Archived Blog Posts

Bursting Pipes

Name: SERVPRO of Idaho Falls
Address: 2525 Boge Avenue Suite A, Idaho Falls, ID, 83401
Telephone: (208) 523-5365

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

When the temperatures drop to below freezing there is always a chance of a pipe burst. This week alone we have had two emergency calls that came in through the night that were because of broken pipes. The pipes froze and flooded two different apartment units. Per state farm, these are tips to help prevent pipes from freezing.

Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home's crawl spaces and attic helps even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
Use heat tape or heat cables. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturer's installation and operation instructions.
Seal leaks. Locate and thoroughly seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
Let water drip. A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
Adjust the thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night also reduces the risk of frozen pipes. During extreme cold, this also helps reduce the strain on the furnace.
Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If you have any fire, water or mold disasters give SERVPRO a call today! We have trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Cold weather wreaking havoc

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

With the cold weather wreaking havoc all over Southeastern Idaho, we are warning people to be careful about the potential of pipes freezing. Pipes can begin to freeze when weather reaches around 20 degrees. But weather your pipes will freeze or not is also dependent on what geographical location you live in. If you are live somewhere where it has cold winters the pipes that are used in your business may be better insulated so you will not have to worry as much about them. There are tips however to help with not letting your pipes freeze.

Keep garage doors closed
Open cabinets under sinks to allow warmer air to cycle through
Let cold water drip from a faucet
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the days and nights
Leave your heat on at no lower than 55 degrees all winter
Add insulation to areas in your home including attics, basements, and crawl spaces

If you have any fire, water or mold disasters give SERVPRO a call today! We have trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Fires in your home

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

There are many reasons why a house fire can happen. Some of the main reasons may include cooking, candles, heating, smoking and electrical problems. According to the NFPA there are more than 350,000 home fires each year in the US, leading to more than 2,600 deaths. There are helpful tips you can follow to try to help avoid a house fire. The Red cross recommends these tips below.

All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets - never into an extension cord.
Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

IF THE POWER GOES OUT

If electrical power lines are down, don’t touch them. Keep your family and pets away. Report downed lines to your utility company.

Use flash lights in the dark, not candles.
Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
If you are using a generator be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use generators safely.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below to be safe to eat. Then use food from the freezer.
Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.

If you have any fire, water or mold disasters give SERVPRO a call today! We have trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Duct Cleaning

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Just like residential properties, commercial properties also suffer from disaster related losses. Recently we were called out to a high school because their duct system needed to be cleaned. SERVPRO has trained professionals who offer duct cleaning to both residential and commercial properties. There are many benefits to get your ducts cleaned. Some of the major benefits include:

Creates a Cleaner Living Environment. ...
Reduces Allergens and Irritants. ...
Helps Everyone Breathe Easier. ...
Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors. ...
Improves Air Flow Efficiency.

And please remember to always call in a professional. Cleaning your ducts is not a DIY job, it is something that should be handled by trained professionals. If you think you may need your ducts cleaned call SERVPRO today at (208) 523-5365.We have highly trained professionals ready to help!

Bursting Pipes

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you are a commercial business or residential home, there is always a chance of a flood happening. Recently we were called out to an emergency flood at commercial property which had occurred because of a broken sprinkler pipe. This can happen because of many different reasons. One reason can be because they water in the pipes freeze and then expands causing them to burst. There are way that can help avoid this disaster all together.

Make sure your pipes are insulated
Use heat tape or heat cables
Seal any visible leaks
Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets
Let water drip
Open cabinet doors

If you do happen to have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs!

Our amazing drywaller

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Martin is our drywall rebuild guy and he has been with the company for over 6+ years. He has over 20+ years of experience and is simply amazing at what he does. He has mastered the art of drywall and all of the different types of textures. He can also do carpet, flooring, tile, vinyl etc. He is one of the hardest workers we have and our customers have the most amazing things to say about him after he leaves a job.

SERVPRO has trained professionals with over 20 years’ experience in the mitigation field along with the rebuild departments. If you have a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster or have a reconstruction project you need assistance with, give SERVPRO a call today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Water Disasters in the home

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water disasters are never an easy thing to deal with especially when you don’t have a plan in place. Water disasters can happen because of many different reasons. Some reasons include weather related, broken pipes or even appliance malfunction. For example, a water hose attached to a fridge can break, crack or disconnect and cause a water leak in your kitchen. Now think if one of these disaster occur when you are out of town or even at work for 8 hours. That can be a large amount of water damage happening in an 8 hour window. With that amount of time the water will flow and then sit and saturate cabinets, flooring or personal belongings. That will give the water ample time to cause water damage and even give mold the opportunity to grow. Mold only needs 24-48 hours to start its growth process.

If you have a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Preparing your home for the winter months

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Storm related home disasters are more common than you think. Especially during the coldest winter months when the weather is wet and frigid. The best thing you can do for your home is get it complete prepared for the cold months ahead. According to the Washington Post, there are simple steps you can use to prepare your home for winter.

Check your homes heating and air conditioning system
Paint caulk and seal exterior wood
Seal your masonry and hard surfaces
Check your drainage
Clean your gutters
Clean your chimney and order firewood
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Shut down the pool and the sprinkler system and drain outside faucets
Prepare your lawn for winter and set it up for a great spring
Check your trees
Make sure your attic doesn’t become a critter hotel

If you have a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Estimator

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Torq is our estimator and has been with SERVPRO for over 2 years. He is a real team player and is always up for a new challenge. Torq is married with two children and has lived in Southeastern Idaho his entire life. Torq has many different talents one being computer programing. He is quite the computer whiz and anytime we need anything done “technology related” he always comes to the rescue!

Torq does most of the estimating for SERVPRO and he is perfect for this position. His technical skills paired with his keen eye for mistakes, has made him quite the perfectionist when it comes to completing a job on time and correct. He is an extremely valuable member of this team and we are so happy that he is part of the SERVPRO family.

Swiss Army Knife

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Jared has been with SERVPRO for over 13 years. He is certified in water, fire, mold, asbestos and biohazard. Recently he has even started COVID cleaning for multiple commercial buildings. Jared has been in multiple positions because of his extensive knowledge in the cleaning and restoration industry. He is currently working as a Sales/Marketing Representative. The owner of our franchise likes to call him our Swiss Army Knife because of his ability to adapt to any situation he needs him for.

Jared has been married to his wife for almost 20 years now and they share two wonderful children together. Jared was born and raised in Southeastern Idaho and absolutely loves it out here. They enjoy all of the accommodations that the Idaho outdoors have to offer.

We are so happy to have Jared and all of his knowledge and skills as a part of the SERVPRO family.

Construction Experience is a must!

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Eddie is one of our awesome Marketing/Sales reps. He has been with SERVPRO for over a year now and we think he’s a perfect fit for this position. Eddie has been in the construction field for over 20 years and is extremely knowledgeable in all things construction related from carpentry, painting, drywall, etc. For the last 10 years he has concentrated mostly on painting. He has worked on various projects from colleges, car dealerships, amusement parks, etc. He enjoys the beauty behind painting. He absolutely loves how his creations bring a brand new outlook on a not so pretty surface.

Eddie is originally from Southern California. He has been married for almost 20 years now and they share three amazing children together. Eddie and his family enjoys everything outdoors and knew that Idaho was the state that would offer them those luxuries. They decided to move out to Idaho two years ago and have never looked back. They absolutely love living here and wouldn’t change it for the world.

Veteran Owned

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a veteran owned franchise who has been serving the southeast Idaho area for over 14 years. Skylar Price, the original owner, is an army veteran who served our country for 10 years. He was born and raised in Southeast Idaho and absolutely loves it here. He has been an active member in the community supporting local charities including toys for tots and shop with a cop to name a few. He is married to his lovely wife Tamara and has three wonderful children. He volunteers as a coach on his son’s basketball team too.

Skylar is certified in IICRC with over 13 years of Cleaning and Restoration experience under his belt. Before he decided to purchase SERVPRO he owned his own construction company where he specialized in everything from carpentry, painting etc. After a few years of creating beautiful work his customers he knew what he wanted to make a huge impact on people’s lives. He decided that being able to help his community from start to finish after experiencing a disaster was just what he wanted to do. So he bought a SERVPRO franchise and the rest is history.

Amazing file coordinator

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Megan has been with SERVPRO for over 5 years now and absolutely loves it. She started out as a marketing coordinator and has since been moved to the front office as a file coordinator because of her past skills as an insurance agent. Megan has 5 amazing children and is an extremely active mother. She grew up in Menan and loves being a part of the community. She is an active cheer mom to her three youngest girls and donates her time in her community whenever she is able to do so. One of her passions is running marathons so she trains pretty extensive for those.

Megan is amazing at her job. Not only does she build great relationships with her clients but she has a lot of experience when it comes to insurance. She is really a team player and we are extremely lucky to have her as a part of the SERVPRO family!

Accounting Clerk

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Jenn is our accounting clerk and has been with SERVPRO for just over a year now. Jenn is an extremely valuable member of our SERVPRO team. Jenn is in charge of all things “accounting”. Jenn has been married to her best friend for over 20 years and they share 3 beautiful children. Jenn is originally from Southern California and lived there her whole life up until 2 years ago when her husband and she decided they wanted a change. They absolutely love living in Idaho and enjoy all of the outdoor activities it has to offer.

Jenn has a background in a managerial roll as well as customer service and money handling and that makes her absolutely a perfect fit for this position. She is extremely organized and loves working with numbers. We are so happy to have her as a part of our SERVPRO family!

Dangers of cold weather

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Although we are right at the tail end of winter, we are still not out of the dangers of the cold weather. One of the main dangers that tend to affect a large majority of homes is ice damming. Ice damming happens when the snow on the rook surface becomes freezing and then melts, in turn the water will begin to flow down the roof and underneath causing an ice dam. If this happens it can cause a whole variety of problems including water and mold possibilities. There are ways to prevent ice damming to happen.

Make sure that you are ventilating the eaves and ridges
Cap the hatch
Add insulation where it is needed
Make sure to seal and insulate the ducts.

If you have a fire, water, mold or biohazard disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. Our trained professionals are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Southeastern Idaho weather

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Southeastern Idaho is known for its winter weather and how cruel and unpredictable it can really be. The winters out here are extremely unforgiving at times which means you have to be prepared for anything. Whether it be snow, hail or rain your house can be extremely damaged due to Mother Nature.

Hail can be very unforgiving if not prepared. Hail can cause large amounts of damage to your roof, siding and fencing to name a few. In the winter of 2018 we had one of the largest hail storms in a long time that caused more than $27 million in damages in auto and home damage claims. If hail is in the forecast for your area there are ways to prepare. Some examples include clearing debris from your eaves, inspect your roof if possible or call a professional to do so, remove any branches that look weak and store your patio furniture in a safe area.

If you have a fire, water, mold or biohazard disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. Our trained professionals are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Failed water heater

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Recently we were called out to a condo complex that had a failed water heater. The water heater leaked outside of its pan and went into the wall and down to the lower level. When it comes to water disasters its always better to be safe than sorry. This particular property management company decided they wanted us to come out right away and not only clean up the water damage but monitor the loss as well. Whenever you have water damage the potential for mold grows the longer and longer the water ends up sitting.

Molds favorite place to grow is in cold, dark and wet areas. It thrives in those locations and grows at astounding rates. Under the ideal conditions, mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours. The spores begin to colonize within 3-12 days and become visible within 18-21 days.

If you suspect mold is in your home or business it is always a safe idea to call a professional. SERVPRO has highly trained employees who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to deal with winter storms

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Home is your sanctuary and at the end of the day the greatest feeling is to go home after work and relax. The winter months can be harsh on your home so being prepared for winter disasters is always a great idea! Weatherproofing your home is a must if you like in areas where harsh weather wreaks havoc in the winter months. According to the CDC website, these are a few ways to help stay ahead of winter disasters.

Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Insulate walls and attic.
Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

If you have a fire, water, mold or biohazard disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. Our trained professionals are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

What do you do if your business floods?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

You get to work Monday morning and before you can start your day you realize that you are stepping in a pool of water! As inconvenience as this sounds, it is a very real reality and happens more than you can even imagine. Businesses can flood for all sorts of different reasons. Heavy rain falls or snow, washer leak, fridge leak or even pipes bursting. Whatever the reason, this situation needs to be handled as quickly as possible so you can get your business back up and running.

Here are some quick tips if your business floods:

If possible shut off all utilities
Call your insurance agent ASAP
Call a restoration company
Secure the property as best as you can
Try and take pictures of the damaged items
Gather any times that can be salvaged

If you have a fire, water, mold or biohazard disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. Our trained professionals are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Fire at your business

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Business fires can be devastating so getting you back up and running as soon as possible is our main priority. Some of the main causes of workplace fires include faulty equipment, too much clutter, arson, electrical accidents, etc. Some of these disasters can actually be avoided, but some are non avoidable. If this happens to your business, we suggest the following.

Take steps to prevent further damage if possible
Notify your insurance company asap
Try and take inventory (pictures) of damaged items and non-damaged items
Let the fire department and investigation team finish their investigation before touching anything
Call a restoration company to start getting your business back in working order.

If you have a fire, water, mold or biohazard disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. Our trained professionals are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Hail the size of quarters

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

A few years back in Southeastern Idaho we experienced one of the worst hail storms we had seen in quite some time. In April 2018 East Idaho became a battle field and there was little to no one who was not affected some way by the quarter sized hail! Reports of damage was throught the roof, literally, and insurance companies were working double time to try and get the residents and business owners the insurance money needed to start fixing what was damaged.

The damage was extensive! It ranged from huge dents and broken windows to vehicles, holes in siding and roofs and fences torn down and torn through. The damage was overwhelming and had a lot of people wondering what they were going to do. To give an insight below are the numbers from State Farm showing the claims amount.

State Farm Auto Claims:

2018 Paid Claims: $5.1 million

Number of Claims: 1,410 Average

Average Paid: $3,3600

2017 Paid Claims: $247,235

Number of Claims: 65

Average Paid: $3,804

State Farm Homeowners Claims:

2018 Paid Claims: $2.29 million

Number of Claims: 1,825 Average

Average Paid: $12,500

2017 Paid Claims: $480,000

Number of Claims: 59

Average Paid: $8,100

If you suspect water has entered your home and there is possible mold damage, call SERVPRO today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Deep fried turkey demo

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Every November SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby puts on an amazing deep fried turkey fire demonstration on the do’s and don’ts of deep frying a turkey. This year we were joined by the Idaho Falls Department, Local News 8 and the Murdock company. With the help of the fire department, we do just about everything you should not do when deep frying a turkey to show the community how dangerous it can be.

