Losing Power During a Storm

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

The steps you take during a power outage during a storm can help you stay safe during a storm.

When an outage happens unexpectedly it can:

• Slow down or stop communications, water, and transportation.
• Close these types of businesses down for that time being, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and many other services.
• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
• Prevent the use of medical devices.

DURING A POWER OUTAGE

• Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
• Take steps to remain cool, if it is hot outside. When the power may be off for a long time in intense heat, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall, or “cooling shelter”, which may be available in some communities. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid getting carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Put on layers of warm clothing, if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another that has heat to keep warm.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.
• Consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing a generator for your home. NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home's electrical system.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is always here to help in the event you are to experience any damage to your home or business during a storm.

Protect Property Immediately After a Disaster With Our Board-Up Services

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

What should you do right after a fire or tornado partially damages your home or commercial business? Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown and ask for emergency board-up service. 

What Is Board Up Service?

Board-up service, also called “temping” service, should happen immediately after a disaster like a destructive windstorm or partial fire (once you have the “all clear” from fire officials). It secures your property against theft and protects it from more weather damage by covering vulnerable openings like broken windows, open roofs, and missing parts of your property’s structure. 

Why Is Our Board Up Sevice So Good?

If you live in Reinbeck, Dysart, Alden, Melbourne, or anywhere in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy, or Tama counties, we guarantee we’ll have your property completely secured within 24 hours of your call, if not much sooner. Using foam core, plywood, tarps, and other materials, we’ll weather-proof and theft-proof your home or business and be sure not to cause additional damage. We never hammer nails or drill into your property’s structure to attach materials, as this creates more weak spots for water or cold air to get in or for theft to occur. 

We are experienced with insurance claims and recommend asking your agent or adjuster for permission to contract with us before you call for board-up service. Many insurance companies are familiar with us and our reputable services. 

How Can You Save Yourself Hassle?

Unlike some companies that only provide board-up services, we are a one-stop shop for all restoration services, from initial board-up all the way through to final renovation. This saves you the hassle of using multiple companies and people to complete your entire restoration. From start to finish, we’ll make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Give Us a Call!

Doesn’t matter what time of day or night you need us, we can be there. Call (641) 758-9746 anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we’ll answer.

Differences Between Sanitize, Disinfect & Clean

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

As businesses and stores continue to navigate their way through operating differently in the last two years, we’re all experiencing a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into establishments have most definitely evolved, and staying safe and healthy is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, safe, or healthy. Due to previously unforeseen times such as these, SERVPRO has developed an antipathogen program to help businesses meet the new higher standard of cleaning that is now expected.

Do you know the difference between Disinfect, Sanitize & Clean?

Clean: General surface cleaning, physically removes visible dirt, organic matter, viruses, fungi, and bacteria while using water, detergent, and physical scrubbing of the surface.

Sanitizing: Reduces but does not eliminate all the bacteria on a treated surface. To be a registered sanitizer, the test results for a product must show a reduction of at least 99.9% in the number of each type of bacteria tested.

Disinfecting: Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill, destroy, or inactivate infectious or other microbes.

If you would like to have your commercial property or offices sanitized and/or disinfected, call the team at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. We are offering a proactive clean that is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means our professionally trained technicians perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA-approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO-certified cleaning experience.

For any further questions or concerns, contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown anytime by phone at (515) 233-4544 or you can find us on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. 

Construction Commercial Cleaning

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

After any construction work to your business, you’re likely more than ready to move back into the space that has been under construction and back to normal.

Why do you need post-construction cleanup?

• To make sure the air is clean to breathe. 
• To remove debris from places you might not clean on your own. 
• To ensure dust is removed from all the places it has settled without you realizing. 

A construction project creates a lot of dust and mess that you see (e.g. sawdust, drywall particles, and more) as well as a lot of impurities that you don’t see. The dust and gases that have released into your business and even into your ventilation system. It’s important to not just hire a regular cleaning service to come in and surface clean your business. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown today to help with your post construction clean up!

What Commercial Buildings are Most Susceptible to Mold

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Several factors, environments, and building components impact the susceptibility and speed in which mold grows. There are three aspects of a property that could indicate a high chance of mold growth. 

• Building Age 

• Ventilation Systems

• Building Materials 

While these three indicators don’t mean that mold is an inevitability — they do influence the severity and likelihood of mold. 

Building Age

Older buildings are indeed more likely to have mold — but it’s not always a guarantee. Aging buildings have simply been around longer and therefore have been defending against the elements for extended periods of time. There are also time periods where certain building practices made ventilation and air circulation a mess. 

Commercial buildings built during the 70s are notorious for poor ventilation practices — so mold in these properties is not uncommon. 

Ventilation Systems 

No matter how old a building is, poor ventilation can lead to condensation. As we’ve mentioned, moisture is what mold feeds off of, and poor air circulation equates to stagnant air and condensation buildup — which in turn leads to mold. 

Building Materials 

The final indicator that a building may be susceptible to mold growth is right in front of you — the building materials. Certain walls provide ideal food for mold, while others are far less likely to trap moisture. So, what are these building materials that hold water more than others? 

• Paper-faced drywall is a popular choice for many homes and commercial buildings, and for a good reason. It doesn’t hold hardly any moisture and isn’t very susceptible to mold growth. 

• Solid lumber is pretty common in older buildings. It’s made from a part of the tree called heartwood and does a good job of holding moisture before releasing condensation. 

• Sheathing plywood comes from combining strips of sapwood. Compared to solid lumber, it doesn’t do nearly as well at combatting mold growth. 

• Particleboard & MDF are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to fighting off mold growth. Fungi love to grow in the medium-density boards and underlayment. 

• Brick is probably the best building material for preventing mold growth, but only if it’s done correctly. How brick is laid ultimately determines if wood framing gets water damage.

for more info visit zotapro.com

Tips for Developing a Fire Drill Procedure for Your Business

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Many businesses experience devastating fires every year. If you’re a business owner in Marshalltown, Iowa Falls, Grundy Center, Wellsburg, Reinbeck or any other town in our service area and you have employees on the premises, we want to help you prepare them for the possibility of a fire and keep them safe. Here’s how you can begin to create a fire evacuation drill procedure for your business:

Consult with your local fire officials. 

Getting in touch with your local fire department is often a great place to start on any aspect of fire preparedness for your business. They will typically be happy to consult with you on fire safety measures your business can take, including the best evacuation routes and fire procedures to go over with your staff.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. 

Once you have your evacuation routes set, mark them clearly with signs and communicate with staff on what this means. Involving your employees in the fire safety process will make everyone feel safer and prepare them for when you start scheduling regular drills.

Schedule fire drills frequently. 

Your staff needs to be so familiar with evacuation procedures that they have no questions about what to do should a fire break out. The best way to prepare them is to hold regular fire drills, at least once every quarter. These should be mandatory drills that require everyone to leave the premises according to the established escape route, gather at a predesignated area and be accounted for by a supervisor once everyone is evacuated. They should also be trained not to leave the designated area until given the all-clear sign to return to the building. 

Run different fire scenarios. Fires can start due to a myriad of reasons, so it is important to prepare for all possibilities when you hold your fire drills. Practice for different situations by blocking off different exits and having the fire drill originate in different parts of the building to give everyone the tools they need to escape safely regardless of what type of fire is started.

If your business has experienced fire damage, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown anytime, day or night. We are a local business that specializes in commercial fire restoration and are ready to be there quickly when you need us. Call (641) 758-9746.

Marshalltown Area Residents: Don’t Let Your Garden Hose Be the Culprit of Water Damage

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Remember that warm week in early April? People were thronging to places like Riverview Park to enjoy the weather. 

Have You Ever Done This?

We had one client whose son took advantage of the near 80-degree temps to hook up the hose and wash his car. Lots of people probably did. 

