I have water dripping from my ceiling

3/4/2023 (Permalink)

A water leak from upstairs shower can leave water damage to the main floor.

If you have water dripping from your ceiling, it could be a sign of a serious problem that could result in thousands of dollars worth of damage. Water damage is one of the most common reasons for calling in a professional restoration company. Finding out the cause of a water loss can help save you thousands of dollars on your water damage to prevent as much damage as possible. You must notify your insurance company and get an inspection done as soon as possible.

What to do?

If you see water dripping from your ceiling, it's important to act quickly. Water damage can be serious and even cause mold growth if not taken care of immediately. That's why we recommend hiring a professional like SERVPRO to help you with your problem.

SERVPRO of West Jordan is the best company for the job. We have experienced technicians who know how to handle these situations without damaging anything else in your home or business space. They'll also make sure that all traces of moisture are removed before leaving so that there isn't any chance for mold or secondary damages.

Notify Insurance Company

You should notify your insurance company immediately. If you are not covered for water damage and need to pay out of pocket, call a professional to make the repairs. If you are covered, file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible so they can process it quickly and send someone out to assess the damage.

Attic Leaks

If you're having problems with water dripping from your light fixtures and ceilings, it's possible that there are leaks in the attic. Leaks can cause mold to grow in your home and cause secondary damages if not taken care of quickly, mold can lead to structural damage.

Pipe Repair

The best way to prevent water damage is to make sure you have a plumber inspect all pipes before any major remodeling projects. A professional can check for leaks, damage and other issues that may be causing your light fixtures to drip. If you notice dripping from a light fixture, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box and contact us immediately so that we can help with repairs as soon as possible.

Water damage can be a big headache, but it's not something you have to tackle alone. If you have any questions about your insurance policy or how to handle water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of West Jordan today.

Basic Facts About Mold

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

Here are some basic facts about mold.

Molds are fungi that grow on organic matter, such as wood and food. They're common in nature, but they can also grow in your home or business if you have moisture problems. Here are some basic facts about mold:

Mold is a type of fungi.

Mold is a type of fungus. The word “fungus” comes from Latin, meaning “mushroom” or “sponge.” Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that do not have chlorophyll and produce spores for reproduction. They grow in either the presence or absence of light, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Fungi are classified as protists (single-celled organisms), but they don't fit neatly into this category because they have characteristics that are not found in other protists (like plants).

Molds are found indoors and outdoors.

Molds are found indoors and outdoors. The spores can be found on surfaces, in the air, and even in the soil.

Mold spores can be found everywhere: on walls, windowsills, furniture, and other products you use daily. The spores can easily spread from surfaces into the air. This is how easy it is to spread mold within your home. Mold spores can easily be introduced into your home through your open doors, windows, and even your HVAC unit. The presence of mold spores does not mean that you have a damaging mold infestation in your home or business. It isn't until the spores are introduced to a source of water, such as a water leak or excess humidity, that the mold can begin to grow, spread, and cause serious damage.

How common is mold?

Mold is very common in homes and businesses. In fact, it's estimated that anywhere from 40-50% of homes have mold problems. Mold can be found in many areas of your home or business, including:

• Carpeting and fabric
• Upholstery
• Woodwork or other porous surfaces

Mold can also grow on food. If you find mold growing on fruits or vegetables in your refrigerator, throw them away immediately.

How to keep mold out of your home or business?

Though it is impossible to completely prevent the chances of a mold infestation breaking out on your property, there are several steps to take to reduce the risks of a mold infestation, including:

• Keep the humidity in your home below 50%.
• Clean up leaks quickly.
• Keep your building well-ventilated.
• Keep humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and basements well-ventilated.

Be careful!

If you do find mold, it's important to act immediately. Mold can spread quickly and cause serious damage if left untreated. The best course of action after discovering a mold infestation is to call a professional for help.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on decaying organic matter. It can also grow indoors and outdoors, but when it does grow indoors it can be damaging to your property and belongings. If you see mold anywhere in your home or business, you should call a professional for help as quickly as possible in order to prevent any further damage.

Water Damage in the Basement - What To Do

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common problem in basements, but it can be dangerous if left untreated.

The water damage in your basement can cause a lot of problems. It can destroy your appliances, furniture, and personal belongings, and it can also lead to mold growth and structural damage. This article aims to provide you with some basic tips on how to identify water damage in the basement so that the issue gets addressed right away before it becomes worse. 

Signs of Basement Water Damage

Water damage in basements can be quite serious. If you notice any of the signs above, contact your local foundation contractor right away.

