A Leaky Faucet and Mold Growth

12/4/2022 (Permalink)

A Leaky Faucet and Mold Growth

The moment you notice a leaky faucet, it's always wise to turn off the water and call for help. But what about the other times when you don't see a leaky faucet? Is there still a chance that mold is growing under the sink or around your toilet? Yes! While leaks are the most common cause of mold growth in homes, they're not the only culprit. In this article we'll discuss how to identify possible sources of hidden moisture in your Fairway, KS home and prevent them from causing trouble down the road.

Identifying the Source

Look for leaks. The first thing to do is to check for leaks in the bathroom and kitchen. If there are noticeable drips coming from either of these areas, you may have a larger problem on your hands. The next step is to check for moldy or damp spots along the baseboards and walls. You should also look up at the ceiling or wall above your sink for any signs of water stains, which could indicate that there’s a leak in need of repair above it all.

Keep an eye on your water bill. Many homeowners don’t realize how much they actually use until they see how much their monthly bill has gone down after fixing a leaky faucet—and this can be an indicator that there are other problems going on behind-the-scenes (i.e., hidden leaks).

Mold Under Sink

Mold grows in dark, damp places. You can find mold almost anywhere you look, but it thrives best on surfaces that are warm and wet. You might think that a leaking faucet would be an ideal place for mold to grow—after all, it’s both mostly dark and consistently damp. But most of the time, even with a leaky faucet, your sink won’t develop any visible traces of mold because there isn’t enough moisture to support its growth.

Mold Around the Toilet

Mold can grow in the toilet bowl. If you spot mold growing on the inside of your toilet, it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing. The water from the toilet is not connected to the rest of the plumbing, so it’s a good place to check for leaks.

If you suspect there might be mold or mildew in your toilet bowl, here are some ways to check for leaks:

• Check for stains around where water drains into your pipes. If there are stains, they could indicate moisture problems; if there aren't any stains and everything looks dry but still smells musty or damp after flushing (or when no one has flushed at all), it's possible there's something amiss with your pipes that causes a build-up of excess moisture near where they meet up with other parts of your home (such as walls). This is especially common if someone uses their bathtub regularly since taking baths can cause extra humidity levels throughout their bathroom space—which may then cause molds/fungi growth on surfaces like painted walls near where water drains into pipe systems below them!
• Check behind toilets themselves by sticking an old toothbrush into drain holes located inside each corner (near bottom edges) so that bristles reach underneath the surface area.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

If you’re worried about mold growth due to a leaking faucet, you should keep in mind that there are steps you can take to prevent it:

• Install a water leak detector
• Use a dehumidifier
• Use a fan to dry up the area

Install a Water Leak Detector

If your water bill has been unusually high lately, or if you have a leak in your home, it is important to install a water leak detector. This device monitors the flow of water through all of your pipes and can detect when there is leakage. There are several types out on the market that vary in price and features, but they all work by being placed directly over the pipe where you suspect there might be an issue. If one detects any leaks or problems with your plumbing then it will alert you by sending text messages or emails as well as flashing an LED light on its faceplate which makes for easy detection if it's dark outside (or if someone else isn't paying attention!). You should also check this device regularly; checking it once every week or two should do the trick.

If your detector finds that there is indeed a problem somewhere within your home's internal plumbing system then don't worry--you'll know exactly where to go from there! Simply call up a plumber who specializes in fixing such issues, explain what happened, and ask them for help. 

If you are concerned that your faucet might be leaking, contact a professional plumber. It’s important to know that mold can also grow in other areas of your home. If you have any questions about dealing with a water-damaged home or business, please feel free to call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown today!

Why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is the Company to Call for Your Restoration Needs

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration at a property after a Kansas City flood.

Fire, floods, and natural disasters can all really do a lot of damage to your home or business. There is a lot of work to be done if you have experienced some type of accident or natural disaster.

Safety for yourself and your family or employees is always number one. But, once it has passed, what do you do from there? The first thing you want to do is find a company to help you get back on your feet again. 

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown has all the tools, equipment, training, and experience to get you through your time of need. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

ICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Some of the areas covered include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Not only are there other areas covered, but education and training are also on a continuum. We are learning and upgrading their skills all the time to stay on top of all new policies, tools, equipment, methods, and even insurance concerns.

We also understand that all situations are not the same. That’s why we use the same methods tailored to suit your distinct situation. Whether you have had a fire, a flood, or other types of disaster, we can take care of the problem quickly and professionally.

When Disaster Strikes

When you need help getting back on your feet, you want a company that can handle everything from the clean-up to restoration, the inspection to the insurance.

We have the experience and training to make sure everything is taken care of. Whether it is a business or your home, you can count on us.

Restoration is the final step. That means getting your home or business to its pre-fire or pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet.

We can also simplify the restoration process from water and fire damage by handling both the initial water or fire damage mitigation and rebuilding of the affected areas.

Using the same company for all the needs after a disaster can save you time and money. Working with your insurance company and a professional team that can handle all the clean-up and restoration also means less worry for you.

Contact us to find out how we can help you find your way back from a disaster. It doesn’t have to define you and once you have everything restored back to new, or better, you will forget it ever happened.

Did you ever wonder why we like quick mitigation?

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

If your office is flooded call your local SERVPRO.

Have you ever wondered why we prefer quick mitigation?

Water Damage Timeline after your home is inundated with flooding from a broken pipe.

Within Minutes of a Water Damage

• 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 after a Water Damage: 

• 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 after a Water Damage: 

• 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 After a Water Damage:

• 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.

Call us at 816.895.8890 if you have questions about the problem in your home.

Why Insurance Agents and Their Clients Should Use SERVPRO's Claims Inventory System

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides more than just emergency cleanup services as a preferred vendor of many insurance companies.

Why Should Insurance Agents And Clients Use SERVPRO's Claims Inventory System?

Accuracy is paramount as you prepare each insurance claim. You need to double-check all the numbers and facts. You also must do research to ensure your details are reliable. With so much information available on the internet, the process can seem overwhelming. That is why SERVPRO created its own Claims Inventory System. This system lets agents in Kansas City, KS, easily find the data they need. Here are the top reasons to use this service.

Data

An insurance agent can use the Claims Inventory System to research the response times and costs of other restoration projects. This information should help you quickly and accurately compare losses and estimate the expenses involved in your latest insurance claim. You can sort the numbers by:

• Region
  
• State
• County

Collaboration and Convenience

Insurance agents are not the only people with access to this database. The restoration professionals and adjusters can also utilize it to communicate with clients and each other. This speeds up the entire claims process, letting you move on to other parts of your job, and letting your clients get back to their businesses.

In fact, your clients themselves will also have remote access to the database. They should thus receive instant information about the status of each claim.

The system additionally features an estimate of the costs, photos of the loss and digital copies of important documents. Your clients should also receive hard copy or email versions of their files for their records.

Business owners are likely to appreciate that they are being kept completely in the loop. They can even see how SERVPRO's performance compares to the standard set by the restoration industry.

As a preferred vendor of many insurance companies, SERVPRO offers more than just emergency cleanup services. The company's database provides accurate information that helps agents expedite each insurance claim. Speeding up the claims process should reduce the cost of the cleanup and make your clients happy.

How Can I Keep my Home in Kansas City from Getting Water Damage Caused by Frozen Pipes?

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services During the Winter in Kansas City

As most people know, winterizing your home in the fall can help prevent issues in the winter when the temperatures drop and snow flies. Prevention is always the key to avoiding costly damage caused by cold temperatures or snowfall. 

When it comes to deterring frozen pipes and ice damming in Kansas City, most homeowners know the basics of winterizing your home. However, for houses that seem to be prone to damage in the winter, there are several steps you can take to prevent issues related to cold weather. First off, it is always wise to remove outdoor water fixtures, including hoses and sprinkler systems.

If certain sections of your pipes have frozen in the past, you may need to take steps to keep them warm in the wintertime. One way is to wrap a UL-endorsed heater tape to your water lines with a thermostat to prevent overheating. A less expensive way is to cover all of your pipes with foam insulation. It is also wise to heat your sink drain lines with a lamp or leave your cabinets open, especially on cold nights.