Of course, Iowa temps in April are a crazy roller coaster, and about a week later they dropped below freezing, with a little bit of snow and ice to boot. The water left in the line from the hose still being hooked to the house expanded and cracked the copper water pipe that ran inside. And the homeowner had no idea. Guess what happened.

The Unsuspected Culprit

Once it warmed back up, they turned on the hose again without realizing water was running down into their basement. We see this a lot.

If it’s a big crack, it will cause immediately noticeable water damage. If it’s a small one, it causes a leak that can go unnoticed and result in mold formation

Either way, you can prevent it.

How To Prevent Water Damage From Your Garden Hose After a Freeze

If you used your hose during that early warm streak and haven’t turned it on again, and if the water pipe is exposed, you can simply go down to where the line comes into your basement, have someone turn the hose on full blast and monitor the pipe for any leaking. 

If you have turned on your hose again after using it during the warm weather, you should go inspect the area around the pipe in your basement for any signs of water leaking or damage. 

To prevent this in the future, make sure you winterize by unhooking all garden hoses well before temperatures drop below freezing in the fall and waiting to reattach until temperatures have stabilized in the spring. If you do use your hose in early spring, it’s always good to unhook it immediately afterward. 

See any problems or have concern? Call us right away at 515-233-4544. Water can spread and be absorbed quickly, so you don’t want to wait.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Will Guide You to the Right Solution

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is available 24 hours/7 days per week. Our highly trained and IICRC-certified staff is ready to come out and let you know what needs to be done, whether our services are needed or not, at no charge. 

If you just need a plumber - we’ll tell you that. If you need help with water damage repair and/or mold remediation, you can trust SERVPRO as the No. 1 brand in the restoration industry.

We have superior equipment and tools to evaluate your damage and make all the repairs so it’s “Like it never even happened.”

Get A Free Emergency Ready Profile for Your Business From SERVPRO of Marshalltown

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

We’re heading into storm season here in the Midwest. Is your business ready to handle severe tornado or flood damage? What about a disaster that can happen any time of year, like a fire or a water line break?

No one can prevent every disaster from happening, but if your business is prepared with a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), you’ll recover more quickly. You’ll also give your business the best chance of reopening. About 50 percent of companies never reopen after extended interruptions from disasters.

Insurance companies know this too, which is why most recommend that businesses make an emergency response plan part of their overall contingency plans.

Let SERVPRO of Marshalltown Help You Put Your Profile Together

We enjoy the process of putting together ERPs, and we do it for FREE. It gives us a chance to get to know you and your business so we can serve you in the best possible way should a disaster ever strike. 

Our highly certified technicians will work closely with you to develop your profile containing all the critical information you’ll need in the event of an emergency.

What’s In the ERP?

This well-organized document includes:

• Primary staff and local emergency contacts
• Primary contractor/vendor contacts (electrician, internet provider, HVAC, etc.)
• Utility shut-off locations with photos for fast identification
• All needed information for your insurance company 
• Property overview with maps, photos, and structural descriptions
• Building access information
• Ability to add extra reports of your own (evacuation floor plans, lead/asbestos reports)

Access Your ERP With an Easy-to-Access Mobile App and Web Portal

Once we’ve captured all your information, SERVPRO of Marshalltown will make it all available to you through our quick and easy-to-use SERVPRO® Ready Plan mobile app and web portal. Ready Plan is password secured and allows you to manage your profile and share your information with people you choose, such as property or facility managers. 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The sooner you call us, the sooner we’ll create your ERP, which can make the difference between the life and death of your business. 

Call (641) 758-9746 to set up an appointment as soon as possible, before a disaster hits.

We serve businesses in Marshalltown and the surrounding areas, including Iowa Falls, Wellsburg, Reinbeck, State Center and Dike.

Staying Safe When Severe Storms Are in the Forecast | SERVPRO® of Marshalltown

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Severe weather events like thunderstorms and tornadoes pose danger to properties and people. Educating yourself and being prepared are the best ways to keep yourself safe in a severe weather scenario.

Know the Difference Between Watches and Warnings

When severe weather is forecasted for your area, it's important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning in order to react appropriately. A thunderstorm watch means there is potential for severe storms to develop, but one hasn't been identified by radar. Conversely, a warning means that a thunderstorm is imminent or occurring in the area, and you should immediately take shelter.

Be Ready To Take Shelter

Make sure the safest area of your home where you take shelter has an emergency kit that includes extra food and water as well as flashlights and first-aid supplies. If your home doesn't have a basement, you should know where the next safest place is to take shelter. Generally, you should choose a place on the ground floor away from exterior windows or doors, such as a bathroom or closet.

Set Up a Backup for Emergency Alerts

While most people will rely on their smartphones for weather alerts, this should only be your first line of defense. Storms can knock out cell reception, and cell phones can die during power outages. Set up a backup like a battery-powered NOAA weather radio so you never miss a pertinent alert.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is ready to help you recover from storm damage. We are a local business and can be there quickly in an emergency. If you live in Marshalltown, Iowa Falls, Wellsburg or any of the surrounding areas, call us at (641) 758-9746.

Watch Out for Those Summer Pop-Up Storms

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

When the days get longer and the sun gets hotter, pop-up summer storms are expected in Iowa. Storms like this may not seem too threatening, but you should  remember that any storm with thunder has the ability to develop dangerous conditions such as hail, high winds and lightning strikes.

Find out how to protect yourself no matter where you are when severe weather develops. It will keep you and your family safe all summer long.

Know your options for shelter. The best place to be in the event of severe weather is an interior room of your own home or office with no exterior windows or doors. However, if you get caught on the road in the storm, staying in your car is the second-safest thing to do. Pull the car over, turn off the engine and avoid touching anything metal inside the vehicle until the storm passes.

Practice electrical safety. If a building is struck by lightning, the electrical charge will rush to the ground—often through electrical wires in the walls of the home. When this happens, a power surge can be transferred to anything that is plugged into the wall. If you have time before a storm moves through, unplug everything in your home to prevent this from happening. As an extra measure of protection in case you forget to unplug something like a computer, use surge protector extensions in every outlet.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Structures made of concrete may feel like a safe option when faced with severe weather, but when it comes to lightning, they can actually be quite dangerous. Concrete is often constructed with steel bars at the center for reinforcement, which can become a conductor if electricity moves through it. Avoid leaning against concrete walls or laying on a concrete floor when a storm is moving through.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. The good news about summer storms is that they don’t last long, but that can cause a false sense of security when the skies become clear. Lightning strikes can occur as far as 25 miles away from the storm clouds, so officials advise waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap before heading back outside.

If your Marshalltown, Grundy Center, State Center, Reinbeck, Iowa Falls or Wellsburg home or business is damaged from a storm, SERVPRO of Marshalltown can be there quickly to help prevent more damage and begin restoring your property back to its former condition. Contact us to learn more about our storm restoration process. Call (641) 758-9746, any time night or day.

When You Sustain Storm Damage, Depend on SERVPRO of Marshalltown

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

It’s always a serious and stressful situation when your home or commercial property is damaged during a storm. While some storm damage can be simple to deal with, big storms can bring water, electrical and structural damage into the mix, which is why choosing a restoration company that can handle anything is key—as well as choosing one that is a legitimate business with your best interests in mind.

Starting the recovery process following storm damage may feel like an overwhelming task, but it’s worth putting in the effort to make sure it is done right, including finding a restoration company you can count on. 

Why SERVPRO Is the Best for Storm Damage

We’ve built a strong reputation. Many times after a storm unscrupulous companies will move into an area, obtain partial payment and never be heard from again. Needless to say, these companies are normally not community members or restoration industry leaders—but we are. We have worked hard to build a reputation that showcases our trustworthiness, and when you work with us, you will see that reflected in everything we do.

The resources we have are scalable. Regardless of how large the storm is or how much of the area it impacted, you can count on us to be able to help no matter what. With our national SERVPRO® partners by our side, we can call for reinforcements when needed to make sure we can scale up and provide excellent service after storms of any caliber.

