Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Choose SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

6/19/2021 (Permalink)

For most homeowners, mold is not even on the list of dangers to their residences. Fire and especially flooding are what occupies most people’s concerns over their home and checkbook. What many forget is that mold can grow unnoticed for years to become just as expansive and expensive a threat.

So why use SERVPRO for cleaning and removing mold damage to your home? Our restoration teams train to the latest industry standards for cleaning and remediation. Our office maintains an extensive inventory of cleaners and equipment for a rapid response. If we do need additional, specialized tools, our access to a national support network ensures we can get everything we need in usually only a day.

The first step our technicians take is to isolate the mold infested areas from the rest of your home. They turn off the HVAC system and, if the ducts are clear of mold, cover the vents with plastic to prevent contaminating them while cleaning. As they do this, other team members seal off the affected area with heavy, plastic sheets and set up a combination of air movers and fans to create negative air pressure and direct loose spores out of your home.

Now, our restoration team removes mold from surfaces in the affected area. The type of surface determines what tools we use. If a surface is metal, glass or plastic, it is non-porous, which means the mold rarely penetrates the surface. Our technicians can wipe these surfaces free of the mold using clothes or sponges. For thicker layers, they may need to use water or a mild cleaning agent to break them up for removal.

For items like carpets, wood, or building materials like drywall, mold often grows or settles into the surface. These are porous surfaces and are harder to clean. SERVPRO technicians have to use stronger cleaning agents and a brush to agitate the mold to draw it out. In many cases, especially with drywall, we recommend disposal since it is cheaper to replace the items than expend the labor hours to restore them.

Afterward, we wait for any spores disturbed by our efforts to settle on surfaces. Our teams use vacuums with special, HEPA filters designed to draw out even a single mold spore from a table or chair. They finish by wiping down the surfaces and then repeat these last actions until the air mold content tests at a safe level.

SERVPRO Can Handle Biohazard Cleanup

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks 

Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Besides, you cannot assume the area is safe again just because the visible traces have been removed. If a space contaminated with blood or other biohazards is not appropriately cleaned, sanitized and restored, these unseen hazards can linger, posing a threat to anyone who enters it. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions 

As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. The responsibility for cleaning up after a crime, trauma or death falls on the property owner, and there are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety At SERVPRO, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the presence of even a minute trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately. Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind.

Training is the Key at SERVPRO

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Training is vital in our industry. Things are constantly changing. Our team needs to stay up on the newest technology as well as the newest information and requirements from insurance companies. 

We trained on the use of our proprietary software program that we utilize in the field to collect and record data in regards to clients losses. This information forms the story of the loss for insurance companies and the client for documentation. It is vital to record the information in regards to affected materials and the process of restoring the affected materials. 

Our team has weekly Monday production meetings to go over any thing of importance but we also do more in depth trainings like these as needed to keep us up to date on information and well informed to make sure we are always ready to help our clients with the most up to date information.

Water Migration Detection is Why SERVPRO Delivers Success

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

When a homeowner tries to determine the extent of a water loss, both instincts and common sense can fall short. When water gets loose inside your home, it can migrate far from the original plumbing break, roof leak, or appliance breakdown. Without the tools to detect the path the water followed, significant damage can go unnoticed. Our investments in education and innovative moisture identification tools help avoid additional expense and secondary damage, why we offer our help. 

Water Detection is a Science and an Art

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses our managers and production technicians master covers the expected and unexpected behavior of water damage inside a bungalow. The lathe and plaster and stucco construction of signature Arts and Crafts structures are both charming and capable of hiding water damage when it is minor and manageable. Our training and experience in tracing water meanderings behind walls and built-in fixtures explains why we are skilled in finding and solving water problems before the integrity of your historic home is compromised.

Aging Heating and Plumbing Plus Temperature Extremes Equal Water Damage Challenges

When your dining room oak floor develops cupping and crowning the search for a water source can be daunting. Bungalows often retain their 100-year-old gravity heating, with old radiators filled with hot water from the boiler in the basement warming spaces. Rusted pipes and failing valves can slowly saturate the floor, unnoticed at first as the issue begins and then spreads from behind the radiator at the wall. Mold development on a main level wall or ceiling can trace to ice dam development the previous winter, moisture seeping in the attic from clogged gutters eventually traveling downwards. Our familiarity with this type of insidious damage is why SERVPRO can respond quickly and reliably to your water damage challenges.

