Musty Smell After A Storm? | Manassas

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

For a general understanding of what is considered "mold" and what to be concerned about, read this article taken from the National Institute of Health Sciences. For More information, go to https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/mold/index.cfm

Molds are microscopic organisms that play an important role in the breakdown of plant and animal matter. Outdoors, molds can be found in shady, damp areas, or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoor molds can grow on virtually any surface, as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present. When molds are disturbed, they release tiny cells called spores into the surrounding air.

How do people get exposed to mold?

People are exposed to molds every day and everywhere, at home, at work, at school, both indoors and out. Molds are generally not harmful to healthy humans.

Inhalation is considered the primary way that people are exposed to mold. Mold spores and fragments can become airborne and get into the air we breathe. People may also be exposed to mold through the skin. Workers should be properly protected with safety equipment when remediating, or cleaning up mold after a disaster. In some cases, people may be exposed to mold through their diet.

What are the most common forms of mold?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common indoor molds are:

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Aspergillus
• Alternaria
• Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold)

What can I do to get rid of mold in my home?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), residents can do any of the following to prevent, and or get rid of, mold in their homes:

• Keep your house clean and dry.
• Fix water problems, such as roof leaks, wet basements, and leaking pipes or faucets.
• Make sure your home is well ventilated, and always use ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
• If possible, keep humidity in your house below 50 percent, by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
• Avoid using carpeting in areas of the home that may become wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Dry floor mats regularly.

Christmas Safety Tips | Manassas

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday decorating:

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. The recommendation is at least 3 feet away.
• Make sure to water your live trees on a regular basis.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Before heading out, or to bed:

• Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Not So Fun Facts

• More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
• More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

And Remember, SERVPRO of Manassas is here if the unfortunate happens 703-656-9028.

Avoid a Winter Water Emergency in Your Manassas Home

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

Winter weather can be a stunning sight to behold. The beauty of snowflakes falling and blankets of white snow covering our town can be breathtaking. But while this weather might be lovely, it also brings an increased danger of water damage to your property.

The accumulation of snow and ice surrounding your home is a water emergency waiting to happen.

Winter’s effects don't have to put your property at risk for water damage. You can take in its beauty while keeping in mind some of the ways that winter weather might cause a water crisis.

Check Your Gutters

• When it comes to protecting your property from the effects of winter weather, your gutters are a crucial tool. When your gutters are clogged with debris or ice, water can leak down and ruin your roof, basement and foundation. Due to restricted water flow, clogged gutters also increase the risk of an ice dam forming around your home.
• Make sure your gutters are free of any leftover fall debris like leaves and twigs to allow water to flow smoothly away from your home. If you find your gutters are frozen solid, hot water can help melt any ice stuck inside.

Look Out for Melting Snow

• It only takes a few inches of snow to create a water damage threat all around your property. And given that the Manassas area has been hit by some severe snowstorms in the past, we should take the time to prepare for the unexpected.
• Snow melt is a common cause of leaks in the winter. As soon as the weather begins to warm up and snow begins to melt, water can flood your foundation, leak through your roof and damage your drain pipes.
• The potential for snow melt is another reason you should keep your gutters clear of debris. As long as your gutters and downspouts are clear, melting snow will have somewhere to go! 

Protect Your Pipes

• You aren't the only one who’s freezing cold in the winter, your pipes can get really chilly, too. When the water in your pipes expands when temperatures drop, excess pressure can lead to a rupture. An unfavorable winter water emergency can result from this sudden surge of water flooding into your home.
• Keep your pipes warm and cozy by adjusting your thermostat and opening up your cabinet doors. If you are wanting to go the extra mile, insulate any exposed pipes and wrap your pipes in heat tape for added protection.

Getting Ahead of Laundry Room Leaks

11/9/2023 (Permalink)

You rely heavily on your washer and dryer to help maintain the cleanliness of you and your family. Unfortunately, a large number of homeowners are affected by water damage that started in the laundry room. Luckily, water damage that springs from this source is preventable in many such cases. Here are some SERVPRO of Manassas tips for minimizing water damage that could result from your washer:

• Set up your laundry room thoughtfully and intentionally. Make sure that there are at least three or four inches between the wall and your washer to allow adequate room for the water supply lines without placing any unnecessary tension or strain on them.
• Do not start a load before leaving. Ideally, you (or someone else) should be present in the house while the washer is running just in case something does happen. That way, you can catch any mishap right away, and minimize potential damage and further complications.
• Check your washing machine water supply lines regularly. These supply lines are the number one cause of water damage in the laundry room. Examine these lines, noting if are any blisters, cracks, bubbles, or breakage in the line. If any type of damage is present, you should replace the line immediately (preferably with a braided stainless-steel flex line). However, the general rule of thumb is that if the line is badly worn, the washer probably is too.
• Perform routine maintenance on your washer. Regularly check your washer’s drain and drain filter to make sure that they can are free from debris. A clogged drain can swiftly cause large amounts of flooding. Additionally, you should consult your washer’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding how often a plumber should inspect your appliance. This will allow you to replace and repair your washer’s parts before they break and cause a leak.

