during a water job, and therefor opt to relocate until the water loss and reconstruction has been finished.
Odor in the home from the water loss. Sometimes water losses can cause odors to emit from the materials that they affect. Sometimes water losses are also from drain lines or sewer lines that cause a strong odor to be present until they are cleaned and dried. Homeowners are often displaced temporarily due to odors.
So the reasons vary for homeowners to vacate during a water loss, but it is much more frequent than you would expect. Depending on the location and the extent of a water damage, homeowners can be displaced for days or months at a time.

Flooding caused by storm drains!

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician is pictured standing in a flooded parking lot. A clogged storm drain was the culprit of this water issue!

When the rain gets heavy, the standing water can build where it shouldn't!

We have had record calls from homeowners and businesses this past year about standing water in their parking lots, and overflowed storm drains.

Many times this can happen due to debris being built up in the drain filter. Cleaning it out is hard physical labor, but regularly necessary. 

Also, sometimes storm drains simply cannot keep up with heavy rainfalls and downpours. If you notice a storm drain in your town that is flooded and not draining properly, you can reach out to your local public works department at the city and report the problem.

If the storm drain is located on your private property you are responsible for servicing the storm drain yourself. Most likely it is a build up of debris in the upper portion of the drain filter, but sometimes it is a failure of the line that runs undergroud. the later is a much more significant cost to fix.

Plumbers have specialty equipment to clear drains. SERVPRO has provided such services, but if the problem is more than a clogged drain filter, a plumber and excavator company will most likely be needed. 

You can check your storm drains with a flashlight periodically when they are free of standing water and see if you can spy any clogging or build-up of leaves and rubbish that is preventing the drain from working optimally.

SERVPRO unclogged our own parking lot storm drain this past year, it was due to leaves and branches and dirt build-up. Often times it can clog very suddenly. So best to inspect seasonally if possible. 

Superman isn't the only one with super sight capabilities!

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

A water Technician is shown at a much warmer (yellow) temperature than the water she is extracting (purple).

Thermal Imaging in Water Restoration can be a very useful approach during large water losses.
Human beings have a body temperature averaging 98.6 degrees. Water reads cold in average room temperature comparison. 

Unless a water loss is actively spraying from a hot water heater, the water will show up colder than the average human body because water adjusts to the temperature of the environment it is surrounded by (it freezes in cold, it melts in heat).

(Featured Picture) As you can notice from this picture, taken using a thermal imaging camera, the SERVPRO technician extracting water from the carpet is at a much warmer (yellow) temperature than the water she is extracting.

The water in the photo shows up darker (purple).
Deeper purple hues show up on a thermal imaging camera when cooler temperatures, water, and moisture are present.

Thermal imaging cameras are a wonderful tool, especially when looking at high areas out of immediate reach, and capturing how wet an area is that may appear more dry from simply looking at it with the human eye.

This technology can help our team map where the water has migrated more efficiently throughout a loss. It serves as a pair of water and temperature goggles when viewing a loss.

Thermal Imaging cameras are a great asset for our SERVPRO team in the field! They were not commonplace to use in water restoration until the last handful of years in the industry. Once water restoration technicians started using them, they saw the uses and benefits and soon became widely popular through SERVPRO franchises.

Multi-Unit Water Damage in Salem Apartments

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

A moisture reading shows that the drywall around the bathroom vent is fully saturated with water.

Imagine you wake up to start your day, you flip on the light in your bathroom and find the floor soaked with water and dripping from the ceiling...it happens more often than you think. Especially in multi-unit housing. 

We were recently called out to an apartment building where the ground floor tenant complained of water coming out of the vent in her bathroom ceiling. Upon inspection we found that the water had fully saturated around the vent and had also run down the interior of the wall and gotten under the vinyl flooring in the bathroom. We followed the moisture trail also to an electrical breaker box in an adjoining room closet (Very scary stuff).

Upon even further inspection the water had dripped into the crawl space as well. It was clear at this point that the water was coming from a pipe in the upstairs unit. But we could not gain access to the upstairs unit due to no one being home and no notice given. Apartments are always complicated jobs, because we are working with the tenant, the property manager, the property owner, and sometimes the adjoining apartments tenants as well (like in this case).

That’s why it is so important for renters to carry insurance. Renters insurance is affordable (about the cost of 2 coffees) and covers all your belongings should something happen to them. Things happen that are beyond your control when you share walls with other people. Water damage, Fire damage, Smoke damage, Mold damage, bio-hazardous contamination…we have seen multi-unit losses for all the above and more. Of course, we are able to help the tenant in the upstairs apartment as well as the tenant of the unit we inspected, but this is just a reminder to be prepared and have your belongings insured. It’s not worth the risk to leave yourself fully exposed to unfortunate occurrences that are beyond your control, or due to another tenant’s negligence.

Here is an interesting article found on mysmartmove.com on why renters insurance is not only beneficial to the renter, but the landlord as well. It also includes details on what renters insurance covers! Why landlords should require renters insurance.

Water, Water, Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink.

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Elementary School gymnasium flooded with muddy water in Salem, Oregon

You may think the title is a bit weird for a disaster cleanup and restoration company blog. And for the most part you are correct.

But let me ask you, does the title of this article ring a bell? Does it bring back a bit of gleeful nostalgia? Well, either way it’s from an old English poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

In the poem the ship was driven by a strong storm towards the South Pole, from there she made her course to the tropics of the Great Pacific Ocean while finally docking back at port in her own country.