The service you will get is unparalleled, at any hour. Discovering you have damage will never be an enjoyable process, but no matter when you discover it, we will be around to help. We are available 24 hours a day, meaning whenever you discover damage, you can give us a call. We will immediately begin formulating a response to tackle your damage and return your property to its pre-storm state.

When you experience damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown right away at  (641) 758-9746.

Minimize the Financial Strain of Storm Damage

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage can hit you hard in the pocket book. According to the Congressional Budget Office, American households experience about $34 billion in storm-related losses every year. You can take several steps to help reduce the financial impact  of storm damage.

Check Your Coverage. Go over your insurance policy before a storm hits. You may be covered for wind and water damage, but only from certain sources. For instance, check the wording of your policy to see whether storm water that backs up from sewers or drains is covered. Talk to your insurance agent if you need help understanding your coverage.

Perform Due Diligence. If your property has existing damage, your insurance company may deny your claim. To help prove your damage was due to a sudden event, keep “before” photos of your house in a safe and easy-to-access place.

Protect Yourself. After a storm, you should first get yourself, your family and your pets to safety. Then check your house for hazards, such as standing water. You may need to evacuate your home if you can’t quickly fix the most urgent problems.

Check Out FEMA Help. If you need help finding a place to stay, getting urgent repairs or even getting a hot meal, call your local FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assistance) office. Depending on how widespread the damage was, FEMA may have an agent deployed where you live.

Document Everything. As you prepare your claim, make detailed records. Take pictures of mold, missing shingles and everything in between.

Time to File. When you reach out to your insurance company, they’ll assign an agent to help you through the process. Be persistent and specific in your claim. Keep careful records of your conversations with your agent. With dedication, you should soon have your claim met and your property in tip-top shape again!

We have many years of experience working with insurance companies to get claims processed. If you live in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County and experience storm damage, contact us at any hour for quick assistance.

We Specialize in Basement Flood Clean-up After Storms

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration After Storms

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (641) 758-9746

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill the Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (641-758-9746)

SERVPROs 1-4-8 Response Guidelines

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown works hard on bring the 1-4-8 experience to every customer.  The service is our promise to every customer that we will come to help each disaster in a timely manner. With any disaster time is a very important factor. Within 1 hour from notice of loss, one of our trained employees will contact you to arrange for service. Within 4 hours of loss notification, members of SERVPRO of Marshalltown will be onsite to start mitigation services. Within 8 hours of onsite arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person. Since we started service within 4 hours, we can stop further damage and get you back to your home "Like it never even happened." Once the job is complete a trained employee will do a final walk through with you to make sure everything is complete. Thanks to our 1-4-8 response we can get homeowners and businesses back to the way they were before the disaster. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is available 24/7 every day of the year.

We are cleaning experts

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help during this time of need.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. 

Call today for a proactive cleaning from the experts at SERVPRO Marshalltown at 641-758-9746

SERVPRO 24/7

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Marshalltown possesses professional restoration technicians that are highly trained and certified in order to mitigate whatever loss your home has suffered. Whether it be a fire, water, or mold loss, SERVPRO maintains immediate response times and specialized equipment to minimize damages and focus on restoring the home/business back to preloss conditions. SERVPRO works in conjunction with various insurance companies and strive to maintain open lines of communication to help make the claims process run seamlessly.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown also possesses a team of specialized technicians that can perform additional services such as duct cleaning to keep your heating and air conditioning systems running more efficiently, as well as carpet cleaning to provide longevity to your carpets and upholstery.

When a disaster strikes, choosing a mitigation company can be daunting, but know, SERVPRO is here to help. 

Why Is Attic Ventilation Important?

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

You might be wondering why you would want cool air to come in and heat to escape. After all, attic insulation is designed to keep air out and keep heat in. 

The problems attic ventilation addresses are excess heat and moisture. While attic insulation will do an excellent job of locking in heat, your roof can be negatively affected if that heat starts to become too much or if contractors installed the insulation improperly.

The summer sun can blast your roof with heat throughout the afternoon, transferring that heat into the attic. With large amounts of heat on both sides, your roof sheathing can distort, and your shingles will age prematurely. 

Ice damming becomes an issue during winter, especially in locations where snow is likely to pile up on rooftops. Warm air will rise from inside your home to the attic. That warm air will heat your rooftop just enough to melt snow. 

The melted snow will run toward the eaves, where it’s cooler. The runoff will freeze, creating an ice dam. This damming causes future runoff to pool up and back up under your shingles.

When the air in your attic is cooler, but heat rises from the rest of your home or comes in from the outside, condensation starts to form. That condensation can affect your roof, causing mold and mildew growth, as well as wood rot inside your attic. 

For more info visit atticprojectsseattle.com

How Do You Prevent Fires In The Basement?

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

To be able to prevent a basement fire, you first need to identify what can cause a fire. Below is a list of the 15 most common fire hazards found in the basement, and what you can do to prevent a fire from happening.

1. Smoke Detector– A properly working smoke detector is your first line of defense in notifying you of a fire. It is the law to have a working smoke alarm on every story of the home, and outside of all sleeping quarters.
   
   Prevention – Every month you should get in the habit of testing each smoke detector in your home to ensure that they are working properly and that the batteries are changed at least once every year or sooner if required. Smoke detectors should get replaced every ten years.
   
   
2. Extension Cords– Extension cords can quickly overheat and cause a fire if they are used to power appliances that consume more watts than what the extension cord was rated to handle. A frayed or damaged cord could also start a fire.
   
   Prevention – Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance and never permanently. Always double check that the extension cord that you are using has a higher amperage rating than the appliance or product that you are powering. Replace damaged cords and make sure not to overuse or damage the prongs. Never remove the grounding plug from any electrical components so that you can use a two-prong extension cord to power it.
   
   
3. Gas Water Heater– If a gas water heater is leaking natural gas, it can lead to not only fire but an actual explosion. One other thing to watch out for with a gas water heater is to make sure that nothing gets too close to the burner at the bottom of the tank that could catch fire.
   
   Prevention – Have a licensed gas fitter properly maintain your water heater and make sure to have regular tune-ups on the tank. Frequently check the pressure valve to ensure proper heating and pressure of the tank are within normal limits. Never toss clothing, papers, cardboard, rags, or anything else flammable next to the water heater.
   
   
4. Gas Fireplace– If a gas fireplace is leaking natural gas, this could cause a fire or an explosion. The surface of a gas fireplace can get very hot, and some items if left too close could ignite into flames.
   
   Prevention – Make sure that your gas fireplace is installed by a professional. You can get oxygen-depletion sensors installed that will ensure that there is not a build-up of carbon monoxide in the air because if there were that would trigger the sensors and shut off the gas. Also if you are hanging clothes or other items near the gas fireplace, make sure to keep them at least three feet away.
   
   
5. Wood Stoves– Wood burning stoves can cause a build-up of creosote within the chimney, which can lead to chimney fires. This combustible residue is a chemical mass of carbon that comes from burning wood, fossil fuels or tar, and can be commonly found inside of a fireplace or sticking to the sides of a masonry chimney.
   
   Prevention – Make sure to inspect and clean your chimney at least once every year. Keep the chimney flues open a few times during the day while the fire is on to provide inlet air to help avoid a lot of build-up of creosote. Only burn dry, clean wood, and make sure never to overload the stove. Keep the stove doors closed unless you are loading more wood or cleaning old ashes.

for more in visit basementissues.com 

Common causes of a flooded bathroom

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Bathroom floods can happen when:

Blocked toilet

As we said above, the worst thing you can do is repeatedly flush, as more water will sit on top of the blockage with nowhere to go, but up and out onto your bathroom floor. You need to isolate the toilet (find its isolation valve or shut off your mains water if needed), then unclog the toilet, possibly with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. Read our guide on to how to unblock a toilet and you’ll be able to resolve this with speed.