The sooner you address the problem, the easier it will be to fix. In some cases, however, the damage is already too far along for any simple repairs. If you notice that your basement has a persistent musty smell or if there are visible signs of water damage in your walls (such as cracks), call a professional right away.

Drying and Cleaning the Basement

Some basic steps to cleaning and drying out your basement after a water loss include: 

• Remove all damaged materials, including wood, furniture, and carpeting.
• Clean up as much moisture as possible.
• If you believe that mold has started to grow in your basement, contact your local mold remediation specialist.

Mold Removal in the Basement

The basement is often a haven for mold. Water is the main cause of mold in basements, and it's common for water damage to occur throughout the year. Basement mold removal should be done by a professional, as well as any repairs necessary to prevent further issues with moisture penetration.

Mold can also be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These are all areas that have water sources and humidity levels that are conducive to mold growth.

It's important to act quickly. 

Water damage can cause lasting problems if left unaddressed, so it's important to act quickly. The longer the water is left to dry, the more damage it can cause and the greater the chance of mold growth. If you notice a leak or flooding in your basement, call a professional immediately. 

There are many reasons your basement could be leaking. If you have a sump pump, it may not be working properly. A faulty pump can cause water to back up and leak into the basement, or it can fail altogether if neglected. If your sump pump is working but doesn't have enough power to drain the water away quickly enough, the excess can end up in your basement. Other causes of water damage in the basement include inclement weather such as flooding or heavy rain, as well as pipe and appliance leaks.

Water damage is a common problem in basements, but it can be dangerous if left untreated. If you’ve noticed any signs of water damage or mold growth in your basement, contact us as soon as possible for help with cleaning and drying out your space.

How to Limit Business Interruption When Facing Smoke Damage

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fires are unpredictable, but there are many things that we can do to prepare for them and minimize the damage.

How to Limit Business Interruption When Facing Smoke Damage

While fires are unpredictable, there are many things that we can do to prepare for them and minimize the damage. Fires in businesses can have a significant impact on your bottom line, so it's important to know what steps you need to take if it happens to you.

Determine the extent of your business interruption

When it comes to property insurance, many people associate business interruption coverage with a company's ability to replace lost income incurred from a fire or storm. But that's not what business interruption is. To be clear, business interruption insurance is an optional coverage that pays for lost profits caused by an insured event — like a fire or storm — and allows you to keep your doors open while you rebuild or repair the damage.

For example: say you run a restaurant and your stove catches on fire. Your business will have no way of making money until repairs are made and equipment replaced. Similarly, if there's enough smoke damage in your office building that it needs extensive cleaning before employees can return safely, this would also qualify as “business interruption” since no one will be able to work until after repairs are finished and workers can return safely.

Get in touch with a public adjuster

If you don't have a public adjuster and want to hire one, it can be hard to know where to start. A good first step is going online and searching for "public adjuster" in your region. You don't have to narrow down this search by city or state—just look for the term itself.

Once you've found a few public adjusters who seem appropriate, call them up and ask some questions: How long have they been doing business? What kind of clients do they work with? Do they specialize in smoke damage? How much does their service cost?

Contact your insurance company

It's important to understand that insurance companies are not. In fact, they can be very good at what they do. As such, it's vital that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible so that they know what happened and can help get things moving in the right direction.

Your first step here is to call them up and get a claim number. The sooner you have this information, the better off we'll be. Once you've gathered all your facts together, we'll need to determine whether or not it makes sense for us to file an actual insurance claim against our policy (which may entail more paperwork).

There are steps you can take to make sure your business interruption is limited after suffering smoke damage.

It is important to understand that your business interruption is a separate issue from the fire itself. You may be able to file for first-party coverage for property damage, but there will likely be limits on the amount of money you can recover for lost revenue and other expenses that result from smoke damage.

If your business has been damaged by a fire, you may be concerned with how long it will take to get it back up and running, and how much that downtime will cost.

When a fire hits your business, you’re going to want to get back up and running as soon as possible. You aren’t alone in this sentiment—the longer your facility is shuttered, the more it costs you in lost revenue and other ways. That said, there are ways to minimize these losses if you encounter smoke damage in your business. 

Be prepared before a disaster strikes.

One of the best things you can do to limit business interruption when facing smoke damage is to be prepared before a disaster strikes. Take time to understand and prepare for what could happen in your workplace, and you'll be better equipped to deal with any situation that arises.

For example: Having a fire plan can help prevent injury or death from fire and smoke exposure. You'll also want to make sure that you have fire extinguishers throughout the building, as well as smoke alarms installed (and tested) in every room throughout your workspace — this will alert people before they're exposed and give them time to get out safely if there's an emergency.

