Helena Homeowner’s Guide to Water Damage

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO for reliable water damage and restoration to your Helena home, "Like it never even happened."

Water Cleanup Swiftly Mitigates Damage to Helena Properties

Because water damage can occur at any time in any building, you must always know what to expect. Suppose your Helena home has an overflowing bathtub, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster such as flooding. If not addressed quickly enough, the fallout can wreak havoc on your belongings and building materials. SERVPRO® wants you to know what to expect should you have a water-related emergency on your property.

Is it time for a water damage inspection?

Once water damage occurs in your Helena home, it is wise to have professionals inspect all impacted areas to determine the extent and what should be done to repair it. Our processes involve several steps, such as:

• Our skilled technicians will inspect the affected area to address the cause and assess the extent of your water damage. We use moisture sensors and meters to locate problem areas under flooring, beneath ceilings, and behind walls.
• Once the initial assessment is done, we may use other equipment like borescopes and thermal imaging to get further details on the damage. During this time, we may also have to remove some insulation and drywall to get to the heart of the problem.
• After all scoping is complete, our crew chief works to formulate a plan to handle all water damage and begin the restoration process. We will also ensure all documentation gets filled out to help facilitate your insurance claim, should you make one.

Water removal services and drying performed by professionals are the best way to get your property back to preloss condition. SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls arrives promptly with all the right equipment to help pull up standing water and eliminate excess moisture that could lead to secondary damage or microbial growth.

If you require help with water damage in Helena, having our professional SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls team is the best way to ensure quality results. Request help online or call (406) 458-6008 for 24/7 emergency service.

How to Go About Mold Removal in Helena Business Premises

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial enterprises know to contact SERVPRO for mold remediation in Helena properties.

Managing Commercial Mold Damage in Helena with SERVPRO®

Mold issues can develop in Helena commercial buildings such as schools, businesses, and organizations, raising significant concerns that must be addressed promptly. Visible mold growth can appear as fuzzy patches, discoloration, or black spots on ceilings, walls, floors, or other surfaces. Problems may arise when microbes start eating away at these materials.

Efficient mold removal in Helena commercial buildings involves identifying and correcting the conditions that permit microbial growth. It should also comprise steps to contain and safely remove moldy building materials. SERVPRO takes precautions to prevent the spread of mold residues during the remediation process. We establish containment barriers using plastic sheeting and use negative air pressure machines to ensure mold fragments are not released into unaffected areas. Also, wearing appropriate PPEs offers protection and prevents cross-contamination when clothing is left in a clean room.

Some of the common problems associated with mold damage

• Structural damage
• Unpleasant odors
• Decreased indoor air quality
• Aesthetical deterioration

Mold growth on furniture, walls, ceilings, and other visible surfaces can cause discoloration and unsightly patches. This can give an impression of poor maintenance or neglect, affecting your workplace's overall look and professionalism. Also, Mold growth often produces a musty and unpleasant odor that can permeate the workplace, creating an uncomfortable working environment for you and your employees and giving a negative impression to clients or customers.

Mold Cleanup Methods

SERVPRO crews use various cleanup techniques to restore damaged building materials and furnishings caused by moisture and mold problems. The specific method or group of methods we use depends on the type of material or surface affected. However, the primary steps in mold remediation are removing moisture by drying the affected areas, reducing humidity levels, and completely removing contaminated materials.

The following are some methods:

•  Damp wiping
•  HEPA vacuuming
• Use of biocides
• Wire brushing

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls ensures effective communication throughout mold removal. Call us at (406) 458-6008. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

Water Mitigation is the First Step for Saturated Homes in Helena

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools to extract the water and restore the damage.

Water Mitigation Stops Damage Before It Happens

When a home retains excessive water from floods, heavy rain, or leaking pipes, it can cause severe damage to the building's structure and contents. Water mitigation is the process of preventing, reducing, or reversing the damage caused by water. In Helena, homeowners must act quickly to initiate this first step in preventing impending damage.

In Helena, water mitigation specialists use various techniques to remove water, prevent further damage, dry out the affected area, and get everything clean. Water mitigation can help save homeowners from paying for more expensive repairs. The sooner a homeowner can call for water mitigation services, the better the chances are for reducing the recovery costs after a disaster.

Here are some of the various methods we use to prevent, reduce, or reverse water damage to a home:

• Water extraction,
• Structural drying,
• Dehumidification, and
• Cleaning of contents.

SERVPRO's specialists use pumps and vacuums to remove standing water from the affected area. Standing water, including puddles, can hide safety hazards.

