SERVPRO & Pro-Active Clean-Up

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

We can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of #COVID19 contamination or exposure.

The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents.The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. 

We offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business!

Trust SERVPRO When Disasters Strikes!

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of South Bend our teams are experienced in helping manage both commercial and multi-family properties during the recovery process while maintaining the security and safety of the facility and tenants. Our professionals work hard and fast to minimize the interruptions for your tenants’ daily operations. 

From restaurants and cafeterias to coffee shops, food centers and more, SERVPRO of South Bend works to make your food service retail facility disaster “Like it never even happened.” 

We respond quickly to your South Bend business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies.

Call us at (574)233-8377

The War in Ukraine Touches Home for Local Man Who Works For SERVPRO of South Bend & South Elkhart County

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

Daniel Kalchenko is a restoration specialist who works for SERVPRO of South Bend and South Elkhart County, and is a native of Donetsk, Ukraine.He and his family immigrated to the United States after years of violence between Russian backed separatists and the Ukraine government. Daniel works very hard to learn English, and to provide for his family the best way he could, through the skill of carpentry.Many of Daniel’s family remain in Ukraine and are fighting hard each and every day just to survive. They are in desperate need of food and medical supplies. Daniel keeps in touch with his sister, Vera, who has been reporting back to him about the deteriorating conditions within the Ukraine. Vera told him “We need many things here, but most of all, we need your prayers! Please tell your American friends to pray for us!”We appreciate Daniel and the amazing work he does for SERVPRO, and we encourage everyone reading to pray for him and his family still in Ukraine during this tumultuous time.

Reminder To Our Customers - SERVPRO of South Bend Is Specialists In Cleaning Services

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts at SERVPRO of South Bend at 574-233-8377.

When It Comes To Being Ready - Why SERVPRO Is Your First Call

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Contact us today! We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO When It Comes to Being Ready!

Did you know that 50% of all businesses that do not have an Emergency Ready Program in place, NEVER reopen after a disaster? Does your business have one? Are you prepared?

Luckily SERVPRO offers this service to every community we are in. The best part is it is absolutely FREE of charge, and NO obligations to ever use SERVPRO! The Emergency Ready Program or ERP takes depending on the size of your building very little time to complete.

We capture the vital data needed in a time of crisis and disaster and put it all together for you. No matter where you are in the world, you can rest assured if your business has a disaster, you are taken care of!

Contact us today! We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

When Your Home Floods - Call SERVPRO!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

The team at SERVPRO of South Bend has the necessary training and experience to remediate seepage-based flooding. Do not hesitate to call!

Although no one can stop the rains, there are ways to limit flooding in your home. Overland flooding or backups due to overwhelmed storm sewage systems are but two of the sources of floodwaters in the lower levels of your home. Regardless of the source of the water, we have the technicians and the equipment to help you recover.
 
Even though the water causing flood damage to your home may be drawing your eyes down as it seeps into the foundation or lower levels, the problem often is at the roofline. Clogged gutters and damaged downspouts cause water to pound down near the perimeter of your home, saturating the soil and ultimately invading through the slab, poured, or cinder block foundation. We can respond to and restore the damage but expect suggestions from our managers or production crew to minimize or even eliminate future flooding.
 
The grading and landscaping around your home can also contribute to the seepage of floodwaters into the foundation. Over time even correctly graded ground can erode and shift, encouraging rainwater to drain into your home rather than away from it. SERVPRO crews also see scenarios where plantings surrounding your home contribute to excess water moving into the porous materials making up the base and protecting the lower levels of your house. Irrigation systems or merely an overdone watering of foundation gardens have the unhappy result of a wet home.
 
SERVPRO evaluates the characteristics of the water flooding into your home to determine whether it needs to be contained and disposed of according to local regulations. The sooner you get our team to your home the more likely that the water checks out as Category 1. If the soil around your home is loose, dirt particles can flow in with the water. Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, and even pet wastes can taint the water, requiring careful handling. Gutter overflow can also contain bird and animal waste and mold, threatening the flooded area with microbial growth if not disinfected and dried out after the flood water evacuates.
 
Submersible pumps and water extractors pull most of the flood water out of your home. If Category 1 we can drain it outside, but take care to deposit far from the house to prevent it from flooding again. We use moisture meters and infrared scanners to locate hidden pockets of moisture and to set a baseline for drying goals. SERVPRO crews position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected space. The moisture numbers are monitored to ensure we achieve standard levels.
 
The team at SERVPRO of South Bend has the necessary training and experience to remediate seepage-based flooding. Do not hesitate to call us if we can help!

Water Damage Is Difficult, But SERVPRO of South Bend Can Handle The Toughest Problems! (Part 1 of 2)

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Bend responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day.

There's nothing quite as difficult for a commercial establishment as dealing with water damage. However, knowing what to do when disaster strikes can prevent you from experiencing unnecessary emotional upsets for yourself, your employees, and your customers and mitigate the economic strain of lost business. There are many steps you'll need to take to get your commercial property back in order following a water damaging event. Contacting a team of skilled water damage restoration experts from SERVPRO is a good first step.

