Consistent Communication

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

Know that SERVPRO is always here to help.

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW knows that when your residential or commercial property is threatened with damage, it can be a very stressful and unknown time. This is why we make it a priority to communicate with our clients every step of the way. SERVPRO will provide detailed information to our customers in every step of the restoration process so that our valued customers are never left in the dark. Afterall, having repair teams working on your private property and belongings can come with questions or concerns. 

Beginning with the initial phone call to SERVPRO, our office staff will talk through options and scheduling with the customer. The staff will gather information and let the customer know that SERVPRO is here to help. A Project Manager will scope the loss and provide an estimate. These managers will also discuss the restoration process with the customer and inform him or her of the work that will need to be done on the property. Our skilled technicians will work to make fire, water or mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Our consistent communication continues through the payment process with our office staff and follow-up conversations.  

Fires in the Fall

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

If fire damage occurs, know that SERVPRO is here to help.

When the cold weather comes around, more residential homeowners begin to use heating elements to warm their space. Incidents and mishaps with these elements can lead to fires that damage the property. The American Red Cross even notes that the amount of house fires increases in the fall and winter months. 

SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW knows how frequent fires occur, so we want you to know tips to stay safe this season. If a fire does occur in your residential or commercial space, know that SERVPRO has the professionals to restore the damage. Our teams use their expertise and experience to make a fire disaster “Like it never even happened” and provide 24-hour emergency services. To stay safe this fire season, make sure to test your smoke alarms. Also, check that space heaters are clear of surrounding objects and do not leave them unattended. If you will be using a fireplace, be sure to have it inspected and cleaned of debris. Additionally, replace furnace filters and keep the area clean.  

You Got The Dream: We Will Protect It!

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-957-0888.

Hello Des Moines!

It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Coordinator, and I wanted to talk about National Preparedness Month and how it’s not too late to sign up for an ERP. 

So first things first, you had a dream and you acted upon that dream by investing money to start the dream. It took years to figure out the best branding practices to make the company like the one you dreamed of. 

In the restoration industry, I have seen people’s property go from a home/business to something unrecognizable. This is why I am going to get on my little soap box and talk about the importance of getting an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) completed. We don’t want to see your years of hard work get taken away from some fire damage because we are the team that is gonna make it ‘Like it Never Even Happened.’

Another reason I suggest getting an ERP completed is that we can use our Matterport camera to get what the property looked like. This is something that will save you time if you ever experience damage because your insurance adjuster will have a click-through map of the property. When they have that documentation plus the Matterport scans of the property following a loss they are able to compare the side by side. 

Let’s get prepared for the worst-case scenario so that if something was to ever happen you would be ready for it. 

Hail Damage: Why it's so Dangerous.

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you experienced hail damage please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-957-0888.

Hello Des Moines!

It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Coordinator, and I wanted to talk about the spine-chilling subject: Hail Damage. This past weekend our Marketing Manager was out getting her kiddos ready for the Homecoming Dance when she got videos of tennis ball hail. 

When looking at hail damage you have to consider the following conditions in determining damage possibilities:

• Wind Damage: When strong winds hit the hail it changes the direction it falls.
• Size and Density: Hail stones usually don’t have smooth edges which means it can cause more damage amongst the impact. Something you need to consider is how hail stones can affect each material differently. 

One way that you can protect your property from hail damage is by placing barriers between the sky and the property. Barriers can also bring damage potential as well such as tree limbs falling onto the property.

Cigarette Fires can Smolder for 18 Hours!

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience fire damage, please call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-244-5511.

Des Moines! Or, as some would say, Des Moines (ss)

It’s Jacob, that Digital Marketing guy and I wanted to talk about a trend that I’ve noticed but also has been reported on by CBS Minnesota, which is cigarette fires. In particular, with thinking, they are extinguished and sticking the still ignited cigarette into a planter or a plastic container. 

The midwest region has experienced planters drying out with the record-breaking summer heat. Let’s be honest, some days we forget to water the plants, which can cause the soil to become bone dry. The causation is when the cigarette smolders, which can reach the perfect temperature for it to ignite into flames. What is concerning is that the smoldering temperatures can last 30 minutes or 18 hours before it ignites into flames.

The CBS Minnesota location took the blog image after they tested how fast a cigarette can cause a planter to ignite into flames. The solution we can provide is to have a container full of water in which you will drop the cigarette. This entirely extinguishes it while eliminating any remaining heat.