We kept the turkey frozen, over filled the oil and brought the temp up to a whopping 500°. The demonstration was a success! Successful in the way that anything that could go wrong definitely did. We were so excited to be able to show the community just how dangerous it could be and help keep them safe this holiday season.

If you have a fire disaster, give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Are highly trained professionals are ready to help you!

Fire damage doesn't end with just fire damage

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your home does not end with fire damage to your home. There are many other things that come with all that fire including damage to your home and property caused by soot and water damage from the firefighters’ hoses. There is a silver lining however to these terrible disasters. SERVPRO has amazing trained professionals that are ready to help 24 hours a day.

A few things that are suggested to do after a fire is:

Find a safe place to stay
Contact your insurance agent
Protect your home
Take care of your pets
Get a copy of the fire report

Our teams train online and, in the field, and are certified in how to treat fire, water mold, and biohazard disasters. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Beautiful but dangerous

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Its that time a year again where the rain and snow start to rear their beautiful but dangerous heads. Living in an area like Southeastern Idaho you have to really get yourself prepared to fight through the winter months. Not only can the weather be extremely unforgiving, but it can really take a toll on your home or commercial property.

One of the biggest tolls the stormy weather may take is right on top of your home or business. That’s right, your roof! The roof is usually the first thing to get hit and takes the brunt of the damage. If there are any areas on your roof that are less than stable, you may want to consider consulting with a professional so no further damage can be done. If water happens to seek through those not so sturdy spots in your roof it can lead to mold damage in the attack.

There are however ways to prepare your roof for the devastating winter months by taking a few simple steps.

Remember that roof experts estimate that roofs can last between 20-25 years
Check to see if your shingles are buckling, curling or missing
Check if you roof has begun to droop or sag
Check for chimney flashing
And if possible, see if there is any daylight seeping through

If you suspect water has entered your home and there is possible mold damage, call SERVPRO today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Hot water heaters

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Hot water heaters are in many homes and are extremely beneficial. They heat your showers you take, your dishes you do and your laundry you wash. They also have their own hidden dangers that you may never even know about. Leaking from the bottom is more common that you want think.

Tanks can get damage in many ways. The most obvious one being it is a faulty tank. So what should you do if a hot water tank is leaking? First, you should start by turning off the water to your tank. The water heater tank should have a dedicated shut off valve. It is important to get your water leak stopped as soon as possible. A leaky water tank can cause a large amount of damage to your floors and walls.

If you have a fire, water, mold or biohazard loss give SERVPRO a call today at(208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

The sounds of rain

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

The sounds of rain can be extremely refreshing and relaxing. It can also be the sound of disaster. When we do get a big down pour the rain will make puddles around your home. The water then may seep through the cracks in your foundation causing water to start to sneak into your home. Once the water has found its way into your home it can cause flooding. The flooding can then cause mold and mildew that could become extremely dangerous.

A few ways to help prevent water include:

Add gutter extensions
Plug gaps
Reshape the landscape
Waterproof the walls

Once the water gets through the foundation and starts to flood your basement, it may be best to call a restoration company to come and help. Water may need to be extracted and mold testing may need to be conducted. If you think you may need cleaning and restoration services give SERVPRO a call. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to do if a fire happens?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire happens to your home it can make you feel helpless. According to an online poll they estimate that 358,500 home fires occur in the United States every year. When you aren’t prepared for a home fire the aftermath can be even more scary. According to The Red Cross there are four steps to take immediately after a home fire.

Call 9-1-1. Give first aid where needed; cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.
Let friends and family know you’re safe.
People and animals that are seriously injured or burned should be transported to professional medical or veterinary help immediately.
Stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.

If you have a fire disaster, give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our highly trained professionals are ready to help you!

Quickly and Efficiently as possible

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

If you own a business, then you know just how much your life depends on keeping it open and running. Here at SERVPRO we understand that and are always trying our hardest to solve any cleaning and restoration problem you may have as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Recently we were called out to a building that had just experienced a hood fire due to not getting the proper cleaning and maintenance you should when you own a restaurant. Without regular cleaning and maintenance of your restaurants hood, it can become quickly backed up with smoke, dirt and dust and also grease. That paired with a large flame right below it is a recipe for disaster. SERPVRO offers hood cleanings as routine maintenance and can even put you on a monthly, bi monthly, quarterly or even yearly schedule so you don’t have to put much though into it as well!

If you have a fire, water, mold, asbestos or biohazard disaster give SERVPRO a call today! We have highly trained professionals ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with you cleaning and restoration needs.

Sneaky little Fungi

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is by far one of the sneakiest types of fungi you will ever encounter. There are many different kinds of molds and their severities also differ. It is usually so difficult to find because its favorite places to grow in are dark, wet or damp areas. Often times it begins its transformation in bathrooms, under sinks and other appliances that are water producing and inside of walls.

Sometimes mold can be detected because of the feeling of being ill but other times it has to be sought out by the professionals. After you have any kind of water loss in your home or business, it is always a reasonable idea to call a professional cleaning and restoration company. We have special machines that read moisture levels which will alert us if mold growth is possible or present. After we detect the moisture, we then will put a plan together to rid your home or business of this awful fungi.

Annual First Responders Lunch

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Every year SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby hosts a lunch for all of the first responders in the Southeast Idaho surrounding areas.

We are a veteran owned and operated company and we know the importance of giving back to the hero's in our community. These men and women risk their lives every day to keep our friend, family and neighbors safe and well.

This year SERVPRO has decided to ask local businesses in the area to assist in making this day as special as possible for our local hero's. We will provide food and drinks as well as some goodies they are able to take with them. We believe in the importance of community support and with everything our Hero's do for us this is just a small gesture that we can provide to them.

Flash Flooding can cause more damage than you think

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service flash flooding is the #1 weather-related killer in the United States.

If the rushing of unexpected water wasn't dangerous enough, you have to also worry about the random debris that literally will come out of no where. Flash floods can cause large amounts of debris to travel extremely far and cause a lot of damage. Large and dangerous examples of debris that a flash flood can cause to travel may include vehicles and large boulders for just a few example.

Water damage to your home and business is also a very real possibility during a flash flood. In the worst situations some properties may not even be salvageable after a disaster as big as this. Water can seep into the cracks in your foundation and if not taken care of quickly and properly it can lead to mold or your property quickly deteriorating. In that case it is always best to call a Cleaning and Restoration professional to

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We have highly trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

HVAC Disaster

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

HVAC systems may seem like the last thing that would cause a severe water disaster in your home but they definitely can do their fair share of damage if not being looked after properly. The most common causes of HVAC issues include frozen evaporator coils, clogged drains and pipes that may not be connected properly.

You should always do these simple things to make sure you help to prevent any water damage caused by your HVAC unit.

Change the HVAC filter regularly
Clean the condenser
Maintain the condensation drain line
Install a condensation pump
Maintain the overflow drain plan
And always have your HVAC system inspected professionally

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today. Our highly trained professionals are ready to help day or night. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Fire in the grill

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Just think, one minute you are cooking food on your grill enjoying a beautiful summer day with your family, and the next moment you are trying to put out a fire in your home!

When a fire starts near or around a home it will instantly start to warp parts of the structure in which it is close to. Siding and lighting among others things will start to get hot and change its structure as the fire begins to heat them up. Fire also can cause sever soot damage which can result in the loss of many of your items.

So what can you do to avoid a grill fire this summer? According to www.charbroil.com you can follow these simply tips and tricks to help avoid any kind of fire disaster.

Trim the fat. Flare-ups usually happen because of excess fat, sauces or oily marinades. ...
Keep the lid open. When searing fatty foods, leave the grill lid opened.
Avoid wind. Try to keep your grill away from windy areas. ...
Move your food. ...
Burn the grease away. ...
Clean your grill

Kitchen fire turned whole house issue

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

When you think kitchen fire you usually don’t think “whole house fire”. You may think a turkey birnt in the over or a pan of oil just got way too hot. You instinguished it and after a bit of work it went out and you think you are in the clear. Wrong! When you have a fire in your home this means you probably have smoke damage learking around.

Smoke and soot is amazing at sticking to things all around your home. This includes furniture, clothing, antiques, carpet, drapes etc.

SERVPRO will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Candles smell great, but they can be dangerous

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Home fires are a lot more common than most people think. A home fire can come from really happen anywhere and anytime! Candles, stoves, and others items can turn a house into a large mess in the matter of minutes. Candles are however a huge reason for home fires. Anytime you decide to light a candle please follow these steps.

Keep the candle in an open area, not underneath anything
Do not light a candle near furniture
Make sure to watch children around candles

According to the NFPA

Candle fire facts

During the five-year period of 2014-2018:

Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 40% of the associated deaths and 49% of the associated injuries.
Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 15% of the associated deaths.
On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day.
Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give us a call today at (208) 523-5365.

A pool in your kitchen

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Dishwashers are one of the many dangers that are lurking in your kitchen. When a water line is not properly installed or a dishwasher is uneven it can really cause you a horrendous headache! When a water line is attached incorrectly it can result in a huge mess that will or can destroy your kitchen in a matter of minutes.

As soon as that dishwasher comes on water will begin to flow. If the lines are not installed correctly it will either start with a gradual leak or turn into a pool right before your eyes. When the water line comes off while the dishwasher is on and washing it can cause a huge flow of water that in seconds will start to fill up the kitchen. You will need to quickly go to your water supply line and turn it off if it's safe to do so. After that you can assess the damage and decide if it's bad enough to call a restoration company. Water can become mold very quickly if not taken care of and dried up quickly.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give us a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Event Center

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO preforms work on many different types of properties including residential homes, government facilities, and commercial properties. One of the most recent properties we have been working on is an event center in southeastern Idaho. They had recently been infested with bats which then lead to an overabundance of bat guano!!!

Per the CDC website: Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can affect anyone. Learning about histoplasmosis can help you stay healthy and recognize symptoms early if you do get the infection. Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma, a fungus that lives in the soil, particularly where there's a large amount of bird or bat poop.

SERVPRO was happy to go in and save the day! We took all the proper safety precautions and removed and cleaned the bat guano.

If you have a fire, water, mold, asbestos or biohazard disaster give us a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Spring, Summer, Falls and Winter in Idaho

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Winter has reared its ugly face this year for sure! These storms all around the US have been nothing short of vicious and aggressive and if you live in Idaho you know the weather is anything but predictable. Spring in Southeastern Idaho is really more of a suggestion than a planned event and definitely not a time to put those winter jackets away just yet. Monday we have sunshine, Tuesday windy, Wednesday snow, Thursday rain, Friday more wind, and the weekend brings beautiful sunny skies. You never really know what you’re going to get.

With these strange weather phenomenon’s also brings potential damage to one’s home. Heavy winds bring all sorts of disasters including shingles blowing off of roofs, trees falling into homes, and powerlines tumbling over like building blocks. Heavy wind disasters paired with an extremely snowy or rainy day following can really cause a home owner a major burden. For example… After that wind storm rips a few shingles from your roof, you now have a huge potential for water damage which can lead to mold damage faster than you know.

After any kind of storm you should most definitely always check your home and yard when safe to do so. Check for fallen trees and powerlines, cracks in your foundation, and if possible any missing shingles. If you do experience a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Steven

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Steven is one of our most seasoned employees. He has been with the company for over 8 years now. He is our lead mitigation technician and is great at what he does. He has multiple certifications that include fire, water, mold and asbestos. Steven knows that our customers are the most important part of the job and he takes pride in making sure they are always taken care of.

Steven has also added to COVID cleaning to his growing list of skills with SERVPRO. He works a few nights a week COVID cleaning a few businesses in town. He has gone through the training necessary so he knows exactly what to do so that we can keep our community safe! We are so happy to have Steven as a member of our SERVPRO family.

If you have a fire, water, mold, asbestos, biohazard or covid disaster please give SERVPRO a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have highly trained professional ready to help!

Water damage in the kitchen

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

Recently we went to a home where the home owner had just installed a new water softener under their sink. They decided to do it themselves. Everything seemed to be working correctly and it seemed that they installed it correctly. That is until they woke up to the sound of roaring water in the kitchen.

What had happened was that the hose they connected to the main water supply line had not been tightened correctly and had slipped off causing water to flow out everywhere. Their entire kitchen was completely flooded! Thankfully SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day. They were able to call us and we came out right away. We were able to assess the damage and get them dried up right away!

If you have a fire, water, mold, asbestos or biohazard disaster call SERVPRO today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Melissa

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Melissa is our office manager and she is truly like no other. She is the most compassionate and honest person I have ever met. She is amazing with our customers and our employees. She is definitely the mom of the office! She has been with SERVPRO for over 7 years and has done numerous positions within the company and has excelled at each one of them. She was promoted to office manager last year and she is really thriving at it. Melissa is hard working and always ready to help where she can.

She is a hard worker, great listener, and a go getter! If you have a problem she will always be there to help find a solution. She is completely amazing with our customers and will go above and beyond to make sure they receive the help they need. Melissa is really the glue that holds a lot of our company together and we are so blessed to have such an amazing woman as our office manager.

Skylar

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Skylar is the original owner of our SERVPRO franchise and has been for over 12 years! Skylar is an army veteran who served for 10 years. When he came back to Idaho Falls after serving our country he started working in the construction field. After a while of doing that he got the opportunity to own his own SERVPRO franchise. He has really thrived in the restoration industry due to his compassionate attitude as well as his unbreakable drive. Skylar’s number one priority is his customer’s satisfaction. He will go to the ends of the earth to make sure that his customers are well taken care of and happy with the services they received.

Skylar is also an amazing boss! He listens to his employees and really tries to help fix any situation he can. He is always available even when he is ridiculously busy. He will do anything for anyone and his compassion is through the roof! He is truly an amazing leader.

Megan

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Megan is another employee that we are extremely lucky to have on our team. Her selflessness and willingness to take on any task has made her an extremely valuable asset to our team. She worked as a Marketer for three years until recently getting transferred to a file coordinator position. Megan has over ten years of working as an insurance agent. She decided she needed a change and has been working as a file coordinator in the front office. Between her extensive experience and her kind and mellow demeanor she is the perfect fit for the job! She is loving and caring and will do anything and everything in her power to make sure the jobs go as planned.

