SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque - We are here to help!

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever had a disaster in your home or business? Knowing who to call in that moment, can be a challenge. With so many Restoration and Mitigation companies you might wonder who the best is to call, whether it be flooding, water, fire, mold damage, maybe you found some sort of infestation in your attic, or you’re in need of our proactive cleaning services. Rest assured that when you call SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque, you are calling upon a company with highly trained certified technicians, 24-hour emergency service, locally owned and operated, and the #1 trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque, we hold our customers at the top of our priority list, 24/7.

From the moment you contact us you’ll notice our team is different from others.  We handle every claim with the utmost care and professionalism. You’re not just another job for us to complete. We understand how devastating it can be to endure such a disruption, it can be a very stressful time and our job is to make it as painless and time efficient as possible. We are here to make it “Like it never even happened."

Do you know the differences in Water Damage Categories?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

In this blog I will explaining the categories of water in regards to mitigation restoration.  This information can be very helpful if you were to ever have a flood. There are 3 categories of water damages.

Category 1 is sanitary water which does not pose substantial risk. This is also known as clean water and includes water that comes from broken pipes, water supply lines, bathtubs or sinks that have overflowed, and various appliance issues.  However, once sanitary water leaves the exit point, it may not remain sanitary.  Once it comes into contact with others surfaces or other materials that contain contaminates it is then also contaminated. 

Category 2 is water that is significantly contaminated and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if anyone comes into contact or if it is consumed by humans.  This category involves “grey water” which is water from sinks, washing machines, or an aquarium.

Category 3 is water that is grossly contaminated and can serious health effects. This water is also known as “black water” and is usually from sewage, rising flood waters, seawater, river, or ground water.  This category requires PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Porous materials will need to be removed and properly disposed of.  Carpet and padding will always need to be torn out and replaced. 

Any category of water damage can be result in a stressful time. Get a professional to clean it up in a quickly and efficiently.  The most important part of all of this is the safety of our customers and their families. If you ever have a water damage, please give SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque a call at (505)503-8627 we will make it “Like it never even happened."

Why to choose SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque we are always excited to help our customers and we prioritize the expectation that our customer has for us and make sure we exceed them. It can be difficult to trust someone to go into your home and clean-up and restore something that has already caused a catastrophe. We take pride with our business therefore we will provide what is best to our customers to the best of our knowledge. We use professional cleaning supplies to get deep into disinfecting and cleaning.

We, as a team, also make sure to look clean and have our equipment and vans looking sharp and ready to go. We are always putting our best foot forward in providing outstanding customer service and completing the job as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We strive to be the best we can at all times and it does not matter if it is day, night, weekday, or weekend we are here to create a “Like it never even happened," experience.

Don't forget to call SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque at (505)503-8627 for all your Cleanup and restoration needs we are always here to help!

Risk Factors of Self Mold Remediation

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is best left to the professionals who can bring the proper tools and have the educated experience.  Improper mold remediation can result in the home becoming a hazard to the homeowner’s health.  Even with the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) there is still potential for exposure. 

Adding to the risk of improperly removing mold could cause large amount of spores, which are not seen by the naked eye, to circulate throughout the home.  The microscopic spores can potentially grow into new infestations and could potentially start the cycle of remediation all over again. 

During the process of the mold remediation most DYI jobs do not have the proper equipment or protection.  If you’re not using the proper equipment and not using them with proper techniques, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. 

To save yourself trouble and protect the health of not only yourself but your family, leave remediation up to the professionals.  If you find yourself in a situation where your home needs remediation call SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque at (505) 503-8627 where we are the professionals with the experience and training to help in a time of need. 

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Detectors in your home can save lives.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm in every sleeping area and at least one working smoke alarm on every level.  Smoke alarms are such an important tool in preventing a tragic incident.

A smoke alarm is a detector that detects smoke in an area and makes an extremely loud annoying noise to warn a person there is smoke in the area and needs attention immediately.  This is so important in case you or your loved ones are asleep in any part of the home everyone can be alerted. 

Some safety tips when it comes to smoke alarms are to test all smoke alarms in the home at least once a month to make sure they are operating properly.  Smoke alarms should be either on the ceiling or high on a wall.  Larger homes may need extra alarms.  For people who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special smoke alarms with strobe lights or bed shakers to notify them of smoke in the area.  Smoke alarms are such an important part of a home fire escape plan.