After removing visible water, we use air movers, heaters, specialized mats, and extraction equipment to dry the home's interior. The entire process may take several days, depending on the extent of the water damage. We understand that some of our machines may seem very noisy. If it becomes too bothersome, please let us know, and we can work with you to make it less annoying.

We also use dehumidifiers and desiccant machinery to remove excess moisture from the air. Drier air helps dry out any dampened materials. If water originated from a continuing source, we might install a permanent dehumidifier.

We also take steps to minimize damage to non-structural property, like the contents of your home. We can assess the damage to such items and take steps to clean and restore them.

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is always available to assist you with the effects of any disaster. Call us at (406) 458-6008.

Mold Removal and Remediation in Helena Buildings

4/15/2023 (Permalink)

Trust the IICRC-certified technicians from SERVPRO to remove mold and restore your Helena property, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Provides Excellent Mold Remediation

Many Helena consumers and building owners are surprised to encounter mold in their buildings with the prevailing dry environment. They do not realize that mold spores are virtually everywhere. We bring mold spores into our buildings on air currents, attached to our clothes, and on our pets. Mold colonies thrive wherever there is organic material and moisture. Our homes and office buildings provide many opportunities for mold growth. Our facilities are filled with organic materials and high humidity from showering, cooking, and water leaks around windows and condensation on plumbing. Mold removal and preserving almost mold-free conditions can be challenging.

SERVPRO assists our clients with mold removal in Helena and maintaining a safe environment. Our technicians are thoroughly trained (IICRC-certified) in identifying mold infestations and removing mold-contaminated materials. We suggest that you call us and never use bleach to remove mold spots. The added moisture can induce further growth.

Mold Cleanup Processes Depend on the Extent of Contamination

• Isolation of the contaminated area from the rest of the building
• Controlled Demolition of contaminated materials
• Bag in place of all contaminated materials before removal
• Antimicrobial Products to clean surfaces
• Sanding of hard surfaces
• Soda/Media Blasting

Maintaining a controlled environment once the cleanup and restoration have been completed is extremely important. Otherwise, mold colonies will reform. Our technicians can help with recommendations to avoid future mold situations occurring. These include:

• Maintain humidity levels as low as possible in the range of 30% to 50%
• Utilize AC and Dehumidifiers to control humidity.
• Ventilation of high-humidity areas with fans that exhaust outside, such as bathrooms, laundry, and kitchens
• Repair leaking roofs, windows, and plumbing immediately; Wipe up all moisture.
• Complete cleaning and drying after flooding, including removal of carpets, under pad, and absorbent materials such as drywall, to avoid mold growth.
• Avoid using carpets in bathrooms and basements exposed to high humidity and moisture.

Call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls for mold remediation services. We provide service to Helena and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (406) 458-6008.

Helena Residents Deserve Safe, Efficient Water Damage Cleanup

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Have water damage in your Helena home? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians. Call us today!

Call SERVPRO 24/7 in Helena for Water Damage Restoration Assistance

Even with precautions in place, there can be times when your home or business sustains water damage. This could be a malfunctioning appliance, failing plumbing with a hidden water leak, burst pipes, or a significant water spill. Secondary damage and black mold growth are possible when you do not promptly address the water issue. SERVPRO is there whenever Helena property owners require assistance with water restoration, working to restore versus replace whenever possible. With our 24/7 availability, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

You could face many common challenges in terms of water damage in Helena. SERVPRO features skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) who know how to adapt to meet such challenges based on each project. With our scalability and elite disaster response team, you can also look to us for sudden flood damage from storms and other disastrous events.

We are a Trusted Name in the Restoration Industry

Just a sampling of things that you can count on when you contact us for water removal services and restoration include:

• Rapid response times – we are available around the clock, all year long
• Reputation – we are a trusted name in the restoration industry
• Community – we are locally owned and operated with a vested interest in the greater Helena area
• Scalability – we are there for residential and commercial customers, regardless of the size and scope of the water damage restoration project

What Training Does a SERVPRO Technician Have?