Another important thing is making sure that everyone knows where the nearest exit is located, so they know exactly where they need to go if there's ever any kind of problem with smoke or other hazardous materials in their area or building itself; having an escape ladder available just outside each floor makes this much easier because it means less walking distance needed once someone has been alerted about what's happening at hand! Finally: a good business interruption policy ensures everything runs smoothly during times like these when some unexpected event occurs like this one did earlier today.

Fires are unpredictable, but there are many things that we can do to prepare for them and minimize the damage.

Fires are unpredictable, but there are many things that we can do to prepare for them and minimize the damage.

You should have a fire plan in place. The plan should include:

• A list of exit routes from your building and all rooms within it, including emergency exits and stairwells.
• Where to look for all exits in case you need to use them in an emergency.
• Locations of any fire extinguishers in the building, as well as how to use them properly.

You should also have a fire alarm system installed, which will alert people when there is smoke, or heat detected inside your business premises, so they know it's time to evacuate immediately. It's important that everyone knows what their role is during an evacuation because confusion during an emergency could lead to injury or worse! You should hold regular drills, so employees know how quickly they need move when an alarm sounds.

If you’ve suffered smoke damage to your business, it can be overwhelming. You may not know where to start or what steps to take next. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. We want to make sure that your business is back up and running as quickly as possible after a fire has hit so that no one loses money and time spent trying to repair the damage.

What Should I Do if I Have Water Dripping from my Light Fixtures?

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

Repair your leaking light fixtures ASAP.

What Should I Do if I Have Water Dripping from my Light Fixtures?

If you've noticed water dripping out of your light fixtures, don't panic. You may not have a leaky roof or plumbing issue. We'll help you identify if the source is condensation or rainwater so that you can correct it as soon as possible.

What causes water to drip out of my light fixtures?

If you notice water dripping from your light fixtures, it could indicate several things. If it's just a small amount of water, it may be due to condensation—a process that happens when warm air encounters cold surfaces.

Condensation can occur when temperature changes cause humid air in the home to cool rapidly and become saturated with moisture. When this happens, droplets form on windows or walls and drip down onto floors below. If left unchecked, this can lead to mold growth if there’s standing water on hard surfaces like wood floors or tile floors (which is why you should always wipe up spills immediately).

The same principle applies when warm air hits cooler surfaces inside your South Jordan, UT home as well: for example, if you have an ice-cold drink and put it down on a table without absorbing any heat from that surface first (i.e., setting something hot next to something cold), then condensation will form between them as they meet, and their respective temperatures equalize.

How can I tell if it is rainwater or condensation?

Let's start with the basics: condensation is normal. Condensation happens when warm, moist air encounters a cold surface and cools down quickly. This type of moisture is most often seen on glass windows in colder weather.

In contrast, rainwater can be a sign of roof damage or leaks that need to be addressed as soon as possible—especially if you're seeing it inside your home after rainfall has stopped! Rainwater also may be caused by frozen pipes expanding due to pressure buildup and breaking through the walls of your home.

To determine if it's rainwater or just condensation, check the outside of your house for visible signs of damage such as rotting wood or peeling paint around windows, doors, or eaves before seeking out professional help from an HVAC technician.

How do I fix water coming out of my light fixtures?

The first step is to turn off the power to the fixture. You want to be extra careful when working with electricity, so make sure that you have disconnected the power source before proceeding.

Next, remove the light bulb from your fixture. Since water can get into any part of your house, it's possible that there is some water inside of your lamp or fixture as well. If you're dealing with an old fixture that has a lot of dust buildup inside of it, this might be difficult.

Once you've cleaned out all remnants of water in or around your light fixture and removed any traces of mold or mildew growth on its surface (you may need vinegar-based cleaners), put everything back together again (make sure all parts are secure) and turn on power once again.

A professional can help you determine the cause and solution.

If you have water dripping from your light fixtures, it's a good idea to call in a professional. A professional can help you determine the cause and solution. You can contact a professional through a website or phone call or find one in your area by looking on the internet. If you have friends or family who have had this problem before, ask them for recommendations.

If you have a leaking light fixture, it is important to have it repaired as quickly as possible. A leak can cause serious damage to your home and belongings, not to mention the risk of water damage from moisture buildup. The best way to ensure that this does not happen is by contacting a professional who specializes in this type of work.

The Role of Business Interruption Insurance

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

The role of business interruption insurance is to offset losses in income that occur after your business suffers an unexpected disaster.

What Is the Function of Business Interruption Insurance?