Leaking shower

A leaking shower that creates a flood in the bathroom may involve broken tapware or fittings, it could be a burst pipe behind the wall or it could be a hairline crack in your shower tray. Again, shut off the water as soon as you become aware of the flooding, then cut the power to the bathroom. Once you’ve mopped up, you can address the problem. Read our guide to troubleshooting and fixing a leaking shower for your next steps. Get general tips on how to detect a leak here and there’s some more advice on common water leaks in the home and how to fix them here.

Bath flooding

In a busy household with children running amok and a to-do list of a thousand tasks, a flooded bath can easily happen. Even an overflow in tip-top shape can only handle so much excess water until it’s defeated and submerged. What to do? Close the tap as soon as you can, pull out the plug, mop up and save your stuff.

How to prevent it ever happening again? Give yourself five minutes of peace and quiet by chaperoning the bath as it fills. If your children are old enough to be left in a room without you, you could even lock the door and do some deep breathing exercises or calmly drink a cup of tea on your own. Go on, you deserve it.

Child flooded the bathroom

Speaking of kids, those little darlings can often be the cause of bathroom flooding. They often leave the tap running after washing their hands with the plug in. They do things with wet tissue that we just can’t fathom, getting it down the sink and in the bath drain and overflow.

You’ll sometimes find the odd plastic toy down the toilet and, once children are in the bath themselves, they may decide to create their own tidal wave machine, shunting their bodies back and forth, spraying great splashes onto the floor like a ocean-faring speed boat. Your only solace is that you probably did it too! Keeping plenty of towels handy and getting them to mop it up themselves may prevent a replay.

Pipe and plumbing issues

A burst or blocked pipe can very easily cause a bathroom flood. Supply lines come into the sink, toilet, bath, behind the shower and even a bidet, so there are plenty of places for pipes to cause issues, including:
Burst pipes – this can be a pinhole leak in your water supply line, or caused by pipes freezing, expanding and cracking in winter and then thawing and leaking. Avoid this issue by making sure pipes that might be susceptible to freezing are appropriately lagged/insulated. You may be able to fix a pinhole leak with putty or tape, a repair clamp, or you may have to replace that part of the pipe.
Blocked pipes – this can be caused by hair, soap, wet wipes or tissue going down a drain and building up into a blockage. Avoid this issue by getting a drain guard (it looks like a mini sieve or colander that you place over the drain). To fix a blocked pipe you may need to use a plumbers snake or if that doesn’t work try a plunger.

for more info visit homeserve.com

Large Loss Commercial Restoration

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster takes no time striking, so neither do we! Call or send us a message today.

As the #1 choice in the cleanup and restoration industry, SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help your commercial property or business throughout every step of the process, SERVPRO of Marshalltown is faster to any size disaster. From immediately after the disaster, to returning your property to its preloss condition, we want to make the process run as smooth as possible in as little time as we can. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown today at (641) 758-9746 for immediate assistance. You can also reach out to us anytime on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. 

Catastrophic Restoration Specialists

When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. SERVPRO of Marshalltown’ Disaster Recovery Team is an elite team of technicians experienced in traveling throughout the United States assisting in a wide variety of large-loss commercial events. 

Why Choose Us? 

Available 24/7

Storms and other disasters can strike at any time of the day or night, so we are ready to help as soon as we’re needed.

Commercial Large Loss Division

Our Disaster Recovery Team is composed of elite technicians who have the training and resources to handle large-loss events for industries that have included hospitals, universities and government facilities.

Personal Attention

Each large loss project is managed by a project manager from SERVPRO of Marshalltown. They’re backed by the SERVPRO headquarters operations team to help you have the smoothest restoration experience possible.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

SERVPRO of Marshalltown will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

Tips for Water Emergencies Before Help Arrives

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If you ever need help involving a water damage emergency, or have any questions related to water issues, contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown by phone anytime at (641) 758-9746 or you can find us on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown.

It’s a Water Emergency, What Can You Do?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Water Damage Tips

After a storm passes, it’s 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 home has some water damage, brought to you by SERVPRO of Marshalltown:

- Shut off water source if possible or contact a qualified party to do so in a timely manner as quickly as possible.

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

- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting the surrounding affected areas immediately. 

- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions in order to evenly dry them. Do not throw wet or damaged cushion covers into a washing machine.

- Refrain from plugging in and attempting to use vacuums, or turning on ceiling fans near the affected area. 

- Avoid the general affected area overall. Electrical shock signals could lurk near an area affected by water damage, and the area as a whole is best if avoided as electric breakers, cords, outlets, or currents could be close. 

If you or someone you know ever faces a water damage emergency, or has any questions regarding a related topic, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown anytime by phone at (641) 758-9746 or you can find us on Facebook anytime at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. We are here to get your home back to how it looked before a water damage event. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is truly faster to any size disaster!

Fire Damage Restoration Process

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to Any Size Disaster

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Marshalltown has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you give us a call. Our specialist will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us arrive quickly with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, SERVPRO of Marshalltown can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO of Marshalltown uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Janitorial Cleaning Services in Marshall, Tama, Grundy & Hardin County

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Let us help clean your office or commercial business with SERVPRO of Marshalltown janitorial cleaning services today!

SERVPRO of Marshalltown offers office cleaning plus disinfecting services to commercial businesses throughout Marshall, Tama, Grundy and Hardin County. We target the grime, odor and moisture that gradually wear and tear at your office. It is important during this current state of affairs relating to the Coronavirus that your janitorial company has the ability to disinfect the high-touch surfaces in your commercial property. SERVPRO of Marshalltown uses the CDC recommended hospital-grade cleaners, targeting harmful pathogens and bacteria.

High touch surfaces include:

• Doorknobs

• Countertops

• Tables

• Light Switches

• Handles

• Desks

• Phones

• Tablets

• Keyboards

• Toilets

• Faucets

• Soap Dispensers

• Sinks

• Remotes

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Janitorial Cleaning Services

• Spot Clean Carpet, i.e. Spills
• Detail Vacuum All Carpet
• Detail Vacuum-Corners and Edges
• Dust Mop Hard Surface Floors
• Damp Mop Hard Surface Floors
• Clean All Ceiling Vents
• Vacuum Walk-Off Maps
• Vacuum or Brush Upholstered Furniture
• Clean and Sanitize Telephones
• Clean Sinks ~ Per Instructions
• Clean and Polish Drinking Fountains
• Clean Refrigerators, Empty Contents if Requested
• Damp Clean Exterior and Interior of Microwaves
• Empty and Remove Trash

Additional Services for Special Projects

• Carpet Cleaning
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Duct Cleaning

For further information regarding both residential and commercial cleaning, as well as restoration services offered by SERVPRO of Marshalltown, contact our office anytime by phone at (515) 233-4544 or send us a message on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. 

Faster to Your Water Damage Event

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Marshalltown can provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to residential and commercial properties throughout Marshall, Tama, Grundy, and Hardin Counties. 

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Marshalltown 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 – (515) 233-4544

Water Damage Timeline: 

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Marshalltown

SERVPRO of Marshalltown 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. We are able to service all of Marshall, Tama, Hardin, and Grundy Counties. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call us or send a message through Facebook 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Keep Your Car Prepped for Safe Winter Travel

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare for cold weather accordingly with tips from SERVPRO of Marshalltown

1/18/2022

Living in Iowa, it seems like a common expectation that snow will cover our roads at some point throughout the Winter months. Keeping your car prepared for driving in the cold is essential for a safe season of travel. This is true for transportation before, during, or after a winter storm. On the road, it's just yourself and your vehicle, so where do we look first in our efforts to construct a winter driving plan? 