Commercial property restoration carries a similar journey and in Salem, Oregon or team is filled with captains, crew members and administration. Should a commercial property experience an unexpected burst pipe or other event which causes water to enter the building, we go to work immediately.

It’s interesting to us to see the disaster restoration industry grow, change and evolve over the years but some how we end up back at port, the basics. We’re able to bring a property back to preloss condition by following standards.

- A clear scope of work.

- Plan and strategy following a charted course.

- Fully trained crew members consisting of a crew chief, and technicians.

In June of 2021, we had a commercial client call us because an exterior water main burst. The water pressure from the burst pipe was able to force mud into the school building that affected 24,000 square feet of floor space.

By the time we showed up, water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.

By the time we left, the building was cleaned and sanitized, making it "Like it never even happened."

Why kitchen water damages are often the most costly!

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

When we think about the kitchen in a home we think about cooking, food, dishes, and appliances.

Often these days we also think about the finishes in the kitchen. It’s fairly common for counters to be made of Quartz, Marble, or Granite. Also cabinets have become more costly in the last decade, and even more costly in the last year with the lumber prices skyrocketing. Often the thing people splurge on is the appliances in a kitchen, which can run anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

The average cost of a kitchen renovation today in America is $22,184 dollars. Or roughly $150 dollars per square foot! This makes the kitchen the most expensive square footage in your home. With bathrooms only coming in at $18,000 (Master Bath, much less for guest bath).

So taking all the costs into account, it’s easy to understand how a customer can be very upset when we arrive onsite at a water loss in a kitchen. Many times water losses in kitchens means we have to take out all flooring and cabinets to dry the underpayment (and sometimes subfloor!) Most of the time water losses in kitchens are due to dishwashers, refrigerators, insta-hot devices, and freezers. Sometimes kitchen losses are due to an adjoining laundry room having a water loss from the washer.

This is why our SERVPRO technicians will try and dry wooden floors in place if possible. It saves the homeowner time without a kitchen if it can be achieved, and also many times saves the customer from having to file a costly claim with their homeowners insurance.

If the water is contaminated, that is another situation entirely, and SERVPRO always recommends that the flooring be removed and replaced if saturated beneath the surface area.

Whatever the loss and whatever the cause, trust SERVPRO of Salem West to help you through the stressful time of a homeowners loss. Our employees are capable, trained, and want to provide our customers with the best possible outcome in the end.

Water Losses Can Be More Expensive Than You Think...

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

So you have had a water loss…you have soaked up the standing water, it seemed just a small amount in the hallways, it had puddled out of the washing machine onto your hardwood floors. And it appears dry, but the next day you notice some buckling of the hardwood. You run your hand over the floor and confirm that it is popping up in a place that the water sat last night. Now it’s almost a trip hazard for you and your toddler aged daughter.

You call Water Restoration services (example: SERVPRO of Salem West). The company says that they will be out in the next couple of hours to inspect the loss.

When the SERVPRO Tech arrives they inspect your hallway area and take moisture readings with equipment. They determine that the water did indeed make it’s way under your water resistant engineered hardwood flooring, and it is now trapped under the flooring. Since the flooring is unison throughout your entire lower level, they tell you that they are going to try and “Dry the floor in place.” This service will be costing hundreds of dollars, as opposed to what taking up the floor and reinstalling the floor would be. You sign the authorization to start work and they begin.

They bring in equipment, an air mover (Giant Fan) and a dehumidifier to pull the moisture out of the air. Then, they tent the flooring area that is wet and hook the machines up and vent them into the area. It now looks like a big white balloon laying flat on your floor. The technician communicates that if this works, the job will be less than your home insurance policy deductible, so you won’t need to file a claim. If it doesn’t work, the job could easily surpass $10,000 and they will let you know when they know more after monitoring the area for a couple days.

On day three the SERVPRO technician takes off the tented plastic that has enveloped the wet hardwood flooring over the past 3 days, to your shock and happiness, the floor has returned to it’s regular size and place in the hallway. It is no longer sticking up and causing a trip hazard. The SERVPRO Technician communicates that water can swell wood, when the moisture content gets too high in the material, many times the wood will return to preloss condition if it is dried out quickly and efficiently.

FREEZE!

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

After “The Freeze” we experienced this winter, we saw trees down all over Salem and the surrounding areas. Many lost power for long periods of time, longer than ever before. Hundreds were out of power for a week or more. Generators became scarce, and people tried their best to start cleaning up their properties on their own.

What were the calls SERVPRO got more than any other you may ask? It was the calls from the homeowners with a flooded basement. This was due to the power outage and substantial moisture over the course of the storm. Many homes in the Salem area have basements, and therefor have sump-pumps to keep that basement dry, but when the power goes out…electricity does not feed the sump pump and it becomes useless.

We saw home after home with finished basements buried in feet of storm water, we saw homeowners that carried the water out in buckets, that sucked up what they could with a shop vac, that went out as soon as the power flickered and bought a generator! It was the homeowners that took mitigation into their own hands that had the least amounts of damage. The homeowners that saw the water sitting in their basements for a week, were not so fortunate.

Insurance also came into play as an obstacle for many homeowners. So many policies only had a small amount of damage covered under sewer and drain. This caused some of our customers thousands and some large losses tens of thousands of dollars worth of uncovered damages.

