A Small Water Leak Can Be a Big Problem

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

A sudden faucet broke with water spewing all over the bathroom, you’d call the plumber to get the damage fixed right away. But, when you have a small drip under your sink, you wait another day, or even weeks to repair the leak.

It might not seem bad in the beginning; even small leaks can become too big for you to handle. By the time you realize it, you’re dealing with a major headache from all the damage and expenses that one simple leak has caused.

Monthly Water Expenses Increase

A dripping sink will affect your water bill. Drips from a leaky faucet or sink can add up to a lot of money on your monthly water bill.

Water Leak Statistics:
The following shows the amount of water that can be lost for various size leaks.

Common water Loss examples:

Leaking Pipe @ 30 drips per second = 2 Gallons per Day
Leaking Pipe @ 60 drips per minute = 5 Gallons per Day
Leaking Pipe @ 120 drips per minute = 11 Gallons per Day

Typical Normal Water Uses:

1 Bath = 42 Gal
1 Shower = 17 Gal to 50 Gal
Wash 1 Load of Clothes = 45 Gal
Flush Toilet = 3 Gal

You can do your own calculations to determine water loss.

Extensive Damage in Your Home

If you think that a small leak will always stay small, think again. The damage from the leak can extend to other parts of your home. If you start noticing signs of leaks in your home, contact SERVPRO of Mason City.

The Product We Use

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

You may or may not have heard of the company Benefect. They are known for creating some of the best cleanings and disinfecting products on the market. One of the best parts of this company is they wanted to create safe, environmentally friendly products. Most antimicrobials or disinfectants on the market can still be used safely, but nothing like the products made by Benefect.

SERVPRO of Mason City uses the products made by Benefect for their all-natural benefits. The products they make are produced using nature’s way of cleaning and killing germs. They are a world leader in botanical antimicrobials. Here at SERVPRO of Mason City we specifically use Benefect Decon 30, a Botanical Disinfectant, for its cleaning and disinfecting properties, and it is made from only plant extracts. All these products have been tested and EPA approved.

How often do you buy a cleaner and see it riddled with warning labels and first aid statements? When someone comes into your home or business to clean, do you REALLY know what is in that bottle they keep spraying everywhere? Therefore we choose Benefect Decon 30 for our cleaning and disinfecting needs. SERVPRO of Mason City uses Benefect Decon 30 to clean your home or business so you don’t have to worry about harsh products.

Want to learn more about Benefect and its product? Visit http://www.benefect.com

Need your home or business cleaned thoroughly and safely? Call SERVPRO of Mason City today at 641-424-3382 and let us help you!

Understanding Structure and Content Coverage

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody plans for an unexpected disaster but understanding your insurance coverage is very important in the event a disaster does occur. When purchasing a home or business insurance policy, there are several things that need to be considered.

One of the biggest decisions when purchasing insurance is what type of policy or policies you need to protect not only the structure of your home or business but also the belongings inside. A structured policy covers the building, which includes things attached to the building such as flooring, countertops, etc. A content policy covers anything you can pick up and carry out of the home or business. This can include furniture, clothing, appliances, etc. Contents are defined as any kind of personal possessions that are not permanently attached to the structure. In the event a loss occurs at your home or business, it is very important to have insurance for the structure as well as the content. This will insure you are protected for all things important to you.

Talk with your insurance agent to review your policy and be sure you’re covered. SERVPRO of Mason City is always happy to help in the time of need and to make a disaster look “Like it never even happened.”

What to do After a Fire

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

When fire damages your structure, there are many emotions running through your mind. As the owner of a business or home, fear, stress, and uncertainty can make you feel overwhelmed by the loss that has occurred. SERVPRO is here to help ease some of those uncertainties and work to make it look like “it never even happened.”

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference in restoring versus replacing. After the rescue team has come in and extinguished the fire, there are some things you, as the owner, can do until help arrives to risk any further damage. These include:

• Limit movement in the structure to prevent soot particles from spreading.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
• If the electricity is OFF, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open to prevent odor.

Some things you will want to avoid without contacting SERVPRO first include:

• Cleaning any walls or painted surfaces, electrical equipment, or shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Send garments to a dry cleaner; improper cleaning may set in a smoke odor.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.

SERVPRO is always here to help. With high-quality products and a team of professionals, we strive to not only restore your structure, but also your peace of mind. In the event a fire occurs in your home or business, please give us a call!

What is Soot and is it Dangerous?

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

After a house fire is put out, the danger, unfortunately, does not stop there. Soot may spread to your entire home, this not only poses a threat to the structure but to your health as well.

Soot is made up of tiny particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Soot contains acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The acidic properties in the soot can cause additional damage to your home and indoor air quality if not removed immediately.

Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin and eyes. This can cause breathing issues, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. To avoid the health risks of soot exposure after a home fire, make sure that all soot-affected areas are properly cleaned and sanitized. SERVPRO of Mason City has specialized training and equipment to remove soot. 

Fire Safety Guidelines for the Workplace

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Workplace and office fires have reduced in numbers over the last few decades. This is greatly in part to advances in technology, more effective fire control tools and systems, and businesses taking a much more serious approach to fire prevention workplace training.

Tips for workplace safety:

• Emergency exits
• Fire and smoke alarms
• Fire drills
• Work-space clutter
• Equipment
• Electrical safety
• Smoking

Being PREPARED is the key to preventing fires at the workplace. Having an action plan in place, in the event of a fire will help ease the stress and reaction time. Follow the advice above and you can save yourself and your coworkers from injuries and death.

For professional fire damage or smoke remediation services, call SERVPRO of Mason City at (641) 424-3382.

Flood Watch vs Flood Warning – What’s the Difference?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can occur rapidly and can cause major damage to homes and businesses. The National Weather Service or your local weather service issues flood watches, warnings, and advisories. But what do they mean? Below are the differences between the announcements and what you need to do for each.

Flood Advisory – this is the lowest level of flood notifications. Flooding may be possible under the current weather conditions, but if a flood does occur it is usually less severe. It is best to pay attention to weather announcements and be alert to the risk of flooding.

Flood Watch – this indicates that flooding may be possible in your area within 24 to 48 hours. It means that conditions are favorable for a flood, but not guaranteed. Be ready to seek shelter because a flood watch can quickly turn into a flood warning.