Your Vehicle Itself

It's important to check on your vehicles maintenance before the cold arrives, or before getting behind the wheel this winter. Ensuring your car is ready to go for the winter months saves you both time and stress. Here are some valuable mechanical areas worth checking into.

• Battery
• Antifreeze
• Wipers/windshield washer fluid
• Ignition system
• Thermostat
• Lights/flashing hazard lights
• Exhaust System
• Heater/Defroster
• Brakes
• Oil level

 Ready To Go?

• Install good winter tires. Make sure they have adequate tread.
• Always maintain at least half a tank of gas.
• Wipers/windshield washer fluid has been checked.
• Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.
• Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call 5-1-1 for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and if possible, do not travel alone.
• Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.
• Place additional winter hats, gloves, coats, blankets and other warm weather attire throughout your vehicle to protect yourself against the cold during an emergency.

About SERVPRO of Marshalltown

SERVPRO of Marshalltown specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call us or send a message on Facebook 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Need Emergency Service? Call us 24/7 – (515) 233-4544

Winter Fire Safety

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Cozy up this winter stress-free knowing how to best prepare for the cold!

1/21/2022

With Winter firmly establishing itself throughout Iowa over the last few weeks, plenty of us are considering ways to stay as warm as possible until the Spring. Heat is such a critical part of a Midwesterners Winter, which makes winter fire safety is all too important. We continue our Winter Preparedness Series today by diving into the topic of winter fire safety, mainly discussing how it applies to residential properties. While there are many reasons for house fires occurring, the rate and probability of housefires increases throughout times of cold weather and frigid temperatures. Common Winter themes such as candles burning, warm food cooking, and heaters set on high can all lead to a potential winter fire risk.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

• Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
• Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.

Prevent Home Fires

• Portable Space Heaters - Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away.
• Fireplaces & Woodstoves - Inspect and clean pipes and chimneys annually.
• Generators - Use in well ventilated locations outside at least 5 feet from all doors, windows, and vent openings.
• Cooking - stay in the kitchen and turn off the stove if you leave, even for a short period of time.
• Electrical & Appliance Safety - Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords.

What To Do If an Emergency Occurs

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is a restoration company that helps people with their homes following a fire throughout Story County. What makes a restoration company imperative is that you cannot just head back into your home after there has been a fire. There are numerous hazards that must be cleaned, boarded, and a variety of other issues that must be handled first. After emergency crews take care of the initial scene, SERVPRO of Marshalltown is able to follow closely behind and begin the restoration process of your home and valuables. Unsure of where to turn after a winter weather emergency? Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown 24/7 at (515) 233-4544 or send a message on Facebook at SERVPRO of Ames.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.

Tips to Trick The Cold This Winter

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure your home or business stays ready for winter weather in Marshall & Tama counties!

1/12/2022

Winter is here to stay, with frigid weather Iowans are more traditionally used to arriving just in time for the new year. When cold weather hits, our instinct is to begin thinking of how to protect ourselves from the lower degrees. We should also, however, get in a habit of paying the same cold-weather attention to our residences or commercial businesses. Winterizing your home not only saves you money on energy bills, but it also helps ensure a warmer, less stressful winter when indoors.

Before you suffer a water damage event brought on by cold temperatures, you should check your home or commercial property for areas that may need additional insulation, heating, or other attention that will prevent freezing weather from penetrating your property and potentially damaging water pipes in the process. Depending upon the size of your home or commercial property, this type of scenario can result in thousands of dollars in damage and may require many weeks of construction to restore. At SERVPRO of Marshalltown, it is our goal to stop a potential situation from occurring beforehand through preventable measures. Here are some tips for winterizing your home in central Iowa!

1. Seal your home

Give your home a quick run-through, checking for visible, as well as hidden drafts. One way of doing this is by holding a lit candle near the following areas:

• Windows
• Doors
• Vents and fans
• Plumbing areas
• Air conditioners
• Mail chutes
• Electrical and gas lines

If the candle flickers, you probably have a draft.

Seal any holes and reinforce existing points of entry with weather stripping. Everything you need for this should be able to get found in any local hardware store.

2. Check heat, turn off external faucets, protect pipes

Draining your sprinkler system and shutting off all external hoses is the best way to help prevent water pipes from freezing. Check your heating system periodically to ensure that it’s working properly in a safe manner, before cranking it to full blast during the coldest stretches of weather. The most important phase of winterizing your home or commercial property involves potentially frozen pipes, and how to avoid them.

•  Keep your heat on—even when you’re not home. You don’t need to turn the thermostat up when you’re out, but you should keep it at a moderately warm temperature, so your home’s pipes don’t freeze and burst.
• Allow your faucets to drip during severe cold snaps so that the water flows through your cold pipes. Allowing the water to stay stagnant puts it at greater risk of freezing.
• Wrap any exposed piping to prevent freezing. You can find foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves for pipes and outdoor hose bibs at most hardware stores.
• Review all locations inside your property where water pipes are running. In particular, check pipes close to exterior walls, in basements, in attics, adjacent to unheated areas (i.e. garages) or pipes that are just in colder areas of your property. If necessary, place an exterior thermometer in the space to see if the temperature is warmer than the outside air. 

If these areas are cold than it may be a good idea to insulate the pipes, or the surrounding area, or add a space or pipe heater. If you have any questions, contact us 24/7 by phone at (515) 233-4544 or on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown.

Frozen Pipes? This Might Help

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes? Trick the cold and avoid them this Winter!

The Backstory

As the temperatures outside begin lowering themselves at a quickened rate, it seems like forever ago Iowans wished for a real, traditional winter, if not atleast a white Christmas. Sometimes frigid temps such as these create the perfect storm for cold-weather emergencies due to a multitude of unforeseen circumstances, often at the expense of home and business owners alike. At SERVPRO of Marshalltown, we understand the stress attached to winter emergencies such as pipes freezing, and wish to remediate the problem right away. 

If a pipe within your home freezes, call us at (515) 233-4544. Our dedicated, knowledgeable crew will arrive onsite to begin the water damage remediation process. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is faster to any size disaster. After fixing the water damage and shutting all pipes off, the immediate area damaged will then be restored back to how it looked prior to the pipes freezing.

The Process

By working with plumbers, SERVPRO of Marshalltown is able to ensure a quick rebuild process to the affected area, while simultaneously carrying out water damage tests to further examine deeper, more hidden areas of destruction, namely water buildup within nearby walls. Although the damage assessment and restoration process may seem like a lot, SERVPRO of Marshalltown hopes to solve any disaster issue at its earliest, in order to keep our customers the happiest. 

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

While we can’t control the weather, there are things we can do to prevent pipes from freezing. To prevent pipes from freezing and causing major damage, follow these steps:  

• Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
• Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
• Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
• Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.
• Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
• Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
• Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.
• Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you’re concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.

Got further questions? Give us a call at (515) 233-4544 or contact us on Facebook for service 24/7.

As Temperatures Lower, House Fire Rates Increase

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Identify the risks and protect your Marshall or Tama county home from fire hazards this Winter!

12/6/2021

As cooler air and frigid temperatures begin to occur throughout central Iowa and the Midwest as a whole, the rate of house fires increases as a result. While there are many reasons behind a house fire occurring, being alert to the winter-specific risks is a smart way to stay safe during the colder days, holidays, and all in between. Prevention is always easier than treatment, but we are here every step of the way. 

Why House Fires Increase in Cool Weather

An Increase in Cooking
Because most of us cook nearly every day, it is the leading cause of all home fires at any given time. This is especially true for the winter months, as more people are baking, entertaining and cooking holiday meals—increasing the likelihood of this occurring.

The Risk of Heaters
Winter fires are also commonly caused by unsafe heating methods, which amounts to the second most common fire cause in the winter. Portable heaters are a common culprit, as models not equipped with an automatic shutoff can tip over and cause a fire to start on the floor. Additionally, it is important to keep anything flammable away from any type of heat source, especially a fireplace.