We learned how to respond and respond we did, with each home we encountered that had damages from the freeze we gained a whole new perspective on how unique and substantial the event was. It was a hectic and heart pounding time here at SERVPRO, but we got to help a lot of people through one of the most unexpected events of their lives, and we all learned a lot along the way.

What Are “Secondary Damages”?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

What are secondary damages in Water Restoration?

Water damages that are left unmitigated quickly develop secondary damages. The most common secondary damage is mold growth. Mold growth can begin as soon as 3 days following a water loss. It’s extremely crucial for homeowners and business owners to get water damages properly mitigated as soon as they happen, because most insurance policies have zero mold coverage/secondary damages coverage.

Another secondary damage is dry rot. Dry rot is what happens when spores in the air combine with wood that is holding more than 20% moisture, so it’s most likely when the structural integrity of the wood is compromised due to prolonged exposure to water. Dry rot can affect the foundation of your home and present very expensive repairs.

Unmitigated water damage also can encourage rodent infestations. Many times, even in brand new buildings, one small supply line leak can cause mice to occupy the structure. Rodents follow water and will go where there is a steady supply. Rodents can also more easily chew through affected drywall and wood.

Corrosion is also a clear sign that a water damage has been going on longer than it should have. With metals like pipes and nails, if there is rust or corrosion buildup that is an indication that coverage may not be a guarantee on your insurance claim.

Bottom line, if your home or business suffers a water damage, it’s important that you take immediate action and call a restoration company like SERVPRO of Salem West to mitigate the damage and prevent further issues. It may be an expense to mitigate a water loss, but it’s far more affordable than paying for secondary damages!!

What Is Water Damage?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding water damage is something that is more scientific than you may think. When we think about objects and buildings, we don’t think of them containing water…but they do. Most materials we interact with every single day have a moisture content within them already.

Even human beings are 60% water (H2O). You may think that the water in the human body is limited to the soft tissue, but it isn’t. Our bones even contain water, they are made up of 31% water. Water Damage can occur in the human body as well, over-hydration (water intoxication) can be detrimental to our health.

Now, when we think about our homes, what are they made out of? Wood.

The wood we use to build homes is made up of roughly 5%-25% of water. This number is affected by the density of wood, the age of the wood, the humidity in the air, and how long the wood has acclimated before being used/installed. Water damage occurs in wood, just like in the human body, if the wood absorbs more water than it’s natural resting water content.

What happens when wood absorbs too much water? The wood swells, it buckles, it rots, it begins to grow mold, it begins to lose it’s structural integrity. But, much like the human body, if water damage to the wood is addressed quickly and correctly, the wood can return to it’s natural state without long term effects.

Drying is one of the most important aspects of our job here at SERVPRO of Salem West. Our technicians are trained to monitor the moisture levels in affected materials and see that they are drying properly to their preloss condition. So if your home suffers a water damage, call SERVPRO of Salem West, we can get your house returned to its happy level of moisture content!

Evaporation is part of the process in water damage restoration

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Evaporation: The process of a liquid turning into vapor.

Did you know that evaporation is a key component of the water damage mitigation process? When Salem, Oregon homes or businesses’ suffer a water damage it is important to begin the drying process.

The sooner the building is dried out the greater the chances are of salvaging materials and not having to demo.

Air movers are an important tool in the process of drying homes, commercial buildings and contents.

Air movers speed up the process of evaporation by moving air across a wet surface. Air movement across a wet surface picks up moisture from the material and turns it to a vapor, thus making the air humid and the building material dry. 

Watch this video on How Air Movers Work which shows the evaporation process.

Thanks for watching!

The Risks of Neglected Water Damages

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Unaddressed water damages can cause much more damage than a person ever realizes. When water invades an area and isn’t addressed in a timely manner, it sits and begins to grow bacteria and become contaminated.

Water damages can cause a great deal of problems when they affect a house or business. Left unmitigated, water can sink deep into wood surfaces and even make its way into the crawl space. Water can become trapped under non-porous surfaces like linoleum and non-porous tile.

Trapped water cannot be dried from the outside. Trapped water leads to dry rot and mold growth. Dry rot and mold growth are far more costly to remediate than water. Dry rot can be hazardous given that it compromises the structural integrity of wood. Mold can be dangerous given the health effects it can cause.

Here in Salem Oregon, we have water losses that we respond to that have been sitting for weeks…sometimes even months. Usually in this case, insurance will not cover the water damage because the homeowner knew of the damage but did nothing to remediate it, which caused a far more costly situation.

Be proactive in protecting your home or business from secondary water damages, call SERVPRO of Salem West at the first sign of water damage, and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

For video click HERE.