Flood Warning – this means flooding is imminent or already happening in your area. Some things you should be aware of at this time include locating emergency shelters, and evacuation procedures, avoiding low-lying areas, and staying tuned for weather updates. If officials advise evacuation, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning – flash floods are sudden and violent. This usually occurs within six hours or less when rain is heavy or levees and dams break. Because flash flooding happens so rapidly, there may not be time to send out alerts. If you become aware of this warning, seek higher ground immediately. Even if it is not raining in your area, flash flooding can still develop when the warning is issued.

Flooding can be very dangerous and sometimes very sudden. In inclement weather, always be alert to your local weather service or the National Weather Service for updates and how to protect yourself. Always exercise caution and be prepared. For water removal and mold damage after a flood, call SERVPRO of Mason City to make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Summer Storms

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy thunderstorms and potential tornadoes are always a threat to our area during the summer months. There are different types of disasters that can arise from these storms. Examples are flooding and power outages. Both cause potential safety hazards.

 Always be aware of large damaging storms that are possible in your area and prepared for the aftermath. Flooding can cause power outages. Power outages may even cause flooding in some areas and homes. If your home is equipped with a sump pump, make sure that you have a battery backup system. Make sure that the battery backup is operational and maintained regularly.

   An emergency kit is good to keep on hand in case of power outages, heavy flooding as well as other natural disasters that may strike at any time. At ready.gov/kit you can find an extensive breakdown of items recommended to have ready at any given time. Below is a summary list to get your kits started or up to date.

• Water(one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food(at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps (to help find safe emergency routes)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery (for emergency contacts)

Once your kit is assembled or updated, you must remember to maintain it.

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in a tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Keep your emergency kit in a designated place where you have easy access to it, and are ready to go in a hurry. For more information, the above-hyperlinked word will lead you to ready.gov designated sites to help in preparing your family for any emergency or disaster that mother nature can cause.

Cleaning up Flood Damage

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring your home or business after a flood is a difficult job. Depending on the severity of the flood, you may have to deal with structural damage, electrical damage, and potential health hazards. Before you begin dealing with the flood cleanup, ask yourself these questions:

Do you have the time?

Time is a crucial factor in a flood damage restoration project. The longer your belongings stay in the water, the worse the damage will be. Any area that is not dried thoroughly within 24 hours may have long-term problems. Can you afford to take several days or weeks off work to clean contaminated water and mud out of your home? Once the water is removed, your belongings must be dried and restored. SERVPRO of Mason City, a professional flood restoration company, can help you focus on getting your personal life back to normal faster as the flood damage in your home will be taken care of.

Do you have the expertise?

Flood damage cleanup is a multi-stage process. First, the floodwater must be pumped out and the area thoroughly dried. During this process, you will need to mitigate safety concerns due to the weakened structure of your home. There will also be health hazards as you will have to deal with bacteria and potential microbial growth. You will have to decide which of your possessions can be saved and what must be thrown away. Only then can you begin the actual flood repair work to make your home livable again.

Do you want to do the work?

Flood damage cleanup is dirty, often hazardous work. After the flood incident is over, do you want to face the job of cleaning contaminated water and mud out of your home, then sort through your possessions to see what can be saved? The emotional impact of flood cleanup can be significant and can interfere with other aspects of your life. Hiring SERVPRO of Mason City to complete in flood damage restoration is an investment in your mental and emotional health.

Call SERVPRO of Mason City - (641) 424-3382

Flood Damage to Hardwood Floors

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Help to Save Your Hardwood Floors after Flood Damage

Most people look forward to the end of winter in Mason City Iowa and the warmer weather that follows. We must, of course, remember that along with spring rainstorms, melting snow, and warm sunshine, there is an increased threat of flooding. It is all part of spring in the Midwest. Damage from flooding in the spring can be costly and extensive for you as a homeowner. If you have lived here for a while, you are probably aware of any flooding dangers that are possible.

These things sometimes, unfortunately, take you by surprise, and then your home is underwater. If this happens to you, it can be quite overwhelming, but it is not the time to hesitate. The water needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent even more damage, and to do this you need professional help. Our staff at SERVPRO are trained and experienced in flood damage, and we can help you anytime you need it.

We do not hesitate to get to your home once you contact us. SERVPRO technicians are trained to know the moisture effects on different materials and how to dry them properly, including your wood flooring. Permanence and exposure time are two of the major variables that determine how much damage is done to affected materials. Refers to how quickly water vapor goes through a material, and exposure time refers to how long the material was in contact with the water.

Wood naturally contains moisture but expands when it absorbs extra moisture. The boards can warp and expanded boards can push against one another. Buckling at the joints where the boards meet or at the walls can occur because of this. How much buckling happens depends on how much moisture is absorbed and what kind of wood it is. Warping and buckling can be permanent after the wood finishes drying. Floors have to be replaced if the right drying and refinishing cannot get rid of the damage.

Cupping and crowning can also occur. Cupping happens when the water is absorbed from the sides and bottom of the wood. The edges slightly raise or cup. Many times, it can be sanded out. Crowning happens when the top of the wood holds more moisture than the bottom and sides. It can make the wood arch, making a bowed shape in the middle. It usually happens with the bottom of the wood is over-dried.

SERVPRO of Mason City knows how to handle the wood flooring in your home. We are available 24/7! Call (641)424-3382

Camp Fire Safety During Dry Season

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

It’s getting to be that time again, time for campfires! Sitting around a fire with friends and loved ones is one of the many joys that accompany the coming season. However, campfire accidents send thousands of people to the emergency room with burn injuries every year. To make sure you stay safe this season, please follow the safety tips below from the National Fire Protection Association.

• Start fires at least 25 feet away from structures and anything that can burn.
• Clear away dry leaves and sticks from the fire pit.
• Never burn on windy days and be aware of the direction of the wind to keep your campsite and others safe.
• Teach children and pets that fire is dangerous and not to be played around.
• If there is not a fire ring or pit already at the campsite, use rocks to create a ring in the center of a large, cleared area.
• Always have the fire attended; never leave a fire for even a second.
• Keep fires small and controlled.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids on or near the fire.
• Have a hose or bucket of water, and a shovel nearby to put out the fire with dirt/sand and water.

Campfires and meant to be a fun and relaxing gathering place for friends and family. Please be aware of the safety hazards that can happen while having a campfire. In the event you were to have contents damaged by campfire smoke or fire, SERVPRO of Mason City can help tend to your restoration needs. We wish everyone a safe and fun season!

