Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
How to Get Rid of a Bad Odor in Your Car
4/5/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills was called out by a local car dealership to clean the inside of this car before starting repairs
A bad odor in your car can become extremely bothersome because more than likely you drive your car every single day. There are endless causes for a bad smell in your car, however, when getting rid of the odor there are less possibilities.
Common suggestions for getting rid of an odor in your car are to vacuum the upholstery, sprinkling baking soda on the are where the smell seems to be coming from, leaving a chunk of charcoal in there for a few days, or using a natural deodorizer. If none of those take care of the odor, that is when you need to call in a professional cleaning company like us and let our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians take care of your vehicle.
We use specific machinery and chemicals to safely and effectively remove odors after identifying the source. We have many methods of deodorizing a space including ozone machines, chemical solvents, and even as far as professional upholstery and carpet cleaning.
If you have an odor in your home, business, or vehicle call us at (248) 427-1500
Spring Cleaning
3/14/2024 (Permalink)
Before and after photos of a finished basement after technicians cleaned up
Spring is right around the corner here in Michigan and for most that means spring cleaning! Maybe you finally cleaned out the catch all closet and need it scrubbed down floor to ceiling? Or you hauled all that old unused furniture to the curb and the carpet underneath was disgusting? Well, the typical homeowner will probably cover the basics with dusting, mopping, vacuuming, throwing things away here and there, making the infamous ‘donate’ pile and wiping down surfaces and furniture. However, sometimes your spring-cleaning needs go a little deeper than that.
Our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians can do the dirty work for you no matter how bad the situation. Here are just a few ways we can help you:
- We have specially formulated SERVPRO chemicals
- We use green products safe for pets
- HEPA vacuuming
- Carpet Deodorization and cleaning
- Ozone Machine for strong odors
- Using reach poles to clean tall ceilings
- Washing walls/moldings/baseboard etc.
- Floor cleaning
- Trash out/de-cluttering services
Get a head start on your spring cleaning today and call us at (248) 427-1500
Spring Cleaning
3/9/2023 (Permalink)
Before and after photos of a finished basement after technicians cleaned up.
Spring is right around the corner here in Michigan and for most that means spring cleaning! Maybe you finally cleaned out the catch all closet and need it scrubbed down floor to ceiling? Or you hauled all that old unused furniture to the curb and the carpet underneath was disgusting? Well, the typical homeowner will probably cover the basics with dusting, mopping, vacuuming, throwing things away here and there, making the infamous ‘donate’ pile and wiping down surfaces and furniture. However, sometimes your spring-cleaning needs go a little deeper than that.
Our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians can do the dirty work for you no matter how bad the situation. Here are just a few ways we can help you:
- We have specially formulated SERVPRO chemicals
- We use green products safe for pets
- HEPA vacuuming
- Carpet Deodorization and cleaning
- Ozone Machine for strong odors
- Using reach poles to clean tall ceilings
- Washing walls/moldings/baseboard etc.
- Floor cleaning
- Trash out/de-cluttering services
Get a head start on your spring cleaning today and call us at (248) 427-1500
How to Get Rid of a Bad Odor in Your Car
11/29/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills was called out by a local car dealership to clean the inside of this car before starting repairs
A bad odor in your car can become extremely bothersome because more than likely you drive your car every single day. There are endless causes for a bad smell in your car, however, when getting rid of the odor there are less possibilities.
Common suggestions for getting rid of an odor in your car are to vacuum the upholstery, sprinkling baking soda on the are where the smell seems to be coming from, leaving a chunk of charcoal in there for a few days, or using a natural deodorizer. If none of those take care of the odor, that is when you need to call in a professional cleaning company like us and let our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians take care of your vehicle.
We use specific machinery and chemicals to safely and effectively remove odors after identifying the source. We have many methods of deodorizing a space including ozone machines, chemical solvents, and even as far as professional upholstery and carpet cleaning.
If you have an odor in your home, business, or vehicle call us at (248) 427-1500
Cleaning Up Mold in the Basement
9/8/2022 (Permalink)
Your nose knows. One of the first indicators that mold or water damage is present is a musty or stale smell. Contact SERVPRO for restoration help.