Megan has also been running our COVID cleaning department. She not only makes the schedule and updates all information emails, she gets her hands dirty too! Up to 5 nights a week she goes to the local hospital and fogs and cleans their covid room. It takes one to two hours a night to finish the job completely. It is something she is extremely passionate about and she is so amazing at it! She is such a blessing to have on our SERVPRO team.

Carissa

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

When working in the restoration industry patience and compassion are two things you need to have and our Reconstruction Coordinator Carissa has both of those qualities. She is kind, compassionate and really tries to understand the customer and their needs.

She is in charge of all things Reconstruction. She helps with the schedule, managing the jobs, speaking with the customers just to name a few. She is basically the right hand woman to the Production Manager. She makes sure that all the customers’ needs are being met as well as helping our guys with whatever they need as well.

Carissa is the epitome of what customer service and a great attitude should look like. She is an amazing addition to the company and we are so lucky to have her!

Carlos

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Carlos is one of our longest employees at our franchise and we are extremely lucky to have him! He is our mitigation crew chief and has been with the company for over 5 years. He is mold and asbestos certified and has years of hands on training.

Carlos is also extremely compassionate to our customer’s needs. He listens and helps in any way he can. He is not afraid to go above and beyond and is always willing to make sure the job goes right! He knows as much as anyone that when we go to these disaster jobs that the customer is already going to be extremely emotional about the situation at hand so he makes sure to handle the situation as delicate as possible. We are so happy to have an employee as loyal and positive as Carlos on our SERVPRO team!

Corbet

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Photo of Corbet

Corbet is one of the owners of our SERVPRO Franchise and we are so happy to have him as one of our leaders. Corbet is a hard hitting, fact giving, and very real individual. It is impossible for him to not tell it how it is. He is also constantly thinking about ways to better our company and support our team. He has implemented a lot of new ideas and ways of doing things since he has started which has really helped us grow as a company and individuals.

Corbet is the kind of boss you can go to with a problem and know that you will leave with a solution. It may not always be a solution you like, but it will be an honest one. He is amazing with our customers as well and treats them all as his first priority. He knows that to run a business you need your customers and employee happy and he works hard every day to accomplish both of those tasks. We are all very lucky to have a boss like him!

Idaho

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Idaho is known for its crazy weather and this announcement from the US national weather association in Pocatello is no real surprise. If you live in Southeastern Idaho you should prepare for all real storm possibilities.

Us National weather service Pocatello, Idaho:

"Confidence is increasing in heavy snowfall for portions of East Idaho. The Winter Storm Severity Index graphic shows the areas expected to have the greatest impact through Thursday, in this case, a combination of heavy snow and blowing snow. The areas not highlighted in this graphic are expected to be warm (rain or mix of rain/snow) or receive little precipitation. The Snow Amount graphic includes snowfall through Friday.

We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have highly trained and certified professional ready to help! If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Hood cleaning

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that cleaning your restaurant vents is actually something that should be done routinely?! Well it is! The importance is so that the ventilation will ensure that the air inside your restaurant stays fresh. Your exhaust system will take greasy and food particle filled air coming off of your grille and whisk it away through your systems ductwork.

This month we are offering Southeastern Idaho Restaurants a 10% off discount on their first vent cleaning. We know that dirty vents can lead to fires which will leave your restaurant in more than just a greasy mess.

It's storm season

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Storm season is upon us and you know what that means... Cold, hard and unforgiving hail is about to show its unforgiving face. Here in Southeastern Idaho the hail can become pretty intense at times. In 2018 the hail storm got so bad it caused thousands of dollars in destruction. From shingles on homes that looked like they got a hundred tiny rocks thrown at it to cars that had paint and glass damage.

Thankfully there are ways to help prepare for a hale storm if one is headed your way.

Inspect your roof for cracks or missing shingles.
Keep your trees and shrubbery well trimmed
Maintain your outdoor area to avoid any dangerous materials getting thrown around.
Keep your gutters and drains clean and clear so debris can easily flow down.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster call the professionals at SERVPRO today. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Christmas Tree Danger

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Thank you to Ammon fire department for helping us with this demonstrations. We wanted to help to educate the public on how quickly a happy holiday tradition can go wrong.

Be sure to keep your trees watered and away from any heat source such as candles, heaters, etc.

According to nfpa.org:

Between 2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of two deaths, 14 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in almost half (45%) of home Christmas tree fires.
More than one-fifth (22%) of the Christmas tree fires, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree.
Fifteen percent of Christmas tree fires were intentional.
Roughly three-quarters of Christmas tree fires occurred in December or January.
More than two of every five (42%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room

We here at SERVPRO know how important it is to get your businesses back up and running as soon as possible. We have highly trained and certified professional ready to help If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Candle Dangers

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that every year candle fires destroy tons of homes! According to the www.nfpa.org

During the five-year period of 2014-2018:

Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 40% of the associated deaths and 49% of the associated injuries.
Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 15% of the associated deaths.
On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day.
Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Leaky mattress

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO was called out to a local mattress store that unfortunately had a pipe that leaked. Leaking pipes are common whether it be residential or commercial. If you feel like you may have a leaking pipe there are proper steps to take.

Look for the signs of a leak
Visually inspect plumbing leaks such as puddles or wet carpet
Turn of water supply if leak is continuous
Call a professional restoration company to come clean up and fry out the space if the leak is too large or you feel damage has been done.

Fire Suppression Line

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

We recently were called out to an apartment complex that had frozen fire suppression lines. In the cold Southeastern Idaho winters frozen lines are really no surprise to home owners as well as business owners. But if you do not catch it and correct it in time it can become a huge hassle. Proper insulation is a great way to slow or even stop the lines from freezing.

Fire Suppression Systems are used to extinguish, contain, or in some cases, entirely prevent fires from spreading or occurring. Fire Suppression Systems have an incredibly large variety of applications, and as such, there are many different types of suppression systems for different applications being used today.

If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Basement Flooding

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding in a basement can occur after a large storm. If your foundation has a crack water is sure to sneak its way right in. That can cause more serious problems like mold!

There are ways however to try and keep your basement clean and dry. One way is to add gutter extensions. This way the downspouts are dumping water a certain amount of feet away from your home. A second way is to plug the gaps. That means that you if you notice water coming through to your basement you can plug them with certain cements or caulking’s. A third way would be to fix your landscaping. Beams are usually a good choice and with the help of a landscaper you can help redirect that water in a flash.

If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Leaking in the kitchen

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding in the kitchen can become a very real and very quick disaster! When installing new hardware under your sink be sure it is always properly fitted. If lines are loose or the proper connections are not correct than water can leak OR worse start flowing out very quickly or rapidly.

If you are not home, heaven forbid, to turn off the main water shut off the water can come pouring out and leak into other rooms of your home as well as your basement. If that happens you will most likely need to call a professional to come out and clean up and dry all the excess water.

If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Icy Inferno Christmas Tree Bonfire

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

We are so lucky to be able to get to do so much work and event with our local Fire Departments. One event that is coming and hosted by the city of Ammon, ID as well as Bonneville Country Fire District is called the Icy Inferno. Details from City of Ammon are:

The City of Ammon is very excited to announce a new event, the Icy Inferno Christmas Tree bonfire and fireworks show. As indicated on the poster, this event is strictly contingent upon the COVID environment as well as the wind. As such the event is subject to rescheduling, adjusting, or cancellation.

Lots more information is on the way, including prizes and giveaways from local businesses, a map, details about parking, etc.Please help us by dropping off your Christmas Trees beginning December 26th through January 23rd. A map will be posted before Christmas and the spot will be clearly designated at the location. This will be a lot of fun and we hope to see you as we light up the cold night!

Stormy weather

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Even in the worst stormy weather SERVPRO will travel near and far to be there in your time of need! Our franchise travels all over Southeastern Idaho and the weather out here can get pretty treacherous at times. Last year alone we saw an average of 38.9 inches of snow. The US averages at 27.8. So needless to say, our winters are pretty chilly.

Road conditions are not always the best so we always urge our employees to take these steps while driving in stormy weather.

Slow down. Even if you have all-wheel drive, reduce your speed about 10 miles per hour below the speed limit
Beware of black ice
Avoid tailgating
Don't brake during a turn
Turn into a skid

These tips can make a huge difference while driving in adverse weather conditions. If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Water in your basement

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can cause a variety of different issues with your home. Damage to your roof is one of the more common issues that could happen during a storm. Damage To your roof can come from heavy hail, tree branches, or even too much weight on your roof from heavy snow. There are ways however to help prevent damaging affects to your roof.

Make sure to monitor your trees. If you have trees around your home with long hanging limbs or hedges that are growing out of control, make sure to maintain them.
Always do thorough inspections to your roof or hire someone else to do them.
Make sure you ass insulation
And always ventilate your roofs.

If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Mold can be almost anywhere

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings have to deal with almost everything a home would have to including mold. Mold is a touchy subject because unless tested or viewed by a professional you can’t tell how dangerous it can really be. Mold occurs primarily because mold loves damp, dark, wet and isolated spaces. So really almost just about anywhere. Below are some tips on helping to prevent a mold disaster in your business.

Always stay vigilant. Mold is very tricky and sneaky and can hid almost anywhere that is even the tiniest bit damp
Make sure to always make the proper repairs to foundation cracks, leaky roofs, etc.
Dehumidifiers are always a great idea to combat mold growth
Clean clean clean! Try your best to keep your property clean!

If you do have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby a call today (208) 523-5365.

Ice dam danger

1/2/2021 (Permalink)

According to www.almanac.com "November 2020 to October 2021. Winter temperatures and precipitation will be slightly below normal, on average. The coldest periods will be in early to mid-December, late January, and late February. Snowfall will be near normal, with the snowiest periods in early and late December, late January, and late February."

With snow come ice and with ice comes the possibility of ice dams. There definitely ways to help prevent ice dams.

1. Roof rakes
2. Ice Melting Heat Cables
3. Blown-in Attic Insulation
4. Ventilation Upgrade
5. Ice Belt Metal Panels
6. Metal Roof
7. Integrated Heating/Ice Melting Panels
8. Caulk to Seal Air Leaks

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Commercial buildings have mold too

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on a wood surface at a commercial location.

This mold was found at a commercial building we were working on this week. Water damage in an attic can increase to mold growth within 72 hours given proper conditions. The quicker we can respond the greater the chance we can save the materials and not have to tear out.

When a commercial property develops mold, they have to work fast to get it treated and removed so they don’t lose out on any income. It is important especially now in these rough times that businesses are able to remain open and functioning normally. That is where SERVPRO comes in and saves the day! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your disaster needs!

Our highly trained team of professionals are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We strive to always be up to date on the newest training and techniques as well as CDC guidelines. If your business has a fire, water, mold, asbestos, biohazard or COVID disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Ice makers can create mold

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on the ceiling of at attic.

A slow leak from the ice maker supply line of the refrigerator caused the wood floor in the kitchen to lift and buckle. The water also leaked into the bedroom next to the kitchen and the crawlspace causing mold damage. It is important to check your supply lines regularly to make sure there are no leaks and to avoid serious damage.

Water damage can increase to mold growth within 72 hours given proper conditions. The quicker we can respond the greater the chance we can save the materials and not have to tear out.

There's a new business in town!

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was at the opening of the new Costco bright & early to show our support to our newest business in town! As a franchise Veteran owned business, we feel that it is extremely important to be active members of our community and to get to know other businesses in town.

As an active member of our community we find it is very important to introduce ourselves around town so that other businesses know who we are. When businesses have water or fire disasters, we want them to know our owners by name so they can feel comfortable in such a tragic time. It is so important that during a disaster they know that the end result will eventually be a successful one.

New construction = New problems

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

This damage was the cause of extreme rain fall that came through the roof of new construction that resulted in a flooding disaster.

A leaky roof can cause as a problem in any sort of weather, but a leaky roof in a rainstorm or snowstorm can become a huge problem very fast. There are ways however to prevent water from leaking through your roof.

Have Your Roof ...
Fix Any Loose Shingles or Tiles. ...
Secure Any Yard Furniture. ...
Survey Fascia and Soffit Boards. ...
Trim Any Trees That Overhang the Roofand Trim Dead Branches off All Trees. ...
Purchase a Tarp and Store as Needed. ...
Clean Debris from Valley and Gutters.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold, Asbestos, Biohazard or COVID disaster make sure to give SERVPRO a call today! We have trained professionals available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (208) 523-5365

Leaky fridge

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Our production manager Justin was in Driggs this past week monitoring a water loss and updating a mitigation estimate for a home that had recently experienced flooding due to a leak in the fridge hose.

There are many reasons why a fridge water line would leak. The refrigerator water inlet valve may be loose, faulty, or clogged. This is the valve at the back bottom of the refrigerator where the water line attaches into. ... If this valve is damaged, cracked, or the water line is not fully connected, it will leak.

It is very important to call a professional immediately after this kind of disaster occurs to avoid any other issues such as mold growth.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold, Asbestos or Biohazard disaster call SERVPRO. We are available 25 hours a day, 7 days a week with trained and friendly professionals ready to help! (208) 523-5365

Beware when towing

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that chains dragging from a trailer that you are pulling could be the cause of a forest fire? It can! If you are towing a trailer for camping or other recreational reasons, make sure the chains on the tow assembly are NOT dragging on the ground. Dragging chains could cause sparks on the roads surface. It only takes just one spark to possibly burn thousands of acres of land.

According to nifc.gov, As of today, nationally, 43 large fires have burned more than 391,000 acres. Four new fires were reported. Several fires in California, Nevada, and Utah displayed extreme fire behavior yesterday. Residents near the mineral, Coyote, Big Summit, Turkey Farm Road and Veyo West fires are under evacuation orders. If you spot a fire starting to burn make sure to call 911 to report a forest fire!

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold, Asbestos or Biohazard disaster call SERVPRO. We are available 25 hours a day, 7 days a week with trained and friendly professionals ready to help! (208) 523-5365

Volunteering our time

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been teaming up with our local Fire Departments and EMTs to volunteer our time in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC describes Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.