If your power happens to go out during a storm, you should open both your cold and hot water faucets so the water keeps moving. You can also go through your hose and seal off any gaps or cracks near any of your water pipes. Other more permanent prevention methods are a thermal convection-powered hot water recirculation valve or installing a "RedyTemp" system that monitors the water temperature inside your lines.

But, if you still notice a leak caused by a pipe freeze or ice dam, our SERVPRO technicians can help in the following ways:

• Water Removal Services
• Water Damage Repairs
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Water Clean Up

Anytime you notice water inside your house where it is not supposed to be, call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown at (816) 895-8890.

Who Is the Stormwater Removal Leader Kansas City Residents Call with Confidence?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

A speedy response from fully equipped and experienced flooding and storm damage experts is why SERVPRO tops the list of Kansas City restorers.

Severe weather patterns constantly sweep over Kansas City, requiring stormwater removal and flooding restoration year-round. Prompt provision of the critical emergency services water damage necessitates is the heart of our mission, why SERVPRO proudly asserts We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Seek Immediate Mitigation and Remediation of Basement Flooding?

Whether your Kansas City home suffers from overland flooding, leaking roofs from storm winds or precipitation, or foundation seepage from the saturated ground after repeated rainfall or winter thawing and refreezing, it is vital to line up water cleanup immediately. Fast flood restoration interventions protect your property, urgently needed because water is incredibly corrosive to most building materials upon contact. Progressive destruction and secondary damage such as mold growth underlie why SERVPRO crews are ready to roll 24/7 with cutting-edge water removal services provided by highly trained personnel. 

Is Sewage Cleanup a Typical Complication During Stormwater Restoration?

Heavy rains and damming of municipal sanitary waste systems with leaves, debris, or, during cold months, snow and ice cause sewer backups needing cleaning inside Kansas City homes. The biohazards presented by

• Human waste
• Deceased animals and insects
• Vermin seeking shelter from the storm 
• Various flood-borne chemicals 

These biohazards, forced into dwellings, are why SERVPRO invests in advanced safety and containment training for managers and technicians and specialized equipment for basement flooding cleanup. We stay current on local regulations for hazardous waste disposal, infectious fluids, debris management, and the paperwork needed for legal stormwater removal. Deep cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered products precede through structural drying. 

Reliable stormwater removal and associated water damage repairs are why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown should be on your speed dial. One call to (816) 895-8890 schedules timely professional assessment and provision of rapid water cleanup. 

Why Worry About Mold Remediation When You Suspect Development in Your Kansas City Property?

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Ensures Proper Mold Remediation Takes Place Safely and Effectively and Kansas City

Noticing mold colonization anywhere in your Kansas City property can feel like a nightmare. You never want to take a chance of disturbing the spores and making matters worse, so contacting skilled professionals for mold inspection and remediation is best. The good news for all area residents and business owners is that SERVPRO features mold specialists that can address the cleaning and sanitizing of your interior to make everything Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Why call on SERVPRO for mold damage remediation in Kansas City? Once you call us, we mobilize a team for mold inspections, remediations, and cleaning. Our Green Fleet comes packed with all the right products and equipment to address your mold infestation issue. Some of the steps included with our black mold remediation projects include:

• Inspection and containment, with the impact zone getting quarantined with containment barriers of plastic sheeting
• We ensure your HVAC system is off to halt airflow that could otherwise carry mold spores into unaffected areas
• A negative air chamber might get put into play, allowing the crew to contain spores within the work zone
• We implement cleaning measures with air scrubbers, HEPA filtration vacuums, and various equipment to trap spores and filter them from the air
• Treatments using antifungals and antimicrobials to inhibit re-infestation
• Controlled demolition for any areas that materials get deemed unsalvageable 

Whether you had a small colonization area or noticed a significant development, everything gets cleaned and thoroughly sanitized to ensure safety and enjoyment for your family and pets. SERVPRO always makes it “Like it never even happened.”

Why wait to address a black mold issue when you can call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown? Call our team at (816) 895-8890 when you need a prompt response for mold damage remediation.

How Do Local Disaster Recovery Leaders Handle Kansas City Fire Cleanup and Restoration Best?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC Training and State-of-the-Art Products and Equipment are Why SERVPRO Should be Your First Call for Kansas City Water and Fire Damage Restorations

Fire cleanup and restoration in Kansas City takes teamwork and a 24/7 workforce response. An investment in an extensive inventory of immediately available and cutting edge resources stocked on our ready-to-roll service vehicles is also critical:

• Proprietary cleaning and antimicrobial products 

• Tools and supplies
• Mitigation, remediation, and deodorization equipment 

What Is the Rush When Reacting to Fire Damage?

After the chaos and fear engendered by a Kansas City house fire, you might want to collect your thoughts before devising a plan after researching the issues. Realistically the clock is ticking even before the fire department takes its leave, impelled by the rapid and destructive action on building materials of both firefighting water and smoke and soot residues. Feel confident in calling us immediately as:

• Reviews confirm SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown’s place as a leading local smoke and fire damage restoration contractor.

• We are also rated as the #1 rated water damage restoration company in Kansas City, including working with firefighting fluids.
• Our management  strives to measure our response time in minutes, so SERVPRO can pledge that our experienced crews get an essential jump on all aspects of fire restoration. 

Who Can Help Me with Insurance Documentation and Communication During My Kansas City Fire Restoration Project?

We hold preferred vendor status for many insurance and property management companies because of our reputation for the highest quality customer service delivered with integrity and professionalism. Our excellent working relationships with insurers are other reasons why SERVPRO streamlines your fire damage project’s positive outcomes.

House fire clean up proceeds more smoothly when a scalable and well-equipped workforce responds fast, why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown should help you shoulder the load from initial assessment through comprehensive restoration. Call us at (816) 895-8890 to partner with our team.

Why Should I Consider Using SERVPRO’s Water Restoration Service in Kansas City?

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can impact any area of your home. SERVPRO can locate the moisture source and restore your home.

SERVPRO Is Uniquely Suited for Performing Local Water Restoration Work

At any moment, a water leak could impact your Kansas City residence. Such a leak could come in many forms, occur at varying speeds, and be of differing levels of severity. Regardless of how they result, SERVPRO is uniquely capable of remediating their effects.

SERVPRO, a Kansas City water restoration company, is experienced in handling a wide variety of water leaks and cleaning up the issues they cause. Our skilled technicians have successfully performed water damage remediation work on the effects of ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and basement flooding caused by leaky water containers and malfunctioning appliances.

Some reasons why we are so effective at cleaning up and restoring water-damaged homes:

• We are strategically located in Kansas City, so our technicians, equipment, and facilities are often close enough to your home to offer you the fastest emergency water damage services
• Our experts are trained by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification in applied structural drying, applied microbial remediation, water damage restoration, carpet cleaning, color repair, and odor control
• The SERVPRO arsenal contains all the latest industry tools, like powerful wet vacs and extractors, advanced air movers and dehumidifiers, cutting edge Injectidry systems, and state-of-the-art foggers that disinfect and deodorize even the most inaccessible areas

As you can see, SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is well-prepared to help you with all of your water restoration needs. Whenever you need us, call (816) 895-8890 for assistance.

SERVPRO Kansas City Participates in Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Our team had a great time at the recent Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City Legacy Golf Tournament. It was a beautiful day of playing golf.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown proudly joined other local business leaders to raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City playing in the Legacy Golf Invitational Tournament, the premier entertainment golf tourney in the area. 

The tournament took place Monday, May 25, 2021, at Loch Lloyd Golf Club and hosted the BBBS KC.  All of the golfers were treated to a memorable experience as the Legacy Invitational has been designed to deliver a top-notch experience to both local and visiting golfers, including: 

• Exceptional gifts for the golfers given post-tournament
• A pre-tee-off gourmet prepared breakfast and coffee bar
• Relaxing massages
• For smoking aficionados, a fabulous cigar emporium

During the tournament, the golfers had their cars washed on-site. The course-play saw different challenges set up along the way with prizes.  Since golfing can be a parching game, hospitality tents were placed along the course to serve up refreshments, lunch, and any needed golfing supplies. 