Basements have the possibility of water seeping in from outside. Many homeowners use their unfinished basements for storage. Basements provide some of the most ideal conditions for mold to form. They are cool, damp, and dark. When ugly stains appear on the lower portion of a foundation wall it could be a sign of larger problems.
As seen in this before and after, dark black/gray stains are a sign of mold. Mold typically thrives in damp, humid areas. If you suspect mold in your basement, the first step is to identify and correct the source of the water problem. If you have mold in an area in your basement that is larger than 10 square feet, you should not attempt to clean it up yourself. The best way to remove mold is to call SERVPRO to inspect the area and develop a plan of action to remove the mold safely.
What to Do:
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.
If you have any questions about Mold, do not hesitate to Contact Us directly.
What to do About Mold in Your Attic
8/11/2022 (Permalink)
Before and after a mold clean-up in a Lake Orion attic
Any home or business attic can fall victim to mold if a source of water is present. All it takes is a small water leak or excess humidity for mold to form in your home or business attic. During Michigan’s rainy season leaky roofs are very common, however, the important thing is to not let them go unaddressed. Mold can spread throughout your property in as little as 48 hours, so it is imperative that you frequently check your attic for signs of moisture or a leak in your roof. Mold can produce allergies and irritants to not only humans but pets as well, so if you suspect an issue, have an odor, or see visible growth call SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills to inspect your attic.
The mold remediation process we use is quick and efficient to make sure we stop the spreading as soon as we can. Here is a breakdown of the steps we use during mold remediation:
- Connect with the home or business owner and their insurance company
- Inspection and mold damage assessment of the structure and belongings
- Mold Containment (to prevent spreading to unaffected areas)
- Air Filtration & HEPA Vacuuming
- Removal of mold and mold-infested materials
- Spraying area with Antimicrobial (which is safe for humans and animals)
- Cleaning the contents in the space
If you believe you have a mold issue, call the trained technicians of SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills at (248) 427-1500
April Showers Bring May Flowers (and Flooded Basements)
4/19/2022 (Permalink)
Heavy rainfall caused water damage to this basement resulting in the removal of carpet and saturated contents.
As any Michigander knows, springtime means heavy rainfall for us. The April showers may bring May flowers and nice weather; however, it can also flood basements for a lot of homeowners. Most homeowners who have experienced or are prone to flooding in their basement may take some cautionary steps like waterproofing, gutter maintenance, proper landscaping, inspecting and repairing foundation cracks, sump pump maintenance, and even installing window well covers, however, heavy rainfall can cause your basement to flood despite all of it.
Basements can flood at any time, but primarily after winter moving into spring when we have a lot of rain combined with the ground thawing. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.
Most homeowners’ first reaction when their basement floods is to panic and start trying to clean it up themselves, granted if it’s a tiny bit in a small area you may be able to, but typically the problem is too large for you to handle. That is where our water-certified SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians come in. We are a 24-hour Emergency Service that can effectively work with you and your insurance company to extract the water, dry out the structure, demo any damaged materials such as wet walls and flooring, as well as assess and potentially restore any contents you may have in your basement.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
Spring Cleaning
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
Before and after photos of a finished basement after technicians cleaned up.
Spring is right around the corner here in Michigan and for most that means spring cleaning! Maybe you finally cleaned out the catch all closet and need it scrubbed down floor to ceiling? Or you hauled all that old unused furniture to the curb and the carpet underneath was disgusting? Well, the typical homeowner will probably cover the basics with dusting, mopping, vacuuming, throwing things away here and there, making the infamous ‘donate’ pile and wiping down surfaces and furniture. However, sometimes your spring-cleaning needs go a little deeper than that.
Our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians can do the dirty work for you no matter how bad the situation. Here are just a few ways we can help you:
- We have specially formulated SERVPRO chemicals
- We use green products safe for pets
- HEPA vacuuming
- Carpet Deodorization and cleaning
- Ozone Machine for strong odors
- Using reach poles to clean tall ceilings
- Washing walls/moldings/baseboard etc.
- Floor cleaning
- Trash out/de-cluttering services
Get a head start on your spring cleaning today and call us at (248) 427-1500
What is a Trash Out?
1/5/2022 (Permalink)
This condo in Oakland County had several years of trash piled up throughout the unit that needed to be removed.