We have been volunteering our time and products by going out to our local Fire Departments and cleaning all emergency vehicles. We also went to our local hospitals and held an event where we fed them as well as cleaned and fogged their personal vehicles free of charge. We hope that by doing this we can help to keep our first responders safe and able to continue to be there for our community.

If you have a fire, water, mold, asbestos, biohazard or COVID-19 related disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have highly trained professionals ready when you need us!

Cleaning and Sanitizing Fire Departments

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

We are so blessed to have the resources available to help assist in keeping our local first responders safe. SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby has decided to support our local heroes by going to all of our local fire departments and offering to clean and fog all of their emergency response vehicles to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We wipe down everything very thoroughly and make sure to sanitize every spot that could have possibly been affected.

This week we went to Central Fire District and cleaned and fogged all of their vehicles. We are so happy that we are able to give back to our community. We are so lucky to have such amazing heroes in our community!

If you have a Water, Fire, Mold, Asbestos or Biohazard Disaster give SERVPRO a call today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We have trained professionals ready to help.

Tanning salon issues

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle parked out in front of residential business

Last week SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby was called to a local tanning salon in Idaho Falls. They had a water loss affecting over 20 rooms! Within an hour we had employees onsite extracting water, moving contents, and getting equipment set.

It is very important when you have a water leak to get it taken care of as quickly as possible to prevent any other issues such as mold. Because they digest materials such as wood, the spread of mold due to leak throughout a building can cause damage to the floor and ceiling. Mold thrives under humid conditions, which is why water leaks from leaking water pipelines often contribute to the growth and spread of mold.

If you have a Water, Fire, Mold, Asbestos or Biohazard Disaster give SERVPRO a call today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We have trained professionals ready to help.

Thank you to our first responders

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO jeep parked next to a police vehicle while Megan and Jared clean emergency response vehicles.

SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby has decided to volunteer their time to help our first responders in our community. We decided to get into contact with the local Fire departments and Police Stations and set up appointments to come out to clean and fog their emergency response vehicles in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Per CDC Guidelines they suggest these preventative measures everyone should take.

Everyone Should

Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Do NOT use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Water & Ice Dams

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Window that was re-done as of a result of an ice dam

A window that had to be replaced as a result of an ice dam leak.

Yesterday we finished construction on a water job we were working on. Water had come into the home due to an ice dam and causing water damage to the home. When the temperature in your attic is above freezing, snow on the roof will likely melt. When the snowmelt runs down the roof and hits the colder eaves, it refreezes.

If this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt builds up and forms a dam of ice, behind which water pools up into large puddles, or "ponds". The ponding water can then back up under the roof covering and leak into the attic or along exterior walls.

The right weather conditions for ice dams are usually when outside air temperatures are in the low 20's (°F) for several days with several inches of snow on the roof.

There are no jobs too big or too small. Call SERVPRO today for all of your Fire, Water, Mold and Asbestos disasters (208)523-5365.

We are Cleaning Experts

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

The owners of our franchise with their children

The owners of our franchise posing on a couch with their children.

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 perform on a daily basis.

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby

Buckled wood floors

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our employee Kale removing a customers wood flooring due to buckling caused by water damage.

This week Carlos and Kale were in Island Park responding to a water loss and taking a moment to enjoy the beautiful views!!They are removing the hardwood floors because the floor had buckled causing doors and walls to shift.

According to www.nydreeflooring.com “Water is the enemy of hardwood flooring. Due to the porous nature of wood, moisture can be easily absorbed into the material. ... The wet floor may also begin to buckle and cup when large amounts of water are absorbed as the planks swell.”

Make sure to call a professional if you feel there has just been too much damage done to your flooring. The last thing you need is for the damage to continue and turn into mold. Which is a whole other issue on its own.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with highly trained professionals ready to help you in your time of need.

Our Peeps

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO crew getting suited up in yellow hazmat suits ready to fog an airport.

Our Peeps were suiting up prior to fogging an airport in Wyoming. Disinfectant fogging is a great step we can take to help provide you and those around you with an extra level of peace of mind.

We are dedicated to making sure that we can assist in helping to combat the spread of Coronavirus by offering cleaning fogging services.

Remember to continue to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing & quarantine measures.

Wash hands
Avoid touching face
Clean and sanitize house
Clean and sanitize office

As a responsible business and member of the community, we are asking the same question that you are: How can we keep our customers and community safe?

At SERVPRO we can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning and/or fogging. We are trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards, making us the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration.

In addition to Proactive Deep Cleaning, we also offer the following:

A fogging process delivered with a mechanical system that atomizes electro-statically charged droplets of SERVPROXIDE that can get it to the hard to reach cracks and crevices of the treated area. SERVPROXIDE is a proprietary hospital grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to the SARS-Coronavirus (COV-2).

SERVPROXIDE is NON-TOXIC and is not considered hazardous by OSHA. It is as safe or safer than many household cleaners.
SERVPROXIDE has a mild smell and areas treated can be inhabited as soon as 15-20 minutes after being treated.
SERVPROXIDE DOES NOT cause any respiratory or skin irritation.

From a business point of view, doesn’t it make sense to put yourself in a position to say you have taken all reasonable precautions to take care of your customers and staff?

We are also offering Fogging and Extensive Cleaning to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. SERVPRO is an essential business and is here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your Fire, Water, Mold and Asbestos Disasters. Give us a call today at (208) 523-5365.

We are here to help

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

News article about Coronavirus showing our SERVPRO truck in the background.

SERVPRO's all over the US have been working tirelessly to help minimize the spread of Coronavirus. We have assisted in cleaning the Amazon and Nike headquarters as well as Princess Cruise Ship and entire school districts.

Call us today at (208) 523-5365 to discuss how we can help protect your home and business.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/grand-princess-cruise-shi…/

“Two green SERVPRO disaster recovery trailers were in the area with labels that read, “Ready for whatever happens.” Workers wearing vests from the same company roamed the grounds. Other trailers were labeled, “California disaster medical support.”

https://pamplinmedia.com/…/454621-370957-forest-hills-is-re…

“While the building was closed, SERVPRO, an industrial cleaning company, was brought in to deep clean the premises. PBS Environmental, the district's industrial hygienist, provided third party oversight to make sure protocols were followed.

SERVPRO disinfected all hard surfaces such as doors, bathrooms, desks, chairs and countertops, using a registered hospital grade disinfectant called Benefect Decon 30. In addition to the manual wiping and disinfecting, electrostatic sprayers — which create a bond between the surface and the spray and don't have to be wiped — were used.

SERVPRO started their assessment Saturday morning and finished cleaning Monday afternoon.

SERVPRO used these same methods to clean all other LOSD facilities. “

Wash your hands

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Flyer regarding the coronavirus and how SERVPRO can help.

We can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning! At SERVPRO, we’re trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards, making us the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration. Call (208) 523-5365 or email us at SERVPRO9647@gmail.com to see how we can help clean your home or business.

Stop the spread of germs with a professional cleaning for your home or business. As the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration, we have the resources to help you immediately. Call (208) 523-5365 or email us at SERVPRO9647@gmail.com to see how we can help clean your home or business.

Wash hands
Avoid touching face
Clean and sanitize house
Clean and sanitize office

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we can minimize the spread of germs with a proactive cleaning for your home or business. Give us a call at (208) 523-5365

As painless as possible

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

One of our crew chiefs Carlos standing in front of a SERVPRO truck

Carlos our crew chief posing in front of our SERVPRO truck

Here at SERVPRO we strive to make every disaster as painless as possible for our customers. Here are some customer reviews that put a huge smile on our faces.

Megan

We have had some mold problems in our garage. Skylar was the first person I called. He sent someone out immediately to take a look and then personally came out and looked as well. Very professional, very helpful and I would call again when something else comes up! Thanks so much!!!

Shawn

Marci and Carlos were magnificent to work with. I will absolutely work with SERVPRO again. It really made a difference, the wonderful customer service these two provided. THANKS!

Raquel

Skyler was very professional and very willing to answer any and all questions I had. I had some flooding in my house a while back and everyone who's come through has been very friendly and very kind. I would be happy to have them work on my house again (though I'm hoping to avoid that!).

We love our customers' Reviews

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

One of our crew chiefs Zach standing in front of a SERVPRO truck

One of our crew chiefs Zach posing in front of a SERVPRO truck

We really do love reviews from our customers. Here is one that really made our day!

Robert

Upon returning from SOCAL on the 27th of August, we found our basement flooded. We called Farmers Insurance and told them what happened and they in turn called SERVPRO and they had two men at our home within an hour. They worked till past 2 am attempting to get as much water removed as possible. Zach, the team leader said that another team would be back in several hours to continue the clean up. By 8 am Carlos and his crew arrived and continued the water removal process and begin the drying out process. Between Zach’s crew and Carlos’s crew the basement was dried and prepared for the restoration process. These two young men were not only very efficient, but very helpful in explaining everything thing that was happening, and also what the whole process would entail. Thank you both along with your crews for helping us to get through all of this. Robert and Susan Robinson

We strive to make our customers happy

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

One of our crew chiefs standing in front of a SERVPRO truck

Our crew chief posing in front of the SERVPRO truck

Here at SERVPRO we strive to make our customers happy! Our reviews mean everything to us! Here are a few of our favorites.

Brandon

Very helpful and mindful of my situation. I am glad I didn’t have to spend a whole bunch of money to have them fix what I was capable of doing with a little bit of guidance. It is is nice to know that they are in business to help others and not force them into expensive repairs just to help their bottom line. Thank you for the help!

Rebecca

We are very appreciative of SERVPRO and all of their crews. They are responsive and communicated with us every step of the way. Carlos and Josafat worked on the drywall repair and I would venture to say that it is the best drywall texture we have seen in a repair! They also trained our maintenance team to be able to detect water leaks behind the walls and use the hygrometer to get a reading. We will use them again!

Water in the attic

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee cleaning up after a water disaster.

We recently got called out to a water loss at a commercial building in Idaho Falls. The winter storms had crept into the attic and partially flooded two apartments and two hallways. With the winter months being long and wet there is always a chance for a water disaster.

One of the ways to stop the water from creeping in would be roof maintenance. These tips and tricks may help.

Remove snow asap. Although, snow on the roof looks nice, it can lead to a array of issues if left sitting too long.
Repair and flashing. Make sure to take a look at existing flashing. Check if it was installed correctly or if it needs to be replaced.
Check your attic ventilation. Attic performance is directly related to your roof.
Make sure all debris is cleared from your gutters.
Call a professional if you need help!

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos disaster give us a call today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With trained professionals ready to help (208) 523-5365.

Leaky fridge in the breakroom

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

back of fridge from a breakroom that caused a leak

This disaster was caused by a refrigerator leak in the break room. One of the most common culprits for leaks in the kitchen area are fridges. There are many things that can attribute to a fridge leak.

Water filters can be installed incorrectly or there could be a poor connection. The drain pan can have cracks in it which could cause major leakage. And finally, the defrost drain. The defrost drain is one of the most common causes of a leaking fridge. When the defrost drain is blocked by food particles or ice, it prevents the water accumulated during the defrost cycle to properly drain into the pan. Eventually, water will start to build up. Without anywhere to drain, water will begin to flow right onto your floor.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today. Our specialized technicians are available for all your disaster needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Storms cause water leaks too

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Floor that has water damage due to a storm

This disaster was caused by a water leak from a storm we had recently had here in Southeastern Idaho. It’s winter time and that means the storms are here and ready to wreak havoc on unsuspecting home owners and renters.

Blizzards can cause all types of serious issues to our homes. One of the most dangerous ones are high winds breaking off tree branches that then come crashing into and through our homes. Another one is flooding. Flooding can occur during a heavy storm as well as after. Snow build up on your roof will eventually melt. That’s when the water will try and find any way into your home that it possible can. After it finds its way into your home that is when the disasters start. Mold and water damage can severely take over your home.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today. Our specialized technicians are available for all your disaster needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Water Condensation

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water condensation in a home.

Water condensation from a storm can lead to secondary damage and cause more damage than the original loss. Speed is key to ensure you are able to reduce the humidity in the environment and stop the loss.

So, what is relative humidity? Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative Humidity refers to the amount of water in the air compared to the total amount it could contain at a specific temperature. For example, 100% relative humidity during the summer would feel like the air is made of pea soup. However, 100% relative humidity during winter would feel less uncomfortable. This is because 80°F air can hold more water than, say, 20°F air.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your cleaning and restoration needs.

Emergency Board Up

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Local business caught on fire and two other buildings as well

Over the weekend a local business caught fire affecting 2 other businesses within the building. SERVPRO was able to respond and provide Emergency Board up for all 3 businesses. Here are four reasons to board up after a fire.

In a commercial setting, there may still be viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale, but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition.
You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out to prevent additional damage. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

After a fire cleanup

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire that broke out and we did a board up

SERVPRO is usually one of the first people to come out right after a fire disaster. Our job is to clean up after the disaster and help salvage any contents we possibly can. We know that after a fire disaster occurs the results can be devastating. Although, the longer you wait the more things can go bad. We like to get in right away so that we can get a game plan going to help salvage anything we possibly can.

www.statefarm.com suggests these steps after a fire disaster:

Find a safe place to stay. No matter the amount of damage, you likely can't stay in your own home.
Contact your insurance agent. You'll need to start a claim and address your immediate needs. "Loss of use" funds from your insurance policy will cover living and other daily expenses.
Address your finances. You'll still need to make mortgage payments — even if your home is destroyed. Your insurance policy, which should cover your home's value and mortgage, will make payments to you and your mortgage lender.
Recover your possessions. Items destroyed in a house fire are usually covered by insurance.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Time to change the insulation

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

insulation being changed from a fire disaster

Zach and Justin stopped by one of our jobs this week which was a commercial building in Wilson today to put the insulation back in the walls and close all the vents after a terrible fire that had broken out earlier this week.

The importance of insulation is that Insulation will help you keep the desired temperature in your house all year round, protecting it against cold in winter and excess heat in summer. Insulation is also useful to reduce noise pollution. A well-insulated house is very energy efficient and will need very little additional heating and cooling.

Besides fire disaster, these are other reasons why insulation would need to be replaced:

Changing Indoor Temperatures. If the indoor temperature of your home is constantly changing, that's a sure sign that your crawl space and attic insulation should be replaced. ...
High Energy Bills. ...
Animal Infestation. ...
Wet Insulation. ...
Indoor Drafts.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disasters give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Dirty ceilings are a no no

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling in a commercial kitchen we are about to clean.