Leading Causes Of Water Damage In Salem, OR

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the Willamette valley we see water losses within homes and businesses everyday we are out and about in our line of work. Homeowners often come home from long weekends, vacations, or work…to find water running across their floor. What is surprising is the frequency of new high tech appliances being the cause of these water losses.
Here is a list that I have compiled by my observation of working within the Salem and surrounding areas in the restoration industry. You may find it interesting, and it may motivate you to forgo that fridge with the water dispenser and ice maker…
Leading causes of water losses:
- Old, Rusty, Decaying Piping (weakened piping often leads to pipes bursting in walls, ceilings, under sinks, or crawl spaces).
- Appliance Supply Lines (Dishwasher Seals & Supply Lines, Refrigerator Supply Lines, Washing Machine Supply and Return Lines).
- Toilet Overflow (sewage), Bathtub Overflow, Sink Overflow.
- Hot Water Heater Flooding (usually caused by an older/past due for replacement model).
- Storm Water Intrusion/Storm Flooding.
- Water damage and intrusion due to an old and failing roof.
- Human Error (Mr. Fix-it, Homeowners attempting to fix plumbing themselves, Contractors error).
Whatever the cause of water damage to your home or business, you can trust SERVPRO of Salem West to restore it. So call SERVPRO of Salem West to care for all your water loss and remediation needs. We have the knowledge, tools, and training to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Losses In Keizer, Salem, And Beyond

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

When a pipe bursts in a home, it almost always guarantees a large amount of water will follow. Homeowners can minimize the amount of water that intrudes into their home if they know ahead of time where their water shutoff is. Even a few minutes of running water can drastically impact a water damage.

When responding to a water loss our team will always try and locate the source that caused the water intrusion. Sometimes the homeowner already has found the source, and has had it fixed…but sometimes it is not that simple, especially if the loss is behind a wall.
We have been to losses where the water isn’t turned off because the homeowner cannot locate the shutoff valve.
SERVPRO of Salem West proudly serves the Keizer and surrounding areas, we have mitigated many water damages and losses within the community. Being a locally owned and operated business we pride ourselves on quick response and customer satisfaction.
Tip of the day is to locate your water main shutoff if you don’t already know where it is, and if a water damage happens call SERVPRO of Salem West, we are proudly IICRC certified in Water Restoration and will handle your loss with the best care possible.

For The Love Of Water Restoration!

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians here at SERVPRO of Salem West have many details and tasks during the process of cleaning up a water loss. Water losses are prominent throughout the Salem area and something that our crew here at SERVPRO have navigated with care and professionalism for the past 20 years.

Whether it’s a leak from the roof, a slow leak from an appliance, a burst pipe, a failed water supply line, water intrusion from a storm, or many other causes of water damage…each one is handled with compassion and attention to detail.

Each water loss is different, each amount of affected area is different, each source is different…our team is trained to scope the extent of work, sketch the area, document the process, and most importantly, start stabilizing and mitigating the damage to our customers home, facility, or business.

Here at SERVPRO our crew are experts at taking a loss and returning the affected area to preloss condition. SERVPRO is passionate about restoring and saving as much as possible in a loss, this helps to minimize the interruption to our customers lives. Your home is your sanctuary, your business is your livelihood, if a water damage has disturbed that, call SERVPRO of Salem West!...we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Plumbing Mishaps in Turner, Oregon

11/29/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing mishaps like improperly installed pipes usually end in severe water spillage. A skilled plumber can perform repairs to get the plumbing working properly again, but it is your responsibility to clean up your home after the water leak and dry it out. Water can penetrate porous materials such as fabrics, wood and paper products leaving the clean up process tiresome. Cleanup efforts should begin as soon as possible in order to limit the damage.

Any number of rooms can have suffered from water damage, this makes the cleanup process time consuming, but in order to prevent further damage the following is essential: extract standing water, remove saturated furniture, carpets and other contents from the affected area. Items such as these tend to be non-salvageable due to the extent of damage. Other items such as plastic contents are salvageable. Depending on the weather, especially in the Fall/Winter seasons in the Salem, Keizer, Lyons and Silverton areas it is difficult to use outside air for drying purposes, turning up the heat system and using temporary fans are a big help.

When water has penetrated building materials such as drywall, wicking tends to happen if the wet materials are not removed or dried quickly. Wicking simply means that the water is migrating in any direction within the material. Our certified Water Restoration Technicians use various pieces of equipment to detect moisture within materials. Moisture meters are used to take surface moisture readings as well as penetrating moisture readings, this way we are able to pinpoint the damaged materials.

Portable water extractors are quite efficient when needing to remove standing water in a room, we use the extractor to remove water from both soft and hard surfaces. Our goal is to eliminate the moisture amounts before tearing into materials. Our drying equipment is then set in place if the damage is minimal.

Whatever the source is, whatever the size of loss our highly qualified team of Water Technicians are standing by to mitigate the damage. Our goal is always to return your property to preloss condition.

Call us at (503) 393-9999 for SERVPRO of Salem West and Lincoln & Polk Counties.

4 Signs of Water Damage - Stayon, Oregon

11/29/2019 (Permalink)

In general, a house is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. In order to protect that investment, you should vigilantly look out for household problems and address them before they worsen.

Homeowner’s dread the thought of water damage. If left unattended, residential water damage can detrimentally impact the structure or spawn other complications. Here are several methods for detecting water damage within your house.

1. Check the Floors
   No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will manifest signs of water damage. For tile and wood, look for cracked, buckling, cupping or warped flooring. When it comes to carpet, be wary of damp spots, gradual rises or soft spots.
2. Look for Stains
   Water stains on the floor around the bathtub, toilet or sink, as well as stains on ceilings and walls, are some of the most obvious signs of water damage. Unusual stains could indicate there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen and are soft to touch also may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.
3. Inspect Outside
   Observe the exterior of your house. What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that aren’t transporting water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters. Any of those issues could threaten the foundation of your house. Additionally, common signs of water damage on the roof may include pools of water; cracked, curled or missing shingles; or broken flashing.
4. Watch for Rust and Mold
   Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor. A rusted tank could indicate a slow leak. Additionally, corrosion around pipe connections could be caused by water seepage.