Once the game ended, the teams took part in a 19 Hole Reception at the Clubhouse, where the winners were announced, and each golfer left with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Special thanks to Rob Smith for taking photos of this fun occasion; we look forward to lending our support to Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City for future events. 

Why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is the New Standard of Clean

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Hallway in a Kansas City business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s the need to be clean. While wearing masks and keeping our hands clean help us personally, what about all the surfaces we encounter every day?

If you are slowly reopening your business, you want to be able to promise your team and your customers that your business is safe. This may not be an easy task. People are reluctant to gather and enter places that are not on the necessity list.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is going the extra mile to make sure you get the best cleaning possible to ensure a safer place of business for everyone. It is understandable people will be leery, but we have to start somewhere.

From office buildings to nursing homes, SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown will design a cleaning program suited specifically for you. Not everyone’s needs will be the same, nor should they be.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we all find our way to a new normal. And they are doing just that with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

What is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is our new defensive pathogen cleaning program. It goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning.

We have set up a new cleaning program, developed to serve all of our customer’s needs and businesses. Starting with our very own Three Cs Program.

The Three Cs programs help make sure you get the cleaning service that is designed just for you. It is a program you can trust to get the most professional and deep clean available.

Consult:

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown will take a look at your business, ask you questions about what you do and what your needs are, and then design a cleaning regime that will be unique to you and the needs agreed upon by both parties.

Clean:

Our team will arrive with all the products and tools needed for the clean designed for your business. You can expect an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards that have been set by the CDC.

Certify:

When the team has finished cleaning and inspected everything, they mark it with the shield of approval by posting The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in the front window.

Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community. Let others know you care enough to get the very best.

This shield tells your community you care about their health and well-being. So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Trust the Professionals

Getting your business back open is a big enough job for you and your team. Before you start, start with a clean, sanitized space that will be safe for all your employees and customers.

Contact SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown today if you need help getting your business back on track and open to the public. We are available for 24-hour emergency services and work with residential and commercial buildings.

With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown Professionals to bring a higher standard of cleanliness to the places we gather.

Fire or Water Damage? SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is there 24/7

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown equipment restoring a water-damaged kitchen.

If you have had to cope with a fire, flood, or water damage from leaks or even the result of your fire, the damage can be devastating. While a fire’s damage can be seen, the damage that water causes isn’t always as obvious.

If left unchecked, water can lead to serious structural damage to your home or business. Likewise, with fire, there can be many amounts of toxic ashes and residue left behind.

Fire Damage

Fire will damage and destroy plenty of items in the home, but can also do damage to the walls, textiles, contents, ceilings, and floors. Depending on what type of fire it was and where it originated.

Do not enter the home until it has been inspected and you have been given the all-clear. Your safety must come first. Plus, going into a home or building that has suffered fire damage can simply cause more.

Water Damage 

Water-logged floors, ceilings, and walls pose the same danger. They can be on the brink of collapse at any moment. There is also the possibility of shock or electrocution due to unchecked power sources and live wires.

Floors or ceilings can fall in at any time, so once again, even if it is after a flood of some type, do not re-enter the property until it has been inspected and you have permission and reassurance it is safe.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration

The property must be assessed by professionals before anything can be done. You have to call your insurance company and report all damages and losses back to them.

After a flood or a fire, there is going to be a massive clean up. This is always best left to professionals. You are too close to the situation to handle it without emotional attachment.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown has the best team and equipment to properly handle any size loss you may have experienced. Our team is certified and trained to make the water restoration process quick and easy.

We know that disasters don’t happen when it is most convenient so that is why we are ready to move at a moment’s notice, 24-hours a day. We have the proper tools and equipment to take care of all the clean-up and restoration required after a flood or fire.

We are highly trained to cope with these types of losses. We are water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-water-damage condition.

We have advanced water removal and drying equipment and scientific drying methods to get your property dried quickly. We will also document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready.

We have invested in the latest technology and equipment to help restore your home more quickly and to minimize cost. This equipment allows us to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water quickly and efficiently.

At SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown we also utilize professional-strength cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products to cleaning and sanitize the affected water damage area for your comfort and safety.

You want a company that can come in and assess the damage, and know exactly what to do. A professionally trained team with past experience who can clean-up and restore the building fast and efficiently.

We understand that each situation is unique, so we use the same professional process but adapt it to your unique problem. You can trust SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown for all your fire and water damage clean-up and restoration needs. Contact us today for an appointment or any questions you may have. 

Why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown are the Experts You Need for Fire Restoration

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Damage caused to a Kansas City home after a kitchen fire.

Fire can cause more damage than almost any other possible disaster affecting a property. It burns homes into piles of dust. For those of you who have experienced a house fire and are left with extensive and traumatizing damage to your home, what do you do when your home is riddled with fire damage? You call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown and help will be on the way. With 24/7 service, you can count on SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown to solve your fire restoration issues and restore your home to its former glory. Here's what you need to know about fire restoration and why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is your best bet anytime you need fire restoration services!

What to Do When Fire Strikes

Although it’s certainly possible to reduce the chances of having a fire, nothing offers 100% immunity. That said, there are some things that you should keep in mind that can help you whenever there’s a fire in the household or even in a commercial building.

After a fire has spread through a home or commercial structure, it’s important to open up all of the windows and doors to reduce the damage inflicted by fire and smoke.

Another thing that you should do after a fire, especially if it knocked out your electricity, is to empty the food from your freezer and refrigerator. Once a fire has fried your electricity, you’ll have to find alternative means of preserving all of the food that you had stored in your fridge and freezer.

How the Fire Restoration Process Works

The fire restoration process is highly effective when it's done right by professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown. It all starts with the emergency contact. As soon as you call us, we’ll send a team to assess the damage. The assessment will include an analysis of how far the smoke and fire damage spread through your home, and how badly it affected walls, furniture, and upholstery, etc.

Upon assessing the damage, our team will tarp any holes that the fire burnt into the home, especially on the roof to prevent water damage. Next, we will go about cleaning everything up so that the home is safe and easy to work in. Finally, our team will administer any repairs and restoration that are needed.

Odor Removal After Fire Damage

If your home isn't completely burnt to the ground after a fire, odds are it’s going to have some hellacious odor issues. Fortunately, the professionals at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown know how to take care of those odors and eradicate them from your home. 

When you think about it, aside from brats, burgers, and hot dogs, there aren’t many things that smell good after being on fire. Just think about all of the materials in your home and how those materials will smell after a fire. Carpet, wallpaper, and upholstery all have a bad habit of smelling pretty rank after being set on fire. SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown can remove those horrible odors from your home and repair any other fire damage that has afflicted the property. With 24/7 availability, SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown should be your first choice in fire damage restoration services.

Fight Fire with Fire, by Calling the Experts at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

House fires are serious and the best way to remedy the damages that they inflict is by enlisting the help of professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown.

Serious fire damage calls for serious help, do your home a favor and call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown!

Mold, Fire, or Water Damage? How SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown Can Help Restore Your Home

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Professional SERVPRO equipment used in the restoration of a Kansas City home after water damage.

Being a homeowner is pretty great, but it’s also a lot of responsibility. You worked hard to get where you are today and it’s your responsibility to take good care of it. If you take good care of your home, it’ll take care of you. Mold, fire, and water damage comprise the trinity of a homeowner’s nightmare.

Any of these three types of damage, individually, can be ruinous to a home. When combined, the damage is even worse. This kind of damage can be overwhelming, leaving homeowners frazzled and struggling to decide where to begin. Fortunately, the solution is easier than you think. When your home has mold, fire, or water damage, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown!