Quick Water Removal Mitigates Monetary Loss 

 The longer excess water remains on your commercial property, the more likely you are to suffer from costly water damage repairs to structural properties like ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, and flooring. Then there is the concern of water damage to your capital investments: inventory, furniture, carpeting, electronic equipment and paper documents. Having a team of skilled water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO to begin immediately removing standing water can prevent you from spending unnecessary money on repairs.

Quick Remediation Prevents Secondary Water Damage.

Another benefit of a quick reaction to the pressing problem of water intrusion is that fast extraction helps prevent secondary water damage. Unfortunately, water damage creates a moist, wet environment within your business. Moisture and high humidity offer mold an opportunity to grow and spread throughout structural materials and wood furniture and fabrics. If your business deals with food distribution, high inventory loss may be a costly negative effect. For this reason, it's critically important to have standing water removed as quickly as possible. SERVPRO can arrive, usually in about one hour, with water removal equipment to meet any problem. 

Water Damage Is Difficult, But SERVPRO of South Bend Can Handle The Toughest Problems! (Part 2 of 2)

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Bend responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day.

Fast Restoration Helps You Get Back In Business

 If the water intrusion, by way of a storm, flood, leak, or the aftermath of fire extinguishing causes severe water damage to your commercial business, you may have to relocate temporarily while water damage restoration work is being completed. Closed doors affect customer traffic, employee earnings, and your bottom line.  Insurance companies normally work hand-in-hand with SERVPRO to come to a working agreement allowing the water extraction process to commence immediately. 

Contact SERVPRO Today 

If your commercial property has been subjected to water damage, getting fast, effective water damage restoration services is a must. Here at SERVPRO, we specialize in optimizing and expediting each component of the restoration process to ensure that you can get your business back in business. Moreover, each of our IICRC-Certified technicians will provide you with the personable care and excellent customer service that keeps you in the loop throughout the water damage restoration process. We can quickly reopen your doors "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of South Bend responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,650 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources. Call us for assistance today!

Why SERVPRO? Because some things require a professional!

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

The Dangers of DIY Sewage Cleanup

If you’re like most homeowners, when faced with a task or question you probably head to the internet for answers…that’s how you found this article! And if you’re dealing with backed-up sewage, it only takes a few seconds of searching to find hundreds of articles describing how to clean-up sewage.

It goes like this:

** Put on some rubber gloves

** Scoop out the waste

** Take some water and bleach solution and apply it to the affected areas

** Let it dry

Most articles will throw out a warning saying “if you’re not sure whether you can do it, or don’t have the proper equipment, it is best to call a professional”. That’s where you would call SERVPRO.

We’d like to throw out another warning!

Cleaning up raw sewage on your own is something you should never do! 
Here’s why:

#1 – It can be hidden. – Any SERVPRO crew member can tell you stories about customers that decided to clean-up their own feces only to call in weeks or months later complaining about smells and disfigured walls, cabinets, and floors. Sewage will find its way into any and all porous surfaces. Even things like drywall and cabinetry aren’t safe. And it’s not as simple as just spotting the sewage with your eyes. It requires state of the art equipment, which SERVPRO has, to identify areas that have been damaged by sewage. So unless you have an infrared detection system handy and know how to use it, call SERVPRO.

#2 – It can be costly. – Times are difficult for everyone and money is tight. It’s easy to justify doing it yourself instead of paying to have SERVPRO  clean and disinfect for you. But today’s shortcut is tomorrow’s nightmare! Again, you’re dealing with a toxic situation that if not handled properly can create very real health dangers for you and your family. Not only that, if not properly mitigated, you could be looking at a serious mold issue in the not so distant future on top of all of the other issues described above. And if you think sewage cleanup is costly, wait until you’re stuck with a bill for mold remediation services! At least your sewage clean-up is covered by insurance…that’s not typically the case if you’ve got mold and it’s the result of you not taking appropriate measures when dealing with the sewage issue that created the mold!

So, if you’ve stumbled upon this article due to a sewage back-up that’s spilled into your home or office, do yourself a favor and call us, SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified to perform raw sewage cleanup and can provide you with peace of mind knowing the area affected is professionally cleaned.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Bend is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together.

Why SERVPRO? Because mold is scared of us!

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of South Bend, NE for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of South Bend, NE specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Why SERVPRO? We are experts in carpet cleaning!

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

The Importance of Hiring Professional Carpet Cleaners

Professional carpet cleaners are the only people who should be trusted to do the job. Anyone with less experience or certification will likely not do the job correctly. And their carelessness could end up costing a lot more in the end. 

Carpeting is typically one of the most long-term investments in the home. Most people associate high-cost flooring with tile, marble or hardwood, but carpet can carry a high price tag as well. There are various fibers and matting to choose from, as well as the padding beneath it. When it’s all said and done, it can cost just as much if not more than some other options. Once that investment is installed, great care should be taken to keep it in the best condition possible. This will mean regular vacuuming in high-traffic areas and regular maintenance from professional carpet cleaners.

Why should someone always hire professional carpet cleaners?