Importance of HVAC Maintenance in Your Business

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

As a business, you might have your HVAC inspected yearly, but do you have the ductwork itself inspected? A building's ductwork should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year, or as needed. A clean filter in the HVAC can help reduce what goes into the ductwork, but it won’t catch everything. Ductwork can potentially trap harmful allergens and dust within the system. Trapped particles within the system can come loose and circulate around the structure. This can cause employees or customers to have ill side effects. Simply servicing the HVAC system, itself, will not keep your ductwork clean. Having your HVAC and duct work serviced and cleaned regularly can help remediate bacteria, fungi, mold, and any bad odors that may be in the ductwork. Cleaning ductwork can also, reduce the potential for mold or fungi growth within the system and can also help restore peak power in your HVAC helping it run more efficiently thus saving you money on energy costs!

How to Handle Water Damage from a Backed-up Toilet

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Having a toilet back up in your home could be one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a person. Calling a plumber, although at the top of your list, should not be your only call. The water coming from your toilet could contain bacteria and numerous other micro-organisms that could be hazardous to your health. You should be ready to call the professionals to help take care of your home for your and your family’s health. As mitigation specialists, SERVPRO of Mason City has the tools and equipment to make sure you and your family will be breathing clean sanitary air in almost no time at all. There are a few steps you can take before the PROS gets there though.

• Make sure to keep pets and children clear of the affected area.
• Do NOT use fans to try and dry it up, you may be blowing bacteria all over your home.
• Call a plumber if the issue cannot be resolved by you.
• Call your insurance, most back-ups from toilets and drains are covered by insurance.

 Remember the pros are only a phone call away.

SERVPRO of Mason City      

641-424-3382

Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Home Exteriors

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water has a sneaky way of entering your home in many ways, which can end up damaging the foundation. Here at SERVPRO of Mason City, we take protecting your home from water damage seriously. We have put together a few tips to keep your home safe!

1. Disconnect hoses
2. Clean gutters and downspouts
3. Maintain trees and vegetation
4. Know your water main
5. Check appliances regularly
6. Investigate leaks right away and fix them promptly
7. Upgrade washing machine hoses
8. Install water detection devices
9. Check your water pressure
10. Monitor your water bill

Remember to check all areas of your home in order to prevent any potential water, that can intrude your home from the exterior part of your walls! For all your water damage services call SEVRPRO of Mason City at (641) 424-3382.

Dirty Ducts?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Have you noticed the air in your home may not seem as fresh as it once did? Have you noticed your allergies seem worse than they have in the past? Are you noticing dusty countertops or floors? Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly, tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address. The ventilation system in your home or office is the biggest culprit for poor indoor air quality. Over time, your air ducts create their own lining of dust, debris, and toxins. Having the ductwork in your home or office cleaned should be a high priority. Every year fires occur because of debris that has collected in the ductwork. This tragic situation can be avoided by simply ensuring ducts are cleaned and maintained. It is common to have the HVAC system in your home or office operating for quite some time without paying it much notice. Unfortunately, dirty ducts can circulate odors, dust, and harmful contaminant mold. Here at SERVPRO of Mason City, our technicians are trained and ready to help. Keeping your HVAC and ductwork clean and operating at peak condition can help extend the lifespan of the equipment. We are here to help and will give an honest recommendation about the best way to address your indoor air quality. This inspection can save you money long-term and will give you the peace of mind you deserve. Clean air ducts create a cleaner living and work environment for everyone.

What is Soot and is it Dangerous?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

After a house fire is put out, the danger, unfortunately, does not stop there. Soot may spread to your entire home, this not only poses a threat to the structure but to your health as well.

Soot is made up of tiny particles created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Soot contains acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The acidic properties in the soot can cause additional damage to your home and indoor air quality if not removed immediately.

Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin and eyes. This can cause breathing issues, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. To avoid the health risks of soot exposure after a home fire, make sure that all soot-affected areas are properly cleaned and sanitized. SERVPRO of Mason City has specialized training and equipment to remove soot. 

How to Ease Your Child's Fear of Thunderstorms

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

No two kids react to major and minor storms in quite the same way. Maybe yours gets a thrill at a flash of lightning or the kaboom of thunder. Or perhaps yours is the type who frets as soon the clouds roll in—not unreasonable if you or someone your child knows has weathered dramatic weather events, especially hurricanes or tornadoes. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease your kids’ weather woes, both before a storm strikes and after it passes.

Try these tips from leading psychologists and weather experts:

• Recognize that large and small storms can—and do—disrupt family life
• Remember that round-the-clock news updates can trigger anxiety
• Remain calm and supportive if your kids are apprehensive
• Don’t underestimate the power of curiosity
• Watch age-appropriate videos together

Steps for a Safe 4th of July

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

How We Track Our Customers Contents

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Mason City we stand by, “Like it never even happened.” 

We understand the stress our customers are experiencing when their personal items are damaged from a loss in their home, or business. SERVPRO of Mason City strives to ease any unsettling feelings our customers may have throughout the restoration process, by using a software called Content Tracker. This software allows the content of our customers belongs to be tracked throughout the restoration process, and gives the ability to get real time updates of status and location. Some key benefits of using Content Tracker are:

• Promotes customer involvement with having access to belongings
• No double entry
• Real time pack out/pack back with barcodes for organized systems
• Accurate inventory reports
• Create reports that can be emailed
• Documents authorized on site

Content Tracker helps us build our customer to  have confidence and satisfaction knowing, we can track their contents location with a simple click. SERVPRO of Mason City is happy to help our customers make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us with your fire or water restoration needs, 641-424-3382.

Common sources of mold growth

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Common Source of excessive mold-causing moisture

Flooding from storms coming from outside

Sump pump overflow

Roof leaks from damaged roofs, ice dams or blocked gutters

Rain from storms through window frames, exterior walls, or doors

Leaking pipes, sewer back-ups or overflows

Damp basements due to high water table or badly managed water drainage

Condensation on cold surfaces

Mold needs these 3 main things to thrive and stay alive.