To be successful with water damage calls requires a great deal of training in the science of drying, known as psychrometry. Our team members receive ongoing training in water mitigation, damage assessment, and all related areas as set forth by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Each team that heads out contains specialists in one or more of the following areas:

• Water damage restoration
• Advanced structural drying (ASD)
• Mitigation awareness
• Mold cleanup
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Odor control and more

Never Wait When a Water-Related Emergency Happens

No matter the source of the water damage, water removal services must begin as soon as possible. Failing to do so could bring costly secondary damage or mold and mildew growth. SERVPRO arrives fast to start the assessment of the damage so we can select the best tools for the job. We have an extensive inventory of equipment at our warehouse, including:

• Water pumps and extractors scalable to each size and type of project
• Generators to ensure a power source should your electric supply become compromised
• Air movers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to speed drying and restore relative humidity (RH)
• Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to tackle musty odors and remove airborne particulates
• EPA-registered antimicrobial and cleaning agents

What About Contents that Come Into Contact With Water?

Our pack-out services help relocate affected contents for drying/cleaning or safe storage if you have contents or inventory impacted by water. Our specialized technicians carefully assess, sort, label, and list everything to ensure a paper trail for each item. Some items may get moved to staging areas or our warehouse for further cleaning, while others get packed up and moved out to reside in our climate-controlled warehouse during the restoration project. Moving items out to get stored helps free up space for our technicians to work.

SERVPRO is Here for Helena Commercial Properties Dealing with Water Damage

Water issues call for a prompt response, whether you have a small eatery or a large-scale manufacturing company. We are available for our area commercial customers to handle any size or type of water-related emergency so that you can feel confident your business does not miss a beat. Be sure to talk with us about developing your Emergency READY  Profile (ERP) to prepare for an emergency on your commercial property!

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is there whenever you require help with water damage. Request help online or give our customer care team a call at (406) 458-6008 for more details.

Fire Damage Restoration with Skilled Technicians in Helena

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

House fire cleanup in Helena starts when SERVPRO demolishes and removes non-salvageable materials. The first step in fire damage mitigation.

SERVPRO is Available in Helena 24/7 with Effective Fire Damage Restoration

Commercial and residential fires, while different, have many things in common. Any fire event creates challenges regarding smoke remediation and fire damage cleanup. If you have been through a recent fire on your Helena property, you deserve to get results fast in terms of cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO understands not only the basic principles of cleaning and repair but also brings innovative methods to each project we get called to address. We take the time necessary to do it right to get back to life as you knew it before the fire. With our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT), your property will be “Like it never even happened.”

It is normal to become stressed and overwhelmed when starting the process of handling your fire damage in Helena. SERVPRO features IICRC-certified technicians who can work on assessing the damage as soon as first responders on the scene deem your property safe for entry. Our crew chief uses the findings from the inspection to select the best equipment and processes for the job, and we adjust as we go to achieve the best results. This includes scalability for our sizable commercial clients in the Greater Helena area.

What Everyone Should Know About the Impact of Fire Damage

• Fire affects more than just the materials burned
• Structural elements must get inspected for safety and integrity
• Smoke and soot residue infiltrate belongings and materials
• Water damage is often present due to the process of extinguishing the flames
• Multiple cleaning and restoration efforts might be required to achieve the best results

How Soon can SERVPRO Arrive to Begin House Fire Cleanup?

Fire impacts many areas, not just where it originated or spreads. Smoke particles are intrusive and often make their way throughout your home on air currents or your HVAC system. SERVPRO gets there fast, with our Green Fleet at your door within four hours of your initial contact with our customer care representatives. This allows us to start the assessment to begin removing unsalvageable materials and charred debris.

• Our technicians are trained and ready to handle fire-damaged homes and businesses, including immediate tarp-up and boarding services to protect your property during restoration.
• We select the proper solutions based on the layout of your home or business, the types of materials burned, and any unique challenges.
• SERVPRO smoke remediation involves handling the removal of soot residues and ash while having containment barriers in place to keep particles from getting tracked into unaffected areas of your property.

Industrial-Grade Tools and Equipment Make All the Difference

SERVPRO has access to an immense inventory of equipment in our warehouse, allowing us to select the correct number of pieces for any job we get called to. Some of the tools of the trade you may see us using during your fire damage restoration project include:

• Pumps and extractors to handle standing water from extinguishing the blaze
• Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration
• Hydroxyl generators and ozone technology
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers
• Thermal fogging equipment
• Odor counteractant beads, granules, or pellets

Could Commercial Fire Restoration Save Time and Money?

As a business owner, you want to save time while remaining prudent about finances. Let the trained professionals handle everything for you rather than having your in-house maintenance team attempt DIY fire cleanup. Not only do we thoroughly inspect all areas for safety risks and possible hazards, but we have the manpower to get your restoration project completed in a fraction of the time. Ask us about putting together your Emergency READY Profile (ERP) to help you remain prepared in the future for any fire or water restoration needs!