Don't Let Your Water Pipes Freeze This Winter

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

As the seasons change from fall to winter, there are more opportunities for water to freeze. The water in your home’s plumbing is certainly vulnerable to freezing. There are a few things that you can do to avoid a catastrophic issue in your home. Here is a small list to start with:

1. Insulate Pipes
2. Open Cabinets
3. Keep Garage Doors Closed
4. Let Faucets Drip
5. Seal Exterior Cracks and Small Openings
6. Keep the Thermostat Consistent
7. Open Interior Doors
8. Seal Crawl Space Openings
9. Use Heating Tape where needed

Hopefully with some wise preparation, you can avoid disaster, but if this does occur do not hesitate to call your local water damage company, SERVPRO of Salem West or SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties. We are available 24/7/365. Call us at (503) 393-9999

When The Sink Overflows, Damage Spreads Quickly

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Dallas, Oregon sink overflowed.

Have you left the sink running in your bathroom or thought you did? Do you know what unfortunate damage water causes to your home?

In Dallas, Oregon a family of four prepared for a restful night. Once everything was said and done, lights out and quiet fell over the house, no one realized the bathroom sink was left on. Morning came and routines began, but unfortunately the family was struck by a wet surprise. Their bathroom floor felt wet and down the hallway was soggy carpet. In a panic the couple grabbed towels and a mop to soak up as much water as possible. Feeling defeated, the couple gave up and called SERVPRO® of Salem West.

The phone call came in at 6:44am and we sent a team out immediately to inspect the damage. After inspecting the damage, our team lead informed the homeowners that the water had gone into the drywall of the first floor. Water has the ability to seep into areas where it is not noticed by the naked eye.

After explaining the damage and locations, our team brought the equipment in to start the drying process. Our teams are highly trained in various drying techniques and chose the less damaging method. Rather than removing all the carpet to dry the water between the subfloor and carpet our team used a special drying method which floats the carpet allowing air to move under. Drying equipment is set in place and a thorough drying is started.

SERVPRO® of Salem West takes into consideration the customer’s needs and concerns. With that, we create a plan that offers a timely process and professional services.

If you find yourself with possible water damage or have questions concerning water contact SERVPRO® of Salem West (503) 393-9999 day or night. We have teams readily available to help in a disaster emergency.

Infrared Cameras See Into Walls

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Infrared camera technology allows technicians to see what cannot be seen with the bare eye.

According to an article posted online by Flir Systems, Wilsonville - Oregon,

"An infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems."

Now think of the above article and related in to cool temparatrues which is how we see water damage.

You see this is why use the infrared technology on all of our jobs because seeing is not always believing.

When you contact us for any water damage related service, our team will use the best technolopgy we have to ensure your proerty is taking care of.

Call us anytime day or night for help (503) 393-9999

Water Damage and Hardwood Floors

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Can your hardwood floors be saved if you've had a dishwasher leak 50 gallons of water across your flooring?

The answer is, depends on how quickly you respond and start the drying process.

The sooner you respond the greater the likely hood of your floors being saved. This means call right now so the SERVPRO of Salem West team can respond within hours.

Hardwood fooring can be saved from the salvage yard and cause less disruption to your life when drying services are started sooner than later.

The longer you wait, the more cupping you'll have to your flooring which over a few days could damage your flloor beyond salvageability.

When you experience a water damage, call us now ay (503) 393-9999 so we can start the drying process the same day.

Water Heater Line Sprung a Leak – Salem, Oregon

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage from a leaking water line.

SERVPRO® of Salem West was called out to a home in Salem, OR due to a water line to the water heater springing a leak.

The homeowner noticed water collecting around the water heater but did not realize the intensity until water was leaking into the basement. The homeowner jumped into action by trying to dry the floor with fans, then called SERVPRO® of Salem West to inspect the damage and begin the mitigation process. Our crew was onsite within a few hours with water extraction equipment at the ready.

The damage extended from the floor surrounding the water heater and through the ceiling above the basement. The homeowner knew the damage was extensive and was reassured that all would be taken care of.

SERVPRO® of Salem West brought out the infrared camera to spot the exact areas of the water damage. With the use of this tool, our team was able to efficiently dry the areas of water damage. Once dry, the process of replacing the materials began.

Our company never leaves the homeowner in a jam with an unfinished project.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate event of a water loss, no matter the size, make sure to call SERVPRO® of Salem West (503) 393-9999. We will return your property back to preloss condition quickly.

Water Damage Timeline – Salem, Oregon

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Drying equipment

One of the services that SERVPRO® of Salem West offers is water damage and mold mitigation. When an unfortunate and sudden water loss occurs, time is very much of the essence. Here is a general timeline for a water loss.

In Minutes

• Water rapidly spreads and penetrateseven the smallest of spaces, saturating everything in its way.
• Water is absorbed into porous materials including drywall, flooring, sheetrock, upholstery, and personal contents.
• Furniture finishes may bleed causing permanent discoloration on flooring.
• Paper belongings including photographs, books, and hard copy records become saturated, causing them to expand and become distorted.