Why You Should Call Right Away

Whether it’s mold, fire, or water damage, it’s imperative that you call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown right away. Mold can spread through a house in as little as 48 hours. The longer it goes unfixed, the worse the damage will be, and the more expensive it will be to have it corrected. The same is true of water damage. It doesn’t go away, it just keeps getting worse until it’s fixed properly.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown specializes in repairing, cleaning, and restoring homes that have suffered all kinds of damage including mold, water, and fire damage. Even if you consider yourself to be an expert handyman, these types of damages are nothing to mess around with. 

Not only do they require years of specialized training to handle properly, but they’re also potentially dangerous to work on. Trying to remove mold on your own without the appropriate equipment can be hazardous to your health.

Being around mold causes potentially severe health effects and stirring it up while trying to get rid of it by yourself will just make those problems even worse.

What We Do

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is an all-in-one service that cleans, repairs, and restores almost any type of damage imaginable. Our technicians are expertly trained and dedicated to restoring your home to good condition. We work on homes that have been ravaged by water damage, fire, damage, and even mold. We also perform odor removal services.

Fire Damage - Our fire damage restoration specialists are fire and smoke restoration, odor control, fabric, and upholstery cleaning. 

Water Damage - You can count on our highly trained team to assess, inspect, and restore homes affected by water damage.

Mold - We know how to stop mold in its tracks and can provide you with the expertise of water restoration specialists to ensure that your water is purified as we eradicate mold from your home. 

No home is too far gone for us to bring it back. When you call our team of professional technicians you can expect us to send the best, because that’s what you and your home deserve.

Need for Speed

Unlike other companies, SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is faster to any disaster. This means we’ll get there faster than almost anyone else. Our lines are always open and there’s a team ready at all times. You can call our 24/7 emergency service any time day or night.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown, at Your Service!

If your home is riddled with mold, water, or fire damage and you don’t know what to do, call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown. We have the know-how, the talent, and the experience to restore your home.

Call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown today, and let us take your stress away!

Are You Dealing With a Disaster Following a Fire or Flood? SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown Responds Immediately

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency restoration immediately after a Kansas City flood.

There is no such thing as a good disaster, there are only disasters that cause various degrees of damage. Tornadoes are catastrophic and leave widespread destruction in their wake. Fires and flooding are two of the most horrific destructive types of disasters that anyone can experience. They ravage homes and destroy property indiscriminately. So what happens after a fire or a flood tears through your community?

To say that there’s going to be a lot of cleaning up to do would be an understatement. There will also be extensive repairs to be made as a monumental restoration effort will be needed to bring homes in the area back up to snuff. Here’s what you need to know about SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown and how we can help. 

Why You Should Contact SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown When There’s a Flood or Fire?

When it comes to fire and flood damage, there are a lot of companies out there offering restoration services. How are you to make the best decision on flood or fire restoration services?

For one thing, SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is available 24/7, meaning, even if you call at 4:00 in the morning after discovering you left the stove on when making mac n cheese, you can count on SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown to make it to your home in a timely manner and start performing the necessary repairs. 

Expediency aside, another reason why you should turn to SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown for all of your sewage backup repairs and restoration needs is the fact that our teams are professionally trained and exhibit a genuine concern for our customers.

The Importance of Speedy Service After a Flood or Fire

Any time there is a flood or fire, the expediency of relief efforts is critical. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will be down the road. Fire and flood damage becomes more intensive and significantly more expensive to correct over time. Folks who call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown receive 24/7 service from highly trained teams. Our years of experience and 24/7 service is the reason we are the 1st choice of countless homeowners across the country.

Remember, the faster that you call, and the faster that you get service, the more you’ll save on restoration costs.

Dealing with Fire or Flood? Give SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown a Call for 24/7 Relief

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is the premier destination for all fire and flood restoration services. Believe it or not, our 24/7 availability is not our strong point, our strong point is the fact that we look after every single customer that we serve. Remember, if you’re calling us, odds are you’re not having a good time, to begin with. By the time people call us, they’re in the middle of a disaster, and SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown makes that disaster more bearable by providing superior service at an affordable cost. 

Whether it’s fire or flood damage, call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown for the best service around!

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Residential Restoration Needs in Kansas City?

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in a residential bathroom in Kansas City.

When it comes to fire, water, or mold restoration services in Kansas City, there’s no question you have more than a few options. While this is true, there are a few reasons that SERVPRO of Kanas City Midtown stands out from the crowd. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of choosing SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown for your residential restoration needs in Kansas City here.

24-Hour Response Services

When it comes to controlling damage, downtime, and recovery costs, timely mitigation is key. You along with everyone who lives in your house will appreciate the fast response time and the professional level of training and experience that the SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown team has. Their abilities and equipment will help limit the damage in your home and get you back to normal life as quickly as possible.

Communication

With SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown, you will know what is going on each step of the process. From the original phone call until the job is complete, you can count on this team to let you know what is going on each step of the way.

Each job is fully documented using itemized estimates, digital photos, and videos, signed work authorization forms, and regular reports. The professionals will use technology that is developed specifically for documenting insurance claims, store project information, and collect important data to share and track what is always going on with the job. Once completed, a signed customer satisfaction form will be the final piece of information that is put into a client’s file.

Reduce Total Recovery Time

If mold, water, or fire damage strikes a home, it can negatively impact everyone. Even small issues need to be addressed in a timely manner to help reduce the possibility of secondary damage.

By calling SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown professionals for help, you can feel confident someone who understands the urgency of your situation is coming to help. They will arrive quickly to help mitigate the damage to your home and everything inside.

Reduce Recovery Costs

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown offers emergency mitigation services that will help to reduce secondary damages. Communication is key when it comes to handling emergency situations and the quick and effective response offered by this company will help to minimize loss expense related to all damages that may occur.

Full Line of Response Services to Help Mitigate Damage to Your Home

When it comes to ensuring the right processes and tools are used, there is no question that SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown has the solutions you want and need to get things back to “normal” as quickly as possible. If you want to learn more about these services or have questions, contact the team.

Are you ready to ensure your home isn’t completely destroyed because of water, fire, or mold? If so, contact SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown today. This team is ready to provide you with the services and solutions you need, for a price you can afford. With trained and experienced technicians, there’s no question that this team can restore your property, quickly and effectively.

Professional Mold Remediation for your Home

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Anytime you open your windows to let fresh air in, mold spores are blowing through your home. Turning on your air conditioner or heater may produce mold. Rainy days? They are great for watching movies, taking naps, and stirring up mold.

Take a moment and look all around you - everywhere you look, mold spores are present. Moisture provides mold with the perfect climate for growth, and by the time you see mold, it has typically been growing for a long time.

No matter what any business might advertise, you can’t ever fully get rid of mold. There’s a great deal of misinformation about the mold remediation process, and it’s imperative that you work with a company that is forthcoming about the process. At SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown, we will always be open and honest with you about what our capabilities are.

Call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown to Help

All it takes is one simple phone call for help to be on the way. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we are here for you. We want to start your mold remediation process as soon as we can, and we respond to your call and dispatch crews quickly. Mold spreads so rapidly - the faster we get started, the easier and more affordable it is to contain.

Mold Damage Assessment

Peace of mind arrives within hours of calling SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown. We quickly dispatch a Project Manager who helps navigate you through the entire process. They work alongside the crew to locate the water source that is feeding the mold growth. Using advanced technology and equipment, we are able to locate damage even if it isn’t in plain sight.

Mold Containment

The entire mold remediation process must be handled strategically, so there isn’t additional mold spreading during cleanup. For everyone’s health and safety, our highly trained team uses advanced containment equipment and procedures. Negative air chambers help us isolate the area, and negative air pressure can prevent further spreading during cleanup. It’s crucial that we successfully isolate and contain the area before moving forward.

