Recent Posts

Saying Goodbye to Musty Odors

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Why Mold Smells?

The fungal kingdom is a fascinating one, but not when it invades your home in Galveston, TX. Although it is natural for most homes to have mold growth to some extent, that musty odor you’re dealing with simply needs to go. Continue reading to find out why mold smells this way and what you can do to fight it.

A Diverse Organism

One fact about mold that can explain its unpleasantness has to do with the toxins it creates. A mycotoxin, or a substance produced by microfungi, is incredibly small and impossible to see with the naked eye. Just one species of mold is capable of producing a variety of mycotoxins.

An Intense Odor

Mycotoxin is also what causes that nasty smell in your home. The smell may seem as if it has seeped into everything, but one way you can get to the bottom of the problem is to conduct an odor investigation. Sniff around rooms to determine which ones have the most odor. Some common areas for mold to thrive include:

  • Bathrooms (especially around shower curtains)
  • Basements
  • Closets with permeable materials

A Resilient Intruder

Although you may have overcome the mold battle and are on your way to a crystal-clean and odor-free living space, this tough fungus has a way of coming back. Sometimes, the help of a professional can ensure mold remediation is done right the first time around. Once professionals have located all affected areas, they can also help you better decide on what preventative measures to take. For instance, placing a fan in the bathroom is one way you can get to the root of a mycotoxin takeover.

That musty odor can certainly jeopardize your comfort in your own home. Want to make sure mold gets turned away at the door? Acquaint yourself with facts about fungus and reach out to the professionals for cleanup and prevention tips.

The Water Problem Has Been Resolved, But the Mold Hasn't Gone Away

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

The Mold Hasn't Gone Away Despite The Water Problem Being Solved

You know a moisture problem in your home in Galveston, TX, has to be addressed as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of damage done to your house. Once the water has been cleaned up, you may think your problems are over. While this would be nice, the fact is that removing the water will not help you get rid of the black mold already growing in the affected areas.

Mold Has To Be Removed

Even after the water and moisture has been taken away from the mold, a serious mold cleanup process is still necessary. If you leave the dried-up fungus where it is, it can become active at the slightest introduction of moisture. Dried-up mold does not wither away and disappear from your home. Instead it lingers, waiting for the return of the food and moisture sources it needs to continue growing. True mold remediation experts will tell you that the cleanup process requires a number of steps:

  1. Address the moisture problem
  2. Inspect the mold damage
  3. Contain the black mold
  4. Install an air filtration system to trap mold spores
  5. Remove mold colonies and items infested with the fungus
  6. Clean any salvageable items
  7. Restore the home

If any of these steps are skipped, the cleanup may not be as effective as you want it to be. For example, if you reintroduce moldy furniture pieces into the home after the remediation, you may also be reintroducing your mold problem. The fungus can spread quickly from the furniture to other parts of your house.

Whether you are dealing with black mold or any other form of fungus, you want your Galveston, TX, house to be properly restored. Without the right mold cleanup steps, you may be dealing with mold for a long time. Taking half-measures to deal with the fungus will not help you get rid of the issue. You need to take care of the moisture problem and then address the mold growth.

What To Do When a Pipe Bursts

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

When a Pipe Bursts, What Do You Do?

Bursting pipes aren't always located out in the open; sometimes, they are situated behind the walls where they are out of sight and hard to recognize. Within minutes, your commercial property could experience a lot of damage because of a broken or leaking pipe behind the walls. Sadly, broken pipes are some of the most common causes of water damage in Galveston Island/Lake Jackson, TX, and in many of these cases, a burst or leaking pipe could go unnoticed until serious damage has occurred.

Take Quick Action
As soon as you notice that your property has suffered water damage, you should take some quick steps to prevent further damage:

  • Turn off the water at the water main.
  • Open one or more faucets to decrease the water pressure in the pipes.
  • Remove water as quickly and thoroughly as you can.
  • Contact professionals to fix the broken pipe and provide further cleanup and repair services.

Your quick actions could mean the difference between containing the damage and experiencing extensive, widespread trouble.

Recognize the Potential for Trouble
There are many pipes throughout your property that could cause a lot of damage. Bursting pipes often happen when plumbing and other systems are installed along the exterior of the home without enough insulation to protect them from freezing. Aging pipes can develop leaks or cracks if they are exposed to pests or unusual amounts of water pressure. If the original installation of the pipes wasn't handled correctly, slow leaks could cause damage for a long time before you notice them.

Get Help Quickly
Once any damage has happened, it's important to contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals to correct the situation. In addition to putting your business back into a safe working condition, the technicians may also help you recognize other areas of weakness and concern. It's definitely better to avoid damage altogether when it's possible to take preventative action.
You may not always recognize water damage when it first occurs, but when you do notice the damage, take quick action. It doesn't take long for bursting pipes and running water to cause a lot of harm.