Our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians pride themselves on being able to "clean up anything you don’t want to" whether you had a disaster affect your home or not. There are plenty of common and uncommon reasons you would need what we call a trash-out, we have seen and dealt with them all.
For instance, if you have a home or basement full of wet or just plain unwanted things, we can haul that away for you. If you are a rental homeowner and a tenant left a ton of trash in your rental property, we can take that away for you and clean the home. If there is an elderly or physically handicapped person you may know that can not take care of their home and let things pile up, we can take care of that for them. The possibilities are endless, and we have the ability to deal with hazardous material being that we have access to personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you need our experienced SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technician's help, call (248) 427-1500.
New Technology: The ESPORTA iS4000 Soft Contents Washing Machine
11/29/2021 (Permalink)
The ESPORTA iS4000 machine in our warehouse in Farmington Hills, MI
Restore, don't replace!
At SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills, we're always staying up to date with the latest and greatest technology. Our ESPORTA iS4000 soft contents washing machine is capable of removing deep soot and mold from soft contents such as clothing, bedding, stuffed animals, purses, shoes, hats, and more!
This machine is great at restoring items that a commercial washing machine cannot handle. After a fire or water damage, items that seem to be a total loss or unsalvageable can now be restored instead of replaced. Replacing sentimental items after a fire is devastating. With new ESPORTA technology, you no longer have to worry about losing irreplaceable items.
Smelly sports equipment? We can help!
Not only can the ESPORTA iS4000 restore damaged soft contents, but it is also extremely beneficial at sanitizing and removing those stinky odors from sports equipment.
Are you interested in having your sports team's equipment cleaned and sanitized? Give us a call today for a free quote or head to Facebook and send us a direct message.
248-427-1500
September is National Preparedness Month!
9/9/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO National Preparedness Month 2021
It’s time to review and renew your strategies for when disasters strike. Whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, it’s important to make sure you have a plan in place in case of emergencies. Our crew at SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills wants to help educate and prepare you to make the best decisions for your family and employees. This year for national preparedness month, Ready.Gov highlights 4 main themes. The first theme this month is Make a Plan.
Ready.Gov has a list of possible disasters and emergencies that might have never crossed your mind such as household chemical emergencies. Check out https://www.ready.gov/september to see the full list to see which emergencies and disasters could possibly affect your area.
There are three steps to consider while making a plan:
- Discuss important questions with your family or employees such as:
- Where will I shelter?
- Where is my local evacuation route?
- Is my emergency preparedness kit updated?
- Consider specific needs in your household
- Every family has different needs. This means that you should account for pets, children, the elderly, disabilities, cultural/language barriers, and dietary needs in your emergency plan.
- Fill out a family emergency plan by clicking on this link: https://www.ready.gov/plan
- Practice your plan with your family or employees.
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills is here for you 24/7, 365 days a year when disaster strikes. Call us today to see how we can further help you and your employees or family with getting and staying prepared.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more tips on how to stay prepared!
(248) 427-1500
Flooded Basement?
8/12/2021 (Permalink)
Heavy rainfall in Metro Detroit causes this basement to flood. Carpet and furniture got wet and had to be dried
As any Michigander knows, springtime means heavy rainfall for us. The April showers may bring May flowers and nice weather; however, it can also flood basements for a lot of homeowners. Most homeowners who have experienced or are prone to flooding in their basement may take some cautionary steps like waterproofing, gutter maintenance, proper landscaping, inspecting and repairing foundation cracks, sump pump maintenance, and even installing window well covers, however, heavy rainfall can cause your basement to flood despite all of it.
Basements can flood at any time, but primarily after winter moving into spring when we have a lot of rain combined with the ground thawing. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.
Most homeowner’s first reaction when their basement floods is to panic and start trying to clean it up themselves, granted if it’s a tiny bit in a small area you may be able to, but typically the problem is too large for you to handle. That is where our water-certified SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians come in. We are a 24-hour Emergency Service that can effectively work with you and your insurance company to extract the water, dry out the structure, demo any damaged materials such as wet walls and flooring, as well as assess and potentially restore any contents you may have in your basement.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
How to Get Rid of a Bad Smell in Your Car
4/21/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills was called out by a local car dealership to clean the inside of this car before starting repairs
A bad odor in your car can become extremely bothersome because more than likely you drive your car every single day. There are endless causes for a bad smell in your car, however, when getting rid of the odor there are less possibilities.