Justin, Zach & Austin went and cleaned the ceiling tiles in the kitchen at a restaurant in Idaho Falls Wednesday night after they closed from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. The importance of having your ceiling cleaned is simple… it’s sanitary! If your restaurant is not clean you are risking getting violations on your next health inspection and no one wants that. If violations happen than comes fines and possibly even closures. Even worse than that though, a dirty place of business can lead to food-borne illnesses.

More simply though cleaning can brighten up your work space and help prolong the kitchen life. With a clean ceiling and work place comes a professional image of your place of business. If you are interested in getting the ceiling cleaned at your restaurant or businesses give SERVPRO a call today so we can provide you with a quote!

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Water leak from the ceiling

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water leaking from the roof because of a storm.

We recently had a job at a local federal building with the cause being a water leak from the ceiling. With all these storms hitting hard and fast they are doing quite some damage to our roofs. There are definitely some sure fire ways to see if any damage had been done to your roof.

There are certain things we should all look for after a storm takes a toll on our homes or businesses. Check the condition of the shingles. Missing shingles are one obvious sign, but pay attention to the granule buildup. Also, look for missing flashing along the edges of the roof and along the chimneys and vents. And finally look for water damage in the attic or along the ceiling.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your fire, water, mold or asbestos needs. Give us a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Dangerous candles

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our team cleaning up the fire damage from a candle.

This disaster happened because of a candle that caught a couch on fire! The candle happened to be extremely too close and set the couch a blaze. Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires. Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 33% of the associated deaths and 51% of the associated injuries.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to about 9,300 home structure fires started by candles between 2009 and 2013. Those fires led to 86 deaths, 827 injuries, and $374 million in direct property damage. Fires do so much damage to homes and businesses.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos Disaster give SERVPRO a call at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

When it rains it pours

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage on the floor

It's raining its pouring....

Did you know that one of the most common sources of water damage is rainwater that will pool around the foundation of the home?

After a while the water can and will seep into the concrete and form cracks and weak points that will let the water pass through. The ground under your home can be compromised leading to settling. A building that has settled too much has creaks in the floors and sticky doors. Water can ruin the exterior and interior of your home. Your foundation can be discolored, and prematurely aged. Not to mention if the water gets through the cracks of your foundation.

If you have a water, fire, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we are dedicated to making your disaster look "Like it never even happened."

Damaged shingles

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Damaged shingles on a house due to hail.

Every year in Eastern Idaho we prep for the storm season lurking right around the corner. Although every year the amount of snow, hail, rain or wind we get can be anyone’s guess, it is still very important to prepare for the worse and hope for the best.

Damage to siding seemed to be a common theme last winter with the hail in full destroy mode. It took no prisoners while it laid its destructive ice balls into unsuspecting home owners beautiful homes. The amount of damage is still unknown but if I can guess it was definitely a pretty penny.

Basic upkeep is necessary to prepare for the storms to come. Replace any missing or damaged shingles, repair loos siding, keep your gutters clean to ensure water is able to flow, and ensure proper sealing of your doors and windows.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Ice Dam Damage

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Ice dam forming on the roof of a house.

Ice Dams are common in areas with cold snowy winter months. It is something that every home owner dreads and cringes when they look outside to see an ice-skating rink forming on and under their shingles.

There are however some preventative measures to take so that you can avoid the dreaded ice dam! The website www.familyhandyman.com suggests these tips and tricks.

Close up attic bypasses
In the average home, about one-third of the heat loss is through the ceiling into the attic. And most of that loss comes from air leaks caused by unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks around light fixtures, plumbing pipes, chimneys, access hatches and other ceiling penetrations.
Measure your attic insulation level
While you’re in the attic, check the depth of your attic insulation.
Add roof and soffit vents
Attic ventilation draws in cold outdoor air and flushes out warmer attic air, cooling the attic and the roof in the process.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Winter emergency kits

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

When the weather is bad and unpredictable you should always carry a winter emergency kit.

With the winter storms in full bloom we need to all be very careful with driving long or even short distances. You never know when the weather can and will take a turn for the worse so it is very important to always have a winter emergency pack inside your car.

Per www.wsdotcom they suggest the following:

Winter travel can be tough on car and driver, to prepare:

Check your tires and make sure your chains fit before the first winter storm and check tire pressure during cold weather. Remember, tire shops and mechanics are busiest just before and during winter storms.
Get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up. Don't wait to check your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster and wipers.
Keep your fuel tank full. Don't let it fall below half a tank on winter trips.
Program your radio for traffic reports and emergency messages (for WSDOT radio: 530 and 1610 AM).

What to carry on winter trips:

Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle: flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, first-aid kit.
Load your car with winter travel gear: tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, road flares.
See more winter preparedness tips at Take Winter By Storm website.

If you find yourself stranded, be safe, stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Mold in Jackson

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in Jackson, Wy from a hot water line

Today we are just outside of Jackson working in the crawl space of this beautiful home. There was a pin hole in a hot water line which leaked for an unknown amount of time. We will be pulling all the insulation out mitigating the mold and drying the affected materials.

www.cdc.gov states that Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.

Are your ducts dirty?

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

Maintain our duct machine so it is ready for our next customer.

Is it time for you to have your ducts cleaned? It is very important to have your commercial ducts cleaned.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
May help to eliminate offensive odors.
Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Bathtub fails

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was called out to a water loss at a home in Victor, ID. The main valve on one of the bathtubs failed and flooded the bathroom. They had to remove the tile and backed board so they could remove the affected subflooring.

It is very important that whenever there is a leak you are always sure to check for moisture or mold. Moisture that is left untreated can result in mold. If mold occurs then there will be a hole new set of obstacles that will arise. Mold is very dangerous to your health and can form fairly quickly. It takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Typically, the spores begin to colonize in 3 to 12 days and become visible in about 18-21 days.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold or Asbestos Disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

We are available 24hours a day, 7 days a week!

Ride for 22

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is so excited to be a part of this amazing event this upcoming Labor Day weekend! The UTV Invasion happens every year around Labor Day in the St. Anthony’s Dunes. There are thousands of people who attend this 5-day event and it is growing every year. SERVPRO has decided to set up a charity raffle in honor of an amazing organization that means so much to all of our employees called Ride for 22.

Ride For 22® is a non-profit 501c3 organization who cares deeply and passionately about serving our nation’s military and their families. Our mission states we will do three things: spread awareness of PTS and educate the public, serve as a living memorial and provide support and comfort to the loved ones left behind. We hope to accomplish this mission in several ways; participating in ride events, recruiting other riders to join us in raising awareness, being visible at events such as ride’s and health expos, networking families to help each other through the grieving process, help with ride registration fees for veterans battling PTS or the families of those who have lost the battle, share helpful resources to help those suffering or dealing with loss, and much more. Our hope by raising awareness and educating the public is that we can help eliminate some of the stigma that surrounds military PTS and allow for veterans to seek and receive the help and social support they so desperately need and reduce the number 22 to 0.

Mold in the drywall

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Eric and Justin went to Alpine over the weekend to look at the crawl space in a home that’s still under construction. Because the floor joists were not sealed correctly when they were installed by a different company, mold had begun to grow and water was beginning to seep in through the foundation.

Mold can be very dangerous and go almost unnoticed in some instances. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

If you suspect you may have mold growth in your home or business please give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your fire, water, mold and asbestos needs.

4th of July

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again… the 4^th of July!! As much fun as this holiday can be, it can also cause a lot of disasters. Did you know that thousands of people every year, mostly children and teens, are injured while using or being around fireworks. www.nfpa.com has some scary but useful facts we should all be aware of.

Fireworks by the numbers

Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
In 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2015 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu.

Fire = Soot

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Fire disasters not only cause FAST damage but it also causes lasting damage. When you have a fire in your home or business it is not just the flames that are dangerous, it is the smoke as well. We have specialized trained employees who take their time to make sure there is absolutely no remains of soot on your personal belongings after your fire disaster.

Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

We here at SERVPRO know how devastating a water, fire, mold, or asbestos disaster can be and we are dedicated to helping you get through it. Give us a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Flood cuts and drywall

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Hanna and Justin were doing flood cuts on the drywall and will be pulling the wet insulation out of a house in Rexburg. It happened after the rain storm we had last week.

Rain storms can cause a lot of damage for home owners and it can come so fast and so unexpected you may not know what to do. On www.hunker.com they reveal why it is a good idea to do a flood cut if your drywall gets wet.

Heavy Dampening

If the drywall is exposed to a large amount of water over an extended period, it will become irreparably ruined. A steady leak or flood damage are common examples. Even after it dries, the drywall will not return to its original shape. Instead it will be clearly warped and discolored. Applying firm pressure will cause it to crumble into a dense, chalky powder. Remove the drywall promptly, dry the surroundings and then install a new sheet. Moisture-damaged drywall is not simply an eyesore, but it's also a health hazard.

Mold

With a little bit of water, drywall can become an ideal environment for mold. Even after drying it out, if mold has taken root, it will persist. In mild cases, the mold will cause discoloration and an unpleasant smell. In extreme cases, such as with black mold, it can negatively affect the health of those nearby. Symptoms include red and irritated eyes, sneezing, headaches and a host of respiratory problems. If drywall shows signs of mold infestation, remove it immediately.

Cleaning Contents

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not only known for their restoration skills but we also clean the homes and businesses contents that go through a fire, water, mold and asbestos disasters.

Cleaning contents is an extremely important part of the entire process. Our first step in this process is taking a complete detailed inventory of all belongings affected. We safely pack them and bring them to our facility where we start the next process. We then meticulously and carefully clean every item by hand until we are 100% satisfied with the item. We also have products we use to neutralize odors like smoke smell so that there are no odors left on the items.

SERVPRO is dedicated to making your home or business look as if your disaster never happened. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO call today.

Easter Egg Hunt

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Idaho Falls is dedicated to being their for our community whenever we are able to do so. Recently we donated a bike to an Easter event in Rexburg, ID.

Rexburg Community Easter Egg Hunt 2019

The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Rexburg Kiwanis and First American Title will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20th.

Taking place at Porter Park, The Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 10 a.m. and will feature 19,009 eggs for children ages 12 and under to collect.

Easter Eggs will include candy and certificates for up to 865 prizes. Some of the awards can consist of kites, puzzle games, punch balloons, and bicycles donated by various businesses and individuals.

In addition, the Easter egg bunny will be making an appearance during the event starting at 9:15 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes early as to avoid missing out on this wonderful event.

Gotta clean those floors

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

In this photo Carlos and Adrian were pulling out a cabinet on a water loss job. They did this so they could pull the flooring and dry the affected areas.

www.lowes.com suggests that the damage that water causes, it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors — where it's readily visible — and in ductwork, attics and crawl spaces — where you might not notice it. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.

Additional Tips to Avoid Water Damage

Have your attic ventilation and insulation inspected annually and seal gaps that allow warm air into the attic — such as those around access doors and light fixtures. When warm air collects in the attic, it can lead to the formation of an ice dam — ice around the eaves that causes water from melting snow and ice to back up under the shingles and leak into your home.
If you have a sump pump, test it several times during the year. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
Check your water pressure with a pressure gauge; typically these screw onto a hose bib. The pressure in an average home is around 50 to 70 pounds per square inch (psi). Higher pressure causes extra stress on pipes and fittings and can lead to leaks.
Inspect tile and grout around showers and tubs. Make any necessary repairs. Read Replace a Broken Ceramic Tile and Repair Tile Groutfor step-by-step instructions.
Check for leaks around windows during rains and seal any you find.
Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to move excess moisture out of the house. Moisture in the air can condense on cool surfaces and cause problems. Read Controlling Moisture and Humidity in the Home for more ways to reduce indoor moisture.
Locate your water shut-off valve so you can quickly turn off water to the home in an emergency. See Shut Off Your Home Water Supply for instructions on locating the valve.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Fire Bags

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows one of our Marketing/Sales Reps Corey got to go around to local fire departments and hand out these amazing Fire Bags our Marketing Department has put together for families in need! SERVPRO knows how unexpected fires can be and wanted to find a way to help families in our communities. We decided to put bags together that the fire departments could hand out to families after they have a fire disaster. With the help of donations, we have been able to put together more than 100 bags so far!

The contents of these bags include toiletries, towels, paper, pens, Chapstick, coloring books and many other items families may need if they experience a fire disaster in their home.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

mold growth!

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Jared and Mike were at a new water loss job this morning. The water came from an overflowing toilet!

Water is bad enough on its own but when left unattended it can cause the dreaded… MOLD! www.moldepedia.com states that moisture is really the key cause of mold growth since the other conditions on the list are always going to be present in homes. So, essentially, the difference between whether mold grows in your home or not comes down to whether you have a moisture problem.

What Mold Needs to Grow

Mold needs these conditions before it can begin to grow in a home:

Mold spores
A food source (eg wood, drywall, cotton)
Darkness (mold can't grow under ultraviolet light)
Warmth (mold can't grow in freezing temperatures)
Oxygen
Moisture (eg water leaks, humidity)
Enough time (most molds can begin to grow in 24-48 hours if the conditions are right)

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365

Spring Brew Fest

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was lucky enough to be able to volunteer our time with the City of Idaho Falls downtown development Spring Brew event. Downtown Idaho Falls is currently raising money to help with the development on Downtown Idaho Falls. Their Mission is: The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to establishing Historic Downtown Idaho Falls as the regional center for commercial, cultural, and leisure activities for residents and visitors alike.

The beer fest was a community event and SERVPRO was out there helping to raise money. Our marketers Megan, Corey, and Danielle along with the owner himself, Skylar Price, donated their time and service to help make our beautiful city of Idaho Falls even better. Our franchise is huge on volunteer work and have lined up many different events throughout the year from Idaho falls to St. Anthony’s for us to attend. We couldn’t be more excited and cannot wait until the next event.

Ducts cleaned anyone?

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Idaho Falls now offers Duct Cleaning? You can call our office between 8:00am – 5:00pm for your estimate and we work with residential and commercial businesses. So what is duct cleaning? According to the EPA website Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

SERVPRO has highly trained professionals ready to help you and your home and business get those ducts cleaned and back in working order. We also offer free estimates Monday through Friday between 8:00am – 5:00pm mountain time. If you feel like you may possibly need your ducts cleaned call a SERVPRO professional today at (208) 523-5365 and we will help you every step of the way.