High humidity

Warm or temperate Temperature

Poor ventilation

Mold is easier to prevent than it is to clean so keeping a watch on common sources of mold and maintaining a dry, ventilated home and drying homes from water damage within 24 hours of the incidence is the best way to prevent mold from happening in the first place. If you have a mold problem and you would like information about how to get it professionally cleaned please Call SERVPRO of Mason City at (641)424-3382

SERVPRO of Mason City specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate  your mold problem quickly and safely.

Preparing Your Pets for Natural Disasters

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Does your family have an emergency plan in place for bad weather or other emergency situations?  Does it include a plan for your pets? Having your pets or animals in your plan, can save time if, or when, an emergency happens. There’s a lot to think about when an emergency happens, having what you need ready when the emergency occurs, can drastically increase your chances of staying safe during an emergency. Having an emergency kit for your pets, is just as important as having an emergency kit for your family members. There are a wide variety of pet’s that people can own, each one produces its own set of challenges, but the basic needs are somewhat the same. The things needed in a pet emergency kit are based on the type of animal, but your kit should include things like: medicines your pet may need, a few days’ worth of food and water, records of immunizations, if possible small crate or cage for the pet, sanitation items you may need ( cat litter, paper towels, trash bags, etc..), a photo of you and your pets in case you get separated, and familiar items your pet is used to (toys, treats, bedding, etc..).

                An emergency plan that’s already in place when an emergency happens, can keep, not only you, but your pets safe during an emergency. Knowing what your options are ahead of time, can cut down on stress levels on both you, and your pet.  Be sure to know exactly where family is going to meet and whose grabbing what supplies. Think about where you and your pet, may end up if you must leave your home. There are some places will not allow certain pets or won’t allow them at all. Check on supplies and rotate them out, if supplies need to be fresh and ready to use. Having a plan before an emergency can help keep your family and pets safe in an emergency! SERVPRO of Mason City can help you with this.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

The Ultrasonic, is known for its deep cleaning abilities. You might be wondering how it cleans. The ultrasonic machine uses bubbles. These are created by sound waves moving through the water. This process is called, Cavitation, which is the formation of bubbles in the water. The action of cavitation is caused by the spinning motion of the bubbles. The microscopic size of the bubbles makes them more efficient during the cleaning process. Bubbles that are created through Cavitation are empty space, there’s nothing that holds them open. As a result, the bubbles will collapse, or implode. This will happen a million times per second. The constant implosion produces vacuum energy, in the form of heat and pressure. The combination of heat and pressure which gives Ultrasonic its cleaning capability and power. When cavitation happens next to a dirty object, the vacuum action produced by millions of bubbles constantly imploding it creates a tiny pressure wave that reaches deep into every nook and cranny. This pressure wave dislodges and breaks up any dirt and other contaminants. If you have an item that needs a deep clean, we’d be more than happy to help at SERVPRO of Mason City.

Summer Sunshine and Safety Tips! Fire up your grills!

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
SERVPRO of Mason City wishes you a safe and happy summer!!

Where do Most House Fires Occur

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchens

In the heart of the home, kitchens are also the most common spot in the house for fires to start. Specifically, unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires and fire-related injuries.

These man-made fires are also easily preventable: Keep an eye on the stove, oven, and other appliances like toaster ovens, and move combustible items away from the stove. Never leave the kitchen when you’re working with high heat during preparations like frying, boiling, or broiling—fires need only seconds to go from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze.

A few more tips for safe cooking:

• If someone else can’t watch things while you step away for a bathroom break or to help the kids, turn off the cooking appliance while you’re in the other room.
• Turn off the stove and all appliances once you’re done cooking.
• Keep everything off hot surfaces. Pay close attention to where you set dish towels or hot pads. Designate a spot, like a hook, to practice putting them back between each use.
• Roll up baggy sleeves or wear a securely fastened apron over billowy shirts or bottoms to prevent singeing.
• Do not heat your home with your oven.
• Keep a Class B fire extinguisher handy in case of fire. Water will only spread oil or grease and feed the flames.

for more info visit safewise.com

How To Get Smoke Smell Out Of Your House: A Complete Guide

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Tips on eliminating smoke odors, featuring DIY deep clean methods.

There are a lot of reasons you’d need to get the smoke smell out of the house. Burnt toast, cigarette smoke, or an unfortunate house fire… whatever your reason, no one likes a smoky house, and we’re here to help you get rid of that smoke smell that won’t quit.

As a general rule of thumb, increasing ventilation, enhancing natural light and decreasing humidity can help with house smells, including smoke. Depending on how irritating the smell is, a full-on, deep cleaning could be on the horizon for your house. Go through our following guide thoroughly and we hope it helps you come out on the other side with an odor-free home. It’s full of smell neutralizing tips and suggestions to clean items you may have overlooked that could be harboring lingering smoke smells.

Air out your house by opening all of the windows and doors and letting the sunshine in, which can help kill germs and bacteria. (Plus, it’s good for morale!)
Turn on all the fans, even the exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen. Get some cross-ventilation going by sticking box fans in your windows — facing out! — to recirculate your home’s air and replace that smoke smell with a fresh, outdoor breeze.
Sweep, mop, vacuum, repeat. And don’t stop vacuuming the carpet — vacuum everything! The rugs, curtains, furniture (under the cushions and under the furniture), and floors. And double-check to be sure your vacuum’s filter is clean between sessions. Then sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet, leave it there overnight and vacuum it up the next morning. You can do the same thing with upholstered furniture.

For more info visit homemadesimple.com

How Smoke Causes Damage

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke causes damage by overheating electronics, leading to failure. It infiltrates the inner components and coats parts with a black film.

When the inner workings are coated, especially the parts that produce heat as part of the electronics, it creates insulation and a magnetic charge. Then, the equipment will experience a short circuit and overheat. Extensive studies have examined this type of harm, covering how duration and concentration can affect electronics.

It also causes damage through soot buildup that gets pushed by smoke and makes contact with anything in its path. It will travel to cooler temperatures and keep traveling until it eventually dissipates. Soot from smoke contains acidity that will destroy metals and cause disintegration and discoloration.

These harmful traits can completely destroy electronics even after the fire is put out. This damage is even a risk if there isn’t a fire. Smoke and soot will linger and corrode circuity, causing short circuits. If you’ve had a small fire where flames did not reach the electronics, you should still be wary of this type of damage.

Also, if the area is damp, the moisture will make the soot more acidic, permanently staining surfaces, walls, and electronics. 