Common suggestions for getting rid of an odor in your car are to vacuum the upholstery, sprinkling baking soda on the are where the smell seems to be coming from, leaving a chunk of charcoal in there for a few days, or using a natural deodorizer. If none of those take care of the odor, that is when you need to call in a professional cleaning company like us and let our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians take care of your vehicle.
We use specific machinery and chemicals to safely and effectively remove odors after identifying the source. We have many methods of deodorizing a space including ozone machines, chemical solvents, and even as far as professional upholstery and carpet cleaning.
If you have an odor in your home, business, or vehicle call us at (248) 427-1500
Another Great Review For SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills
3/4/2021 (Permalink)
The hardworking SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills crew suited up in PPE and ready to go!
We love hearing from our customers - this thoughtful review details how hardworking and awesome our crew is!
“We had a sewage backup in our basement that caused the whole basement to have to be emptied, deep cleaned, sanitized, remediated for mold, the drywall to be removed, and the full tile bathroom to be removed. They came in within a day of us filing our insurance claim and helped us understand that they COULD start the remediation right away, bit it was Saturday and premium rates. So, right away we knew that they were not just there to make a buck, but that they were trying to help us through an awful situation.
The whole team from our initial contact with Colt, through to James, William, Alex and their whole remediation/cleaning, demolition team; to Jeanne were amazing. They were all efficient, punctual, professional, and kind.
Jeanne helped me so much in going through the things that were damaged. She “got” how hard the loss of some of the things were for me and didn’t back away when I melted down crying because of the loss of some things that I thought were irreparable. She helped me know what to do to take care of some of the things we could do ourselves; told me honestly when something needed to be gotten rid of; and encouraged me all the way along. She was a GOD SEND in helping me through that part.
James and his whole team were amazing. They arrived when they said they would; they were kind, professional, gracious, and efficient; they knew their business; and they answered every question and concern we had. They worked SO very hard to put our basement back to a basic, sanitized space where we can now begin rebuilding. My only regret is that I don’t know the names of the entire team to be able to tell them all thank you and WELL DONE! They made this difficult time for us easier because we knew we didn’t have to worry about them”
-Rachael R.
Farmington Hills, MI
How to Handle a Roof Leak
1/4/2021 (Permalink)
A roof leak caused damage to the drywall ceiling in Waterford, Michigan
During the rainy season in Michigan two of the worst words a home or business owner can hear are ‘roof leak.’ With spring fast approaching there a few tips we would like to share with you about identifying the source area in the beginning, all the way to the leak potentially becoming an emergency.
First things first, here are a few of the many places water typically comes through your roof:
- Worn, broken, or missing shingles
- Where nails have worked loose
- Corroded or poorly sealed roof flashing around vents, skylights, or chimneys
- Along the intersections of roof planes
Along with being a major inconvenience, a roof leak can cause serious problems for businesses and homeowners. They can ruin insulation, become a home for black mold to spread, damage interior ceilings and walls, rot the wooden framing, and above all – ruin your belongings.
Here are a few things to check up on that will cause your roof to leak:
- The age of your roof
- Brick chimneys
- Flashing
- Missing shingles
- Vent Boot/Pipe flashing
- Holes
- Complex roof architecture
- Clogged gutters
- Skylights
- Shiners/missing nail
A roof leak during a storm can become a major emergency, especially in a rainy Michigan spring. However, after the storm is a whole other ballgame and that is where we, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills, come in. If water has affected the structure or contents of your home due to a leaky roof, we can work with you and your insurance company to clean up the mess as well assess and potentially restore your home as quickly as possible.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
The Esporta Wash System
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
Esporta IS4000 Wash Machine System
The Esporta Wash System Capabilities
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills has a leading edge soft contents washing machine known as the Esporta. The Esporta is capable of bringing mold, fire, or water damaged contents back to life! Our primary goal with this machine is to restore your contents rather than replace them. Oftentimes, what has been damaged in a fire or water loss cannot be replaced and that's why this machine is so great!