Candles and Decorations
While open flames and candles are quite common, they present the risk of a house fire any time they are lit. Several winter holidays are commonly celebrated with candles, and decorative or scented candles are increasingly common in cold weather. Additionally, decorations can pose hazards, as many are only used once per year and can cause electrical fires to break out.

Additional Cold Weather Fire Prevention Tips

Though it is the knowledge we all hope to never have to use, focusing on prevention and preparation is the best way to ensure you are ready for a house fire. These safety tips are helpful both in the winter and year-round to help you and those in your household stay safe:

• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
• Always monitor open flames.
• Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
• Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
• Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Belongs On Your Roster

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is available round-the-clock for all your restoration needs. We can't wait to see you!

If you watch a lot of football, you’ve probably heard of a triple threat. That’s a player who can run, pass and punt—someone who’s an all-around athlete. Versatility makes for a valuable team member. And at SERVPRO of Marshalltown, we’re nothing if we are not versatile!

We’re a triple threat because we combine technical expertise, solid teamwork (which includes our customers) and round-the-clock availability when you need us. 

The Science of Safe Cleaning

There’s more to cleaning and disinfecting than meets the eye. Our professionals have to know which chemicals are best to use against specific pathogens while ensuring a safe environment for the people using the residential or commercial business space.

For example, we select from a list of EPA-approved products to fight COVID-19. And we clean according to CDC guidelines to keep your home or business safe!

Your Dream Team

At SERVPRO of Marshalltown we’re ready for the tough work restoration jobs require. To make it easier, we all do our part to communicate well with each other so that the work runs smoothly and efficiently.

We also communicate well with you, our customers, by consulting with you before and after every job to make sure our cleaning and restoration efforts meet your approval.

Round-the-Clock Availability

Disaster doesn’t always strike at convenient hours, and the sooner we arrive, the more we can help prevent additional damage. That’s why our staff is ready to respond quickly to emergency calls no matter what time they come in, day or night.

If your home or commercial business is located in Reinbeck, Dysart, Alden, Melbourne or anywhere in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama county, SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help with your damage restoration or cleaning needs. Contact us at any hour for a consultation or immediate assistance.

Whether by phone, or through our new social media messaging call-in format, where customer service is available round-the-clock, just like our previously mentioned restoration services, we are looking forward to making your SERVPRO experience a good one. 

Marshall County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

10/16/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Marshall County Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Marshalltown will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (641) 758-9746

Marshalltown-area residents: follow these mold safety tips if you suspect mold

10/9/2021 (Permalink)

Mold may not always be visible to the human eye, but its affects, if left untreated, sure are.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Marshalltown specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (641) 758-9746

Conditions in Marshall County might be right for mold

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (641) 758-9746

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown for mold remediation services.

Does your Marshall County home have a mold problem?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce health effects.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (641) 758 9746

Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Marshalltown!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Sophie would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season!

Our employees here at SERVPRO of Marshalltown would like to wish everyone a warm and joyous holiday season. As winter roars on, we would like to remind you that SERVPRO of Marshalltown is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency that might arise. Did you come home to a basement full of water due to frozen pipes? Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown. Is there a strange odor in your home and you don’t know where it’s coming from? Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown. Did you discover unwanted microbial growth? Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at 641-758-9746 for all of your water, mold, and fire mitigation needs. Additionally, SERVPRO of Marshalltown offers COVID-19 cleaning services to keep you and your family safe through these uncertain times. 

Again, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

Don’t Ignore Your Dirty Ducts

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown to keep your ducts clean.

Dirty ducts may not be something on your mind, but they can be the culprit of allergy attacks, breathing problems and increased dust and dirt build-up in your home.

Duct cleaning should be done at least once every five years to prevent the buildup of dust, skin cells, mites, pollen and other nasty things that interfere with a healthy living environment. Cleaning your ducts can help reduce allergens and also remove unwanted odors.

What to Expect From a SERVPRO of Marshalltown Duct Cleaning

When you call for a duct cleaning, our staff at SERVPRO of Ames will come to your home and complete a thorough evaluation to determine the best cleaning solution for your needs. Before we do anything, we’ll walk you through a standard duct cleaning so you know what to expect.

When we’re ready to begin the cleaning, we first look at your HVAC system and inspect your furnace so we know where to hook up our high-powered HEPA vacuum. Then we clean and cover all the vent openings to create a closed suction system. After that, we hook the vacuum into the main line running from the furnace. We run air lines from an air compressor outside to push the dust and debris to the HEPA filtering system. Once we clean and inspect all the runs, we close the system, clean the furnace and replace the old filter.

After the cleaning we talk with you about checking the filter in 5-7 days to make sure it’s still clean. Then we walk through the entire home to double check that we’ve picked up all our equipment and left your home undisturbed.

If you live in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County, and it’s been a while since you’ve had your ducts cleaned, or if you’ve never had them cleaned, give SERVPRO of Marshalltown a call. We’re certified technicians with the expertise to properly and thoroughly clean your ducts. You’ll notice the improvement clean ducts make on your indoor environment.

Prepare Your Property for Winter Storms

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

You can minimize damage to your property from winter storms by preparing for them before they hit.

We all love to see the first flakes of snow whirling around. However, winter storms can cause damage to your home. 

Winter storm damage can occur from multiple sources: extreme cold, high winds, snowfall, ice and more. Storms can cause direct damage to structures and also lead to secondary damage from causes such as stove fires or burst pipes. 

Well before icy winds start blowing, it’s smart to prepare your home for winter storms and get mentally ready with a plan for what you’ll do if you’re stranded in your home.

Before the Storm

• Protect exposed pipes.
• Check weather stripping and insulation.
• Identify heat sources in case power fails.
• Check fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check fire extinguishers.
• Fill propane tanks and replenish wood piles.
• Create an emergency kit with supplies such as medications, nonperishable food and extra batteries.
• Prepare a battery-powered radio or other news source that doesn’t rely on electricity/internet so you can follow storm updates.

During the Storm

• Leave taps dripping if you lose your main heating source.
• Use precaution with extra heating sources.
• Check news for storm updates and local warnings.

After the Storm

Now is the time to check for damage to your home and other property (and possibly to make insurance claims).

• Clear snow away safely.
• Check your heating sources and water pipes. Resupply fuel.
• Check your house and other structures for damage.
• Look for ice dams that can build up on your roof (icicles are a warning sign) and take safe steps to eliminate them.
• Ventilate any areas where carbon monoxide may have accumulated.

If you live in Marshalltown, Dike, Eldora, Wellsburg or anywhere in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County, and your home has winter storm damage you can’t repair yourself—such as water damage from a burst pipe or leaking roof—SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help. We can also assist in preparing insurance claims. Contact us at any hour for a consultation or immediate assistance.

Is Your Business Protected With Fire Extinguishers?

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your business has fire extinguishers and your staff knows how to use them.

It doesn’t happen often, but when a fire breaks out at a place of work, employees are often the first line of defense to keep a small fire from becoming a large disaster. It’s best to be prepared for fires that can be managed with the use of a fire-extinguisher. 

Every type of building except a one- or two-family house is required by the National Fire Protection Association to have fire extinguishers. Whether you own a simple seamstress shop or a tool making business, it’s important to know how to use one.

Your fire extinguisher must be located where people can easily get to it. It also needs to be visible. If it’s in a cabinet or under a sink, signs must clearly indicate where to find it. 

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Depending on the kinds of fire hazards in your business, you may need one or more of the following types of fires extinguishers:

Type A: For combustible solid materials such as wood or fire. If you have an office or shop with a low level of fire hazards, a type A extinguisher is probably enough.

Type B: For flammable liquid or gas. If you run a business that includes or kitchen or uses flammable liquids like paint or grease, you need a type B extinguisher.

Type C: For energized electrical sources. Businesses ranging from server farms to welding shops that use a large amount of electricity or electronics need type C fire extinguishers, which can be used for electrical fires.