For more info visit www.alldryus.com

Benefits of HVAC System Cleaning

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Why should you have your HVAC system cleaned? The short answer is simple: because they get dirty over time and they have the potential to contain large amounts of dust and particulates.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use. When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness. 

View NADCA's White Paper on Restoring Energy Efficiency Through HVAC Air Distribution System Cleaning

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that building managers and building inhabitants have when they decide to investigate HVAC systems. Through normal occupation in a building, we generate a lot of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork.

While a contaminated HVAC system doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy air, the situation may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders, or some environmental allergies.

Benefits of HVAC Inspection

HVAC inspectors conduct comprehensive examinations of components and systems to determine whether they are contaminated with a significant accumulation of particulate or microbial growth, or if HVAC performance is compromised due to contamination build-up.

The role of an HVAC inspector is to assess the cleanliness and structural integrity of an HVAC system. Inspectors search for obstructions, excess moisture, and microbial contamination in the HVAC system.

NADCA offers a certification geared toward HVAC inspectors, called the Certified Ventilation Inspector (CVI) program. CVI-certified personnel has received training based on the EPA’s structured method of performing inspections, which is also in compliance with NADCA’s standard. The training covers applicable building and IAQ standards and codes, maintenance and housekeeping programs, diagnosing IAQ problems, and reporting findings to building owners.

Benefits of HVAC Restoration

Restoration of HVAC system components is the process of preparation, refurbishment, resurfacing, repair, or replacement of any surface common to the air stream. Restoration procedures must only be performed after mechanical cleaning.

Airside surfaces of HVAC systems found to be compromised during the HVAC cleanliness evaluation or during cleaning must be documented for restoration or replacement to industry standards, as required.

HVAC system components subjected to catastrophic events such as fire, smoke, flood, or water damage must be subject to restoration procedures. Component degradation that results in compromised system performance must be corrected through restoration procedures if possible.

For more info visit NADCA.com

What You Need to Know About Air Duct Cleaning.

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning is a misnomer. In actuality, the entire HVAC system should be cleaned. Failure to clean all components of the system can result in recontamination of the entire system, thus minimizing the benefits of cleaning.

Just as you wouldn’t clean only half of your living room floor, you also would not want to clean only part of your HVAC system. NADCA recommends cleaning the entire HVAC system, including the following components:

• air ducts
• coils
• drain pan
• registers
• grills
• air plenum
• blower motor and assembly
• heat exchanger
• air filter
• air cleaner

There are two key components to HVAC cleaning: breaking contaminants loose, and collection of contaminants.

Breaking Contaminants Loose

Properly cleaning HVAC systems requires removing the sources of contamination. Source removal begins with the use of one or more agitation devices designed to loosen contaminants from the surfaces within the heating and air conditioning system. Examples of agitation devices include brushes, air whips, compressed air nozzles, or “skipper balls.” Agitation can also be achieved through hand-brushing or contact vacuuming.

Collection of Contaminants

During cleaning, the entire HVAC system is placed under continuous negative pressure (a vacuum) to prevent the spread of contaminants. The continuous negative pressure allows very fine particles to be removed from the system as they become airborne, ensuring that these particles are not released into the living space when the system is turned on after cleaning. This negative pressure also serves to extract the loosened contaminants, which are collected and removed from your home.

System Access

HVAC system cleaning is not a complex process, but each job is unique. Where possible, access to duct interiors should be made through existing openings such as supply diffusers, return grills, duct end caps, and existing service openings. Cleaning technicians may need to cut access holes in the ductwork in order to reach inside with various cleaning tools. The creation of these service openings, and their subsequent closure, requires craftsmanship and professional skills.

Equipment Requirements

There is a wide variety of equipment available to HVAC cleaning professionals. Both truck-mounted and portable vacuums can be used to stop the spread of contaminants and get the system cleaned to the NADCA Standard.

Antimicrobial Chemicals

Antimicrobial chemicals include sanitizers, disinfectants, and deodorizers that can be applied to nonporous surfaces in HVAC systems to address microbial contamination and help control odors. Only chemicals registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be used. These products should only be considered after mechanical surface cleaning has been performed and if the need for such treatment has been deemed necessary. 

For more info visit nadca.com

The Dishwasher

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Dishwashers can leak and lead to serious flooding. This is a problem most people want to avoid, especially because the water can seep into the floor and cause water damage problems below. To prevent any dishwasher mishaps, keep the kitchen sink unclogged. If kitchen repair is needed, it’s best to dry out the area and call a professional.

The Solution

There are a few common ways to discover water problems in the home. If you are concerned about kitchen leaks or water damage in your home, look out for the following signs:

• Dripping water
• Stained ceilings or floors
• Swollen or wet walls
• Mold

If you discover any of these, contact a professional for help. Water damage should be taken care of quickly to avoid further problems.

4 Easy Ways to Seal Windows & Air Leaks Around the House

3/26/2022 (Permalink)

A typical family spends about a third of its annual heating and cooling budget -- roughly $350 -- on air that leaks into or out of the house through unintended gaps and cracks. With the money you waste in just one year, you can plug many of those leaks yourself. It’s among the most cost-effective things you can do to conserve energy and increase comfort, according to Energy Star.

Start in the attic, since that’s where you’ll find some of the biggest energy drains. Then tackle the basement to prevent cold air that enters there from being sucked into upstairs rooms. Finally, seal air leaks in the rest of the house. Here are eight places to start.

Plan Ahead

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Losing data, production time, and possible revenue can disrupt your business for more than the length of the storm. By planning ahead, you can help your company get back to business quickly with very little trouble after a power disruption. Here are a few things to include in your survival plan:

• Flashlights – To ease fear and promote safe movement.
• Portable generator and fuel – A portable source of power for emergency electricity that can be critical in heating, lighting, and preventing injuries.
• Bottled water – For customer and employee safety.
• UPS stations - To protect computer files and allow employees to save work during an outage.
• Safe room – A protected area in which individuals can gather during extreme weather.
• Disaster Help – A number to call for cleanup or restoration specialists if needed.

Home repair after water damage

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

A restoration company can help you to undertake the restoration process that entails drying a flooded home as well as the mitigation procedures. The water cleanup job on the flooded home requires a reputable restoration company and special equipment in the quest to expedite the drying and restoration process. Drying all the water in home appliances helps to fast track the water cleanup, restoration, and drying process. Embarking on the water cleanup without dealing with the pipe break can be a futile venture. Expensive items such as carpets, wallboards, and electronic appliances can also be ruined.