Sensitive Moisture Meters and Infrared Cameras

The availability of and skill in using water detection tools are why SERVPRO crews can outline water damage with accuracy and confidence. Infrared technology indicates the presence of water through temperature variations. Moisture meters establish relative levels of absorbed water in building materials. Periodic use of these tools throughout a water damage remediation project ensures we find and release liquids. Then our Applied Structural Drying (ASD)-certified technicians create an effective drying plan using the data, moving water out of structural components with temperature adjustments and air movement. Dehumidifiers capture the vaporized water for disposal. Moisture measurements continue until we reach designated levels, avoiding over or under drying.

Training and innovative equipment are two reasons why SERVPRO efficiently mitigates and remediates hidden water damage.

SERVPRO's Trained Restoration Specialists

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

We have always put a high priority into educating our team. That need is more important than ever today. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm with certified technicians. That means you can expect the very highest in standards and protocol to be used in your home or business.

IICRC 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. Modules include:

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Advanced Structural Drying

SERVPRO Document Restoration Services

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Document Restoration Services

After any major disaster, restoring your business and mitigating losses is essential for returning your company to an operational state in a timely manner. In addition to clean-up and repairs, you should add document restoration to your list of recovery action items. Using a professional restoration service can help you protect and save many of your important documents, including:

  • Books, journals and magazines
  • Patient records and employee files
  • Blueprints and maps
  • Photographs, film and negatives

Professional document restoration services can save your business because they follow through procedures for preserving and protecting critical paperwork that is often irreplaceable. Insurance companies trust SERVPRO because of the following state-of-the-art offerings.

  1. Modern Technology

SERVPRO uses vacuum freeze-drying, a document drying technique that has been approved by the National Archives and Records Administration. They also use gamma irradiation technology to clean and sterilize items. This is particularly useful if your documents have been exposed to chemicals or bacteria during the incident.

  1. Security

Documents are handled by HIPAA-certified technicians, ensuring compliance with privacy requirements. Your documents are also kept under 24/7 surveillance.

  1. Digital Organization

Converting your files to digital files is a wise choice for protecting them against future incidents. In the event of a fire or flood, your contracts, files and paper materials will stay safely stored and out of harm’s way. Digital files are much easier to organize and access using a computerized inventory system, and they can free up storage space that used to house paper files.

In addition to the services above, a full-service restoration option is available to handle every step of the restoration, from drying and sanitizing to rejacketing and digitizing. This full-service option can save you time and money since the document drying is performed by SERVPRO and is not outsourced to a third party.

After disaster strikes, it is normal to feel overwhelmed about the cleanup process. However, being prepared and having a reliable document restoration service you can trust will save you time and ensure your business is protected.

Safety Equipment for Mold Remediation

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Protective Equipment to Remove Mold Damage

You’ve got the black stuff growing in your bathroom and need it gone. Now, people are coming toward you in white, plastic coveralls and wearing face masks. They look like something out of a horror movie. It’s OK, though. They’re getting themselves ready for the mold.

You know the mold remediation specialist and his team are stepping into a potentially dangerous situation that might risk their health. They need to suit up and get protected. What type of protective equipment does a technician need to wear to get rid of the black, nasty stuff?

  1. Full-body Suits

For large remediation projects, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends complete coverage of the body. Disposable coveralls protect any exposed skin from coming into contact from mold and mold spores. Full-body suits made from breathable material such as TYVEK ®also prevent the spores from transferring to clothes.

  1. Face Masks or Air-purifying Respirators

The type of face mask or respirator worn will depend on the size of the remediation. Technicians will wear an N-95 respirator during a medium mold damage cleanup. These facemasks cover the nose and mouth. A P100 respirator is also known as a powered air-purifying respirator. It covers the full face. Only respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are to be worn throughout the remediation process.

  1. Gloves

Like face masks and full-body suits, gloves protect the skin from coming into contact with mold. A technician uses long gloves which extend to the middle of the forearm for the best protection. Gloves come into different materials such as natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

All these things are protective equipment a mold remediation technician uses to safely remove mold damage from your home. To keep you and your family healthy from the effects of mold a specialist needs to keep themselves healthy as well.

Call the Mold Remediation Professionals at SERVPRO

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Growth under a bathroom sink

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 Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, we will always be open and honest with you about what our capabilities are.

Call SERVPRO 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 Livingston, Demopolis & Butler. 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 Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, 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 antifungal 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 Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at the first signs of mold in your home.