Type D: For combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium and sodium. Businesses like factories, auto body shops and industrial companies need type D extinguishers.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are not difficult to use. Just follow these steps:

1. Pull the pin.
2. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Swing back and forth until the fire is out.

It’s recommended that an infographic is displayed near your fire extinguisher explaining how to use it and that training is provided for employees with regular reviews.

If you own a business in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County, contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown to help your business prepare for a disaster like a fire with a free SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile. And if you do experience a fire, call us anytime, day or night, to help restore your business so it’s “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown to Help Prepare Your Business for Flooding

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help your business develop an Emergency Ready Profile to make sure you're prepared for flooding or any disaster.

For commercial business owners who do not operate in a floodplain, it may seem odd to prepare for flooding. However, national disasters include flooding around 90% of the time, and many affected areas are those not traditionally prone to flooding.

It’s smart for business owners to plan for the possibility of flooding, to keep their employees safe and to get their business reopened more quickly after a disaster.

What to Do Ahead of Time
By addressing the risk of flooding, training employees and planning ahead, business owners will be much more prepared and will know how to recover more quickly. Some key plans may include:

• Referencing the FEMA Flood Map to get an idea of your risk levels
• Copying all paperwork and records to a safe, external server or cloud-based storage
• Drafting your own Emergency Action Plan and training employees 
• Clearly marking the office evacuation route
• Considering the purchase of flood insurance if it is something your business insurance does not handle
• Assembling an emergency kit for the workplace in the event you and other employees are stranded for a time
• A plan to relocate valuable assets to the highest possible areas if flooding becomes imminent

The Documents to Preserve
In order to restore and reopen your business as soon as possible, it’s crucial to back up all important documents and data to a safe off-site or cloud-based location. Some of these essential documents include:

• The continuity plan for how you will resume operations
• Contact information for employees, as well as their emergency contacts
• Your insurance policy for the business and flood coverage, if applicable
• Vendor information, along with contact information for suppliers and any other third parties that may be crucial to operations
• Guidelines for how to recover files from computer backups
• Any pertinent financial documents

Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at 641-758-9746 to help you set up a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile. We’ll make sure you’re prepared for flooding or any other kind of disaster that can affect your business. It’s FREE and can make the difference between the life and death of your Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County business.

How SERVPRO’s Storm Response Team Handled the Derecho Storm of 2020

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown and the SERVPRO Catastrophic Storm Response Team worked together to restore homes and businesses damaged by the 2020 derecho.

When a strong hurricane-like derecho storm ripped through Iowa this last summer, calls started coming in to SERVPRO of Marshalltown immediately after the storm moved through the area. The volume of calls made it clear this was no average summer storm, so after we had sent all our own crews out on jobs, we called in SERVPRO’s Catastrophic Storm Response Team, a national network of more than 1,700 strategically positioned franchises on standby and ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice when large storms strike. By enlisting the help of the storm team, we knew we would be able to get to all our customers faster and minimize further damage from happening. 

24-Hour Mobilization

Within 24 hours of our call, the national team had set up a local command center with a project coordinator and highly trained crew chiefs and technicians to handle the overflow of storm damage calls coming into our office. Lori Newhouse, our office manager, managed the incoming calls and worked with the large team project coordinator to assign overflow jobs to the additional crews.

Responsiveness That Can’t Be Beat

Within about two weeks, SERVPRO of Marshalltown, together with the national team, had responded to all the storm damage calls from commercial businesses and residents in our Marshall, Hardin, Grundy and Tama County territory. We were told by many of our customers that we were one of the most responsive companies to help people in the area with their various storm damage needs, whether it was boarding up or tarping damaged property to prevent more water from getting in or drying, demo or restoration work to homes and commercial businesses where water had penetrated and caused more extensive damage.

High-Level Service From Entire Team

We know we can trust SERVPRO’s Storm Response Team to handle our customers with the same care and expertise as we do. Because SERVPRO crew chiefs and technicians are all trained to meet the same high standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), they provide an equally high level of experience and professionalism, no matter what franchise they work for. It’s why SERVPRO has a reputation for consistent, top-notch service across the entire organization. Here’s just a few of the large storms our national storm teams have handled in recent years:

• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Hurricane Sandy

Catch Leaking Pipes Before They Cause Damage

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Be proactive about finding leaky pipes and save yourself from possible water damage.

Ever wonder why your water bill is so high? Or have you noticed there’s dampness in the cabinet under your faucet?

We easily identify roof leaks when they splash on our heads, and it’s fairly simple to detect dripping appliances, but leaky pipes can be trickier to locate and correct. However, it’s important to find them early, as slow leaks usually are not covered by insurance.

Plumbing repair sounds like a big project. But you can often fix a leaky pipe by yourself. This video shows you the basics. There are plenty of other do-it-yourself resources out there. A quick Google search gives a list of how-to videos by most major hardware businesses.

How to Spot Leaky Pipes Early

Check for signs of a leak on a regular basis. Traces of water can cue you in to leaky pipes. Look for damaged flooring or ceiling stains. Puddles are big clues, of course. You should also look for more subtle signs. Loose caulking might indicate a leak. Rust in your sink or toilet joints can also be signs of a leak. Loose tiles? Mold? A toilet that rocks back and forth? You guessed it—all can be caused by a leak.

Locate the source. Now that you know there’s probably a leak in the area, find where it’s coming from. You might need to open an access panel behind a tub or check under a sink. Look under countertops. You can also fill a tub or sink and then drain it, checking for dampness around each joint you can reach.

Evaluate if it’s a do-it-yourself job. Can you handily see and access the leaking pipe? If so, chances are you can make a repair. But if you can’t identify the source—or if you can see it but can’t get to it—it’s time to call a plumber. A certified, bonded plumber can make repairs that will save you money down the road.

When the Damage Is Done

If your leaking pipe has already caused damage, call SERVPRO. We’ve been cleaning up water damage for more than 50 years.

We’ll answer your call any time, around the clock. We combine national expertise with local know-how, so you know we’ll serve you right.

Dealing with water damage? Contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown at any hour for the rapid response we’re known for.

Hidden Spots for Household Water Damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Check places in your home for hidden water damage on regular basis.

It’s common to associate water damage with flooding, but there are many other surprising reasons water damage can occur in a home—quite a few of which can occur in hidden locations.

Because water damage can become worse if left untreated, hidden water damage is especially insidious. Many homeowners’ policies do not provide coverage for water damage; when they do, a typical claim will be in the range of $7,000.

Knowing the surprising spots where water damage may be found and checking them regularly can go a long way in preventing complications.

Surprising Spots for Household Water Damage

• Inside cabinets: When sink pipes are inside cabinets, it’s easy for leaks to go unnoticed. Regularly check the piping to make sure you catch leaks before they cause damage.
• Near bathtub casings: The casing of the bathtub or shower is sealed with caulk around the edges, providing a barrier against leaks. However, if these have not been recaulked in a while, they can begin to falter.
• On structural elements: Drywall hides the structural elements of the home, but it can also hide water damage. Though ripping out drywall can be a chore, if there has been a busted pipe or a flood recently, it is wise to check behind it.
• Around seals in the roof: The vents of roofs are sealed to prevent water from entering, but the seals deteriorate over time. Check the roof at the start of spring and fall for signs of water.
• Within an HVAC unit: As the HVAC unit pulls moisture from the air, it typically drains it away. However, if there is an issue with any of the drain lines, this condensation can build up within the unit instead.
• Behind appliances: Appliances are rarely moved unless they are being replaced, but washing machines and dishwashers can also hide water leaks. Perform an inspection for any hidden damage every few months as a preventive measure.
• Around exterior faucets: Because outside faucets are connected within the walls of the house, leaks can easily hide. If the faucet is turned off and you still hear sounds of running water, there migIht be a hidden leak.