Air Filtration

It takes professional-grade air purifiers and HEPA vacuums to help trap the mold particles. Powerful air scrubbers and filters are used to help filter out the mold spores during the remediation process. At SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown, we work hard to make sure that we stop the spreading.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Every home and every situation is unique, which is why there are so many different variables involved in the mold remediation process. Mold can be found anywhere from your carpet to your ceiling. While some areas of mold can be eliminated with anti-fungal or antimicrobial treatments, other areas and items might require full removal. If you have carpet or drywall that needs to be disposed of, we make sure to handle it safely.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

If mold has spread to furniture or other personal items, we have multiple ways to help restore them. We understand that you might have sentimental items that have been compromised, and we do everything we can to restore those items. Throughout the entire process, your Project Manager works closely with you to make sure that everything is handled with care. Our high-tech equipment cannot just clean and sanitize, but it can also deodorize.

Restoration

It can feel so nice once you are in the final homestretch of the project. The Project Manager assigned to you goes through the area with the team to make sure that your home is all ready to be repaired. Some homes may require some hefty rebuilding of areas, while others may require some fresh drywall or new flooring. No matter what needs to be done, we have experienced workers to make sure it gets done right.

During mold remediation, stress is inevitable, and we understand that this has affected you in multiple ways. We don’t just care about the mold in your home - we care about you. That’s why we assign you a Project Manager who is your one-stop contact and who walks you through the entire process. They are familiar with the insurance process and can provide you with any documentation your insurance company may need.

There is no one-size-fits-all process for mold remediation because there are so many ways and areas that mold can make its appearance in your home. Until we assess the magnitude of the situation, it’s hard to say what your home needs. One thing we can be sure about is that we have the skills and equipment to handle whatever remediation your home may need.

Protect your health and your home - call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown at the first signs of mold in your home.

A message from the Owner at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

The Kansas City Star today published a remarkably candid story by Dr. Evan Shaw of Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Many of us are isolated in various ways. We're isolated from our social circles, work environments, family, friends, and loved ones to name a few. Dr. Shaw and indeed the entire global community of medical professionals, are isolated in their own very different way. His story in today's Star captures much of what we can only imagine goes on today inside our hospitals, emergency rooms, ambulances, senior living centers, etc. These remarkable people were drawn to the medical profession for their own unique reasons, but I would guess that few if any could imagine the reality in which they are now consumed. We are forever grateful to the professionals who make up this new-age army, from the doctors, the nurses, lab technicians, EMTs to the facility managers and custodians. You are the inspiring heroes of a generation. While your remarkable stories are just now being written, know that they will perpetually endure. Through a collaborative application of science and experience combined with your sacrifice and determination, we as a people will make it through this battle. We're tremendously grateful for and honored to know you.

https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article241839331.html

With gratitude,

- Cory Bates, President @ SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

#perspective #respect #covid19 #firstrespondersrule #bepositive

Why SERVPRO Is a Premier Company for Water, Fire, Mold, and Commercial Recovery in Kansas City

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Advanced SERVPRO Cleanup and Restoration Equipment for Structural Recovery in Kansas City Homes and Businesses.

Kansas City Property Owners Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Recovery Services

We are a preferred vendor for restoration services in the Kansas City area primarily because of our established track record of dependability and top-tier results. We know how important it is to recover a property quickly, and we can do this with integrity and professionalism. Part of this dedication to our customers comes with helping them through the traumas and stresses of loss recovery situations by explaining the process and answering whatever questions that they might have through any phase of mitigation or restoration.
 
Water Recovery Efforts
 
One contributing factor to the fast turnaround on many of our water loss recoveries in Kansas City homes is the thorough inspection, and job scoping that occurs before our team first fully arrives to begin restoration. Our project manager and crew chief can work with our customers and premier discovery devices to record the presence of moisture and standing water throughout the home. The better educated we are on the migration and severity of the damage, the more accurate and useful the restoration response from our team can become. Also, this discovery phase can identify the source of the water damage to ensure that you secure the right skilled professionals to help with repairs if necessary.
 
Extraction is not always a necessary component of water loss recovery, but when it is, we have dozens of high-efficiency water removal tools at our disposal. From the truck-mounted pumps in our fleet of vehicles to more common choices like the light wands and portable electric submersible pumps, we can help to remove pooling water conditions before we set our sights on thorough drying and structural assessment.
 
Apart from common implements like our air movers and refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers, we also have specialty drying equipment that can help us to address moisture and saturation of flooring materials, drywall, and even structural cavities above ceilings. No matter what your Kansas City home needs, our SERVPRO team can make it “Like it never even happened.”
 
Mold
 
Containment protocols help our SERVPRO professionals to quickly establish control in mold damage scenarios that can affect Kansas City homes. With how fast these organisms can spread throughout a residence, stopping this migration is critical to protecting a home and its occupants from worsening conditions. Setting up a barrier of this damaged zone with thick (6-mil) plastic poly sheeting allows our team to regulate air filtration, drying, and the flow of clean air into the area to reduce microbial threats.
 
When colonies have seated and spread through a Kansas City home, one of the challenging obstacles remediators must overcome is the musty odor these organisms emit. The noxious scent can penetrate soft materials like clothing, but also become embedded in drywall, carpeting, drapes, and more. We have numerous solutions that can work to reduce and eliminate these odor threats and airborne contaminants, including air scrubbers and thermal fogging machines.
 
Removing the physical colonies is also most effective within an established containment area, especially with the efforts like media blasting. Using compressed air, our SERVPRO Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) can eliminate colonies and reduce odors emitting from damaged surfaces without damaging the substrate of the material. This practice can help to reduce the need for tear-out and reconstruction in your Kansas City residence.
 
Fire Cleanup and Odor Control
 
Many homeowners might see fire losses as a confusing and stressful time, especially when they have to navigate the red tape and hoops of insurance claims. Because we are a preferred vendor for restoration services for area insurance providers, we have an understanding of what these companies need and expect when approving a damage claim after a fire. This knowledge saves you time and reduces potential fire damage to your Kansas City residence by getting work started more efficiently.
 
The removal of odors and present soot are priorities of our Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) when we first arrive at Kansas City residences and large commercial buildings. Both of these effects can be hazardous to those exposed in the right circumstances, so our SERVPRO team relies on our experienced cleaning technicians and restoration professionals to clean surfaces with the use of chemical sponges, agitative brushing to remove settled residues, and potent cleaning products. HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners are often the tool of choice for the initial removal of burnt residues.
 
Another area where we can help our customers through this devastating experience is with our content management practices. By determining your personal belongings that are at risk for further damage or irreparable ruin, we can make provisions to move these possessions to a safe location on-site or our nearby facility for focused cleaning and restoration. Fire damage in Kansas City homes can be widespread and devastating in some situations, leaving no choice but to use our warehouse as temporary and secured storage for items that could get recovered from the house.
 
Storm and Flooding
 
Storms are an unpredictable presence in the middle of the country, and we can contend with everything from tornadoes and hailstorms to torrential rainfall and excessive snowfall. No matter what season brings the severe weather events to Kansas City homes and businesses, we have a growing division of skilled professionals ready and willing to help.
 
Preparedness is a big part of restoring the properties impacted by severe weather in Kansas City, and for our SERVPRO team, that begins with ready trailers stocked at our facility. These units have our extraction and drying equipment loaded up, allowing us to address a common pressing threat after structural storm damage: flooding. From our continuous draw electric sump pumps with long lead hoses to our electric heaters, portable generators, and air movers for effective drying in these emergencies, our professionals can help.
 
Cleaning and decontamination are a focus that our team must have to truly make flood losses “Like it never even happened,” for Kansas City homes. Because contaminants can exist in natural flooding, we have a line of potent antimicrobial, biocides, and disinfectants to ensure that whatever structural elements remain after flooding are well protected from any continued bacterial or microbial threats.
 
No matter what loss incident your home faces, you can always count on the experience and swift response of our SERVPRO of Kansas City / Midtown team. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give us a call 24/7 at (816) 895-8890.

The Mission-driven Team at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown Supports the Military

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

News Release

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 13, 2020) – SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown owner Cory Bates is pleased to announce his company’s sponsorship of the USS KANSAS CITY (LCS 22). The goals of this commitment are to support the ship’s crew with ongoing morale building infrastructure, supply sustaining items the Navy does not provide, and to help fund scholarships that benefit the crew.