Understanding the Mold Remediation Process

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Steps For Removing Mold From Your Building

If you suspect you have black mold in your building in Galveston Island/Lake Jackson, TX, the best thing you can do to protect your business is remove it. Unfortunately, getting rid of the fungus is not as simple as spraying bleach on it and hoping it goes away. In fact, bleach and other household cleaners are not well-suited to do the job. Mold removal is an involved process that needs serious consideration.
Here are four steps for removing mold from your building.

  1. Call for Help
    It is always recommended to enlist the help of professionals and avoid attempting the mold cleanup process on your own. Professional mold removal services will ensure the job is done properly, eliminating the chance of the fungus growing back and haunting you with future damage.
  2. Contain the Mold
    To keep it from spreading, block off the contaminated area by setting up physical barriers and sealing off doors and windows. In addition to containment, you should cut off any airflow to the affected area.
  3. Remove the Mold
    The method of removal largely depends on the surface the black mold is growing on and the size of the growth. Mold-infested items should be discarded, and infected areas should be treated with antimicrobial and antifungal solutions.
  4. Disinfect the Area
    Once the fungus is removed, disinfect and sanitize the affected area. This process will prevent the infestation from returning and will help remove any odors that developed.
    After the area has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, you can begin the mold remediation process to return your business to its pre-mold condition. Depending on the amount of damage, the restoration process may only require minor repairs, such as painting walls or replacing furniture and carpet, or it may be severe enough to require reconstruction of various parts of the building.
    When it comes to removing black mold, you should not waste any time. Removing the fungus quickly and preventing the spread can help you avoid costly repairs. With swift action and thorough remediation, you can recover and get back in business in no time.

Grill Cleaning and Maintenance Can Prevent a Grease Fire

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Grill Cleaning and Maintenance

Residents of Galveston, TX, are looking forward to cooking on a grill again. However, summer fun can end quickly if a grease fire damages your home. Frequent grill cleaning can prevent costly fire damage.

Cleaning Supplies
Have these cleaning supplies available when preparing to clean your charcoal or gas grill for the summer:

  • Scouring pad
  • Grill brush with scraper
  • Dish soap

Grill Maintenance and Deep Grill Cleaning
It is important to deep clean your grill and check for signs of needed maintenance at the beginning of summer. Remove any old ashes from your charcoal grill and scrape the grates with a grill brush and hot soapy water. Rinse with hot water before cooking. 
If you have a gas grill, it is important to check for grease under the firebox. Empty the grease collection tray and clean it with hot soapy water. Check the burner hoods for any dirt or grease, making sure the burner ports are clear so flames can pass through.
Repeat the deep cleaning process at the end of summer and store your grill in a dry place or under a weatherproof cover. Additionally, don't forget to remove the ignition battery from your gas grill so it doesn't corrode.

Fire Damage Protection
Make sure you clean your grill thoroughly every time you use it. Scrape any burnt food off the grates before and after cooking and scoop out old ashes from your charcoal grill. If you have a gas grill, empty the grease pan under the firebox and remove any built-up grease, food or ashes from the firebox and burner hoods.  
Fires can happen even if you are diligent about grill cleaning. If a fire damages your house, enlist fire restoration specialists from Galveston Island/Lake Jackson, to coordinate the fire cleanup. Routine cleaning and maintenance will help prevent fire damage, so you can relax and enjoy your favorite summer foods without fear.

How To Secure Your Building After a Fire

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

How to Protect Your Property After a Fire

The amount of damage your building in Galveston, TX, sustains after a fire depends on many factors, including how quickly firefighters put out the fire and how many areas of the structure were involved. Even if your building has extensive fire damage, though, you still need to protect what is left from further problems. There are a couple of things that fire restoration experts do to keep your building secure during cleanup.

Roof Tarping During Fire Cleanup
One of the first things technicians are likely to do when they arrive is cover up any vulnerable spots on your roof. Tarping your roof at the beginning of the cleanup process has several benefits:

  • Keeps water and debris from further damaging your roof
  • Protects the interior of your building
  • Helps prevent mold from growing by minimizing damp areas

Another reason to tarp your roof is to ensure that your provider covers the fire damage restoration costs. You can't always prevent a fire. If, however, your building sustains secondary damage due to negligence while it's being repaired, your insurance company may reject your claim, and then you'll be stuck with the bill.

Board-up Services For Damaged Buildings
You'd be surprised how many people try to take advantage of a compromised structure. The restoration team can board up windows, doorways and other spots that the fire left open. This process discourages looting and vandalism. It also keeps animals out and prevents them from nesting in the building.
It's important to let the professionals handle building security. They understand the safety precautions they need to take to arrange tarps and board and secure them in place. The technicians are also less likely to damage the building further than a layperson would be.
Board-up services and roof tarping are crucial parts of the fire damage restoration process. Avoid further issues by making sure your building is protected.