Traits of a Quality Restoration Company

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

What to Look for in a Restoration Company

When looking for a restoration company, there are a number of features you may want to look at including the ability to be faster to any size disaster. Choosing the right company for your property's restoration needs can make a difference. Here are some things you may want to consider.

  1. The Ability to Deal With Multiple Damage Types

Many professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler offer the ability to work with multiple damage types. This is often because one type of damage can lead to another. For example, fire put out by water can also result in mold if the water is left to stand too long. Most restoration companies can help fix smoke and fire damage, water damage, storm damage and also offer mold remediation for this exact reason.

  1. A Quick Response Time

Being faster to any size disaster also means arriving with the right materials and equipment required to do the job. Locally owned franchises such as SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler have locations across the country allowing them to be where they need to be when disaster strikes. Because they are a franchise, they also have access to corporate equipment and materials, which gives them the ability to handle large-scale jobs as well.

  1. They Offer a Variety of Services

A restoration company such as SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler also offers a variety of services designed to help your agent process the insurance claim. These include an electronics inventory service as well as an online database that provides access to information such as photographs and progress reports for the damaged areas, estimates, filed paperwork, and many other details needed for a properly filed claim.

Whether you're choosing a restoration company because they have the ability to be faster to any size disaster, or they can deal with multiple damage types, you may also want to look at the other services they provide. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler can help you clean contents as well as structure. 

GIVE us a call today at (334) 287-1144!

Let the Professionals at SERVPRO Handle the Cleaning

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

We receive this question many times from concerned callers: "Can I just spray bleach on it?" 

Using bleach to take care of mold was once recommended by agencies such as OSHA and the EPA. However, they have since been revised after research revealed that the "do-all, be-all cure" for killing microbial growth, actually had the opposite effect. First, let us take a look at how mold forms to understand why using bleach is not effective. 

Mold needs water, food and typically a warm temperature to grow. This illustrates the first reason to call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler: If mold is growing, chances are that the materials are wet. There has likely been a water loss of some sort, and until it is properly dried, mold will continue to grow. 

The chlorine in bleach, due to its ionic composition, cannot penetrate porous surfaces. Porous surfaces include materials such as drywall, ceilings, wood, carpet and many others. Spraying bleach on the mold will only kill it on the surface. Many people do not know that mold actually has roots called hyphae. These roots will still remain in the porous material and eventually rise to the surface again. Remember that bleach contains both chlorine and water. The chlorine cannot make it below the surface - but the water can. Thus, you are actually replenishing the mold with one of the key things it needs to grow - water! Secondly, it will "bleach" the color, making it appear that the mold is gone. Again, this is only on the surface. 

At SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler we use specialized products, designed to travel deep into porous surfaces to remove mold at its roots. Sometimes we cannot remove the mold from the material and the material must be completely removed from the home for the safety of you and your family. Our technicians are trained to differentiate between what can be safely cleaned and what cannot. In addition, live mold releases spores into the air. The air in your home may need to be treated with specialty equipment to make sure that all spores are removed.

Call SERVPRO for Immediate Service

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (334) 287-1144

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency services or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Give SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler a call today at (334) 287-1144 for all your residential and commercial restoration needs!

We Have the Necessary State of the Art Equipment to Handle Your Water Damage

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Performs Efficient Water Damage Restoration in Affected Homes

Even though a water intrusion problem resulting from a sink overflow or rainwater infiltration may look small, it may cause significant destruction if ignored for an extended period. If you discover water damage in your residence, the wise decision is to seek professional help from SERVPRO. We offer emergency water restoration services around the clock.

With highly trained technicians who have decades of experience, we can restore any magnitude of water damage in your residence. We have state-of-the-art equipment that helps us handle the situation faster to meet or exceed our client's expectations. If a leaking roof caused water damage, we are reliable experts who can perform the necessary repairs. Fast water removal helps limit the chances of secondary property damage. The removal of excess water helps in speeding up the drying process.

One of the most challenging situations you may face following water intrusion in your home is dealing with wet carpeting. Drying the carpet immediately after the incident is critical. Maybe your carpet is expensive, or you have an emotional attachment to it, and you do not want to lose it. If only a small area of the carpet has water, drying, it can be straightforward. However, if a large area is affected, you may need to use more than one drying method. Our team can use light wands to remove the water damage. This equipment can extract water rapidly from glue-down carpets.