When faced with fire and smoke damage, SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is available to help 24-hours a day. Call us at (406) 458-6008 or request assistance online.

Carefully Addressing Mold Damage Threats in Helena Properties

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Regardless of which room is affected, complete mold damage remediation is essential. Contact SERVPRO for certified technicians and the right equipment

Mold Damage Cleanup and Restoration with SERVPRO in Helena Gets Results

Along with the water or moisture issues that brought it on, black mold can significantly impact your Helena property. Once you suspect mildew and mold development, it requires various actions, including remediation with detailed cleaning and repair. The threat to your property worsens the longer that possible microbial threats are unresolved, leading to the potential for costly secondary damage. The good news for area homeowners and businesses is that SERVPRO is available with a whole team of experienced mold remediation technicians that work to clean up the damage and mitigate loss. Once we get finished, your property will receive the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval.

Why Call on SERVPRO with Suspected Mold Damage?

It is not usually not easy to recognize mold issues within your home or business. Should you suspect mold damage in Helena, it is recommended to call in the help of skilled professionals to begin the assessment and cleanup. SERVPRO understands the power of an active mold colony, and we have the best tools, methods, and IICRC-certified technicians to handle your project. In the meantime, the following things that you can look for that may be telling you mildew or black mold is present:

• Visible Patches – Carpeting, drywall, ceilings, and cabinet interiors may show visible signs of mold colonization. Mold comes in many forms, including black spots, fuzzy gray patches, or pink and green mold (often found in bathrooms near showers and tubs).
• Dampened Surfaces – Any surfaces located in areas of your home with excessive humidity or stay wet to the touch are prone to microbial growth.
• Musty Odors – The primary indicator that mold is developing will be musty, foul odors in certain areas of your home. This may include closets, kitchen or bathroom cabinetry where plumbing is located - around tubs, showers, toilets, etc.

Why Does Mold Damage Cause Destruction in My Home?

Many homeowners remain unaware that mold is developing until it has already taken hold. All mold needs the proper temperatures, humidity levels, and organic food sources to survive and thrive. Because some optimum food sources include drywall and wood particles, it can lead to substantial damage to your interior and even structural elements if not controlled.

SERVPRO Has Proven, Efficient, And Safe Mold Remediation Solutions

We arrive on your property to begin an assessment, mitigation, and cleanup. Containment barriers get put into place using poly sheeting and negative air pressure. This gets done to keep spores from traveling into unaffected areas of your home during mold cleanup. We also have to address mold spores on a surface level, including options such as:

• Surface cleaning – We have sporicidal solutions and chlorine products to help address active mold threats.
• Abrasive cleaning – In some instances, we have other mediums such as soda blasting to help remove surface mold without causing damage to the building materials.
• Mechanical actions – Our technicians may use sanding methods to remove a small surface layer from wood framing, often eliminating the need for removal and reconstruction.
• Controlled demolition – With the help of trusted area contractors, building materials deemed unsalvageable due to mold infestation get removed and replaced with all-new materials. In some instances, partial removal of drywall, flooring, carpeting, and other materials can help to lower your mold remediation costs.

We are Here for Both Residential and Commercial Mold Remediation Efforts

With our ability to scale to meet the needs of each customer, SERVPRO is there for small household mold infestations or more significant commercial properties. We get to work quickly to return your property to pre-mold condition, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is here whenever you have issues with mold damage. We get there quickly and work safely and efficiently to

How to Handle Commercial Water Damage in Your Helena Restaurant

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says that We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call us to keep your store open after a water damaging event in Helena.

Trust SERVPRO for Commercial Water Damage Repair in Helena

In the restaurant world, every day is different. There are daily drink and food deliveries, guest reservations, menu planning, advertising, and office work that need to be done. This business keeps everyone on their toes, even when things go wrong.

It would help to be prepared when something unexpected, like water leaks, occurs. Mishaps can quickly happen in your restaurant. SERVPRO is ready to mitigate the water damage to your Helena restaurant and help you return to business immediately. The following are tips (no pun intended) for handling restaurant water damage:

• Post directions to inform your staff how to handle water damage.
• Conduct inspections regularly to check for possible trouble spots. 
• Find a professional firm like SERVPRO to work with when the water damage incident is too significant for you to handle alone. 
• Discard non-packaged food that is exposed to water. 
• Discard canned items that have swelling, seams, or dents. 