2 Reasons To Call a Restoration Company After a Flood

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fixing Broken Pipes

Bursting pipes can cause an incredible amount of damage in Galveston, TX. Such damage can be extremely expensive, as you may need to completely rip out and restore large areas of your home. Even a single broken pipe can ruin nearly an entire room, and possible secondary damage can be even more devastating than obvious ruin from the water. When you need to fix a broken pipe and repair extensive damage, calling a qualified restoration company is usually the best idea.

Water Damage

Because most pipes are kept in hidden locations, you may not discover a broken pipe until extensive damage has already been done. Even small amounts of water left unattended can damage the following areas of your home:

  • Sheetrock
  • Baseboard
  • Hardwood floors
  • Carpet
  • Rugs
  • Insulation

Water damage may cause sheetrock to weaken and can even ruin insulation, resulting in expensive, time-consuming repairs. Expensive wood floors can be completely ruined when water soaks into the grain, causing floorboards to buckle and bow. The longer water stands unattended, the more damage it can do, so calling a restoration company immediately is usually the best way to minimize the problem.

Secondary Damage

While a lot of water damage is visible upon first inspection, you should investigate further to find any secondary damage that may have happened. Bursting pipes can cause many types of hidden damage, including:

  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Bacteria

Mold, mildew and bacteria grow best in warm, dark environments, so if a broken pipe is not detected quickly, the fungus could spread rapidly until it is out of control. Household cleaners may not be strong enough to get rid of existing mold and mildew, so it is a good idea to leave the treatment to a restoration company.

While many people may be able to fix a broken pipe, cleaning up water damage should usually be left to a professional. With the help of a restoration company, dealing with bursting pipes in Galveston Island or Lake Jackson, TX can be a quick and manageable process.

Repairing Broken Pipes Quickly Prevent Water Damage No matter how many precautions you take, sometimes it’s not possible to prevent bursting pipes. A

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent Water Damage

No matter how many precautions you take, sometimes it’s not possible to prevent bursting pipes. After prevention, the best thing you can do is react quickly to start repairs when it’s time to fix a broken pipe. The faster you act, the more you can prevent water damage in Galveston, TX.

Limit the Mold, Limit the Damage

When a pipe bursts, the first thing you need to do after checking with the insurance company is fixing the broken pipe. Once the hole is plugged or the broken pipe replaced, you can begin cleaning up the water and repairing the damage with these steps:

  • Call a professional to assess the damage
  • Remove standing water and remove any items that are saturated
  • Clean items that can be salvaged
  • Throw away items that are dangerous to use or consume

The faster you remove the water and the wet items, the more water damage in Galveston, TX  you can prevent. This also limits the amount of mold growth you’ll experience, making your home safer and cleaner after the repair.

What To Keep, What To Throw Away

Unless you have black water flooding into your home, you should be able to clean most of your items and return them to use. Clothing or other cloth and canvas items need to be washed or dry cleaned. Floors should be sanitized and carpets cleaned. Any food or medical supplies should be thrown away and replaced. If you have black water in your home, you should throw away anything porous that was exposed, as those items can become breeding grounds for bacteria.

If you have water damage from a burst pipe in Galveston, TX, the faster you move, the more damage you’ll be able to prevent. Getting your home and valuables cleaned, repaired or replaced as quickly as possible makes it easier to get back into all areas of your home quickly and safely

SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson Trusted to Help Commercial Customers Get Back to Business When Disaster Strikes

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson is committed to helping commercial customers get back to normal as quickly as possible after they have faced a loss. 

Types of losses commercial customers could possibly experience are, fire damage, water damage, storm damage, vandalism, biohazard contamination, and many others. It is imperative that business owners call experts in the industry to help them restore the property to the preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson has helped many businesses in and around the city, when they have faced the unthinkable. The professional team is dedicated to providing the best possible service. Understanding the situation, the business owner is in, is important and the team knows they play a key role in that business reopening.

The faster a business is able to re-open after experiencing a loss the more likely they are to succeed. SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson takes pride in helping business owners in Galveston Island / Lake Jackson and the surrounding areas succeed even after experiencing a loss, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Teams Up with Green Ready, Inc. on a Job in Bay City, TX

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO and Green Ready, Inc. recently teamed up to provide excellent service to a refinery in Bay City. This chemical refinery experienced a water related loss and needed restoration. 

Green Ready, Inc. was called in to handle the asbestos abatement at the business, because all asbestos work has to be performed by an EPA licensed asbestos contractor. 

SERVPRO is the first one on the scene of an incident. The industry leading restoration company secures the property and completes all necessary restoration work. After SERVPRO has completed the initial restoration other companies are called to complete any additional repairs, abatement services, or services that other companies are licensed to perform. 

Partnering with other companies to offer exceptional service is an important part of the restoration industry