Water can get into hard to access areas. In extreme cases, we may remove some structures in your property to pave the way for drying. For instance, we might remove the carpet and pad if they are covering wood flooring. By removing them, we can dry the wood flooring effectively. During the removal process, our technicians ensure that the carpet and pad remain intact to avoid further damage. We can use a stair tool and knee kickers to remove the carpeting and padding. We only reinstall the carpet after restoring the affected area.

Water can also affect drywall with insulation and saturate wall cavities, making them difficult to dry. Our SERVPRO team has equipment that can effectively dry the cavities and the insulated walls. We can use centrifugal air movers to dry the cavities. Our crew can attach shrouds or other attachments to these air movers so that the machines can introduce dry air into wall cavities and beneath kitchen cabinets.

Do not let a water intrusion problem cause secondary damage to your property. Contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144 for fast restoration that can make the water damage seem “Like it never even happened.”

The SERVPRO Advantage

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not just a local brand, but a national one.

Since its founding in 1967 SERVPRO has expanded to over 1,700 locations across the United States and Canada. Since then SERVPRO has also greatly expanded the array of services we offer. Since those services range from carpet cleaning and deodorization to large scale disaster recovery and with SERVPRO’s 1,700+ locations our collective knowledge and experience are one of the greatest assets SERVPRO has and we know how to use it. SERVPRO locations provide all kinds of support to each other ranging from equipment to people-power and technical advice. Sometimes we might run into an issue that we have not encountered before or possibly elements to a job that prevents our normal methods for jobs. This is when we have been able to rely on the knowledge base which our corporate office and other SERVPRO’s have accumulated. It does not matter what emergency you are facing. From Water Mitigation, Fire Restoration, or Mold Remediation. SERVPRO has the team and backing to handle it all. We are known for taking care of big problems and disasters, but we also are adept at helping people with issues you normally may not know the solution too. If you have an emergency which makes you think “I don’t even know who does this”, try giving us a call at (334) 287-1144!

Why Realtors Should Use SERVPRO

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Currently, we are in a time where the real estate market is hot. Houses are selling faster than they can be listed. We are seeing interest rates drop to an all-time low and what a better time to have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings whether it be a commercial or a residential listing. 

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler understands that you want to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. How your listing looks is everything to a potential buyer and we can assist in making that happen. It doesn’t matter what shape or situation your listing is in, the SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler team can assist you in many different ways to make this sale quick and the most profitable for you!  Our team can assist you in inspecting a crawl space/attic area for mold, water, or biohazard damage and fix this damage efficiently. Our team can even assist in estate sales in the case of hoarder cleanouts with optional inventory itemization and cleaning services. A SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler professional would be happy to attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency.

Give us a call at (334) 287-1144!

SERVPRO Offers Continuing Education Courses

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler offers Continuing Education courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters and Real Estate professionals. The Continuing Education courses provide you with information to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. 

Here are some of the CE courses that are offered by SERVPRO:

  • Property Fire Damage Restoration
  • Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
  • Restoring Contaminated Buildings
  • Restorative Drying for Water Damage
  • Cleaning and Restoring Smoke-Damaged Contents
  • Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
  • Deodorization of Malodors
  • Biohazard Cleanup
  • Ethics

Lee Knowles, Owner of SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is an approved instructor of these courses. Contact SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at (334) 287-1144 to schedule one for your office.   

This is just one more way SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is Here to Help!

Call SERVPRO for All Your Residential & Commercial Needs

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Pickens, Greene, Sumter, Marengo, Choctaw, and Clarke Counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (334) 287-1144!

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

SERVPRO Can Help Save A Claim

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

One of things that make SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler so unique is how we work with our agents and customers to identify whether a claim should be filed.

SERVPRO has learned that insurance companies do not look favorable on zero paid claims. The insurance companies have found that people who turn in small claims are in effect using their policies as a home maintenance program.

We tell our agents to call us so we can put eyes on the situation. We can tell within a few minutes whether the claim will meet or exceed the customers deductible. This in turn helps the customer avoid higher rates, and the agent avoids a loss that in the long run could affect retention.

SERVPRO was recently asked by an agent to look at a customer‘s basement that had a sump pump malfunction. After reviewing the loss, the damage would not have met the insured's $2500 deductible. This insured avoided a claim and had SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler do the water mitigation. Both parties were happy and we have a very satisfied agent and customer.