If you or someone you know needs mitigation, remediation, or reconstruction is needed please contact us at (505) 503-8627.  SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque is here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help make it "Like it never even happened."    

Carpet Cleaning

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

When was the last time you had your carpet cleaned?  It is one thing to vacuum your carpet to keep them clean and keep up the appearance of your home.   But it is another, to have your carpets professionally cleaned is so much more than appearance, it can help with health benefits.  Carpet can retain several sources of pollutants, dander, allergens, and everyday dirt and dust. There is different methods of carpet cleaning and different levels of aggressiveness. 

Bonnet Cleaning is the least aggressive cleaning method and is usually used for areas that are lightly soiled.  This method is the most effective on low-cut pile or low-level carpets.  How this method works is the carpets are sprayed lightly with one of SERVPRO’s professional cleaning products.  A roto with an absorbent pad attached to the drive block is then used to agitate and absorb the dissolved soils.  Bonnet cleaned carpets are dry within 30 minutes to an hour. 

Hot Water Extraction is considered to be effective for light to moderate soil levels. A portable extractor or a truck mount is used in the hot water extraction process. The cleaning product is then heated and pumped through a solution heater, and pressure pump, and then is introduced to the carpet through the hose to the carpet wand.   Extracted cleaning wastes are collected in a waste holding tank. Some extractors have pump-out systems enabling cleaning waste to be pumped directly into a toilet or other access to the sewer system. This speeds up production since you do not have to stop and empty the waste recovery tank. Hot Water Extraction cleaned carpets usually dry in 6-12 hours. 

Deluxe Precondition and Rinse is effective in moderate to heavy soiling.  As in hot water extraction, a portable or truck mount extractor is used. However, in the deluxe preconditioner and rinse process, the cleaning product, Pre-Spray & Traffic Lane Cleaner, is sprayed onto the carpet and allowed to dwell from 10 to 15 minutes before extraction. The additional dwell time is one of the reasons this method is a restorative method.  After proper dwell time, the pre-spray along with the dissolved and emulsified soils are rinsed and extracted from the carpet with plain water or a solution of Fabric Rinse and Color Set.  Deluxe Precondition and Rise cleaned carpets usually dry in 6-12 hours. 

Rotary Jet Extraction is the same as the deluxe preconditioner and rinse method except the RX-20 is used instead of a carpet wand. The additional agitation provided by the RX-20 improves cleaning and makes this method very effective in heavy soiling conditions.  Rotary jet extraction is faster and less tiring for the operator than using a carpet wand.  Rotary Jet Extraction cleaned carpet usually drys in 6-12 hours.

Show Case is effective in the heaviest of soil conditions and is mostly used in fire damage restoration.  This is a two-step process – cleaning the carpet twice.  First shampoo the carpet with the roto. Showcase Cleaner and Rinse acts as a water softener and improves emulsion of greasy soils. A critical aspect of adding Showcase Cleaner and Rinse to the shampoo is to make it easier to rinse out the soils and residues. The Showcase method is safe for all generations of nylon carpets.  Showcase cleaned carpets are usually dry in 4-6 hours.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque today (505) 503-8627 to schedule your carpet cleaning.

Experts In Cleaning

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

We know that the global coronavirus pandemic has been hard on all of us.  SERVPRO would like to remind our customers and the community that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque has incorporated specialized training.  We are prepared to clean and disinfect residential or commercial establishments according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  SERVPRO has many years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants.  We go above and beyond the scope of work that a normal janitorial service performs on a daily basis. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque adheres to CDC guidelines of cleaning of high-touched 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 includes but is not limited to kitchen/food areas, bathrooms, schools/classrooms, offices, retail space, water fountains, shelving/racks, sales counters, carpets/rugs, handrails, elevator, escalators, playground equipment, fitness equipment, or specialized equipment.

The CDC recommends usage of 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 not currently a specific product tested against the strains of coronavirus, SERVPRO follows all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

If you or someone you know needs a COVID cleaning and sanitation, please call the experts at SERVPRO of Northwest of Albuquerque at (505) 503-8627.  There is no job too big or too small we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Are you taking precautions with your holiday lighting?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tree Lighting

The holiday season is such an exciting and magical time of year. This time of year also comes with additional risks such as holiday lighting.  Lighting is subject to be a fire risk that can quickly take a home if precautions are not taken.  Whether it be Christmas trees, outdoor lights, or candles there is some precautions that can help lessen the risks of a fire starting.