When it comes to the removal of the water in business drains, it is vital to unblock them too. When it comes to flood damage mitigation in a flooded home, sandbags can come in handy if you want to redirect the water. As you redirect the water in home drains, be sure to repair the supply line break if you want to save time during the water cleanup and mitigation process. You should always think of mitigation if you want to minimize the flood damage. Repairing a flooded home is more expensive than preventing the problem by addressing the main culprits such as leaky drains and the supply line break.

Understanding the Risks

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 2,900 home fires are started by clothes dryers each year, due largely to the buildup of lint in the dryer. This lint builds up in:

• Lint traps
• Dryer vents
• Duct work

Lint is combustible, so when it combines with heat, the stage is set for a lint fire. What is a homeowner to do?

Clean the Lint Trap

This may seem obvious, but many of us are doing it wrong. After every load, remove the lint from the screen and wipe the edges. Periodically place it in a sink of hot water and scrub with a bristle brush to get it completely clean and prevent a dryer fire.

Invest in A Brush

A dryer lint brush is a long-handled brush that will help reach the nooks and crannies. Remove your dryer lint filter, stick the brush inside and gently loosen the built-up lint. This will remove big chunks of lint that you can gather and discard. Run the dryer on air only to remove any small leftover particles.

Check Your Exhaust

Once a year, unplug your dryer and get a good look at where your exhaust vent connects. Remove that piece, reach inside and use your vent brush to get out as much lint as possible.

Stay Safe When Disaster Strikes

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always on the lookout for ways to prepare for the unexpected. Recently, there have been many unexpected weather anomalies across the world and even in our area. Winterset, Iowa was recently ravaged by a deadly EF4 tornado claiming the lives of 7 Iowans outside of the Des Moines area. Not long ago in December, of all months, Northeast Iowa and the town of Rudd, Iowa was hit by an EF1 causing damage to properties, businesses, and homes. Emergencies can strike at any time, often without much warning. SERVPRO of Mason City is here to help by providing storm response services after your property has been damaged. We are here to help with roof tarping and board-up services to help protect your home’s interior from further damage from the elements. Our highly trained experts can help navigate you through those tough times when you are trying to restore your home and belongings. SERVPRO of Mason City can handle all your drying and restoration needs. We can get your home, structure, and belongings dry. We salvage your materials, and even restore your contents that have sustained storm or water damage! At SERVPRO we have adopted a very strong belief in restoration versus replacement. If your damages require extensive restoration, cleaning, or reconstruction we can perform an organized pack-out from the affected area. This will protect items from further damage and allow for a quicker process to take place. We use many methods to help restore your contents depending on the type of material it is made of. If your electronics, documents, or photographs have been affected by water damage we can use air-drying, dehumidification, freeze-drying, vacuum freeze-drying, and vacuum thermal drying methods can minimize any additional damages caused by water damages. SERVPRO of Mason City is on-call 24/7 and ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 365 days a year. We want to give you back the home you remember, which is why we even offer reconstruction services. Stay safe, and when disaster strikes, call us for guidance. We will get you on the right track and take the proper steps to get back to your life as quickly as possible. 

Mold is Present Almost Everywhere!

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Mold spores exist just about everywhere, both outdoors and inside. SERVPRO of Mason City has certified technicians that explain how your mold mitigation process needs to be handled as each is different depending on the situation, type of mold, and where it’s located. Our techs make sure our customers know what to expect before, during, and after the process. If you suspect mold you should call us to inspect your home or business. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

• Mold spores are microscopic float around in the air and can enter your home through open windows and doors, or vents for A/C and heat. It’s possible the spores can even hitch a ride on your pets or your clothing.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold will keep returning.
• Bleaches and other cleaners that advertise to kill or clean off mold only remove mold from the surface temporarily and do not kill the spores which is why the mold will keep growing back.
• Mold often produces a strong and must odor.

When you have concerns in your home, call the experts at SERVPRO of Mason City to help you get back on your feet

4 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a clean house, but what if your home isn’t as spick-and-span as you thought it was? Your floors are spotless and even your baseboards are bright and dust-free, but what about the areas you don’t see every day?

Unfortunately, HVAC ducts, the metal conduits that pipe cooled or heated air through your house, are a favorite hiding place of dust, dirt, and other allergens. Ductwork is hidden, after all, and because central air conditioning systems draw air in from outside to cool and circulate through the house, contaminants easily make their way indoors.

Cleaning your home’s air ducts isn’t something you should attempt on your own. It’s a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of HVAC systems as well as specialized tools, so always rely on professionals who have been certified by NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. A NADCA certification means that your job will be done correctly and according to the most up-to-date methods and processes.

If you’re not entirely confident that you’d know when your air ducts need cleaning, keep reading to learn the telltale signs of dirty ducts!

Giveaways of Dirty Air Ducts

Since your home’s ductwork is hidden behind layers of flooring and Sheetrock, you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for these four signs that your air ducts are getting a little grimy.

1. Mold has been found in your furnace or air conditioning system.

Your HVAC system needs to be cleaned and serviced periodically—in fact, most manufacturers and HVAC service professionals recommend scheduling two service visits per year. Because both air conditioners and furnaces can develop condensation, mold growth is a possibility, especially if you live in a humid climate.

If your service technician tells you that your HVAC system has mold growing in it, first ask to see the evidence. Your next step should be to contact a mold expert. Your HVAC technician may not have the training and credentials to properly identify mold (or pinpoint whether the mold is harmful), so look for an indoor air quality expert, ideally a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA).

Mold found on your furnace, air conditioner, or air handler unit isn’t a guarantee that your ductwork has been affected, but it certainly increases the chances. A NADCA-certified air duct cleaning technician will thoroughly clean your home’s HVAC system and ductwork to remove the mold and prevent its return.

2. Your home was just built or has undergone a major renovation.

Construction is messy. Even when contractors are diligent about cleaning up and closing off work areas to keep the rest of the house tidy, dust and debris will always find their way in. And unless the HVAC system is not turned on and kept completely covered during the entire construction process (which isn’t realistic for most homeowners), that dirt and dust will make their way into your ductwork.