Don't Wait for an Adjuster After a Residential Flood

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

No one wants to go through a home flood. Still, flood damage in the Livingston/Demopolis/Butler area, is more common than you might think. As you probably know, the hours following such an event are critical. If you wait for an adjuster from your flood insurance company before taking action, you may inadvertently allow more damage to occur. Here are three important reasons you should not waste time following a flood.

  1. Water Gets Everywhere

Because it is a liquid, water can seep into parts of your home you may not think about. Even worse, sealed portions of your basement, crawl space and walls often prevent air from naturally drying moisture. If you wait for your adjuster to arrive before beginning water remediation or damage repair, the processes may be both more expensive and more invasive.

  1. Mold Grows Fast

Part of the reason for having comprehensive flood insurance is to cover the cost of repairing mold damage. Like water, mold can grow in hidden parts of your home. Remediation experts have the knowledge, skill, experience and tools to quickly locate and address mold and mildew. Rather than waiting for an adjuster to inspect your home, working with a reputable service in the days following a flood is often your best bet to restore your home’s comfort, appearance and value.

  1. Adjusters Are Busy

If broken pipes or backed-up plumbing caused your flood, your adjuster may respond quickly. On the other hand, if your home was part of widespread flooding, the insurance company’s representative may have a full schedule. In fact, you may wait weeks before your adjuster arrives. Remember, acting quickly is important, and waiting may cause more damage.


As a diligent homeowner, you carry flood insurance. You also likely have a duty to mitigate damage caused by rising waters. Rather than waiting until your insurance adjuster can inspect your home, begin the remediation and restoration process as soon as you can. Give us a call at (334) 287-1144!

IICRC - Water Damage

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination, and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

[Information via IICRC.org]

What To Do With Food After a Disaster

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

If you are in a disaster or emergency, it’s important that you take steps to prevent illness from unsafe food and water.

Food: Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out.

Water: Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

For more information on this topic check out this link. It will help you better understand the do's and don'ts. 

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.html

Tips for Pet Parents #2

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have that beautiful double coated fur baby? Is the summer heat causing them to shed more and more? If so, now you have dog hair on the sofa, your clothes, but most importantly you have it starting to pile up on your carpet and rugs. It doesn't seem to matter how much you vacuum the carpets or brush his/her fur it seems to just keep multiplying. You may need a quick solution to the problem. You maybe hosting a gather for the summer holidays or even just a play date. Well a simple solution is to take a rubber squeegee and run over your carpets or rugs. Maybe even some of the upholstery if its too thick for a lint roller. 

Preparing for Vacation

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is here and we are all planning vacations and a lot of us ask ourselves if our homes will be okay while we are gone. Well we have a compiled a list of things that can be done to prepare your home for that vacation period. 

Whether you're going out of town for two days or a few weeks, there are things you can do to prepare your home for your absence and for your smooth return.

"It's hard to remember from trip to trip everything you need to do to get your house in order," says Laura Leist, certified professional organizer and owner of Eliminate Chaos, in Seattle. "Have a checklist of what needs to be done, and start planning a week or two in advance."

The below departure checklist will make it easier to get your home shipshape so you can enjoy a vacation free from worries. The return checklist will ease your transition back to the real world.

Prepare for Your Departure

  • Ready your pets: Give the pet sitter or boarding facility detailed care instructions. Make sure the one you choose has plenty of your pet's favorite foods, treats, toys, medicines and other supplies on hand.
  • Clean out the fridge: Throw away food that will expire while you're gone. Quickly wipe away any spills that are still fresh with Pledge® Multisurface Wipes. They conveniently clean multiple surfaces-perfect for a quick and easy clean of your fridge.
  • Tackle the laundry: Wash and put away laundry before you leave.
  • Prep your plants: Ask a friend or neighbor to water your plants, and be sure to leave multiple lists of all plants and their locations. Otherwise, invest in self-watering plant stakes.
  • Leave a light on: During a short trip, leave a few lamps on throughout the house to make it look occupied. For a longer vacation, invest in inexpensive automatic timers that can turn our lights on and off at staggered intervals, making your house look occupied. Alert your home-security service or a trusted neighbor so one or the other can keep an eye out as well.
  • Spray for bugs: Spray an insecticide in key areas so bugs will steer clear while you're gone.
  • Unplug and reset the thermostat: Temporarily adjust the thermostat so the air-conditioner or heater won't waste energy by running in an empty house. Unplug unnecessary appliances in preparation for your absence.
  • Hold mail and newspapers: A call to your post office and news carrier will put your mail and newspapers on hold so they won't pile up in front of your house while you're gone.