From assisting Kansas City homeowners who have been devastated by a natural disaster to helping Fortune 100 companies rebuild after major destruction, this veteran-owned business provides quality service to people in their greatest time of need. The owner said the decision to sponsor the ship was a natural extension his time in the military.

“Though our company is very involved with various local charities and outreach programs including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, supporting the crew of the USS KANSAS CITY is somewhat personal. I see it as a way for me to give back in appreciation for the education, discipline and rewarding experience received during my four years of Navy service that now helps me operate and grow SERVPRO every day,” Bates said.

“Our pledge to bring the highest level of restoration expertise to area victims of disasters and emergencies mirrors the mission-driven culture which is distinctive of the military,” Bates said. Each of the skilled and talented of restoration experts at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown appreciates what the ship’s symbolism brings to our area and we are proud to start this journey with the Navy sailors who serve and protect our country.”

Christened in 2018, the 418-foot ship is described by the military as a high-speed, agile, multi-mission combatant that delivers superior seakeeping and performance. The Kansas City (LCS 22) is the 11th in the Independence-class coastal combat ships. The vessel is primarily intended to operate in shallow coastal waters, but also is compatible with sailing the open ocean. Featuring a modular design, the flight deck is the largest of any current U.S. Navy surface combatant, and two MH-60 helicopters fit in the hangar bay.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown actively recruits former service men and women. “The character and dependability of veterans are unrivaled,” said Bates. “These are the same skills we need on our team as we plan and implement clean up and restoration services which directly affect people’s lives in our community.” Current open positions include crew chief and production technician. To apply for a position, resumes should be emailed to admin@SERVPROolathelenexa.com.

SERVPRO encourages everyone to be a part of something bigger than yourself. You can support the USS KANSAS CITY through a tax-deductible donation online or by mail at USS KANSAS CITY Commissioning Committee, P.O. Box 410584, Kansas City, MO 64141. For more information about the USS KANSAS CITY click here.

The trained team of specialists from SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown have been providing professional cleaning and emergency restoration services to the area since 1997. The company is a member of International Facility Management Association‎ (IFMA) and the Kansas City Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). For more information or for fast disaster cleanup and restoration services, call (816)-895-8990.

Kansas City Homeowners Prefer to Restore and Not Have Replaced Water Damaged Hardwood Flooring!--They Call SERVPRO!

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Rescues Water-Damaged Hardwood Flooring in Kansas City Gyms and Homes and Much More!

Why SERVPRO’s Training and Equipment Leads to Appropriate Water Damage Remediation in Kansas City

When your hardwood floors become saturated from a leak or appliance malfunction in Kansas City, it is hard to be patient during water removal and drying. It can take several days or more to return all affected flooring moisture levels to normal. Our training and experience in balancing the variance in moisture levels between the surface walked on, and the subfloor is one of the reasons why engaging our services during drying can protect your property.

Start at the Top

Water damage to your Kansas City floors requires the removal of visible water quickly. Pumps and extractors take care of pooled surface water, but water migration between strips and planks is a concern. As water trickles through, it saturates the plywood or particleboard subfloor. Selecting efficient strategies to remove water below the surfaces is essential, why our team’s training and experience come in handy. Negative air pressure floor mat systems can suction water from several levels. Air moving equipment aimed at the subfloor if there is access from beneath is another option.

Collect Moisture Data to Inform Drying Goals

When working on a hardwood floor project, information about the moisture content of unaffected flooring in other areas of the house must be collected. Every home has a unique moisture level. In fact, when carpenters install a new hardwood floor during initial construction or a remodeling project, best practices dictate that the materials be delivered to the location and acclimate for a few weeks to adjust to the home’s regular moisture readings, avoiding shrinkage or distortion when finally installed. Accurate moisture meter readings sampled by our skilled technicians are why SERVPRO delivers successful results.

Achieving a Balance Needs Professional Evaluation

When the top layer of hardwood flooring reduces to approximately 10 percent moisture content, that typically meets the drying goal. A problem arises if the subfloor still holds significant levels of moisture, more than plus 4 to 6 percent of the surface moisture or an even higher measurement. The dilemma presented is that more drying techniques need to address the subfloor wetness, but the strategies cannot overdry the surface. Achieving this balance requires the skills of highly-trained technicians and continuous monitoring, why SERVPRO is a reliable partner for homeowners navigating these difficulties.

Comprehensive training, state of the art tools, and dedicated technicians are why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is a premium, water damage recovery provider. Call (816) 895-8890 immediately when floors experience water loss for the best outcome.

Kansas City Property Owner and Water Loss--What To Do? Why Call SERVPRO, of Course!

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

The Forms of Moisture Damage We Combat in Kansas City Homes

Many sciences are essential to the recovery of Kansas City homes after water and moisture damages. From vaporizing moisture from saturated surfaces by our centrifugal air movers to the condensation of humidity into collection trays of refrigerant dehumidifiers, much of the work that we do in the recovery of damaged homes involves changing the state of water damage into a manageable form. To do this, our SERVPRO professionals must understand the nature of water or moisture and the infiltration into a given material.

The types of water damage Kansas City homes experience in and around construction materials and contents affect the chosen approaches to dry up these effects. Each of the three forms of moisture damage our technicians expect to encounter in restoration tasks has specific approaches to overcome and eliminate. These forms often vary by the length of time that materials remain exposed to water damage and the porosity of exposed contents and surfaces.
 
Surface water is what our restorers and our customers can immediately see when water loss incidents take place. These damages utilize some of the widest arrays of our recovery tools, including our extractors, pumps, mops, air movers, and other equipment. Surface water is among the easiest to treat and restore, as evaporation can happen quickly along with direct drying methods.
 
Free water is moisture that has initially become absorbed by material like flooring, drywall, or other exposed surfaces. Free water is a more significant challenge to remove from these materials, but effectively doing so can often protect the installed construction elements. This form of moisture has not bonded on a molecular level with the damaged material, allowing it to get drawn back out more readily.
 
Bound water has gotten absorbed into the wood and porous materials and perhaps chemically bonds with the cells and molecules. Once this occurs, restoration and removal of the moisture damage become far more challenging. Even still, specialty drying equipment like drying mats, injecti-dry devices, and positive pressure systems can have a chance at restoring the material.

 Understanding what we are up against is part of the scoping process that occurs before mostly every restoration project we undertake. Let our SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown team show you how we can help. Give us a call at (816) 895-8890.

What's in Your Kansas City Floodwater? Contaminants!

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

When Contamination Is a Concern After Kansas City Flooding  

Natural flooding can come with many risks and hazards, especially when Kansas City homeowners stay ill-prepared for how compromising these disasters can become. Contamination is one of the first things that must get assessed when professional restoration technicians arrive at your house after a flood, primarily because exposure could lead to health effects or amplify the possibility of mold and microbial growth on nearby surfaces. 

Classifications of contamination get determined by the severity of flood damage in Kansas City homes and the likelihood of foreign substances and other threats being present in the floodwater. Because natural flooding has a higher likelihood of encountering hazardous pollutants like sewage, chemicals, oils, and bacteria, we must exercise caution with our assessment and early-stage mitigation. Our SERVPRO team has advanced training techniques through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) to knowledgeably address these concerns. 

Because of how destructive flooding can be in a home, we arrive with multiple tiers of extraction equipment ranging from our smaller capacity wet-vacs to our 300 psi truck-mount extractors in our SERVPRO Green Fleet. The more efficiently we can remove standing water from areas of your house, the better able to protect structural elements and framework from contamination threats. 

We have a team of biohazard cleaning specialists that can address Class 3 flooding contamination threats where presumed blackwater is present in the property. Through the use of multiple extraction units and drying tools, we can remove the immediate threats so that our bio-recovery technicians can get to work with our potent cleaning and disinfectant products. Germicides and sporicides can remove many contaminants on contact and make a material uninhabitable to further microbial and fungal threats. 