Vandalized Property? SERVPRO can help.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

If your property gets vandalized, call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-244-5511.

Having your commercial property vandalized can take a toll on your business and can be a stressful experience. Whether graffiti ends up on your property, or a window gets busted, SERVPRO® of Des Moines East & SW can be there to clean and restore your commercial space. With our 24/7 Emergency Services, and a strive to be faster to any size disaster, you can count on SERVPRO to get your property back to its preloss condition. Cleaning up vandalism should be left to the professionals, so make sure to call SERVPRO if you experience it. Our SERVPRO team uses the following three common methods to remove graffiti from driveways, walkways, walls, stonework and more: 

• Scrubbing, using solvents and a wire brush 
• Pressure washing the affected area 
• Media blasting with sand or dry ice 

Steps to Minimize the Toilet Leak Damage

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

This is when you should call SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW at 515-244-5511, and our team of professionals will make it ‘Like it Never Even Happened'

Hello Des Moines, It’s Digital Marketing Support Coordinator here! After talking to our Office Assistant, Hannah, we found out we see a trend in water loss.

A common water damage we are seeing is toilet water supply lines leaking. If this is in an apartment structure, this runs the risk of the affected unit causing water damage to the unit below it. This type of leak happens when “the joints in the supply line grow weak or become loose” (Rooter Plumbing). If you find your bathroom has a minor or major leak, follow these steps to prevent more damage:

1. TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY! The valve can be found on the metal tube from the toilet to the wall. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.
2. You will want to remove the access water in the tank, which happens when you flush the toilet. You can remove the access water by using a material such as a towel to absorb it.

Follow These Family Emergency Steps: Flashing Flooding

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Des Moines East & SW team hopes you never experience a flood. If you do, please call us at 515-244-5511.

Hello Des Moines!

Back in 2008, I watched Cedar Rapid’s flood; I recall my mom saying at one point, the river was splashing up onto the bridge overpass. I watched as Iowans came together to rebuild from this significant flood. During this blog, I want to provide tips on how you can incorporate your family and extended family into a Family Emergency Plan.

• Establishing Meeting Locations and Emergency Contacts

When the river rises and local governments encourage residents to evacuate, you might have a certain amount of time to leave. If your family is not together, you need to have two locations that your family/ extended family knows about. One location should be closer to your home, whereas the second should be further away. Having these two locations is essential if you are unable to return to the area.

• Creating the Evacuation Plan

When creating a plan, you must practice it to ensure your family's safety. The plan should include exit routes you can take in case flooding closes one road. If flooding closes a road, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH IT! If flooding causes you to be stranded in your home, DON’T PANIC! Go to the highest point in your home with little to no doors and windows. Ensure that this space has nonperishables; if you are stuck for a few days, you will need food supplies. 

Water Damage to Wood Flooring

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you notice this type of damage to your property, please call our SERVPRO team.

Ourteam of professionalsat SERVPROis always making sure to inspect spaces carefully for water damage. While some signs of water damage can go unseen, one indicator of damage is cupping or warping on a wood floor.

Cuppingis when the floor boards create a concave shape with higher sides than the center. Cupping can occur when the underside of the boards gain moisture.Warpingis more severe than cupping because it involves the floor buckling or popping off of the subfloor. Water vapors can cause this to happen.

A problem that can stem from neglecting floors with moisture is the possibility of microbial growth. If this continues without restoration, it can permanently damage your floor.

If you see cupping or warping going on in your property, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Des Moines SW to extract the moisture and remediate the damage.

Microbial Growth Requires Fast Action

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak, we suggest you call our team at SERVPRO of Des Moines East and SW at 515-244-5511.

Hello Des Moines!

It’s Digital Marketing Coordinator Jacob, and I wanted to talk about microbial growth and why it is essential to act fast. Microbial Growth, Mold, is an umbrella term that includes all types of fungi or fungus. In homes that experience a water leak, a pipe bursting, or anywhere that has moisture; there is a chance that it will begin to grow. 

Once there is a moisture source, microbial growth will spread and be left untreated. These are not consumable mushrooms, and we suggest avoiding this area due to the severity of growth. If you see mushrooms growing, we recommend leaving it to the experts. When mushrooms grow, it means that the spores are everywhere.