If you find water damage in your Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County home, give us a call right away, and we’ll be there quickly.

What to Do If You Smell Gas In Your Home

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Most gasses are tasteless, odorless and colorless, so it can be dangerous when flammable gas goes unnoticed. However, a chemical called mercaptan is added to gas, making it smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, which may be your first indicator that you have a gas leak. Here’s what to do if you smell gas in your home:

Don’t Flip the Switch

All it takes is a spark for a gas fire to ignite. Flipping a light switch or lighting a match in a gas-filled room can cause a gas explosion that could result in serious injuries or fatalities and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

Evacuate Immediately and Call 911

Get your family out of the house. If you can, bring your pets too, but ensure your safety first. Odorless gas is dangerous. Not only can it cause a gas explosion, but the fumes can cause serious injury to the body. Dial 911, even if you’re not sure it’s gas. Your local fire department will come and determine if there is a gas leak or not.

Get Your Lines Checked

Once it is safe to reenter your home, contact a plumber to determine what lines need to be fixed or replaced. Be aware, it may cost several thousand dollars to replace your gas line. Hire someone to do periodic inspections to maintain the lines throughout your home.

If by chance you do experience a gas fire, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at (641) 758-9746 to help clean up and restore your Marshalltown, Reinbeck, Iowa Falls, Traer or Wellsburg home to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Knows How to Handle Hoarding

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.” A person with a hoarding disorder gets distressed at the thought of getting rid of items. Many people with hoarding tendencies don’t see their habits as an issue, which requires the situation to be handled with sensitivity and patience. At SERVPRO of Marshalltown, we know how to handle this.

Our specialists often encounter hoarding when we are called to a home for water damage or a fire loss. And because we’re experienced with hoarding situations, we know how to handle each case in the most professional way possible as we work with you and/or an insurance company regarding the contents that are covered. Once the insurance company has approved what contents a policy covers, we take care of cleaning, drying, packing and storing the items so work on the fire or water loss can begin. 

We also receive calls from family members to go through items and clean up a home after the death of a loved one. In these situations, our crew is careful to make sure they understand which possessions should be retained as they work through the contents of a house. Family members are welcome to assist us as we sort through the deceased person’s belongings. 

Each case is unique and sensitive, and we treat our customers with respect and professionalism throughout the process. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at (641) 758-9746 right away if you experience a water or fire loss or if you need help with a hoarding property in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County.

Protect Your Basement With a Sump Pump

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Your basement is finally nicely carpeted, stocked with food and drinks, filled with electronics, a home entertainment system and new furniture. Are you prepared if a strong summer storm threatens to flood your basement and ruin everything there? You might want to consider installing a sump pump. 

Placing a sump pump at the lowest point of your house can help with flooding prevention. While not the prettiest sight, a sump pump can save you the thousands of dollars it can cost to clean up and restore a flooded basement. And if your basement floods once, chances are it will flood again.

A sump pump has two parts: a float switch and a mechanical pump. The entire mechanism is placed in the pit of the sump pump, which is at the lowest level of a house’s basement. When moisture leaks into the basement, the water level rises, lifting the float switch high enough that it activates the pump. The water is then pumped out of the basement through a discharge pipe.

Sump pumps also have the ability to be connected to a dehumidifier, which will pull moisture out of the air and dump it directly into your sump pump. This helps prevent mold formation, which is another problem for basements. Most newer homes in the Midwest require a sump pump. If yours does not, we suggest doing your research and looking into it. They can save your home before a crisis hits. 

If you do happen to experience flooding or water in your basement, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown right away, and we’ll be there quickly to assess the damage and start restoring your basement back to its original condition, “Like it never even happened.” Call (641) 758-9746, anytime, day or night. 

Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown to Safely Remove Sewage Water

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Many Marshall, Hardin, Grundy and Tama County area homeowners have recently experienced a double whammy from both water damage and power outages after an unprecedented derecho storm ripped through the state. This problem combination makes homes susceptible to mold growth and harmful bacteria or viruses, especially when sewage water is part of the mix. Porous materials like carpet, carpet pads and insulation are perfect environments for mold and bacteria to grow, which can quickly cause foul odor and risk of severe illness from mold spores or dangerous pathogens. The sooner you can start cleaning up after water damage, the more quickly you can stop mold and bad bacteria from growing in susceptible areas of your house.

Carpets and pads damaged by sewage need to be removed and disposed of immediately since this is considered a category-3 loss. Sewage damage is the most dangerous form of water cleanup because the possibility of blood-borne pathogens and other contaminants is high.

If a company were to just clean sewage-damaged carpet, assuming it seemed fine, there is no guarantee the carpet would be clean or safe. As soon as the room became warm, you would smell the sewage that was left behind in the carpet almost immediately. This indicates bacteria or mold is still present and would leave you and your family in danger.

Sewage leaves too many unknowns for anyone to assume a cleaning is enough to take care of the problem. The possibility of remaining fecal matter and disease-causing pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli put you and your family at high risk. 

Our staff at SERVPRO of Marshalltown is trained to handle sewage damage safely and effectively. We make sure that we eliminate all the contaminants that pose health risks and never take shortcuts. We do it well and we do it right. If your home has had any amount of water damage, give us a call right away to come take care of it for you. You can reach us any time, day or night, at (641) 758-9746.

Leave Your AC On When You Go on Vacation

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Many homeowners think they can save money on cooling costs by turning off their air conditioners when they’re not at home. However, that’s not a great idea for a number of reasons. 

Creates an Environment for Mold and Bugs

First of all, turning off your air conditioner can cause the level of humidity inside your home to quickly rise. Without cool, dry air circulating through your home, humidity levels can soar to upwards of 60 percent, which is ideal for mold growth and bug infestations.

Mold needs moisture and lack of ventilation to grow, and it grows fast once the conditions are right. Insects also thrive in high heat and humidity. Making sure you keep humidity down in your home can save you a lot of trouble and expense down the line from mold remediation or bug extermination.

Saves Energy and Makes It Easier on Your Air Conditioner

Secondly, it’s more economical and easier on your air conditioner to keep your home relatively cool with low humidity. Moisture holds heat, so a hot, humid home will cause your air conditioner to have to work extra hard to bring the temperature and humidity levels back to normal after you return.

Turn Your Thermostat Up Instead of Turning AC Off

Instead of turning the air completely off, just turn your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees. Your AC will kick on every once in a while to control and maintain a healthy humidity level between 45%-55%. You’ll save more money in the long run and likely also extend the life of your air conditioner.

If you do notice water damage or possible mold growth that occurred while you were gone and you live in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama county, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown right away at (641) 758-9746. We are a local business and can be there quickly to help.

Trust SERVPRO of Marshalltown to Disinfect Your Business or School for Covid-19

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t trust just anyone to disinfect your business, school or organization. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is highly-trained and certified to do the job.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is answering an increasing number of calls to clean and disinfect area businesses in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While few businesses and organizations have had an employee test positive for the virus, many companies are asking us to help them prepare for reopening and maintain a clean environment for their staff and customers.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – Our Viral Pathogen Cleaning Program

Don’t trust just anyone to disinfect your business, school or organization. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is highly-trained and certified to do the job. 

We offer Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, a proactive and Covid-19 emergency response cleaning program that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is tested and proven viral pathogen cleaning that meets the highest standards.

Our staff specializes in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC. 

We use EPA-approved products that won't harm your work environment or your employees, clients or students. These include our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food surface use.

Let SERVPRO of Marshalltown Help You Maintain a Sanitized Environment

We can sanitize every space in your business or organization, including:

• offices 
• retail spaces 
• fitness rooms 
• playgrounds
• food areas (break rooms, school kitchens, cafeterias)

We’re a local business serving all of Marshall, Hardin, Grundy and Tama counties, open 24 hours/7 days per week. So we’re nearby and ready to take care of you right away.

Give us a call at (641) 758-9746.