What can be cleaned:
- Purses
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Stuffed Animals
- Linens
- Bedding
- Pillows
- Leathers
- Furs
- Hats
- & More!
The Process:
After our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians are called out to a job, whether it be commercial or residential, a contents specialist will evaluate all the soft goods and determine what can be restored. Then, it will be packed up and brought back to our warehouse to undergo the cleaning process. In the final steps, the items will be boxed up and returned good as new!
Advanced Drying Equipment
7/15/2020 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills we use many different types of drying equipment and techniques to dry out your home or business in the event of a water damage. Our technicians are able to assess and understand how to mitigate a number of flooring, wall types, and other surfaces to make sure that you are receiving the most efficient and effective service during a stressful situation. We use industry-specific fans and air movers, alongside the newest technology called the HP Plus Floor Drying Package, which is a floor mat drying system.
The HP Plus Floor Drying Package is used to dry hidden areas of moisture in and under flooring including wood flooring, marble, tile, subfloor, etc. The system's panels can also be used to dry plaster walls and other dense materials. So, before you worry about a custom floor in your home or business or think that any of the flooring or walls can’t be dried, let our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians assess your situation and see if the floor mat drying system can help you.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
What is a Trash Out?
6/26/2020 (Permalink)
This condo in Oakland County had several years of trash piled up throughout the unit that needed to be removed.
Our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians pride themselves on being able to "clean up anything you don’t want to" whether you had a disaster affect your home or not. There are plenty of common and uncommon reasons you would need what we call a trash-out, we have seen and dealt with them all.
For instance, if you have a home or basement full of wet or just plain unwanted things, we can haul that away for you. If you are a rental homeowner and a tenant left a ton of trash in your rental property, we can take that away for you and clean the home. If there is an elderly or physically handicapped person you may know that can not take care of their home and let things pile up, we can take care of that for them. The possibilities are endless, and we have the ability to deal with hazardous material being that we have access to personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you need our experienced SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians help, call (248) 427-1500.
Everyday is Earth Day at SERVPRO!
4/22/2020 (Permalink)
This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills takes great pride in providing effective and environmentally safe cleaning products for use in your home or business to ensure that when disaster strikes, you won’t have to worry about the safety and health of your family, pets, or employees. SERVPRO® Industries, Inc. is a member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative. As a member company, SERVPRO® can access the listing known formally as CleanGredients. The EPA/DFE has established a set of criteria for formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Here are a few examples of some Green Cleaning Products we use:
- #249 Window Green Clean
- #250 All Surface Green Clean
- #251 Carpet and Upholstery Green Clean
These products have a pH neutral formula that contains no solvents, dyes, or fragrances, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional household cleaners. They are considered safe, non-toxic, phosphate-free, and rapidly bio-degradable.
We know how important it is to feel comfortable and safe in your home or business when disaster strikes, and with our environmentally safe products, we hope to take that stress off you.
To learn more or if you are seeking services, call our technicians today at (248) 427-1500!
We are Cleaning Experts
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
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 performs 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 today – SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills, 248-427-1500
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Winter Threats to Your Farmington Hills, Michigan Home
1/2/2020 (Permalink)
Extensive water damage from frozen pipes to a home in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
The sudden drops in temperature that occur during the winter months in the Metro Detroit area can present many hazards and potential concerns for your property.
While many of the homeowners throughout Michigan are familiar with the damage freezing temperatures can do, situations continue to occur every year such as frozen water pipes bursting. SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills is professionally trained and certified to clean up the water damages where the plumbing or structural integrity has become compromised by the harsh winter conditions.
Of the multiple negative effects freezing temperatures could have on your Farmington Hills residence, the primary concern is frozen pipes. Many scenarios could allow for your indoor plumbing or outdoor service line leading to the main water supply line for the street to become adversely affected by the elements and steep drops in temperature. Understanding how this situation could occur can help you remain mindful of the possibility throughout the colder months.
Poorly insulated pipes are a common culprit to this situation, our SERVPRO professionals discover during their initial inspection of a water-damaged property. Once water within a pipe freezes, the flow gets blocked to the fixtures and ceases to flow. The trapped water dammed by the freezing builds pressure until the pipe bursts as a result. Once this occurs, it can often be a high volume of water released into the wall cavities of your home, into your basement or crawlspace, or wherever plumbing could have gotten installed. The rapid spreading of pressurized water can be devastating.