Spring Showers

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

With all the recent storms Southeastern Idaho has been having, it is a good idea to know how to prepare your house for these Spring showers. On www.hometips.com they offer these tricks and tips for a worry free spring.

Inspect the house siding. Check for damage, cracks, and holes. Seal up leaks with paintable or clear caulk. Make sure the paint is in good condition. If it isn’t, consider getting the house painted before winter really sets in.
Weatherstrip windows and doors to seal out drafts and minimize heat loss. For more, see Weatherstripping Windows and/or Door Weatherstripping Options.
Prepare or install storm doors and windows. If your home has a combination storm/screen door with interchangeable glass and screen panels, switch from screens to glass (see Screen & Storm Door Buying Guide). Spray a little WD-40 on the storm door’s hinges and latches. Be sure the door closer is adjusted and working smoothly.

Clean your gutters and downspouts. When gutters and downspouts clog with leaves and debris, water overflows and spills down where it can damage walls and footings. Please see Rain Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance. If your house is beneath many trees, it’s smart to clear the gutters at the beginning of the season, and then clean them again after the first rain to remove leaves and debris that wash down from the roof.
Check your roof, skylights, and flashing. The roof is the most obvious point of entry for rain. Please see How to Find & Fix a Roof Leak. If checking your roof is more than you want to handle yourself, please see our affiliate partner, HomeAdvisor, to receive free bids from local asphalt shingle roof repair pros.
Repair gutters and downspouts. Fix loose, sagging, or leaking gutters and make sure downspouts carry drainage well away from the house. For more, see How to Fix Rain Gutters & Downspouts.

Flowers are starting to bloom!

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

With the Spring months upon us most of the region will soon be, if not already, facing lots and lots od downpours. This is the time for you to start getting your house ready to transition from stormy skies to warm sunny weather.

On www.thenest.com they suggest these tips and tricks to keep you ahead of the game.

Repair the Walkways - Snow and cold can wreak havoc on your walkway. With warmer weather approaching, take this time to patch cracks and replace loose bricks and pavers. Rent a power washer or purchase a chemical treatment to clean up embedded stains in concrete, stone or asphalt.

Prune and Mulch - Prune dead branches, trim back overgrown shrubbery and remove any obstructive plantings. Spread mulch or bark around trees, shrubs and flowers for a weed-free, well-kept look.

Freshen up your furniture - Spray a fresh coat of paint on furniture and replace the cushions. Fill an empty spot on the porch or stoop with a modern bench or porch swing

Keep it clean - Sweep the sidewalk and stoop, clear away cobwebs, tighten wobbly railings, and repaint posts and supports.

Clean Gutters - This can save you a lot of money on repair costs. Inspect your downspouts and gutters just before the spring rains start to be sure they’re clear of leaves, tree limbs and other debris that might cause problems later on. Clogging usually occurs at the elbow in a drainage system, where the downspout connects to the gutter. Since this elbow is relatively easy to remove, take it off and inspect for clogging.

Reviews help us grow!

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO we feel like we are only as good as the feedback we receive from our customers. We train our employees to always try and go above and beyond for our customers. Below is a real life review we received this week!

Dear Skylar and Jared

Thank you both so very much for your careful and professional attention to the recent water loss at my home in Jackson, Wyoming. You and your team have done a very neat and thorough job of caring for the home as well as making me feel comfortable with the entire process. I very much appreciate the time you’ve spent reviewing the estimates so I know we’ve captured everything correctly.

I look forward to receiving your final report – we’ll use that to get the remaining bids and info needed to complete this process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need anything further from me at this time.

Wishing you a successful year!

With gratitude,

Robin Suydam

Toys for Tots

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Idaho Falls is huge in helping out our community! We love being involved in as many organization projects as possible. This last Christmas were lucky enough to be able to show our support and assist Toys for Tots in raising over $350 as well as two boxes of toy donations.

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks.

Our Marketing/Sales Rep Corey was able to go around to over 10 businesses in town and get donated items such as gift cards and gift baskets. All proceeds from those raffles went straight to Toys for Tots.

We went to Black Bear Diner as well as Cal Ranch to set up booths and inform people about this wonderful organization. People were wonderful and really helped out their community and all of the wonderful children in it. We cannot wait to be involved again Christmas 2019 and raise as much money and toys to help out our community as we can!

Veteran Owned

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Idaho Falls is a veteran owned and operated business. Our owner Skylar price served in the Army for 9 years.

This last year we were able to be a part of a Veteran motorcycle ride called Ride 22. On their website, this is how Ride 22 is described.

Ride For 22® is a non-profit 501c3 organization who cares deeply and passionately about serving our nations’s military and their families. Our mission states we will do three things: spread awareness of PTS and educate the public, serve as a living memorial and provide support and comfort to the loved ones left behind. We hope to accomplish this mission in several ways; participating in ride events, recruiting other riders to join us in raising awareness, being visible at events such as ride’s and health expos, networking families to help each other through the grieving process, help with ride registration fees for veterans battling PTS or the families of those who have lost the battle, share helpful resources to help those suffering or dealing with loss, and much more. Our hope by raising awareness and educating the public is that we can help eliminate some of the stigma that surrounds military PTS and allow for veterans to seek and receive the help and social support they so desperately need and reduce the number 22 to 0.

Excellent Customer Service

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO we try and take the absolute best care of our customers. We make sure to implement proper training for all new hires that starts and ends with proper customer service.

We believe that the customer should be more than happy with the job and job process so we make sure to check in with them throughout the job to make sure that they are satisfied with the work we are preforming.

We believe that having excellent customer service is key. On www.myperfectresume.com they define what excellent customer service means.

What does it mean to provide excellent customer service?
Providing excellent customer service means going the extra mile in making sure a customer is happy and satisfied with a company’s products or services. It also involves providing service to a customer in a timely, pleasant manner. In order to provide excellent customer service, one needs superb communication and problem resolution skills.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? Because SERVPRO prides themselves in being faster to any disaster. With over 1,500 franchises nationwide, we can be anywhere you are. We know that when disaster hits the last thing anyone wants is to have to wait for help. We are confident that we will be there for you in a timely manner and to be able to start helping right away.

To make sure that we stand true to our promise, we are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We have on call managers and technicians to make sure we are able to help whenever disaster may hit. We know that disasters are not planned and we want our customers to feel secure and to know that we are available 100% of the time.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We also offer duct cleaning!

Employees are everything!

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? When I began working for SERVPRO I knew close to nothing about the franchise that I got hired on to. I learned quickly that it wasn’t just another “restoration company franchise” but a family. This SERVPRO is independently owned by two of the nicest, hardest working, wonderful individuals I have ever met. They don’t just treat this like a business but like a family. They care about their employees and are there for them whenever we need them.

We have monthly company meetings and the marketing department gets to spoil the other employees with a HUGE yummy breakfast as well as treats most months. Every employee is required to attend these meetings because at our franchise they want to hear everyone’s suggestions, opinions, questions, and concerns.

I believe that a successful business treats their employees with respect and that is exactly what they do. I am extremely proud to be working for a company as amazing as this one.

What's down in the basement?

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew was at a new water loss in Mackay, ID. The owners were gone for two months. They came home to find their flooring was severely buckled and there was standing water in the basement.

The loss was from a water line that was going to the kitchen sink that had frozen and then broke. Our crew had to pack out all of the contents before they were able to start the demolition process.

According to www.consumerreports.com they have a few ideas to possibly help avoid a freezing pipe.

Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)

Let the cold-water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.

If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas and prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster give us a call today at (208) 523-5365.

A storm is comming

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Winter storms whether it be snow, hail or rain can cause substantial damage to your home. There are plenty of checklists online you can search for to make sure parts of your home weren’t damaged during a storm.

On www.propertycasualty360.com they list seven different areas they feel are important to check over.

The roof

Ice dams and winter storms can do a lot of damage to your roof.

An ice dam occurs when snow on the roof melts, runs to the edge and refreezes there, forcing water back up under the roof where it can cause leaks and shingles deterioration.

At the same time, high winds, hail and winter storms can tear off shingles or drive moisture beneath them, causing further damage.

Gutters

Ice dams can do damage not only to your roof, but to gutters as well.

That’s because the heavy ice building up on the edge can pull gutters away from the roofline.

At the same time, water freezing inside the gutters and downspouts themselves can lead to separations in some areas, which means that they’ll need to be replaced.

House exterior

Cold, snow and hailstones can also take a toll on the outside of a house.

This can result in peeling paint, which if left long enough, could mean that your siding can become susceptible to moisture infiltrating it, which in turn can lead to wood rot and future repairs.

Repainting your exterior in the spring can help prevent these problems.

Siding

If the paint has peeled enough on the siding of the house, moisture can begin to infiltrate, causing the wood to begin rotting.

In addition, hail stones or fallen tree limbs can damage siding, whether denting aluminum siding or cracking vinyl. Because the siding is a home’s first line of defense against the elements, it needs to be repaired in a timely way.

Driveway

A little known problem that can occur during the cold winter months is damage to a driveway.

Small cracks that develop naturally over time are the perfect place for water to collect. When that water freezes, it expands, causing what’s known as a frost heave. Frost heaves are responsible for large cracks, as well as potholes in your driveway, making just getting home a bumpy adventure.

Repaving your driveway can correct these issues and help prevent additional damage by eliminating those small cracks as well.

The foundation

The same freeze/thaw cycle that causes cracks and potholes in a driveway can also affect a foundation.

Hairline cracks in the concrete of a foundation that develop naturally over time because of a home settling can expand during the winter months, causing major structural issues if they aren’t taken care of in a timely way.

Getting a foundation repaired in the spring can help prevent more problems from developing as time goes by.

Trees

Your home isn’t the only area that can sustain damage during a winter storm. Trees in your yard can also take a hit.

Heavy snow and high winds can knock down tree limbs, taking out power lines, damaging siding, and generally making your landscaping look a mess.

Getting your trees trimmed can help prevent this type of damage, as well as keep your trees healthy and looking great.

Duct not Duck

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is now offering duct cleaning to commercial businesses! We are so excited to be able to offer this service and educate business owners on the importance of making sure your ducts are cleaned.

It is very important to make sure you have you vents cleaned for numerous different reasons. Two reasons in particular would be dust buildup and allergens. You may suspect that your ducts are dirty if sneezing occurs every time you walk into the building. If that is the case than you might want to consider duct cleaning as a possible solution.

A lot of people ask us “how long should I wait between cleanings”? Our answer to that is that it depends on what kind of business you are running. For example, an automotive repair shop may have a substantial amount of dust buildup compared to an office building.

If you suspect that you may need your ducts cleaned give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365

We love reviews!

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

I know a few people who have used SERVPRO, they have excellent customer service, do a great job, are fast and efficient.

-Catherine M.

This is a great company! I needed work done in my house after a leak and water damage and they were wonderful to work with. Very professional and punctual. would definitely recommend SERVPRO of Idaho Falls & Rexburg/Rigby to our friends and family.

-Danielle P.

My older brother and father both had the opportunity to work for SERVPRO a few years ago. I have always been impressed with the quality work this business cranks out. Great business and even greater owners!

-Tiffany R.

Britten Hafen was on time, very professional, quick and a complete pleasure. My dishwasher broke and flooded into the living room carpet. We cleaned it but had them come check for mold. Once she arrived she took care of everything, I didn't have to do anything after that. Next time I will call them quicker and just have them take care of everything!

-Stew DBD

We take pride in ourselves

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO prides itself in always making sure the customer is happy with our work as well as being happy with the customer service we provided to them. It starts from the first call the front office staff, then to our estimators, followed by our crews, and finally to our Marketing team and our Production managers. We train every one of our SERVPRO employees to know the importance of great customer service and strive to always to our best!

SERVPRO has gone above and beyond to make us whole despite our insurance companies lack of co-operation. There employees have been considerate, and professional. The office staff is fantastic with follow up and follow through. The owner Skylar exceeds expectations and strives to provide quality work for his clients. I highly recommend them for any home repairs or renovations.

-Tracy M.

Great company!!! Highly recommend.

-Rebecca C.

SERVPRO did a great job cleaning up the fire in Mud Lake, Idaho. They were friendly and efficient while cleaning the museum and demoing the Painted Pony Bar and Grill. Pretty much the best people for any job!!

-Tiffany R.

Stormy weather or sunny sky's?

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Snow Birds! This is a term I’m sure we have all heard but may not know what it means. According to Wikipedia, Snowbirds are typically retirees who wish to avoid the snow and cold temperatures of northern winter, but maintain ties with family and friends by staying there the rest of the year. In recent years, younger people with jobs tied to seasonal tourists often migrate southward, following the tourist season to southern resorts. Some are also business owners who have a second home in a warmer location or whose business can be easily moved from place to place. Many families in the United States often spend their Christmas holiday time (up to 2 weeks) at beach resorts in Florida and California.

Getting away from the winter definitely sounds amazing from time to time but make sure you take the proper steps before running away from Jack Frost and properly prepare your home. According to www.filterbutler.com they suggest a few things whether you are running from snowflakes or running from sunshine.

Make a List. Check it Twice

Look carefully at the interior and exterior of your property and make note of everything that needs to be done. Come up with an action plan that will also come in handy once you open the house again. When you return to your home at a later date, you more than likely will have forgotten several tasks that will now need to be undone.

Turn Off Your Water at the Exterior

Don’t just turn off your water sources inside. If your furnace fails while you’re away, water in the pipes could freeze and potentially burst the pipes causing extensive damage. After you have turned off the main source, open up every faucet and drain the water lines. Go through your home and make sure the toilets, water heater (turn off the gas or electric supply first), and the expansion tank have all been drained.

Safety Checks

Walk around the home and unplug any appliances or gadgets including microwaves, TVs, and even your oven. This will avoid the risk of fire in the event of a faulty switch or a rodent gnawing on the wires. For a very long absence, experts suggest turning off gas hot water heaters completely. Hot water heaters use a lot of energy, just keeping water in the tank hot. For gas water heaters, the simplest option is to switch the unit to “pilot”.