Construction dust can contain some pretty nasty particulate matter that you don’t want to breathe, so don’t wait until you experience respiratory problems to call in the pros.

3. Your home is very dusty, no matter how often you clean.

Dusting isn’t the most entertaining task, but it’s something we all have to do from time to time. If, however, you notice that every flat surface in your house is coated in a layer of dust almost immediately after you’ve put away your cleaning supplies, you probably need to have your ducts cleaned.

Take a look at both the supply and return vents around your house. Are they visibly dirty and dusty? Carefully remove a vent cover and look into the ductwork. Is the metal covered in dust?

If your answer is yes to both questions, call a NADCA-certified air duct cleaning expert.

4. You’ve noticed your heating and/or cooling costs climbing. 

Your heating and cooling costs should be relatively predictable from year to year. If you receive a bill that is noticeably high, however, or if you look at your records and note that your utility bills are much higher now compared to the same time a year ago, your home’s ductwork might be (partially, at least) to blame.

In extreme cases, ductwork can become so dirty that air isn’t able to flow freely and efficiently through your home’s HVAC system. When this happens, your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder (use more energy, in other words) to maintain the temperature you’ve set at the thermostat. This extra energy expenditure translates to higher utility bills for you.

Beyond removing airflow-obstructing dirt and debris, your air duct cleaning technician will also keep an eye out for leaking ducts. Ductwork is usually installed in a home in sections, and these sections are sealed to prevent air leakage. Over years of use, however, these seals can deteriorate, which reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Imagine trying to fill a small cup using a fire hose: You’ll get some water in the cup, but ultimately, most of the water will end up on the floor. Leaky ducts have a similar effect on your home. You’ll still have air moving through your ductwork, but some of that heated or cooled air will end up in the attic, walls, or basement.

The bottom line is that when your ductwork isn’t sealed properly, you’re paying for heated and cooled air that you don’t get to enjoy.

HVAC Duct Cleaning Pros

If your home’s air ducts need to be cleaned, rely on the experts to do the job right. There’s a lot around your house that you can safely DIY, but air duct cleaning isn’t on the list.

Professional air duct cleaners use commercial-grade vacuum systems and powered brushes to loosen and remove dirt and debris from your home’s HVAC system and ductwork without worsening the quality of the air inside your home.

Residential vacuum cleaners and cleaning attachments simply aren’t powerful enough to do the job correctly, and a DIYer runs the risk of doing serious damage to the ductwork. Air duct cleaning pros are also trained to spot other problems with an HVAC system that the average homeowner may not know to look for.

Like many other trades in the home improvement industry, air duct cleaning is subject to scams. Be wary of air duct cleaning companies that offer unusually low rates or that promise a super-quick service. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and keep looking.

Your best bet for finding a reliable, highly qualified air duct cleaning technician is to find a NADCA member company in your area. Whether you’ve noticed more dust around your house than usual or your HVAC technician found mold in your furnace, a NADCA-certified expert will help you get your home clean and back to normal—the right way!

This guest blog was provided by Julia Clem, a member of the marketing team at Best Pick Reports.  

https://nadca.com/resources/blog/4-signs-your-air-ducts-need-cleaning

Ice Dams can be a little known, but major problem.

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

We remember to start our company vehicles a little earlier and salt our sidewalks. We prepare for employees to have to stay home more during snow days with their children. But what are the things we can't see that could put your business in jeopardy? Things such as Ice Dams can be a little known, but major problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the business's interior areas, as well as causing gutter and shingles to move or fall. Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside "check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along with the ceiling of exterior walls of your building. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.

Handling Stains and Soils

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Since the late 60's SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have been handling stains and soils of all types from residential homes to commercial facilities. Using IICRC (Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards for carpet care as a guide, a SERVPRO of Mason City professionals will walk with you through your business and guide you in the best decisions to care for your carpet. It is extremely important to remember that when it comes to your business, first impressions are important to clients, customers, and consumers. Having a clean office or facility is the quickest and easiest way to make a lasting impression. 

We will take time to: 

• Show you what carpet cleaning options would be best for your carpet's level of soiling.
• Give you an estimate of the time and cost of the carpet cleaning.
• Explain the benefits of soil protection. 
• Explain the advantages of a clean carpet for good indoor air quality. 
• Explain how you can help prolong the appearance of your carpet with frequent vacuuming. 

For answers about carpet cleaning and care, contact SERVPRO of Mason City at 641-424-3382

In The Event Of An Emergency

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, ERP will ensure you are 'Ready for Whatever Happens" in 2022. 

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Mason City as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 45 years of experience and a System of more than 1700 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; and all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the SERVPRO READY app, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting help at your fingertips. 

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes-Resolve to be READY. Call SERVPRO of Mason City to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in 2022. 

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile:
-A no-cost assessment of your facility

-A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency

-A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster

-Established your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider

-Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin

-Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. 

Selling Your Homes?

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Selling your homes can be an overwhelming experience. SERVPRO of Mason City is happy to help clean your home/homes and get it/them ready for showings and its sale. With our highly trained crews, we are prepared to help with any cleaning task ranging from mold remediation to deodorization to general cleaning services.  We have helped many realtors/homeowners prepare and sell their home/homes in North Central Iowa with a top to bottom cleaning. Our thorough cleaning services can include wiping ceilings and walls, trim, the exterior of baseboard registers. Window cleaning and floor cleaning are a great way to finish the project up and add the final sparkle to your fresh home.

We would be happy to set up a time for an estimator to come onsite to answer any questions you may have and to get you a good idea of what the project would entail. SERVPRO of Mason City is always here to help

SERVPRO of Mason City is NADCA certified

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Why Choose a NADCA Member

NADCA members work in accordance with ACR, the NADCA Standard, which provides guidance on the proper and safe techniques required during HVAC inspection, cleaning, and restoration procedures.

At least one employee of each NADCA member company must receive NADCA’s Air System Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) certification and maintain this certification with Continuing Education Credits each year. NADCA also offers a Certified Ventilation Inspection (CVI) certification which is an advanced certification for the inspection of HVAC systems.

A majority of NADCA members have been in business for many years and possess the knowledge and experience necessary to perform to the highest standards. Members also have significant knowledge of the tools and equipment that are necessary for each particular job. NADCA members are truly committed to our industry.

Timing is Important

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage from frozen pipes, Contact SERVPRO of Mason City immediately. We will have our trained and experienced team members on-site quickly to evaluate the damages. 