Hopefully, you found these tips helpful and are able to utilize some or all of them to protect your home. In the unfortunate event that this or any type of water damage does impact your home, SERVPRO of Manassas is fully equipped to help make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Prevent Further Damage After a Disaster

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Disasters can happen at any time, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. If you're unfortunate enough to experience a disaster, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage.

Here are some tips on how to prevent further damage after a disaster:

• Turn off the utilities. This will help to prevent further damage from water, gas, or electricity.
• Secure your property. This includes boarding up windows and doors, and removing any loose debris.
• Remove any standing water. This will help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Ventilate the area. This will help to remove moisture and prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Clean and disinfect any affected areas. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants.
• Contact a professional restoration company. If the damage is extensive, you may need to hire a professional restoration company to help you get your home or business back to normal.

SERVPRO of Manassas is a trusted leader in damage restoration. We have over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success. We're committed to providing our customers with the best possible service, and we'll do everything we can to get your property back to normal as quickly as possible.

If you've experienced a disaster, don't wait. Call SERVPRO of Manassas 703-656-9028 to get started with the prevention process. We'll be there quickly to help you keep your property safe and prevent further damage.

Here are some additional tips for preventing further damage after a disaster:

• Take pictures of the damage before you start cleaning up. This will help you document the damage and file an insurance claim.
• Keep receipts for all of your expenses related to the disaster. This will help you get reimbursed by your insurance company.
• Be patient. It may take some time to get your property back to normal.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent further damage after a disaster and get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

As you start preparing your schedule, remember, by following a few simple safety tips according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

Top safety tips

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. 

Thanksgiving fire facts

• Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the daily average. 
• Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
• Cooking causes half (53%) of all reported home fires and nearly two of every five (38%) home fire injuries, and it is a leading cause of home fire deaths (18%).
• On Thanksgiving day alone, an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires were reported to U.S fire departments in 2021, reflecting a 297 percent increase over the daily average.

How to locate your home water shut off valve..

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know where the shutoff is located and could you locate it in the case of an emergency? If not, that’s okay. Many people do not know where to locate their water and gas shut offs.

If the leak is from a sink or a toilet, it is easy to turn off the water for that line by turning the valve that is located beneath or beside the fixture.

Typically, these shut offs lie on the exterior of the home around the perimeter of the building. Once you have found the shut off, make sure that all members of your household know where it is. The quicker you are able to turn off the water, the less damage is caused. 

What if you're not sure where the leak is coming from? It could be a pipe behind your wall, under your home, or somewhere that is hard to locate. In this case, you should turn off the water to the whole house. This means locating the water main shutoff. 

Next steps? Call SERVPRO of Manassas

If you experience water damage in your home, whether from a busted pipe, leaky roof, or natural occurrence, call SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon at 703-656-9028

We are here to help 24/7.

Certified: SERVPRO of Manassas

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

We offer a wide amount of cleaning services to our Manassas residents. We take pride in ourselves on being the go-to company for your restoration needs. 

SERVPRO Cleaning Services

1. Air Ducts & HVAC
2. Trauma and Crime Scene
3. Biohazard and Sewage
4. Odor Removal and Deodorization
5. Vandalism
6. Ceilings, Walls and Floors
7. Carpet and Upholstery
8. Drapes and Blinds
9. Post Construction

You name it SERVPRO provides the service for you “Like it never even happened.”

Trust us when we say that we care about the commitment and security of your employees, customers and community. 

We serve Manassas and the surrounding cities. Hiring a professional service means you are getting experience, expertise and professional cleaning tools that can clean your space to the highest standard. It might catch you off guard on the number of different services we offer.

We Are Always Here To Help!

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Many different biohazard situations can occur in a home. Sewage backing up into a home is the most common biohazard problem. However, there are some less frequent problems that may require special attention.

Biohazard Examples

• Human blood & blood products – Items that have been affected by blood & other bodily fluids.
• Animal Waste – Animal carcasses and body parts, or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be affected with pathogenic organisms.
• Crime scene cleanup, including decontamination.
• Suicide, homicide and accidental death cleanup and decontamination.
• Emergency vehicle, facility and equipment cleanup
• Prison cell clean up
• Infectious disease, viral and microbial site decontamination.