1 – 24 Hours:

• Musty odors appear.
• Drywall and sheetrock begin to swell and crumble.
• Furniture begins to expand and fissure.
• Metal surfaces begin to discolor and blemish.
• Dyes and inks from textiles and paper goods that are saturated start to run, staining nearby surfaces.

2 Days - 1 Week:

• Paint begins to bubble.
• Wood flooring swells and buckles.
• Mold and mildew start to spore, thriving in the moist environment.
• Metal begins to oxidize and crumble.
• Furniture distorts and shows signs of mold growth on surfaces.
• Doors, windows, and structural studs enlarge and warp.

Longer Than 1 Week:

• Mold development and structural safety could be a great risk factor to occupants.
• Restoration time may be substantial (including replacement of affected materials and structural restoration), creating monetary expenses to increase drastically every day it is left untreated.

The sooner our highly experienced and trained team can get on-site and beginmitigationfor the water damage, the better; not only for you, but for the building and contents as well. Give our SERVPRO® of Salem Wests office a call at (503) 393-9999. We will quickly have your property and contents back to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Preparation of Your Water Pipes During Cold Weather

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Remember Us (503) 393-9999

Approximately 1 in 5 homes will suffer some form of water damage during frigid temperatures. The leading cause is frozen pipes not properly insulated. No matter the age of your home, before the cold weather strikes make sure to inspect your pipes. Catching the problem before it becomes a disaster will save your money and stress.

We all know that the freezing temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and if your pipes are not properly insulated, it can take only a few minutes for the water to freeze completely. If you find yourself with frozen pipes DO NOT use hot water! This will cause the pipe to burst from the sudden temperature change. 

During extreme cold temperatures it is best to maintain a slow drip from your water faucets. This will keep the water running and less likely to freeze. Standing water freezes faster because there is no movement. When you keep your faucets open you will be less likely to have a water disaster.

Broken pipes can cause varying degrees of water damage in your home or business. Make sure to take precautionary steps to limit the chance of damage.

SERVPRO® of Salem West is ready to go if your home or business is under a water attack (internal or external). We operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We are there for any size job! Call us (503) 393-9999 during or after a water disaster and we will restore your property quickly.

Home Siding Staining - Salem, Oregon

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Water staining on the exterior of a home

Unsightly discolored stains on the exterior of your home, call SERVPRO of Salem West and we will take care of you.

Water staining on the exterior of this Salem, Oregon home was caused by a buildup of moisture. We all know the North West region becomes humid and rains quite often, this causes moisture buildup. The winter season you will see more signs of water staining on your home’s exterior. This is exactly what the homeowners experienced.

Rather than going through the cleaning process themselves, the homeowner’s called SERVPRO of Salem West and discussed cleaning techniques. We dispatched a team to inspect and find the source of the staining. Our teams are always prepared and had on hand the proper treatments to remove the discoloration. After the cleaning process was completed the homeowners of this Salem, Oregon home were pleased with how quick the job was done and the end results.

When you are faced with water damage, even water staining our teams at SERVPRO of Salem West will inspect and create a plan with our customer(s). If you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to give us a call at (503) 393-9999.

Clogged sinks end in water damage - Otis, Oregon

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Appropriate drying methods put to use

Hair clogs are the most common cause of a bathroom sink clog. Over time, the hair follicles bind with the soap scum that has corroded for interior of the pipes.

The second floor bathroom sink became clogged; unaware of this the homeowner’s of a newly renovated home in Otis, Oregon woke to water damaged flooring. When the clog occurred, the sink overflowed and the water continued to run for 5-6 hours, overnight.

Water damage can happen quickly, especially if the source of the problem is not taken care of promptly. The homeowners thought the damage was only to be second floor bathroom, but did not realize how quickly water can seep into porous material. In this case, the water seeped through the tiled floor, through the subfloor and settled on the ceiling of the first floor.

The homeowners called SERVPRO of Salem West and we sent a team out immediately to inspect the damage. After inspecting the damage, our team lead informed the homeowners that the water had gone into the drywall of the first floor. Water has the ability to seep into areas where it is not noticed by the naked eye.

After explaining the damage and locations, our team brought the equipment in to start the drying process. Our teams are highly trained in various drying techniques and chose the less damaging method. Rather than removing drywall to dry the water between the walls our team used a special drying method which uses small holes along the damaged walls. Drying equipment is set in place and a thorough drying is started.

SERVPRO of Salem West takes into consideration the customer’s needs and concerns. With that, we create a plan that offers a timely process and professional services.

If you find yourself with possible water damage or have questions concerning water

Water turns to Ice overnight - Woodburn, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Chipping away in freezing temps in Woodburn, Oregon

When a water line breaks in a house it is easier to mitigate and repair versus a water line breaking in a frozen food distribution warehouse. Over the course of one night the amount of water released from the line froze 46,824 sq. ft. of concrete which is ¾ of the total 90,000 sq. ft. of the property. Our technicians worked in -5 degree Fahrenheit temperature for 4-5 weeks, with safety being a top priority.

Freezing temperature for water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It can take 2-6 hours in a household freezer for water to become solid. With the temperature at -5 degrees Fahrenheit the water leak froze instantly when it hit the concrete flooring.

A water removal and water cleanup of this magnitude can take up to one and a half months to restore. SERVPRO of Salem West is efficient and professional in any situation.