When our SERVPRO team of professionals arrives on the scene, we can utilize leak detection and moisture detection equipment to determine where our mitigation work should begin to repair the damaged pipe and remove affected drywall and other construction materials too saturated to preserve. A plumber may be needed to fix the pipe system damage.
Frozen pipes continue to be a severe concern for the Metro Detroit area homeowners throughout the winter months. Poor insulation or exposed pipes remain susceptible to these falling temperatures, and if you have a line break, you can count on our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills' rapid response team to help clean up the mess and dry out the damage. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (248) 427-1500.
The Esporta Wash System
11/25/2019 (Permalink)
Esporta IS4000 Wash Machine System
The Esporta Wash System Capabilities
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills has a leading edge soft contents washing machine known as the Esporta. The Esporta is capable of bringing mold, fire, or water damaged contents back to life! Our primary goal with this machine is to restore your contents rather than replace them. Often times, what has been damaged in a fire or water loss cannot be replaced and that's why this machine is so great!
What can be cleaned:
- Purses
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Stuffed Animals
- Linens
- Bedding
- Pillows
- Leathers
- Furs
- Hats
- & More!
The Process:
After our SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians are called out to a job, whether it be commercial or residential, a contents specialist will evaluate all the soft goods and determine what can be restored. Then, it will be packed up and brought back to our warehouse to undergo the cleaning process. In the final steps, the items will be boxed up and returned good as news!
How Does SERVPRO Handle Your Belongings?
4/24/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians packed out all of the belongings after a water loss.
In the event of a disaster in your home, whether it be water, fire, mold, or sewage, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills will be there to take care of all your personal belongings alongside the home itself. When we come into your home to do mitigation, we may require something called a Pack-Out, meaning we assess and carefully pack up the contents of your home that do not need to be disposed of.
During a pack-out we will address if the contents of your home including furniture, need to be cleaned – meaning they were affected by the type of loss you had, stored only – meaning unaffected, or disposed of – meaning they are affected beyond repair.
During a pack-out we use an industry specific software to categorize and photo inventory your belongings, that way we can provide the list to you and your insurance company/adjuster to review. This is also to ensure that once your contents are brought to our climate-controlled facility, we can pull any items or boxes that you would like back sooner than others by way of the software showing us exactly where it’s at and what it’s labeled as.
We try to make the devastation of a disaster in your home easier on you by making sure the process of a pack-out is painless from start to finish.
Call our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians at (248) 427-1500
Sewage Cleanup
3/26/2019 (Permalink)
Sewage clean up before and after photo of a residential bathroom in Birmingham
Have you ever been faced with a mess that you don’t want to or don’t know how to clean up? Our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians completely understand that and are ready to swoop in 24/7 – 365 to help tackle any disaster.
For example, maybe you have faced an unsanitary issue in the home of someone you know, whether it be someone elderly, family, friend, or neighbor, and you are unsure how to clean up or how to help them. SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills technicians have the proper equipment, tools, professionalism and processes to clean up and help whomever it is in the most efficient way possible - taking the worry off you.
We will work with you, the homeowner or tenant, as well as the insurance company to cover all the bases in cleaning the home. We use specially formulated chemicals, including disinfectants, floor cleaners, carpet cleaners and deodorizers to properly clean up an unsanitary situation. We are always prepared and take all the necessary precautions, including wearing protective gear, when faced with messes like these. Situations like these can be difficult but we are trained and ready to face them whenever you need us!
Call us today at (248) 427-1500 if you need help!
Spring Cleaning
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
Here is a before and after photo of a storage room in Livonia after our technicians cleaned up.
Spring is right around the corner here in Michigan and for most that means spring cleaning! Maybe you finally cleaned out the catch all closet and need it scrubbed down floor to ceiling? Or you hauled all that old unused furniture to the curb and the carpet underneath was disgusting? Well, the typical homeowner will probably cover the basics with dusting, mopping, vacuuming, throwing things away here and there, making the infamous ‘donate’ pile and wiping down surfaces and furniture. However, sometimes your spring-cleaning needs go a little deeper than that.