For more information check out this article.

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/13-steps-to-prep-your-home-for-vacation

Tips for Pet Parents #1

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

We see it on a a daily basis. Clients call in to have their carpets cleaned due to their pets having an accident. More often then not the spot has set for a few days or even weeks. With that being said we a tip to hopefully keep them from "marking their territory". 

  Try this. First, you'll want to blot the soiled area and treat it with an enzyme-based cleaner to get to the root of the smell. Then, lightly mist with an all-natural spritz to deter repeat performances. We love this homemade eucalyptus mix. Simply combine one cup of warm water with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and shake before using. We will be on the look out for more ways to help your pets, so stay tuned.   

How to Prevent Dryer Fires

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

Very few people realize the danger of clothes dryer fires. However, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.

How Clothes Dryer Fires Occurs

Lint accumulation and reduced airflow feed on each other to provide conditions ripe for a fire. Lint is a highly combustible material, which, interestingly enough, is one of the ingredients in a recipe for home-made fire starters. A number of dryer vent problems contribute to this.

A growing problem

Traditionally, most clothes dryers were in the basement. However, nowadays many newer homes tend to have dryers located away from an outside wall in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and hall closets. These new locations mean dryers tend to be vented longer distances and vents are generally installed with sharp turns and bends to accommodate the structure of the home. As a result, dryer vents are harder to reach, and also create more places for lint to gather. The ideal solution is to have short, straight, dryer duct venting. However, a dryer vent booster, while not the ideal approach, can improve your dryer venting in cases where your venting is longer and/or has more bends than it should. In addition to creating a fire hazard, if the venting is too long and/or has two many bends, it will cause your dryer to take much longer than necessary to dry loads.

Inside the Dryer

Lint is the biggest culprit here. As you know from cleaning out your lint filter, dryers produce very large quantities of lint. Most people assume their lint traps catch all the lint, and that all they need to do is clean them out after each load. However, a significant amount of this lint is not caught by the lint trap and builds up inside the dryer-even on the heating element! If you are skeptical, try this experiment: pull out the lint trap and look underneath it- you may find large mounds of lint staring at you. Lint can build up on the heating element and in other places inside the dryer, causing it to overheat and possibly catch fire. As a rule, a fire starts from a spark in the machine. However, improper clothes dryer venting practices outside the dryer can play a key role in this process.

Outside the Dryer

There are many improper dryer vent practices which restrict airflow and lead to lint buildup, the two main preventable causes of clothes dryer fires.  Some of the most common and important dryer vent mistakes are:

  1. Dryer vents are too long and/or have too many bends, but don’t use a dryer duct booster, resulting in lint buildup. When it comes to dryer vents, shorter and straighter is better.
  2. Use of flammable, flimsy plastic or foil duct extenders. Only metal vents should be used, which is what most manufacturers specify. Metal vents also resist crushing better than plastic and foil, which allows the air and lint to be carried out of the system. Reduced airflow from build-up or crushing can cause overheating and wear out the clothes and appliance faster. In fact, many state and local municipalities have placed requirements on new and remodeling projects to include all metal dryer venting.
  3. Inadequate clearance space between dryer and wall. Many people create problems by putting their dryer right against the wall, crushing the venting material in the process. The cumulative effect of reduced airflow and the resulting lint build-up prevent the dryer from drying at the normal rate. This causes the high temperature limit safety switch to cycle on and off to control the heater. Most high temperature limit safety switches were not designed to continuously cycle on and off, so they fail over a period of time.
  4. Failure to clean the dryer duct.

Your Dryer May be Failing If:

The clothes are taking an inordinately long period of time to dry, come out hotter than usual or if the vent hood flapper doesn’t open. Maintenance is needed in these cases.