When you are faced with any type of water damage SERVPRO of Salem West is here to help. Our technicians are trained in safety and have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. Before services are started we will walk you through the water removal and water cleanup process so you understand what is happening.

If you are concerned about possible water damage give SERVPRO of Salem West a call for an inspection today at (503) 393-9999.

Water damage to Hardwood Flooring, Monmouth, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Cupping and warping created by water

Prolonged exposure of water to hardwood floor caused the homeowners in Monmouth, Oregon to panic. The water damage from the hot water tank failed and was not noticed immediately even though it occurred in the homeowner’s garage. The damage was significant and caused the affected areas to be demoed and reconstructed.

The faster the water is removed, the less damage occurs. In this case, the water settled under the flooring for 2 weeks. When hardwood flooring is affected by water the boards will warp. The boards will begin to expand and push against each other affecting the joints. When water settles under the flooring it creates a cupping effect where the edges begin to raise. Cupping and warping can before permanent causing the flooring to be unsalvageable.

SERVPRO of Salem West will come to your home and extract the water and restore the damage “Like it never happened.” Whether the restoration process requires reconstruction or water extraction SERVPRO of Salem West is on your side.

If you are concerned about possible water damage give SERVPRO of Salem West a call for an inspection today at (503) 393-9999.

Washing Machine Floods Crawlspace - Keizer, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Structural water damage - Keizer, Oregon

A broken hose from the washing machine in a Keizer, Oregon home created severe water damage that seeped through the flooring into the crawlspace. The amount of water that can spill out of a washing machine hose is 160 gallons per hour. The homeowners called SERVPRO of Salem West with 2 hours of the incident.

Severe water damage affects not only the initial point of contact but structural supports and rooms underneath. The homeowners were quick to call but unfortunately were unaware of how quickly the water seeped through the flooring into the crawlspace of their home. In this instance the floor, subfloor and insulation in the crawlspace were affected.

In a crawlspace, it is important to extract standing water quickly. The atmosphere in there is a great breeding ground for mold. Insulation typically needs to be removed when severe water damage occurs. Once the insulation is removed our technicians place drying equipment throughout the damaged area and monitor until the drying process is complete. When the drying process is completed our team will reinstall the insulation and repair the flooring.

Whether the water damage is minimal or severe our highly-trained team at SERVPRO of Salem West will walk you through the initial plan and continue contact through each phase of the restoration process.

Never hesitate to call about possible water damage concerns. Your local SERVPRO operated 24/7/365. Contact us today at (503) 393-9999 if you are ever faced with a disaster.

Cracked Toilet Float - Salem, Oregon

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Overflow toilet tank causes damage throughout the home

A clogged toilet occurs more often than you think. The inner workings of a toilet are simple and maintenance will keep you from spending excess money. A homeowner of a 2 story home in Salem, Oregon overlooked the cracked float which maintains the water level in the tank. The crack caused the tank to continue to fill with water and spill onto the bathroom floor.

The combination of a clog and cracked float caused water damage to the flooring and walls on the 2^nd level while causing the ceiling on the 1^st floor to show water damage. SERVPRO of Salem West was notified of the water damage and responded.

When water damage or a leak is spotted, call on SERVPRO of Salem West, your professional company who has water certified technicians to extract and cleanup the damage. We operate 24/7/365 and offer all of our services because when disaster strikes, it waits for no one. Give us a call at (503) 393-9999 and we will ease the burden you are faced with.

Dishwasher Leaks Causes Damage To Kiezr, Oregon Kitchen

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Damage caused by a dishwasher leak.

6/22/2018

Did you know that water damage from your dishwasher is more common than from your water heater?

The biggest sign of your dishwasher leaking are puddles of water surrounding the base of the cabinets. If the lead has been ongoing for some time, the flooring becomes compromised. Laminate and wood flooring will begin to warp or buckle and this means immediate professional assistance.

At SERVPRO of Salem West, we are invested in quickly finding the source and amount of water damage. Our focus is being able to bring you back into your home with a peaceful mind.

Restoring water damage quickly and properly will save you money when you go with SERPVRO of Salem West.

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24/7/365 so we can help prevent further damage from occurring. For an inspection, call (503) 393-9999

Water Damage In This Salem, Oregon Bathroom

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage from the Bath Tub

Disasters such as an overflowing bathtub, broken seal around the toilet or broken water pipe can happen when you least expect it. When it happens to you, don’t panic. Remember, SERVPRO of Salem West is just a simple phone call away.

If you find yourself with a second-floor bathroom leak you might think it was all taken care of after you sopped up the standing water with the nearest towel. Unfortunately, water damage can go unnoticed for a length of time, causing more damage. Water bubbles under laminate or wood flooring if not dried properly and quickly. This will result in buckling or warping leaving gaps in the flooring. The subfloor can them become compromised, creating mold and weakening of the structure.

Second-floor leaks pose a greater issue with water seeping through the flooring and creating further damage to the ceiling of the first floor. If the residual water is not professionally removed and cleaned promptly then the expense budget you planned with grow. Using the right company, the first time not only takes the burden from you but eases the weight of your pocket book.

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24/7/365 so we can help prevent further damage from occurring. For an inspection, call (503) 393-9999

The Willamette River & Keizer, Oregon

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

River water meets homes

No matter how prepared you are, disaster catches you off guard. The Willamette River runs through Keizer, Oregon. Like many areas with a river there are homes nestled close by. There comes an unexpected day when the river rises and water enters your home. Your property becomes damaged and you fear the worst.