The role of business interruption insurance is to offset losses in income that occur after your business suffers an unexpected disaster. This policy may cover income lost due to a catastrophe as well as extra expenses resulting from the catastrophe. The insurance can also include coverage for fair rental value and civil authority provisions. 

When a disaster occurs, whether it is fire, water, or storm damage, the interruption to your business can be devastating.

Business interruption insurance covers loss of income when a covered peril causes physical damage to your business premises and/or equipment. It also provides coverage for additional expenses such as having to use an alternate location for your business operations whilst the primary premises are out of commission. 

Business interruption insurance will reimburse you for lost profits if you are unable to operate due to an insured loss or event that occurs during the policy term. You may elect loss of income on a specific percentage basis (e.g., 50% income) or on a dollar amount basis (e.g., $100 per day).

Business interruption insurance may cover income lost due to a catastrophe as well as extra expenses resulting from the catastrophe.

Business interruption insurance may cover income lost due to a catastrophe as well as extra expenses resulting from the catastrophe. The policy pays for loss of business income caused by a covered peril and pays for additional expenses such as wages, storage fees, and rentals to continue operating until the business is up and running again.

The amount of business interruption coverage you need depends on your business losses and potential profits. You can get this type of insurance through an excess-layer or primary policy. Some policies only cover one year at a time; others may be renewable annually or every 5 years based on your needs. Business interruption insurance is not intended to replace property coverage if there's damage done to your physical property during an event that causes you financial distress; instead, it provides financial support when natural events prevent you from conducting business as usual due to damages sustained in the community where your company operates—and beyond!

The insurance can also include coverage for fair rental value and civil authority provisions.

These provisions are meant to help you stay in business and make the best of a difficult situation, but they also have important implications for the insurance company. If you’re unable to resume normal operations within a reasonable amount of time, fair rental value will cover your loss of income from renting out your building or space as well as any other losses associated with rent payments. Civil authority provisions will pay for expenses incurred due to damage caused by civil authorities such as fire departments and police forces that arrive on the scene when an unexpected event occurs (such as a fire).

Conclusion

Business interruption insurance (BII) helps compensate you when your operations are suspended due to a covered event such as fire or flood damage caused by natural causes. The reason why these policies are referred to as "business interruption" policies is that the coverage applies only when you're unable to operate due to external forces beyond your control (such as nature's wrath). In contrast, should something happen internally at your company—for example, if employees go on strike—that would not qualify for BI coverage; only situations where there's no way anyone could have foreseen what happened would be covered by BI plans

What Is the Best Air Filter for Mold?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

HEPA filters are meant to remove pollutants from your home's air.

What Is the Best Mold Air Filter?

You probably want an easy answer when you ask for the best air filtration system to get mold spores out of your home. However, like anything else when it comes to home ownership in South Jordan, UT, choosing the right air purifier is far from simple. It's a balancing act that involves taking various factors into account.

The most common considerations in the area include:

• Cost of the system
• Type of unit
• Effectiveness in mold removal or control

Whatever you choose, HEPA filter purifiers are generally the most effective. In a way, you could say that these filters are the best and choose whichever fits your individual restrictions in terms of budget, size, and other factors.

Why HEPA?

HEPA filters are designed to remove particles from the air in your home. Mold spores are particles, so you're using the right tool for the job when you choose these physical filtration systems. In contrast, some other technologies are mean to make the air smell better. You might want to use a combination of purifiers, but definitely include one that removes particles if mold is a problem.

Filter Ratings

Filters are given a number rating when they're manufactured. The higher the number, the more complete the filtration. However, you should be careful: The higher numbers also might be more expensive to purchase and operate. The lowest air filtration rating that catches mold spores is 13, and the true HEPA is rated 17. Most major retailers around South Jordan, UT, should have a variety of options.


Effectiveness

Your new air filter is only as effective as you allow it to be. Make sure that you use it as recommended by the manufacturer. The maximum amount of air that passes through a filter is limited, although more expensive models tend to cover more real estate. This sometimes means you will end up buying multiple machines, or else operating them in sealed rooms.

Air filtration is an important step if you want to control a mold problem or prevent a relapse of mold in your home. You might also want to consider dehumidifiers or ventilation, as mold often grows in wet environments.

Mold's Wrath and Your Belongings

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have any mold problems in your home? We are the solution, call SERVPRO, our work is guaranteed.

Mold's Fury And Your Possessions

There are many aspects to consider when combating a mold problem in your West Jordan, UT, home. For example, you may have fungus growing underneath walls that need close inspection or extensive water damage that calls for a complete renovation. Whatever the case, a mold cleaning is no small task. As shown in the following information, there are some materials that hold up better than others when it comes to mold damage and your belongings.