Professionally trained technicians have certification in all types of fibers and construction, so they know which products and equipment to use and how to employ them properly. The technician can assess the area for any spot treatment that may be necessary and will know which tools and specialized products to use. They will also be aware of the correct methods to complete the job effectively. Technicians will also inform the customer of ways that they can prolong the life of their carpeting and how to properly treat spills and accidents should they occur.

What can happen if someone doesn't use professional carpet cleaners?

A lot of damage can occur if a certified technician or firm is not hired to do the job. They can over-saturate the fibers and promote an environment that may foster mold and other microbial growth in time. If using improper equipment, the fibers can be damaged, which would result in replacement being required much sooner. If the wrong cleansing agents are used, or they are not properly rinsed out, they may damage the fibers or make future soil adhere quicker, which will require cleaning more often than would otherwise be necessary.  

What should a customer expect when they hire professional carpet cleaners?

Upon arrival, the technician will assess the carpeting. Once that is complete, the process can begin. First they will vacuum the floor during a process called dry soil removal. This removes any loose items in the flooring. Then soil suspension and extraction will take place. The technician uses a preconditioning agent that is mixed to separate the soil from the fibers. Various methods are employed to extract the soil from the flooring. Grooming may also be done to improve the fiber piles, matting, and to equally disperse protectors or conditioning agents. Then the drying process can begin. Carpets that have been professionally cleaned should be dry in less than 24 hours. Homeowners can assist in this process by ensuring the right temperature is maintained, and there is adequate ventilation. 

When hiring a carpet cleaning technician, make sure that they have received their certification through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is a globally-recognized organization that is the leader in certifying technicians and firms in the restoration, cleaning and inspection industry.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Bend is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together. Call us today!

Why SERVPRO? We are the fire recovery experts!

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of South Bend has specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

Board-ups - In some cases, firefighters may break windows and cut holes in the roof in order to vent the fire. It is extremely important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders.

Types of Fire/Smoke/Soot

Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

What to do after a fire:

• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.

What NOT to do after a fire:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO 
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may damage the garment further.

SERVPRO of South Bend has what it takes to restore your home back to preloss condition.

Why SERVPRO? Knowledge and Expertise-Mold vs. Mildew

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage to your home can cause serious problems. Mildew growth, on the other hand, is generally less severe. It can be tricky to tell the difference between them, but there are a few ways to distinguish the two categories of fungi.

Similarities

The words mold and mildew are often used interchangeably. This is likely due to the fact that both are fungi, and they share some similarities, including the following:

• Thrive in wet locations
• Spread quickly via spores
• Cause a musty odor
• Can be cleaned with fungicide
  
  

Because both mold and mildew need moisture to thrive, the same prevention techniques can be used for both fungi. Dry up water from leaks, spills, etc. as quickly as possible, and keep the humidity in your home lower than 50%. If you live in a particularly humid area, you may need to use a dehumidifier to keep the air sufficiently dry. Also, an air purification system can prevent both mildew and mold damage by capturing the spores before they have a chance to attach to a surface and colonize.

Differences

Although the two categories of fungi share a few characteristics, they have many differences. Mildew is generally lighter in color and has a fluffy, powdery or downy texture. Mold is typically darker and may appear slimy or fuzzy. Mildew grows only on surfaces, but mold can grow deeper within walls and beneath surfaces. Because of this, mold tends to be more difficult to eliminate. On the other hand, homeowners can usually remove mildew easily with a cleaner and a cloth or brush. Mold growth generally requires more intensive remediation methods and possibly professional intervention.
Whether you are dealing with mold or mildew, it is important to act quickly to minimize growth and mitigate the damage. If you are dealing with severe mold damage, an experienced restoration team can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Handling Mold Damaged Belongings

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can be a frustrating problem to deal with. It is a common problem for homeowners and, once it has started growing, it can be difficult to remove. Not only can it affect the structure of your house, but it can grow on your belongings as well. The following are some mold cleaning tips that can help you restore your home.

1. Scrub Hard Surfaces With a Cleaner

Because it cannot reach beneath the surface, mold damage on hard and non-porous materials is relatively simple to remove. These items can usually be cleaned with water and an antibacterial cleaner. More often than not, they can be easily salvaged.

2. Use a Washing Machine or Dry Cleaning Service

For objects made with porous materials, mold cleaning takes a bit more work. Some objects, such as clothing, bedding, and stuffed toys can be cleaned in a washing machine if the damage is not too severe. Dry cleaning is an option for larger belongings and materials that cannot be cleaned in the laundry.

3. Have Items Professionally Cleaned

While you may think that it is impossible to get mold damage out of your books, paintings, and paper documents, this is not always the case. Professional services can use the equipment, such as an Esporta machine, that can remove bacteria and contaminants from a variety of items.

4. Throw Out Severely Damaged Items

It may not be ideal, but in some cases, you will need to throw out some items. If mold forms beneath the surface of an object, mold cleaning can be difficult. Unless these belongings are difficult to replace or have a lot of sentimental value, it may be easier to simply discard it and purchase something new.
If you have mold growing in your house, you should contact a mold remediation company as soon as possible. They can locate any mold growth and perform cleanup and repairs. They can also help salvage your damaged belongings.