Many threats exist in a home after flooding occurs, and it is critical to get the right steps started immediately to protect your property and its occupants. Our SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown team has the experience and equipment to make loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (816) 895-8890.

More about Kansas City.

Confidence and Reliability Are Why SERVPRO Is Kansas City’s First Choice for Water Removal

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

We will be there every step of the way for your Kansas City water loss.

Clean up of minor spills and quickly discovered leaks are certainly within the DIY capabilities of a Kansas City homeowner who has a bucket and a mop. On the other hand, if a major plumbing fail or an appliance malfunction pours gallons of water into your home, you need to find trustworthy professional help. Not only are the quantities of water in these cases substantial, but the migration of the fluid into building cavities and materials is also a concern. 

We Extract Water Rapidly and Efficiently

All it takes is a broken dishwasher hose, a ruptured water heater, or a clogged toilet to require significant water removal in Kansas City. Our ability to respond fast with a well-trained and equipped crew is why we can extract large amounts of water safely and to dry out spaces thoroughly. Investment in training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) aligns with investment in up to date, commercial-grade equipment and products to provide our customers with results that meet or exceed industry best practices.

We Follow Research-Based Protocols

A solid understanding of the science of drying, psychrometry, is why SERVPRO’s efforts in removing water and returning your home to preloss condition are successful. Research demonstrates that the more liquid water initially removed, the faster and more efficient drying operations can be. Our submersible pumps clear out water deeper than two inches. Wanded extractors then take on the task of removing as much of the remaining fluids as possible. 

We Are Skilled at Moisture Detection and Monitoring

Mastery of IICRC coursework in the tracing of water migration combined with decades of experience in detection implementation are why SERVPRO can go that extra mile for our customers. Surfaces can look dry, yet hide caches of water in cavities or absorbed into the structural components. We use thermal imaging to find temperature disparities that signal trapped water and moisture meters to set drying goal baselines. Controlled demolition techniques like flood cuts or weep holes release hidden water. Air movers and heaters accelerate evaporation, moving water into the air for our commercial dehumidifiers’ collection and disposal.

Dependable and experienced workers and top-notch equipment are why SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown meets your water removal needs fast. Contact us at (816) 895-8890 day or night to schedule an assessment.

To learn more about Kansas City, click here.

How to Improve Your Fire Damaged House in Mission

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO Helps Resolve Fire Damage Incidents in Mission Safely

Incidents involving fire in Mission pose risks to anyone in the vicinity. Even after putting out the fire, some dangers remain. Such issues can be a risk to the house occupants or the people handling the restoration. A professional restoration company such as SERVPRO helps restore the property to its preloss state safely because we have IICRC certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians in our team who prioritize vital tasks.

Cleaning the Air

One significant hazard leftover after fire damage incidents in Mission literary hangs in the air. Noxious fumes, aerosols, and other particles can remain suspended in the air over extended periods and, if inhaled in large quantities, can lead to respiratory issues. Our SERVPRO teams tackle this problem in different ways, including wearing PPE, Personal Protective Equipment such as respirators, and using air filtration devices to remove particles from the air. We can also use ventilation box fans, which move 3000 to 5000 cubic of air a minute to force the particulate filled air out of the structure, reducing the risk.

Checking Structural Integrity of Support Structures

The flames or embers of fire consume various materials in the affected structure, including frames, joist, or other structural supports. From casual observation, it is easy to dismiss such materials as only slightly charred, yet their structural integrity might be compromised, reducing their load-bearing capacity. Our SERVPRO technicians open up walls and ceilings to expose the underlying support structures. We use char depth gauges to find out if any of the frames are charred past their load-bearing capacity.

Checking Utilities

Different aspects of the fire have varying effects on various utilities in the house. While the flames consume most materials, heat can alter them indirectly. For example, the heat might melt the insulators on power cables causing short circuits when power is restored. Smoke, on the other hand, readily filters into air vents spreading debris all over the house. Our SERVPRO technicians remove all cables in areas directly affected by the fire. We also have specialized duct-cleaning equipment to ensure your air conditioner does not spread debris all over your property.

Safely restoring a fire-damaged home to its preloss state is a great achievement. Call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown at (816) 895-8890 to help. We have the resources you need to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Click here to learn more about the city of Mission.

Water Removal and Restoration in Kansas City Homes Done Right by SERVPRO!

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO Can Help Reduce the Impact of Water Damage in Your Kansas City Home

When water spills occur in Kansas City, it can lead to widespread damages unless the right actions are taken immediately. Water is a natural solvent that causes a wide range of materials to deteriorate, especially when left exposed over extended periods. A professional water damage restoration like SERVPRO has the skills and other resources to deal with the issue reducing the overall impact it might have on your property.

Working Faster

Time can be a friend or foe after water damage incidents in Kansas City. Taking long before responding to an incident creates an opportunity for secondary damages like mold and degradation of building materials and contents to add to the restoration service. Our SERVPRO crews work faster because we have the necessary resources, such as equipment. For example, we have truck mounted water extractors, and high-speed pumps to hasten water removal. We also have cavity drying systems such as the injecti-dry devices, which reduce the amount of demolition work needed to dry property. Because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, we can often salvage hardwood flooring from permanent damage with the use of drying mats and injecti-dry equipment. Customers always appreciate it when our team can cut costs, deconstruction, and restore their homes to preloss condition as rapidly as possible.

Using Superior Techniques

Fixing water damage takes skill, especially when saving wet items. Issues such as the setting of stains, mold development, and damage to electrical appliances can drive the cost of restoration higher because such items have to be replaced. Our SERVPRO technicians use various superior approaches such as freezing documents to halt deterioration, then drying them through sublimation. We also quicken the drying process of wet areas by regulating temperature, air movement, or isolating them by creating drying chambers.

Identifying Potential Long-term Issues Early

Some effects of water damage can have long-term implications if not addressed. An issue like moisture remnants in semi-porous materials can lead to health effects in the future due to mold development. Our SERVPRO technicians can preempt mold development by drying all materials to normal levels. We have many moisture detection devices, including borescopes, thermo-hygrometers, penetrative, and non-penetrative moisture meters, and infrared camera imagery, which help us, identify whether there is any hidden moisture that might cause future problems.

Water loss incidents can have far-reaching effects. Call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown at (816) 895-8890 to help clean up and dry your property, restoring the preloss conditions. "Like it never even happened."

What Do Professionals Do to Stop Mold Growth?

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

If you’ve recently found a patch of black mold in your Kansas City home, you’re likely beside yourself with worry. Mold cleanup does not have to be stressful. In fact, the easiest and most reliable method of mold remediation relies on the knowledge and equipment of professionals. These experts can help get your home back to normal by taking the following five steps.

Steps professionals follow to stop mold growth

• Find the moisture source. Because mold needs moisture to grow, it’s important to find the source of moisture. A roof leak or condensation buildup may be the culprit of your mold problem. However, if this source isn’t found, the fungus will continue to come back. Finding and fixing the issue helps contain your mold growth.
• Wear personal protective equipment. While mold can cause structural damage to your home, it can also be a hazard. For this reason, professionals often put on masks, gloves and goggles before working with the mold in your home.
• Remove the porous materials. Porous materials must be discarded when affected by moisture and mold damage. For this reason, any affected dry wall will have to be cut out of the home and discarded. Carpets, mattresses and other objects may also have to be discarded.
• Clean and disinfect non-porous objects. Professionals may use a detergent-based disinfectant to clean the hard surfaces affected by mold. This cleaning should remove all spores.
• Dry out the area. After the cleaning, the entire area of your home affected by mold should be properly dried out. The remediation team may bring in air movers and dehumidifiers to help remove moisture from your home.

The growth of mold can be stopped by the proper cleaning steps. The only true way to stop this growth is to remove the source of the moisture and git rid of as many of the spores as possible. It may be tempting to do the remediation yourself, but remediation experts in Kansas City have the knowledge and equipment necessary to do this task well.

Who Handles Disaster Remediation in Your Community?