Porous Materials

If the part of your home that has become mold's new living space contains items such as pillows, rugs, or other porous items, chances are you'll need replacements. Mold can easily cling to these items, and, unfortunately, the fungus tends to claim them for good. Mattresses and box springs are other common targets for mold and can contribute to necessary mold remediation.

Food Items

That loaf of bread may have been a great deal at the grocery store a few days ago, but it is likely rendered useless if it's suffered from mold's takeover. While throwing damaged food items away may seem like a no-brainer when mold cleaning, even utensils and other food preparation items may need replacements. It may be hard to let go of a beloved blender, but if you keep it inside, you could raise your chances of having another infestation.

Paintings and Art

Unlike permeable objects and food items, paintings may not always be so vulnerable to mold damage. In fact, just because a painting has become one of mold's victims does not necessarily mean it has reached its end. If addressed quickly, paintings can be restored without allowing any further spreading of mold. However, it is usually wise to let the restoration professionals take on this potentially challenging task.

Not all West Jordan, UT, residents appreciate the value of a true work of art, but those who do know all too well that their preservation is crucial. Learning that your artwork – no matter how much the cost – is affected by mold growth can be upsetting, but there are proper mold cleaning tactics to keep the art and kick the fungus to the curb.

What Should You Do After a Pipe Bursts in Your Home?

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Water loss due to a broken pipe in a West Jordan, UT facility.

Bursting pipes in West Jordan, UT, can severely threaten your home and belongings. The steps that you take immediately after a broken plumbing incident can be the difference between a relatively easy repair or a costly long-term restoration project.

What Steps Should You Take?

Once the source of the flooding has been secured and there is no longer any water actively entering the home, there may be little time before the damage to your home becomes more extensive. Take the following steps to safeguard your home from further harm:

• Immediately contact a qualified professional service that is equipped to handle water damage and fix a broken pipe.
• Thoroughly inspect your home for any hidden wet areas so that you may point out the extent of the damage to the restoration professionals and rule out any other leak sources.
• Check your drywall, carpets, floors, wallpaper and ceilings, as well as behind cabinets and inside closets, for evidence of water intrusion.

What Will a Professional Service Do?

Qualified professionals that specialize in the types of damage caused by bursting pipes should begin the water removal and restoration processes necessary to ensure that the initial primary damage does not result in any secondary damage. Primary damage is the immediate damage associated with materials in your home being wet or moist for a short period of time. Secondary damage is the direct result of primary damage not being managed properly. Secondary damage is much costlier to repair and much more difficult to detect. Examples of secondary damage include the following:

• Mold
• Crumbling drywall
• Warped, cracked and/or splintered wooden floors

Many incidents of secondary damage caused by bursting pipes can remain dormant inside of the walls and floors of a residence for months. By then, it could be too late to take any corrective actions.

The sooner a qualified specialist can begin correcting the problem after water damage is discovered, the less likely it is that your home will suffer any expensive long-term harm. Call a professional as soon as an incident occurs.

A Storm Damage Preparation Plan for Commercial Structures

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a Bluffdale building.

Storm Damage Prevention

The managers and owners of commercial buildings should make a plan to prepare for storms. Many methods for protecting property from adverse weather are long-term strategies that may not be possible to implement in the hours before a winter storm. From anticipating seasonal weather patterns to monitoring weather forecasts for Bluffdale, UT, building managers, and owners should take a proactive approach to storm damage prevention.

Watch the Weather

One of the easiest ways for property owners and managers to prepare for storms is to be aware of seasonal weather patterns and approaching storm systems. Here are a few of the most important types of weather events for which to look out:

• High winds
• Freezing temperatures
• Severe weather events

High winds have the potential to damage a structure and may accompany more severe weather events. Freezing temperatures may not seem as dangerous, but a frozen blockage may form in an exposed pipe and cause a pipe break that floods a structure.

Maintain Drainage

A longer-term storm preparation measure involves maintaining drainage. This can be helpful all year long, from allowing snow and ice to melt after a winter storm to keeping downspouts, drains and gutters clear for rainfall in other seasons.

Reduce Damage Risks

Property owners may want to invest in solutions for anchoring items kept outdoors such as chairs, tables or garbage cans. Any unsecured items can become flying debris that damages a property when wind speeds pick up. Storm windows might also be a worthwhile investment.

Some storm damage preparation methods involve investing in the infrastructure or maintenance of a commercial building in Bluffdale, UT. Other measures require immediate action based on changing weather conditions, such as keeping under-insulated pipes from bursting during a winter storm. A plan that accounts for short- and long-term preparations can go a long way toward limiting the severity of damage to a structure.