Our SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians can do the dirty work for you no matter how bad the situation. Here are just a few ways we can help you:
- We have specially formulated SERVPRO chemicals
- We use green products safe for pets
- HEPA vacuuming
- Carpet Deodorization and cleaning
- Ozone Machine for strong odors
- Using reach poles to clean t
- all ceilings
- Washing walls/moldings/baseboard etc.
- Floor cleaning
- Trash out/de-cluttering services
Get a head start on your spring cleaning today and call us at (248) 427-1500
What to Do About Mold in Your Attic
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
Mold cleanup in an attic in Lake Orion Michigan
Any home or business attic can fall victim to mold if a source of water is present. All it takes is a small water leak or excess humidity for mold to form in your Rochester home or business attic. During Michigan’s rainy season leaky roofs are very common, however, the important thing is to not let them go unaddressed. Mold can spread throughout your property in as little as 48 hours, so it is imperative that you frequently check your attic for signs of moisture or a leak in your roof. Mold can produce allergies and irritants to not only humans but pets as well, so if you suspect an issue, have an odor, or see visible growth call SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills to inspect your attic.
The mold remediation process we use is quick and efficient to make sure we stop the spreading as soon as we can. Here is a breakdown of the steps we use during mold remediation:
- Connect with the home or business owner and their insurance company
- Inspection and mold damage assessment of the structure and belongings
- Mold Containment (to prevent spreading to unaffected areas)
- Air Filtration & HEPA Vacuuming
- Removal of mold and mold infested materials
- Spraying area with Antimicrobial (which is safe for humans and animals)
- Cleaning the contents in the space
If you believe you have a mold issue, call the trained technicians of SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills at (248) 427-1500
Flooded Basement?
3/21/2019 (Permalink)
Heavy rainfall in Metro Detroit causes this basement to flood. Carpet and furniture got wet and had to be dried.
As any Michigander knows, spring time means heavy rainfall for us. The April showers may bring May flowers and nice weather; however, it can also flood basements for a lot of homeowners. Most homeowners who have experienced or are prone to flooding in their basement may take some cautionary steps like waterproofing, gutter maintenance, proper landscaping, inspecting and repairing foundation cracks, sump pump maintenance, and even installing window well covers, however, heavy rainfall can cause your basement to flood despite all of it.
Basements can flood at any time, but primarily after winter moving into spring, when we have a lot of rain combined with the ground thawing. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.
Most homeowner’s reaction when their basement floods is to panic and start trying to clean it up themselves, granted if it’s a tiny bit in a small area you may be able to, but typically the problem is too large for you to handle. That is where our water certified SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills technicians come in. We are a 24-hour Emergency Service that can effectively work with you and your insurance company to extract the water, dry out the structure, demo any damaged materials such as wet walls and flooring, as well as assess and potentially restore any contents you may have in your basement.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
How to Handle a Roof Leak?
3/15/2019 (Permalink)
Roof leak caused damage to drywall ceiling in Waterford, Michigan
During the rainy season in Michigan two of the worst words a home or business owner can hear are ‘roof leak.’ With spring fast approaching there a few tips we would like to share with you about identifying the source area in the beginning, all the way to the leak potentially becoming an emergency.
First things first, here are a few of the many places water typically comes through your roof:
- Worn, broken or missing shingles
- Where nails have worked loose
- Corroded or poorly sealed roof flashing around vents, skylights, or chimneys
- Along the intersections of roof planes
Along with being a major inconvenience, a roof leak can cause serious problems for business and homeowners. They can ruin insulation, become a home for black mold to spread, damage interior ceilings and walls, rot the wooden framing, and above all – ruin your belongings.
Here are a few things to check up on that will cause your roof to leak:
- The age of your roof
- Brick chimneys
- Flashing
- Missing shingles
- Vent Boot/Pipe flashing
- Holes
- Complex roof architecture
- Clogged gutters
- Skylights
- Shiners/missing nail
A roof leak during a storm can become a major emergency, especially in a rainy Michigan spring. However, after the storm is a whole other ballgame and that is where we, SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills, come in. If water has affected the structure or contents of your home due to a leaky roof, we can work with you and your insurance company to clean up the mess as well assess and potentially restore your home as quickly as possible.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
24/7 Emergency Service