Only You Can Prevent Clothes Dryer Fires

Proper Installation & Choice of Building Materials

  1. Make sure the dryer duct is made of solid metallic material. Both vinyl and foil are combustible and spiral-wound surfaces tend to catch lint more readily.
  2. The dryer duct should vent to the exterior and in no case should it vent to the attic or crawlspace. Avoid the use of inside heat recovery diverter valves or termination boxes, which do not comply with current standards.
  3. Avoid kinking or crushing the dryer duct to make up for installation in tight quarters -this further restricts airflow. If you really want to save the extra space, the Dryerbox is a new invention that allows the dryer to be safely installed against the wall.
  4. Minimize the length of the exhaust duct (maximum recommended lengths depend on a number of factors, such as number of bends, and vary by model-check with your manufacturer for their specifications). If this is not possible, you can install a dryer duct booster.
  5. If at all possible, use 4-inch diameter vent pipe and exterior exhaust hoods that have openings of sixteen square inches or more, which offer the least resistance to air flow.
  6. Don’t use screws to put your vent pipe together – the screw shafts inside the piping collect lint and cause additional friction.

Keep the Dryer Duct in Good Condition

Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct run on a regular basis, or hire a professional company to clean the dryer duct. This will reduce the fire hazard, increase the dryer’s efficiency and increase its lifespan. In addition, you are less likely to experience water damage.

Keep Your Dryer as Lint-Free as Possible

By keeping your dryer clean, not only will you significantly reduce the fire hazard, you will also save money as your dryer will run more efficiently and last longer. To keep your dryer clean:

  1. Use a lint brush or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated lint from under the lint trap and other accessible places on a periodic basis.
  2. Every 1-3 years, depending upon usage, have the dryer taken apart and thoroughly cleaned out by a qualified service technician.
  3. Clean the lint trap after each load.

Alternative Solutions

  1. Use a condensing dryer. Unlike conventional clothes dryers, condensing dryers do require external clothes dryer venting. This significantly reduces the risk of a dryer fire.
  2. Use a spin dryer, which uses an extremely fast spin speed to extract water from the clothes. They extract significantly more water from the clothes than a washing machine spin cycle does. Spin dryers can be used alone or in conjunction with a conventional clothes dryer.

Before You Go….

  1. Never let your clothes dryer run while you are out of the house or even worse, when you are asleep.
  2. Thoroughly read manufacturers’ instructions regarding the safe use of their dryers.
  3. If all else fails, you can always use an old-fashioned clothesline. There have never been any reported clothesline fires!

For more information check out this link. 

https://laundry-alternative.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prevent-clothes-dryer-fires

Top 10 Causes for Fires

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

1. Cooking equipment

Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Always stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food, when cooking on hotplates.

2. Heating

Keep portable heaters at least one meter away from anything that could easily catch fire such as furniture, curtains, laundry, clothes and even yourself. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to make sure it is working to safety standards.

3. Smoking in bedrooms

Bedrooms are best to be kept off limits for smoking. A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame, as the butt may stay lit for a few hours. It could burst into flames if it came into contact with flammable materials, such as furniture. Did you know that fires started in the bedroom or lounge make up 73% of all house fire fatalities?1

4. Electrical equipment

An electrical appliance, such as a toaster can start a fire if it is faulty or has a frayed cord. A power point that is overloaded with double adapter plugs can cause a fire from an overuse of electricity. A power point extension cord can also be a fire hazard if not used appropriately. Double check the appliances and power points in your home.

5. Candles

Candles look and smell pretty, but if left unattended they can cause a room to easily burst into flames. Keep candles away from any obviously flammable items such as books and tissue boxes. Always blow a candle out before leaving a room. Did you know that in Perth last year 34 house fires started as a result of candles?2

6. Curious children

Kids can cause a fire out of curiosity, to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children, to avoid any curiosity turned disaster. Install a smoke alarm in your child’s room and practice a home escape plan with your children and family in case there was a fire. Teach kids understand the “stop, drop, cover and roll” drill as well as knowing their address if they needed to call 000.

7. Faulty wiring

Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Some signs to see if you’ve bad wiring are:

  1. Lights dim if you use another appliance;
  2. For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another;
  3. Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect you house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

8. Barbecues

Barbecues are great for an outdoor meal, but should always be used away from the home, tablecloths or any plants and tree branches. Keep BBQs regularly maintained and cleaned with soapy water and clean any removable parts. Check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it each time.

9. Flammable liquids

If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage such as petrol, kerosene or mentholated spirits, keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing. Be careful when pouring these liquids.

10. Lighting

Lamp shades and light fittings can build up heat if they are very close to light globes. Check around the house to make sure. Lamp bases can become a hazard if they are able to be knocked over easily, and so should be removed if they are. Check that down lights are insulated from wood paneling or ceiling timbers.