Clean It Up

Don’t keep any food that is likely to go bad while you’re away. Empty your freezer. If the electric fails in your absence and then is restored, the food in your freezer will thaw and refreeze, which is very dangerous. If you must keep food in your freezer, place a coin on top of a frozen ice cube tray. If the ice cube melts while you’re away, the coin will sink into the ice cube and will freeze inside of it once the power kicks back on. If this happens you will know that there was a power outage while you were away and now you can discard any frozen foods.

Remove any items that could freeze in your absence such as beer bottles, paint containers, sodas, and mineral water. These items could burst and cause damage to your home.

Handle the Outside

Store outdoor furniture such as tables, chairs, hammocks, and delicate garden ornaments inside a garage, shed or storage unit. A strong wind could blow these pieces away or they can become damaged in a storm.

Tips and tricks to help avoid a fire

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

How to avoid fire damage in your home?

Having a fire in your home or business can happen fast and unexpected. There is something little or no warning so knowing how to help avoid it is a very smart idea.

On www.safewise.com, they offer several tips and tricks on how you can help to prevent a house fire.

Test your smoke alarms.

Properly maintain your smoke alarms by testing the batteries once a month. If they’re not working, replace them immediately.

Inspect heating sources.

Regardless of what kind of primary heating you have in your home, an annual inspection will reduce your risk of fire.

Keep the stove and oven clear.

Don’t leave anything flammable near the stove or oven. Make sure curtains don’t hang over the stove, and never rest towels or a cookbook on the stove.

Stay in the kitchen.

Don’t leave a hot cooking surface unattended. Whether it’s a pot on the stove or an electric griddle, you need to be close by. If you have to leave the room, take the pot off the stove or turn off the griddle first.

Check the dryer.

If you have a gas-powered dryer, have it inspected once a year to make sure all connections are secure. No matter what type of dryer you have, always clean out the lint trap after a load is finished. Regularly check behind and around the dryer for pockets of lint or items of laundry that have fallen under or behind.

Maintain cords.

Regularly check the condition of cords and watch out for frayed wires: repair or replace cords with frayed wires immediately. Electrical cords can produce heat, so don’t trap them under a rug or between furniture and the wall.

Store flammable products properly.

Many household cleaners and cosmetic products like shaving cream and hair spray are flammable. Keep flammable products away from heat, including exposure to sunlight. Designate a cool, dark cupboard for flammable products and make sure all family members know where they go.

Be careful with candles.

Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from flammable items like blankets and curtains. Place candles in secure, tip-proof holders and extinguish them before leaving or going to sleep.

Use the fireplace responsibly.

To keep errant sparks from escaping, install a durable metal fire screen in front of your fireplace. Don’t leave a fire unattended, and give ashes ample time to cool down before disposing of them. Always place fireplace ash in a dedicated metal container that isn’t used for any other household refuse.

Keep fire extinguishers handy.

Stock key areas of your home with fire extinguishers. At the very least, keep one in the kitchen and others near high-risk areas like a fireplace. Regularly review the instructions and make sure all members of the home know how to properly use the extinguisher.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365

Are your alarms ready?

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Having fire alarms in your house and working is one if the most important things you can do to stay prepared if a fire did happen. It is a small items that seems to be overlooked quite a bit but with just a few minutes of your time it could save yours and your families lives.

According to www.cpsc.gov, they indicate why smoke alarms are important and also where smoke alarms should be installed in your home.

Why Are Smoke Alarms Important?

Every year in the United States, about 2,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. In a fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread farther and faster than heat. That's one reason why most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not from burns. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep because occupants are unaware of the fire until there is not adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. This often allows a family the precious, but limited, time needed to escape. About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire and could reduce by almost half the risk of dying from a fire in your home.

Where Should Smoke Alarms be Installed? Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms A smoke alarm should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When installing a smoke alarm, many factors influence where you will place the alarm, including how many are to be installed. Consider placing alarms along your escape path to assist in egress in limited-visibility conditions. In general, you should place alarms in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be near the ceiling.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Mold at your business

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Mold isn't just in homes, it can be in commercial buildings as well. Small leaks under sinks and in crawl spaces can cause a lot of damage and over time that damage can be severe and double or triple in cost.

According to www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com suggests If mold of any type is discovered in a workplace, it is a potential health risk to employees and should be removed as soon as possible. According to NIOSH, the following health conditions are associated with mold exposure:

Allergies: Symptoms include sneezing; irritation of the nose, mouth or throat; nasal stuffiness and runny nose; and red, itchy or watery eyes. For employees who already have allergies, mold can trigger asthma-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: HP is lung inflammation that occurs in people who develop immune system sensitization to inhaled organic dust. It can be mistaken for pneumonia, but cannot be treated with antibiotics. With continued exposure, the persistent lung inflammation may cause permanent damage.
Asthma: With this lung disease, the airways develop inflammation in response to sensitizing or irritating exposure. Asthma sufferers may experience shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and wheezing.

If you have fire, water, mold, or asbestos issue give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

How to prevent a large loss

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

A thorough routine scheduled investigation of your building can help reduce a large loss at your home or business. This is an example of a rusted pipe causing sewage to flow into a basement of a commercial building.

According to www.cchos.ca this is why workplace inspections are effective and important.

Why are workplace inspections important?

Workplace inspections help prevent incidents, injuries and illnesses. Through a critical examination of the workplace, inspections help to identify and record hazards for corrective action.

What is the purpose of inspections?

Inspections are important as they allow you to:

listen to the concerns of workers and supervisors
gain further understanding of jobs and tasks
identify existing and potential hazards
determine underlying causes of hazards
recommend corrective action
monitor steps taken to eliminate hazards or control the risk (e.g., engineering controls, administrative controls, policies, procedures, personal protective equipment)

If you have fire, water, mold, or asbestos issue give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Water in the crawlspaces

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

Water affects crawlspaces affecting materials in the flooring and supports. If you have a water damage in a business, the quicker you can dry the structure out the quicker less of a chance there is for mold growth and better chance to keep the doors open.

According to www.thespruce.com the give you details on how to asses the issues.

Assess If Water Is Coming From Below Grade

Imagine that you live in a very wet area. Under your house, in the crawl space or unfinished basement, is a permanently wet area. After a hard rain, the wet area's diameter expands from inches to several feet. The ground, instead of merely being muddy and spongy, begins to pool up with water. During the dry months of June to October, the pool of water shrinks, but it never completely goes away.

If this type of moisture problem sounds familiar, the water is coming up from the ground. Though seasons can affect it, it mostly transcends seasons.

If Water Is From Above Grade, It May Be a Plumbing Issue

The water might be attributed to a leaking water supply or drain pipes. If a water-related action happens within the house and more water develops in the crawl space, that is your likely culprit. Water-related actions might be when someone takes a shower; when the dishwasher runs; when a toilet flushes; or when a bathtub drains.

Water Plus Lack of Light Creates Mold

With excessive water in the crawl space, you have the related problem of mold. Mold loves to grow in places that have moisture and lack of light. Both conditions perfectly describe a crawl space.

Mold will grow on the piers, joists, ducts, and other hard surfaces. But mold also grows on soft materials, such as fiberglass insulation and on the plastic vapor barrier. These surfaces are difficult to repair because the mold cannot be cleaned off. The only solution is to remove the material and replace it.

If you have a fire, water, asbestos, or mold issue give SERVPRO a call today (208) 523-5365.

Facts about mold

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

Hearing the word mold can make anyone cringe. It is a word that everyone seems to know but most know little about. After reviewing www.epa.gov website, they share 10 things that everyone should know about mold.

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
- Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
- Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
- Increasing ventilation
- Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

If you think you have a problem with mold, give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365. We are available 24hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fire in the attic

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fires can be very serious and cause damages that are hidden within the walls. Fires in attics can burn through supports leaving structures unsafe and potentially dangerous to those that are in the structure.

The U.S.Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), there are over 10,000 attic fires each year, resulting in an average of 35 deaths, 125 injuries, and $440 million in property damage. And even with all of the newly updated building codes and flame-retardant building materials, the number of residential attic fires isn’t declining.

On their website they list 3 major causes. These causes include:

Electrical Malfunction

The single most common cause of residential attic fires is electrical malfunction. When circuits are overloaded and the breaker fails to respond appropriately, the excess “draw” could result in a fire. The FEMA document previously mentioned states that a whopping 43% of all residential attic fires are caused by electrical malfunction.

Heating

Another common cause of attic fire is heating. Roughly 5% of residential attic fires are caused by home heating systems.

Natural

An estimated 13% of residential attic fires are caused by natural sources. So, what constitutes a “natural” source? Well, this may include lighting, fallen trees or even rain water dripping onto electrical outlets and wires.

The dreaded Ice Dam

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Just hearing the words “Ice Dam” has a very scary ring to it. Absolutely NO home owner wants to hear those two words. Now an ice dam itself looks very inviting. Who doesn’t love the looks of pretty icicles hanging from your roof? However, those same conditions that make icicles hang the way they do also allow the ice dams to form.

According to www.thisoldhouse.com, ice dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house. When that happens, the results aren’t pretty. It can cause peeling paint, warped floors, stained and sagging ceilings.

Ice dams form when heat collects in the attic and warms the roof. Then the snow melts on the warm roof and then freezes on the cold eaves. Finally, ice accumulates along the eaves, forming a dam. Meltwater from the warm roof backs up behind it, flows under the shingles, and into the house.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Removing that ice dam

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Hearing that you have an ice dam problem is a pretty scary thing to hear. Ice dams form when heat collects in the attic and warms the roof. Then the snow melts on the warm roof and then freezes on the cold eaves. Finally, ice accumulates along the eaves, forming a dam.

According to www.travelers.com the are ways to remove an ice dam. Here is what they suggest.

How to Remove an Ice Dam

Removing an ice dam from your roof immediately after spotting the signs can be critical to helping prevent damage to your home. One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt.

Step 1. Using a roof rake, remove snow 3-4 feet from the edge of your roof, being careful not to damage the roof covering or to allow snow to build up around walking paths or to block emergency exits.

Step 2. Use a calcium chloride ice melt product, which you can generally purchase from your local hardware store. Be sure not to use rock salt or sodium chloride, which can damage your roof.

Step 3. Fill a nylon stocking with the calcium chloride ice melt.

Step 4. Safely place and position the calcium chloride-filled nylon stocking vertically across the ice dam so that it can melt a channel through the ice.

Step 5. Cover and protect any shrubbery and plants with lightweight tarps near the gutters or downspouts for the duration that the calcium chloride stockings remain in place. This is important because the calcium chloride-saturated water dripping from the roof may damage the shrubbery and plants.

REMEMBER: Using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions may be dangerous. If you cannot safely reach the roof, consider hiring a contractor.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365

Freezing Pipes

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Today one of our crews are out in Alta, Wyoming removing drywall, insulation and packing out contents after a pipe burst in an apartment above a garage.

With the weather being as cold as it is, pipes are known to burst at any given moment. There are definitely steps you can take in order to avoid this disaster. Acording to www.thebalancesmb.com they have six tips that may help you avoid a major headache.

Tip #1: Keep the Heat On

If you or your tenants are leaving for a long period of time, make sure that the heat is kept on in your property.

Tip #2: Allow the Faucet to Drip

If you are afraid a pipe will freeze, you can open the faucet fed by that pipe just a bit so the faucet drips slightly. Allowing the faucet to be open like this relieves pressure in the system.

Tip #3: Keep Interior Doors Open

Pipes are often located in cabinets. When the temperature drops, it is a good idea to keep these cabinet doors open so that the heat from the rest of the house can keep the pipes warm as well. You should also keep all interior doors open so that the heat can flow throughout the home.

Tip #4: Seal up Cracks and Holes

Seal gaps around holes where pipes run through walls or floors, especially where the hole is letting in cold air.

Tip #5: Apply Heating Tape

Heating tape works like an electric blanket for pipes, supplying heat directly to the pipe to keep it warm curing cold spells.

Tip #6: Add Extra Insulation

Pipes that are located in areas that do not have proper insulation, such as basements or attics, may need extra insulation to keep from freezing. Pipes in basements or attics are not the only ones that may not be properly insulated from the cold. If you have had a problem with pipes freezing anywhere in your home, extra insulation could be the cure.

If you have a Fire, Water, Mold, or Asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365.

Bathroom problems

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can affect all areas of the home. One of the major areas is within the bathroom. If your fan is not producing enough air exchange while showering moisture that’s left behind can cause serious issues like this one in this apartment building.There are plenty of things you can do to avoid having water damage in your bathroom. On houselogic.com they have five simple steps in helping to prevent mold in your bathroom.

Preventing Mold

The best defense is preventing mold from occurring in the first place. Yashira Feliciano, director of housekeeping for Conrad Conado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers the following tips for keeping mold out of your bathroom:

Use your bathroom ventilation fan when you shower or bathe, and leave it on for 30 minutes following the end of your bath; if you don’t have an exhaust fan, install one.
Keep household humidity levels below 50%; an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help.
Use a mildew-resistant shower curtain, and wash or replace it frequently.
Don’t keep bottles of shampoo or shower gel, toys, or loofahs in the shower, as they provide places for mold to grow and hide.
Wash your bathroom rugs frequently.

If you have a cleaning or restoration disaster give SERVPRO a call today!

High school drama

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

Thunder Ridge High Schools pipes froze and broke! Bursting water pipes can be a major concern when the winter weather temperature drop to below freezing.

When water freezes, its molecules crystalize into an open hexagonal form, which takes up more space than when the molecules are in their liquid form. Then the water molecules expand as they freeze.

When the ice then expands, it pushes the water towards the faucets and in turn causes a lot of pressure to build between the ice faucet and the faucets. Eventually the pipe will burst under the pressure leaving a huge mess behind.

There are ways to try and make sure this disaster doesn’t happen. The consumer report website gives these tips…

Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)

Let the cold-water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.

If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

If you happen to have a Fire, Water, Mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call at (208) 523-5365

Storming in the basement

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is teaming up to get the affected materials taken care of down in this home’s basement. Unfortunately, it was affected by water damage from a recent storm so we are working hard to put this family's home back together before the holidays.

There are a lot of different signs of water damage in the basement. Resolve.com listed these signs.