Here at SERVPRO of Salem West we specialize in water damage, clean up and repair. We get things back to normal looking “Like it never even happened.”

We have the equipment to clean out any water left behind and get your home contents dried.

In a situation like this we pack up all of your contents, bring them back to our warehouse where trained employees, and top of the line equipment dry out your belongings. Once your home is repaired and back to normal we bring your contents back.

You know you’re in good hands with our highly trained professionals working around the clock 24/7/365 to service any disaster.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers no-cost Emergency Ready Profiles which is part of a disaster preparedness plan. Call today at (503) 393-9999.

Commercial Water Damage

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mt. Angel, Oregon

A commercial property in Mt. Angel, Oregon called SERVPRO of Salem West to repair some water damage they had found. In the process we uncovered asbestos in the work area.

In any commercial business that has just experienced some kind of damage, it can cause the business to close their doors temporarily.  

Our main focus at SERVPRO is to get those doors back open and business flowing as soon as possible.

Water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads and gets absorbed into floors, walls, product, and more.

Restoring damage quickly and properly not only saves your business money, it also makes you money.  

SERVPRO of Salem West is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” 24/7/365 so we can help prevent further damage from occurring. For an inspection, call (503) 393-9999.

Flood Waters After Math.

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

This is the after math of a flood that took place in Minot, North Dakota. 

Here at SERVPRO we specialize in water damage, clean up and repair. We get things back to normal looking "like it never even happened".

We have the equipment to clean out any water left behind and to get everything dried out. 

In a situation like this we pack up all the customers contents, bring them back to our warehouse where trained employees, and top line equipment dry out and clean your belongings. Once your home is repaired and back to normal we bring those contents back.

You know you're in good hands with our highly trained professionals working around the clock 24/7/365 to service any disaster.

SERVPRO of Salem West offers no-cost Emergency Ready Profiles which is part of a disaster preparedness plan. Call today at (503) 393-9999.       

Below Ground Water Infiltration.

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Independence, Oregon

Water damages can happen anywhere and at anytime. Some areas that have a high probability of water damage are located in the main shut-off location.

Due to its use and the amount of plumbing in the shut-off room, chances happen over time, thus causing a leak. But sometimes that's not the source of the leak.

Luckily this Independence, Oregon water shut-off was located below ground and housed in a concrete room. The concrete walls stopped water from entering other parts of the property. 

You could say this room acted like an indoor swimming pool. 

Extraction and sanitizing was all that was needed.

SERVPRO of Salem West operates 24/7/365 to serve our clients in Salem, Lincoln City and Newport, Oregon.

Call us when you need us (503)393-9999.

Water Damage Under Hardwood Flooring.

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

A customer from Keizer, Oregon came home from work one evening and noticed her beautiful hardwood floors had started to buckle. 

SERVPRO of Salem West was called out to preform a no cost inspection.

Our team at SERVPRO has all the right tools to investigate deeper in to the issue. 

The inspection revealed that there was in fact water damage. Our technician developed a plan and scope of work to submit to the insurance company. 

Water damage isn't always something you can see. Sometimes it's hiding underneath the flooring, or behind the walls. 

SERVPRO is here to help when you need it. No matter the day or time. 

Don't hesitate to call for an inspection on your home or business. (503) 393-9999

Hide and Seek Water Damage.

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Salem West handles many different calls for issues that happen in your home or business. 

We have many different tools and equipment to handle each individual job.  

In this specific case our SERVPRO team found some water damage in this Salem, Oregon home using our infrared scanner. 

The first thing to determine what's causing the damage is to figure out what's leaking. 

Then we look for visual signs like swollen base boards. After that we then bring in the equipment to confirm the affected areas.

Once the estimate and approvals are given, we then begin work to fix the damage from getting worse. 

Affected areas are dried out. If that fixes the issue our job is complete, otherwise our team will remove materials damaged beyond repair. 

For all your SERVPRO needs call (503) 393-9999.

Water Is No Friend To Hardwood Flooring.

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

Hardwood damage in Corvallis, Oregon.

When you’re struck with water damage it's best to handle it fast. 

After just a few minutes water damage can...

• Absorbed into walls and floors.
• Water can spread fast throughout your home, damaging everything it comes into contact with. 
• Photos, books, and other personal items begin to swell and warp.

After one, ten, fifteen or twenty four hours of water sitting and soaking in it can cause...

• Drywall to swell.
• Furniture starts to swell and crack.
• Odors become present.

More than 48 hours... 

• Mold may grow.
• Metal starts rusting and corroding.
• Furniture has signs of mold.
• Hardwood floors swell.
• Even biohazard contamination can occur.

Waiting more than a week to get the issue inspected and taken care of can...

• Cause you to pay more. 
• Having to replacing any contaminated materials or structural rebuilding can be pricey.
• With mold, contaminants and structure being a concern at this point, it can cause dangerous risks to the occupants. 

If you are concerned about possible water damage give SERVPRO of Salem West a call for an inspection today at (503) 393-9999.

You Can Control Mold Damage By Drying Wet Materials Quickly.

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Woodburn Oregon

You can control mold damage by drying wet materials in your home promptly.

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.