Why Hire SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon?

• 24 – Hour Emergency
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Highly Trained Technicians
• Keep your employees, or loved ones safe from any dangerous chemicals, infectious disease and blood borne pathogens.
• Local and state regulations govern biohazard cleanup and disposal. In most cases, require certified professionals to complete the remediation.
• Minimize the risk of mental stress and trauma to friends, family, employees.
• Save time and energy.
• Restore your property “Like it never even happened." 

The safest way to restore your business or home to its pre-existing state is to hire a team that specializes in the cleaning and restoration procedures you need.

IICRC

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

IICRC Sets A High Standard For Inspection, Cleaning And Restoration

Nearly everyone respects certification. It gives businesses and trained professionals credibility in the marketplace. SERVPRO of Manassas requires all of their Crew Chiefs and Technicians to have up to date IICRC credits. It gives customers confidence in the qualifications of those holding the certification. IICRC is the gold standard for certification in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. The Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is more than just another credential. People and businesses earn and keep this certification through:

• Education
• Initial certification
• Continuing education
• Membership

Comprehensive Certification Offers Clients Peace of Mind

Comprehensive certification is not a single certificate. There are at least thirty different categories of inspection, cleaning and restoration certificates available. The institute provides training and testing for each one. It awards students a mitigation certificate upon successful completion of each category.

An IICRC certified provider employs professionals with one or more mitigation certificate. Each inspection, cleaning or restoration job requires a combination of certified skills. The business assembles a team with the appropriate skills and dispatches them to the job. The mix of professionals on the job changes as the list of required skills changes.

Happy Clients Are the Foundation of a Certified Provider

A provider may survive with an occasional unhappy customer. A provider cannot survive without its certification. A certified provider holds itself and its employees to a high standard. This high standard is what certification is all about. Failing to meet this standard jeopardizes the value of the certification for others. This failure can lead to discipline and, eventually, revocation of the certificate. Without that, the provider is out of business.

The same level of standards applies to individuals and their certifications. Revocation is a real possibility if there are problems. It makes attaining employment in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry difficult.

Certification Is a Key to Provider Selection

Find an inspection, cleaning and restoration provider with an IICRC, and you are off to a good start. Next, you want one located nearby. Confidence in the provider will give you confidence in the quality of the job once it is complete. Call your local SERVPRO of Manassas to have a certified technician assess whatever remediation related problem you may be having.

Prevent Pipe Burst

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

As the winter time approaches us it’s time to prepare and take precautions, when cold temperatures happen that can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Frozen Pipes can result in costly repairs to you as a home or business owner. The good news is there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes are a problem by themselves because they prevent water flow, but even worse, frozen pipes can eventually burst, causing damage and potential flooding. There are ways to protect your pipes from freezing. Here are some tips for this winter:

Keeping your house warm – keeping your thermostat set above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times is a good idea. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing.

Opening faucets - When temps hit the freezing level it is a good idea to allow faucets to drip. Allowing With the faucet open you avoid blockage in the pipes.

Leave cabinet doors open- leaving cabinet doors open will help warm air flow to the pipes keeping them warm.

Seal leaks in your home- it’s important that there are no leaks in your home. If a leak is present it can allow cold air in causing your home to get cold and potentially bursting some pipes.

Insulation is important - Foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves can help reduce the chances of your pipes bursting so make sure you’re up to date with them.

SERVPRO of Manassas, VA is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 703-656-9028.

"Like it never even happened."

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO - Restoration Vendor for Insurance Carriers Nationwide

The Brand You Know and Trust

You can recognize and trust the SERVPRO name... "Like it never even happened."

Serving America Since 1967

Since 1967, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have been assisting client's fire and water damages across the United States. Nearly four decades of experience have culminated in the proven processes, technology, equipment, and products to help ensure IICRC S500 industry standards are met and you are satisfied. 

More Than 1,700 Franchises Nationwide

Today, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals from more than 1,500 Franchises operate in 48 states. 

24-Hour Emergency Service

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are committed to providing 24-hour emergency service to help you when you need it most.

Detailed Estimates

You will be provided a detailed estimate that clearly lists all services to be performed. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO.

Trained, Uniformed Franchise Professionals.. Your "Heroes"

When you call, a trained, uniformed SERVPRO Franchise Professional will arrive at your property with the equipment necessary to help protect the structure and contents. Your concerns will be addressed quickly and professionally to help begin the process of regaining control of your life.