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Some emergency restoration companies are better prepared to handle catastrophic loss situations than others. Whether the emergency involves major flooding following a storm system or high winds bring daily schedules to a standstill, the resulting damages could be more than some crews could handle. For large loss situations, a disaster recover company with plenty of history and a well-established network of resources.

Large Loss Situations

Emergencies happen in every state at some time or another. Some examples of catastrophic loss include hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes.

•  Flooding
•  Freezing temperatures
•  Severe storms
•  Tropical cyclones
•  Wildfires

Each of these catastrophes have the potential to close businesses, disrupt transportation services, and confine people to their homes. Unfortunately, they also have the potential to force people out of their homes. When this happens, what can you do?

Available Resources 

When you need immediate storm damage remediation, choose a company with the resources and workforce to respond. Large loss recovery teams require plenty of equipment, highly-trained, staff, and the resources to move more of each into the community. SERVPRO franchises are connected throughout the country, so when Kansas City, KS, is affected by a large-scale disaster, the necessary people and supplies can be moved quickly into town.

Local Teams

This doesn't mean that damage restoration will be handled by complete strangers. SERVPRO franchises are locally owned, so technicians from your own communities could spearhead the work. The local team may serve as the command center for the work or may be the point at which supplies and additional technicians gather. 

SERVPRO Prepares for Large-Scale Disasters

In 2017, the United States was home to 15 disasters that claimed lives, brought communities to a standstill, and cost more than a billion dollars. The country experienced many disasters again in 2018. Without the right resources in place, communities would struggle to recover. 

However, catastrophic loss can be handled with the right planning. SERVPRO has the training, the workforce, the resources, and the preparation to respond to storm damage, of any size, in Kansas City, KS.

3 Ways SERVPRO Can Help With Claim Services

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

Working with a restoration company recommended by your insurance provider, like SERVPRO, may make your restoration process easier.

3 Ways SERVPRO Can Help With Claim Services

When your Kansas City, KS business is hit by fire, storm, or water damage a quick emergency response time can make all the difference. However, after the crisis has been averted you may be left with some restoration needs. Choosing a professional restoration service, such as SERVPRO, to do the job can be made easier by looking at those recommended by your insurance provider. In many cases they may recommend a company that offers a number of claim services, which can speed the process along.

1. They Can Provide a Claims Inventory Service

One service offered by SERVPRO is a claims inventory. This may include both an itemized list, and photographs of any important items that may have suffered damage. Having such a list can help your business go over any items they may need to repair or replace such as inventory, office equipment, or any important documentation.

2. They Allow You To Access Claims Information Electronically

Another important inclusion in the offered claim services is the ability to access claims information electronically. This may include photographs, the notice of loss, job estimates, progress completed, and any new information that may be discovered during the process. This can allow you and your insurance agent to stay up-to-date every step of the way.

3. They Restore Materials Whenever Possible

One aspect in the insurance agent may appreciate when working with such a company, is the fact that they try to restore the existing materials whenever possible. Restoration is often cheaper than a full replacement, and in many cases is a fully viable option. This may not only save your company money, but can help your claim as well.

Working with a restoration company recommended by your insurance provider, like SERVPRO, may make your restoration process easier. These companies may offer a variety of claim services which can make communicating with your insurance agents more efficient, and help you and your agent stay up-to-date on the information you need. If you have any questions your restoration service professional may be able to help.

How To Remove Mold From Air Ducts

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

What is The Reason Mold Growth is Such a Problem in Air Ducts?

Mold colonies seem to favor HVAC systems. The heating and cooling system in your building, in Fairway, KS, is no different. How can you prevent mold from taking root in your AC system? Here are some of the reasons why mold is such a problem in commercial heating and air systems:

• Mold, such as black mold, makes airborne spores that enter the ductwork via the intake system.
  
• Particles get trapped in ducts due to buildup of dust and dirt in the system.
  
• Particles thrive and become colonies due to the moisture and availability of an organic-based food supply.

If you smell mold but you haven’t found the source, start checking out the vents. Do you see any specks of discoloration around your vents? Do you smell musty air when you are near vents or when the system is running? If the answer is yes, you may have a mold issue in your ducts.

Clean Your Ventilation System

Cleaning should be done frequently, with some recommendations suggesting every 3-5 years, but may be needed more frequently depending on the situation. For example, if you have had any construction or remodeling, you should have your ducts cleaned. When your system is cleaned, professionals remove dust and debris that serves as food for black mold and other mold colonies. There are two basic steps a professional will take to make sure you have clean ducts:

1. Loosen contaminants. Agitators such as brushes, air tools, and vacuums may be used.
   
2. Contain contaminants. Negative air pressure is utilized to collect contaminants as well as to prevent them from spreading into your building.
   

A professional will be thorough, cleaning the entire system, including coils, ducts, motor, drip pans, vents, blower, and more.

Conclusion

Cleaning your air ducts and HVAC system periodically will help prevent the growth of black mold, improve the quality of your indoor air and keep your HVAC system running more efficiently. Rely on professional mold remediators to help ensure proper cleaning and containment of mold for your organization.

Train Employees for Fire Safety

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher training should be done on an annual basis, at least, and should also be part of the initial training for new employees in Fairway,KS.

The P.A.S.S Technique

If employees aren't confident they can safely put out a fire, they should evacuate instead. The acronym P.A.S.S. helps employees remember each step of using an extinguisher to reduce fire damage.

• Pull the pin. Find the pin at the top of the canister and pull it out to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. When the source of water is doused, the flames should die down.
• Squeeze the handle to release the pressurized chemicals inside the canister.
• Sweep the spray from side to side, maintaining your focus at the base of the fire.
  

After working through the steps, keep your eye on the area. If flames reappear, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Annual Fire Response Drills

Use the following steps in case of a fire (and during yearly drills.)

• Pull the fire alarm and alert the fire department.
• Protect the designated evacuation path. If fire, heat, or smoke threatens to come between employees and the exit, personnel should evacuate instead of fighting the fire.
• Choose an appropriate extinguisher.
• Complete the P.A.S.S. technique.
• Observe the location of the fire to catch any flames that may reignite.
  
• Evacuate immediately if the fire is too big, if the air isn't safe to breathe, if the room is too hot or smoky, and/or if the evacuation path is compromised.

Once the ability to use the fire extinguisher has been mastered and employees have been trained in the fire response routine, schedule opportunities for employees to practice their responses to a fire.

Practice Safety

It doesn't take long for a kitchen fire to pop up in a restaurant or flames to appear in an industrial setting. Protect your employees with training on how to use a fire extinguisher and regular drills in fire safety techniques. Fire damage restoration professionals could provide you with further resources.

How To Prepare for Flood Damage

11/17/2018 (Permalink)

Start Preparing For A Future Flood

No Kansas City, KS, homeowner wants to think about the possibility of flood damage affecting his or her home. Maybe you've put off preparing for such worst-case scenarios. Deep down, however, you know that it is better to be prepared for flooding in advance than to have high water levels suddenly affect your life without a plan in place. Read on for three ways to start preparing for a future flood right now.

1. Learn About Your Flood Risk

If it seems like floods are a persistent problem in your area, you may live in a flood zone. The best way to find out is by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's online Flood Map Service Center. This allows you to quickly and easily figure out whether or not you are at high risk for flooding so you can purchase flood insurance if needed.

2. Get Your Property Storm-Ready 

Protect your property against future storm damage to the best of your ability. Cleaning gutters and storm drains is a great way to keep water flowing smoothly outside — and only outside — your home. You may also want to consider buying a battery-operated sump pump and finding ways to protect your valuables.

3. Practice an Escape Plan

You will want to make sure that you and your family are ready to escape at a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency. Know where to seek shelter, keep supplies on hand and memorize your exit route. Contact the Red Cross for information about emergency shelters in your community, as well as suggested provisions for both your home and your family, including your pets.

Flooding is not a fun thing to think about, but it is better to be prepared than to be blindsided by a storm with no safety or storm damage restoration plan in place. Follow the three steps above for a greater chance at protecting your home and loved ones the next time flood water threatens your Kansas City, KS, home.