Water can quickly get deep into porous materials like drywall and wood. It can threaten the building’s structural integrity if it absorbs too deeply. Fast action is critical because it helps keep drywall, insulation, and other materials from getting damaged beyond repair.

Standing water and moisture also create an ideal environment for mold growth and bacterial infestation. Our SERVPRO team can use water extraction equipment that provides good water removal. Water extraction is a crucial step in eliminating moisture from a structure. We seek to remove as much excess water as possible from a structure with extraction equipment.

Cleanup can be a daunting task. When tackling cleanup in a restaurant, it is necessary to clean walls, floors, ceilings and food preparation areas, and food contact surfaces. This cleaning includes pots, pans, countertops, ice machines, and refrigeration units. To clean and disinfect these surfaces, our SERVPRO team can wash them with EPA-approved detergents and then rinse them. We can also use commercial disinfectants with effectiveness against microbes or create chlorine bleach solutions to disinfect the affected areas.

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is committed to area businesses. We can help you return to business quickly after water damage. Call us today at (406) 458-6008.

Water Removal Caused by Ice Dam on Helena Homeowner's Roof

3/5/2023 (Permalink)

After a storm dumps excess water into your home, time is of the essence for water removal and storm damage remediation. Contact SERVPRO 24/7.

Can SERVPRO Help with Water Removal After a Snow Storm in Helena?

Freeze-thaw cycles in Helena can cause considerable damage to a home, introducing water into attics as ice dams form on the roof. Not all water can make it off the roof when the snow melts after a storm. Some of the water freezes, creating an ice dam blocking thawing water from escaping. It often pools on the roof until it seeps into the attic, soaking insulation and penetrating living areas.

SERVPRO can help remove water from the attic and ceilings of affected rooms in Helena. Depending on the type of insulation in the attic, we may need to remove all of the insulation, dry the attic and install new high-quality insulation. Drywall on the ceiling of impacted rooms may need to be removed if it has absorbed moisture and been compromised.

However, preventing ice dams on your home's roof should also be addressed since the next storm introducing more snow and rain can cause a similar event. SERVPRO recommends an assessment of the condition of your roof to identify solutions that can prevent ice dams from forming again. For example, the following may be considered:

• Install high R-Value insulation in the attic to prevent heat from escaping from living areas
• Install air vents in the roof to assist fresh air entering the attic space in summer and winter to avoid premature aging of your shingles.
• Install rubber membranes and ice shields around skylights and six feet up from roof lines
• Temporarily install heated cables to melt any ice that may form on your roof.

No one wants to deal with repeated water removal issues. SERVPRO can assist with moisture reduction and drying to prevent further damage and mold growth in your attic.

Call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls for water removal services. We provide service to Helena and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (406) 458-6008.

Low Point in Helena - Fire Damage During the Holiday Season

1/22/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the remains after a fire can be quite stressful. Call SERVPRO for fire damage remediation services.

We Easily Resolve Problems Caused by Fire Damage

Having a house fire can become one of the most stressful events in a lifetime, but having one over the holidays can ruin so much more than just your Helena area home. Regardless of when a disaster like this happens, SERVPRO is nearby to help with fire damage cleanup, restoration, and rebuilding.

The after-effects when your home in Helena sustains fire damage can impact your family for months. Because SERVPRO has extensive experience in the community, we can provide information to our customers regarding resources to help them recover even faster.

There are different ways that fire can affect your home:

• Accumulation of soot and other contaminants,
• New, foul odors, and
• Destruction of interior structures, framework, and personal belongings

The slower a fire burns, the more soot it produces because it never gets hot enough. Higher temperatures make less soot (does depend on the material combusted.) Other by-products of fire include gases and oils. Soot requires a lot of elbow grease to eliminate, making SERVPRO's teamwork essential for a fast recovery.

Those by-products continue to break down into smaller pieces. They become so small that air currents can pick them up and carry them around. When you breathe them into your nose, your brain detects them as a disagreeable odor. Removing the source of such odors happens as we eliminate soot, but we go the extra step with thermal fogging that encapsulates soot particles that we cannot reach with cleaning tools. We also use other methods of odor control. Mechanical means like HEPA-filtered air scrubbers outfitted with activated charcoal filters help to eliminate malodors.

Heat weakens many things, including the wooden frame supporting your home. Our building crew can check for weak areas and take steps to strengthen the framework of your house. Other materials, such as paneling and drywall, carpeting, and furnishings that became charred from the flames, need us to remove and rebuild that area.

When a fire turns your home into a disaster area, call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008. We'll work with you to make it "Like it never even happened."