When it comes to precautions for Christmas trees you should always check each set of lights for wear and tear, such as broken or cracked lights and inspect the cords and sockets for damages.  Be sure that the lights you are using are tested for safety and rated for indoor use.  Never put lights on a metallic Christmas tree to avoid the risk of electric shock.  Turn off all Christmas lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving home.  And finally make sure that your electrical cords and tree lights are protected to keep pets from chewing on them.

When handling outdoor lighting be sure that all outdoor lights are rated for exterior use.  Always secure the lights to trees, houses, walls, or another source that is firmly supported to protect from wind damage.  It is important to remember not to attach with nails or staples as they can easily cut through the protective wire insulation and start a fire.  Take exterior lights down within 90 days to prevent weather damage hazards or critters chewing through wires.  Did you know that when lights get tangled together it causes damage to the cords and the sockets?   There is a way to take down your exterior lights to store them properly.  To prevent your lights from getting tangled you can wrap them around an appropriately sized piece of cardboard, cover them in fabric or plastic, and carefully place them in a sturdy container until you are ready to use them again.

Finally let’s talk about candles.  When you decorate your tree, you should never place real candles in your tree, you should always use battery operated/flameless/LED candles.  If you do use real candles for decorating other areas you should always follow safety guidelines such as: keeping candles away from any flammable object like decorations or drapes, never burn candles near trees or greenery, always keep burning candles within sight, place candles where they can not be knocked or blown over, only use non-flammable candle holders, and extinguish ALL candles before going to bed, leaving a room, or leaving your home. 

Even with precautions there is always a chance of a fire starting so please keep in mind that SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you are in a situation where mitigation, remediation, or reconstruction is needed please contact us at (505) 503-8627.    SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season from our family to yours.

Fire Remediation

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can take seconds to destroy everything in its path.  When a fire does occur whether it be large or small, the effects can be so devastating.  The remediation process can be much more stressful than you would like.  One of the cons of a fire remediation project is that it can take time and patience.  Understanding the process and timeline can help eliminate some worry and stress.

When a fire occurs it is normally not just fire remediation that is needed, but also can include water and smoke mitigation.  Depending on the severity of the fire, there may be structural damages that require the property to need an emergency board up service.  This is to protect the structure from secondary damages from the outside elements. 

Fire damage clean up includes but is not limited to; removing debris, removing any standing water, mitigating water damage, removing all the smoke particles, removing soot accumulation in the home and HVAC system, as well as handling damaged contents.

There are things you can do to help remove the chances of secondary damages occurring after the property has been released as safe for reentry.  Limit the amount of movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading. Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, high traffic areas, and upholstery to help protect it.  Coat chrome faucets, trimmings, and appliances with jelly or oil.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.  Do not wash walls or painted services as it only smears the soot. Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.  Do not clean any electrical equipment.  Do not send any clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If you or anyone you know finds themselves in need of Fire Mitigation services, please call SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque at 505-503-8627.  Our professionals provide timely response mitigation services and ensure your property, belongings, and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.  “Like it never happened.”

How to Winterize!

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

How to Winterize!

Winter arrives quickly and the temperature rapidly drop.  A lot of people ask, "how do you know how to prepare for a freeze?"  Some people think preparation isn’t necessarily needed.  Plumbing is very susceptible to freezing and commonly bursts with cold temperatures.  When pipes burst this can turn into a very costly situation. 

There is a course of action that can be taken to help in preparation for risks of having pipes freeze and burst.

You should inspect your home or business for any exposed water or drain piping that are in non-insulated areas such as a crawlspaces, attics, or exterior walls.  To help the piping in these areas from freezing you should insulate them with foam insulation or wrap them with electrical heating tape.  

Any exterior faucets should be inspected, and the water supply should be turned off inside the house.  Garden hoses should be disconnected from outdoor faucets.  The excess water should be drained from the opening of the exterior faucet.  There are insulated covers to go over these exterior faucets and can be purchased at your local hardware store.  

Some things to help eliminate risks of pipes freezing on the interior of the home is opening doors under your sinks to promote warm air circulation.  Circulate the water in your home by placing at least one sink in the home on a slow drip.  Keep the temperature in your home warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  

If you do run into a broken or leaking pipe, shut the water supply off immediately.  Doing this will help prevent further additional damage.  

Give SERVPRO of Northwest Albuquerque a call for all your Water Damage Restoration needs at (505) 503-8627.