Changes in color/texture of surfaces – Both walls and floors can show signs of water damage. In a finished basement, wallpaper or paint may peel or appear discolored (usually a yellow or brown color which indicates water stains). Walls may also warp or become bowed as a result of prolonged seepage. In an unfinished basement, a white, salty substance called efflorescence appears on foundation walls and indicates how high water has risen in the basement. If a basement has flooring, it may be swollen or removed from the subfloor. The under-padding in flooring (usually carpet) may also feel spongy, which is an indicator of water damage.
Cracking – This will usually occur in the foundation and/or floor and can happen both inside and outside the home. The most common reasons cracking occurs from water damage is due to excessive moisture (from weather and climate) and inadequate drainage (oftentimes from expanding and/or soggy soil). Pay attention to cracks in window seals and door panes too, as this could point to water damage and also lead to bigger problems – like emergency flood repair – if not properly sealed to prevent any further moisture or water from leaking into the basement.
Odor – While basements and crawl spaces usually have a certain smell, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a water problem. Pay attention to a strong damp, musty odor that doesn’t go away (even after a storm or wet weather). In most cases, it is mold or mildew that you smell, which means you’ve got moisture or water damage on your hands.
Mold – If you can’t spot mold, you can sometimes smell it, so that’s why it’s important to pay attention to distinctive odors in the basement. Mold will appear on furniture, wood and other organic materials, walls and other surfaces either as dark green or black in color or sometimes a white powdery substance.

If you have a fire, water, mold or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365

Hepa Filter

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

When dealing with mold it is always important to remove as much signs as possible to prevent contamination or sickness. There are many ways that we do this and many machines and products that we use. One machine in particular is called a HEPA Filter.

What Do HEPA Filtration Devices Do?

HFDs help control airborne contaminants during every restoration job, and are absolutely essential for water loss jobs, particularly those involving black water or structural mold contamination. Their most critical task is capturing microscopic bacteria and mold spores released into the air during the drying process, but can also capture larger particles like drywall dust stirred up during demolition and construction activities and, when equipped with carbon filters, odors off-gassed from microbes, paints and other chemicals.

If you suspect mold in your home or business give SERVPRO a call today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (208) 523-5365

Halloween is almost here!

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

With Halloween fast approaching it is important to take every safety precaution. Here are a few tips and tricks to practice to keep yourself and your children safe.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Black Mold

9/30/2018 (Permalink)

Potentially dangerous, black mold can make anyone become weary. Being able to identify black mold is the first step in being able to control the growth and hopefully rid your home of black mold.

Black mold is more likely to show up in warm, humid, and damp areas of your home. Under sinks, in basements, and also crawlspace are all susceptible for a black mold outbreak. Especially if they leaks or other moisture.

Black mold is dangerous and can cause an array of allergies and health concerns so make sure you look on the EPA website for more information.

Removing black mold is a step-by-step process that usually requires professional assistance. Some of these steps include...

1. You must remove the source of any moisture from the affected surface.

2. Seal any doorways and other openings leading to other areas of the home that were not infected.

3. Use commercial black mold removal.

Make sure to give SERVPRO a call today if you suspect black mold or any other mold in your home.

Emergency Bags

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is hoping to find businesses that would be willing to donate items for our emergency bags. Once the bags are filled, they will be donated to the fire departments and handed out to families who have been displaced from their homes due to fire disasters.

Between 2011-2015 there were a reported 358,000 structure fires in the United States. 6.7 billion in direct damage! As a community we feel that we should be giving back to those who have suffered major devastation.

We want to give these families hope! We want to show them that SERVPRO cares. Which is why we are asking our community to come together and donate for this amazing cause. These families that have endured this kind of tragedy deserve so much. We are hoping that by providing these bags that it gives them just a little bit of hope. Below are items we feel would be most beneficial to these families in need.

*Coloring books

*crayons

*baby wipes

*lotion

*cotton swabs

*shampoo

-*conditioner

*soap

*chapstick

*toothbrushes

*toothpaste

*rags

*towels

*hand sanitizer

*razors

If you or someone you know would like to donate please give us a call today!

If you happen to have a disaster please give us a call at (208)523-5365. We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for all your cleaning and restoration needs. We are on call so your disaster will always get taken care of right away.

Winterizing

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Fall is coming soon and winter will be following closely behind. Winterizing your yard is probably something you may want to start thinking about.

What is winterizing? Winterizing is when you prepare you home for the winter months to come. The process prepares the plumbing system and components to not be affected by the temperature extremes. Basically so the pipes don't burst. This process should be preformed before winter is actually here. When finished, the house should be able to sit safe through winter.

Why is it so important to winterize your home? It is always important to protect your home from outside weather and potential disasters. Winterizing your home helps defend it from freezing temperatures, snow and ice. The outside of your home is especially important to winterize since it will be completely exposed to the elements.

Your should always be prepared for the unthinkable. Here are a few suggestion we found to be helpful.You can find even more online.

*buy a snow shovel

*have extra water and canned food in storage just in case

*clean your gutters nd downspout in mid fall

*test run your thermostat

*check your fire place for nests or animals and get a sweep if necessary

*check all windows for air leaks

*check roof for missing or damaged shingles

*make sure you winterize your sprinklers

If you happen to have a disaster please give us a call at (208)523-5365. We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for all your cleaning and restoration needs.

There is mold in the walls

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be extremely hazardous if not taken care of and dealt with right away and in the correct manner. It is always a good idea to call a professional so they can asses the problem. We here at SERVPRO offer free mold testing to residential and commercial properties.

Because drywall is a substance high in cellulose (an organic substance), It is one of the most common materials mold grows on in your home. As there is no practical way to completely remove mold from drywall, you will have to cut out and dispose of any drywall you discover which has mold growing on it.

Mold is an incredible hider and usually grows behind the walls and out of sight. The mold likes these spaces because they hold large amounts of humid moist air. To find this hidden mold you will need to have a professional preform an invasive inspection.

The most common reasons for mold growth is humidity, water leaks, and condensation. Condensation is the change of water from water vapors into liquid water. Condensation generally occurs in the atmosphere when warm air rises, cools, and loses its capacity to hold vapor. As a result, excess water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets.

If you suspect you may have a fire, water, mold or asbestos problem call the professionals at SERVPRO today so we can take care of you. We are available 24 hours a day and always available for our customers.

Boiler Room Blog

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

A boiler room leak can be a huge problem. Not only can it lead to rust and corrosion, but any other issues. Four main reasons it can be quite possibly be is pressure issues, damaged seals, cracks in the body and loose joints. Corrosion will cause pipes and tanks to weaken overtime allowing water to leak. If water is to leak, that will open your building up to a whole new batch of issues.

No matter what the reason, having water leaking in the building is always a bad sign. If you let it go untreated it can lower the value of your property and possibly make it harder to sell. It can be an eyesore and extremely hard to cover up with paint. An inspector can spot it easily and report it which in turn can make a potential buyer less interested in purchasing your property. It can also cause a ton of external damage as well.

It can also damage ceilings. The longer you wait to hire a company to clean it up, the bigger your problem will become. Paint on the ceilings can discolor and plaster may bulge. It can also lead to holes in you concrete, ruin your electricity, break down carpet, ruin your drywall, and cause health hazards.

If you suspect any leaking please call the professionals at SERVPRO so we can help make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Season is here!

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

With these hot temperatures warming up the Eastern Idaho region, you will need to be very careful with all of your outdoor activities. If it becomes very hot, windy, and dry it is probably a good idea to limit your outdoor activities that might possibly result in a wildfire. Burning debris and target shooting are a couple activities that need to be rethought if the weather is too hot.

Because of the lack of snow pack this year there is a higher risk of fires. Snowpack keeps the ground and soil moist by covering it longer into spring and summer which in turn influences the onset of fire season as well as the widespread and seriousness of wildfires.

As many as 90% of wild fires in the United States are caused by burning of debris, campfires being left unattended, throwing out cigarettes, and simply people intentionally starting fires, aka arson.

Because of this, wildfires threaten thousands of homes a year. www.readyforwildfire.org
suggests these steps.

1.       Review your evacuation plan checklist
2.       Ensure that your emergency supply kit is in your vehicle
3.       Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, heavy shoes and boots, and goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is always preferred
4.       Locate your pets and take them with you to safety

Always remember that if you are evacuated and then able to return home to be alert and look over a few things.
1.       Always be alert for downed power lines and other hazards,

2.       Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning on your gas

3.       Check your residence carefully for any hidden embers or smoldering fires

If you do unfortunately happen to have fire damage on your home make sure to call a professional like SERVPRO to help with your disaster.

Fire season is here!

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

Because of the lack of snow pack this year there is a higher risk of fires. Snowpack keeps the ground and soil moist by covering it longer into spring and summer which in turn influences the onset of fire season as well as the widespread and seriousness of wildfires.

As many as 90% of wild fires in the United States are caused by burning of debris, campfires being left unattended, throwing out cigarettes, and simply people intentionally starting fires, aka arson.

Because of this, wildfires threaten thousands of homes a year. www.readyforwildfire.org suggests these steps.

Review your evacuation plan checklist
Ensure that your emergency supply kit is in your vehicle
Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, heavy shoes and boots, and goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is always preferred
Locate your pets and take them with you to safety

Always remember that if you are evacuated and then able to return home to be alert and look over a few things.

Always be alert for downed power lines and other hazards,
Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning on your gas
Check your residence carefully for any hidden embers or smoldering fires

If you do unfortunately happen to have fire damage on your home make sure to call a professional like SERVPRO to help with your disaster.

Contamination

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

When taking or removing materials from a home, cleanliness and containment are two of the most important aspects to consider. Containing surfaces not only reduces clean up, it also keeps items safe from contamination.

There are a lot of different ways your items and home can get contaminated. One way is through water contamination. Your home can have a pipe burst, there can be a flood, or there can be a leaky area in your house letting water in. No matter what way it happens, water contamination needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. If you find the problem in time there is a chance you can save your items as well as reduce the cost of repairs.

SERVPRO is always here to help when you need us. We have trained employees who know how to deal with this very problem.

It was just so wonderful

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

We are always so thrilled to get reviews from our customers. Whether they are amazing or something we need to improve on, we always appreciate to hear our customers honest opinion. This recent review that we received put a HUGE smile on all of our faces.

Zach was just so pleasant. I had no issues with him at all. They have all been just wonderful to me and very accommodating and would do anything for me. You couldn’t not be pleased with them and their work. I am just amazed that they treated me so good. They do just wonderful work and I am so impressed. They are wonderful. All of them have been nice. The great big guy was just wonderful. They are all wonderful! Look at Martin. He is always smiling and whistling. They make it fun. We have a lot of fun. Hey you might as well go with it then fight it! I leave the house and leave the door unlocked. They just come and go. I have no problem with it. I trust them completely. They just come and work and leave. I tell them exactly what to do and they do it. Martin and the other guys that were with him found out it was my birthday and they all sang Happy Birthday to me. It was just so wonderful.

-Gloria

A Day of Remembrance

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Memorial Day, was inaugurated in 1868. It was previously designated Decoration Day, for the purpose of decorating the graves of Civil War veterans. Memorial Day has since become a day on which all war dead are commemorated. On Memorial Day, we remember those among us and those who have gone before, who secured for us the precious freedoms that we enjoy today. It is a day to once again acknowledge the price for which our freedom was purchased--a cost beyond measure.

Let us consider briefly the price that has been paid for us to breathe the air of a new morning, to assemble in the park to enjoy a summer concert, to attend worship services in the church of our choice, and to dream the American dream without limitations. Then, let us pause to remember those who have cultivated and tended our land of freedom--with their courage, their tears, their blood and their very lives.

Our fallen heroes still whisper to us from the grave. If we listen carefully, even today, we can hear the muffled sounds of their call to arms in defense of our nation. This same spirit of freedom is carried in the wind and echoes down through the ages. It is everywhere you look. It can be found in the voices of our children playing in the school yards, in the bountiful goods offered for sale in privately owned places of commerce within our community and in the faces of our citizens in polling places on Election Day.

This spirit can be found in abundance in every corner of every community in this great nation of ours. For this spirit is like an eternal flame. It was lit by the courage and blood of our founding fathers, fanned by the winds of patriots to a brightness beyond description, and then sheltered and protected by members of our Armed Forces from the storms of tyrants and dictators who feared and were blinded by the intense light of liberty and freedom.

Our heartfelt prayers and thanks go out to all of those brave men and women who have stepped forward without hesitation to serve our nation so valiantly in its time of need. These are the qualities that heroes are made of. They are the same qualities that made and have kept America great and free since our founding fathers landed at Plymouth Rock, dedicating their lives to raising up a great republic that would forever be a beacon of freedom to the entire world. We are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (208) 523-5365

Archived Blog Posts

Bursting Pipes

Cold weather wreaking havoc

Fires in your home

Duct Cleaning

Bursting Pipes

Our amazing drywaller

Water Disasters in the home

Preparing your home for the winter months

Estimator

Swiss Army Knife

Construction Experience is a must!

Veteran Owned

Amazing file coordinator

Accounting Clerk

Dangers of cold weather

Southeastern Idaho weather

Failed water heater

How to deal with winter storms

What do you do if your business floods?

Fire at your business

Hail the size of quarters

Deep fried turkey demo

Fire damage doesn't end with just fire damage

Beautiful but dangerous

Hot water heaters

The sounds of rain

What to do if a fire happens?

Quickly and Efficiently as possible

Sneaky little Fungi

Annual First Responders Lunch

Flash Flooding can cause more damage than you think

HVAC Disaster

Fire in the grill

Kitchen fire turned whole house issue

Candles smell great, but they can be dangerous

According to the NFPA

Candle fire facts

A pool in your kitchen

Event Center

Spring, Summer, Falls and Winter in Idaho

Steven

Water damage in the kitchen

Melissa

Skylar

Megan

Carissa

Carlos

Corbet

Idaho

Hood cleaning

It's storm season

Christmas Tree Danger

Candle Dangers

Leaky mattress

Fire Suppression Line

Basement Flooding

Leaking in the kitchen

Icy Inferno Christmas Tree Bonfire

Stormy weather

Water in your basement

Mold can be almost anywhere

Ice dam danger

Commercial buildings have mold too

Ice makers can create mold

There's a new business in town!

New construction = New problems

Leaky fridge

Beware when towing

Volunteering our time

Cleaning and Sanitizing Fire Departments

Tanning salon issues

Thank you to our first responders

Water & Ice Dams

We are Cleaning Experts

Buckled wood floors

Our Peeps

We are here to help

Wash your hands