In any water damage situation, timing is very important. The longer the water sits in your home or business, the more likely secondary damages can occur. SERVPRO of Mason City makes sure to follow all of the guidelines of the IICRC. 

It is critical to make sure plenty of pictures are taken of any water loss. This way if there are any problems, the job will be well documented. On any job, SERVPRO's main goal is to get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

If you have any questions about water damage restoration, contact us directly at any time. We have team members standing by, 24/7.

Want to Make Sure Your Home is Safe for Your Loved Ones? Don’t Neglect Your Dryer Vents!

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Laundry. Like it or not, it’s one of those things that’s part of our daily lives. Some people don’t like doing laundry one bit. Others find it therapeutic.

If there was a laundry 101 class, the most basic thing taught would be to clean the lint trap every. single. time. you use the dryer. But simply cleaning the lint trap isn’t enough to prevent fires and keep your dryer working efficiently.

The dryer vent (which includes the tube that runs from your dryer to the outside of your home) helps remove hot air and moisture, and even though the dryer itself has a lint trap, dust and debris still make it into the vent over time and can get trapped there – especially if your vent has a screen or cap meant to keep small animals, insects, and/or birds out of the vent. 

Debris and highly flammable lint can build up in your dryer vent, reducing airflow and backing up exhaust gases. Couple that with the hot temperature of the dryer itself, and it makes for a very dangerous situation. 

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fire departments respond to an average of 15,970 home structural fires EACH YEAR that involve clothes dryers or washing machines, with 92% being attributed to dryers. 27% of those dryer fires were caused by dust and lint in the lint trap or dryer vent. 

Those are disturbing statistics for an easily preventable problem! 

Worse yet, fires aren’t the only risk. There is also a chance that gases and carbon monoxide that should be released outside of the home through the dryer vent could be get backed up into your home through a clogged vent, causing a dangerous air quality risk for you and your family.  

Following are several signs that your dryer vent probably needs to be cleaned: 

• Clothes take longer to dry than usual
• The dryer is hot to the touch after a cycle
• Your laundry room is hot after a cycle
• The dryer emits a burning smell
• There’s inconsistent airflow from the exhaust vent
• Excess lint appears in the lint trap after each cycle
• You find debris in your yard outside of the dryer vent or can see it trapped in the vent itself

While safety is priority number one, there are other benefits to having your dryer vents professionally cleaned:

• Shorter Drying Times: Do you feel like your clothes take forever to dry? This may be an indication that it's time to get your dryer vent cleaned. An abundance of lint in the vent creates a barrier that warm air has to fight through, so it can do its job. By clearing the vents of debris, you are clearing the way for the heat to come through quickly and efficiently. 
• Lower Energy Bills: Getting your dryer vent cleaned is one simple way to save money. By keeping the system clean, drying times are shortened, which in return uses less energy. Less energy means lower energy bills and more money in your pocket!
• Fewer Repairs: We all want our appliances to work as efficiently as possible. When any appliance is being overworked, there’s considerable added wear and tear on the appliance. By keeping dryer vents clean, you can avoid costly repairs or the need to buy a brand new dryer.

With regular use, you should have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year to prevent lint build-up and ensure your dryer is running efficiently. In addition to having your dryer vent cleaned by a professional, you can take proactive steps to prevent debris build-up and keep your dryer working efficiently while reducing the fire risk.

• Empty lint trap after every load
• Let your dryer cool off for 15-20 minutes between loads
• Replace your flexible vent pipe with a solid metal one
• Move the dryer close to an external wall
• Use liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets
• Regularly inspect the vent pipe from outside the house to see if there is debris 

However, lint and debris will build up no matter what precautions you take, so it’s important to schedule annual cleanings!

Why Hire a Professional?

Regularly cleaning dryer vents is an important part of routine home maintenance, and it’s recommended that dryer vents are professionally cleaned once per year. While it can be tempting to do it yourself, tackling your dirty dryer vent with a vacuum cleaner and calling it a day simply isn’t the best idea, even if your vent is short. 

There are all sorts of DIY dryer vent cleaning products and accessories available, but most leave homeowners with a false sense of security that the job was done right, and the risk of fire has been prevented. Many DIY methods simply fail to remove all of the lint and debris, and there’s even a risk of inadvertently compacting the lint and causing a blockage that can’t be seen, which could then cause a fire. 

When you’re ready to have your dryer vent cleaned, it’s important to hire a professional who can thoroughly clean it the proper way. You can trust that National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) members have advanced training and knowledge about proper cleaning methods, and our members also follow a higher standard in cleaning and customer service. In fact, we have an industry-standard that’s all about cleaning dryer vents — the Dryer Exhaust Duct Performance (DEDP) Standard. When looking to hire a technician to clean your dryer vent, ask if they follow this standard!

Hiring a trustworthy professional to clean your dryer vent will keep your family safe from a potential fire hazard and lower your energy costs! We make it really simple for homeowners to find a professional. All it takes is a zip code to search our online directory to find a NADCA member in your area! 

for more info please visit https://nadca.com

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t.

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO Mason City can help. They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.

Cleanliness and Presentation is Everything

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to your business, cleanliness, and presentation are everything. We can assist with a plethora of cleaning services. We cover anything from a small office to large industrial cleanings. We can help spiff up your space by using one of our more than 100 exclusive cleaning products and award-winning training. Our highly trained cleaning crew can come and scrub, wipe, HEPA-vac, deodorize, and deep clean your facility to like-new condition from floor to ceiling, paying close attention to details. SERVPRO of Mason City also offers high-quality floor spinning and professional carpet cleaning to polish off your freshly cleaned facility. We can even clean, seal, disinfect, and deodorize your ducts and HVAC system to ensure your structure is cleaned thoroughly from the inside out. We take pride in our high quality of workmanship and want our customers to walk away having their absolute best experience. We promise to handle your building and belongings with tact, delicacy, respect, and care. SERVPRO of Mason City offers to come to provide you with an estimate for cleaning services at no cost. We would love to hear from you! Call today for your free estimate. 

The leading cause of water damage in the United States is burst pipes

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

This time of year, we shift from fall to winter, and while mother nature may be done unleashing her rainy fury on us, the dangers of water are not out of sight. Water problems in homes can come from both internal and external sources. The leading cause of water damage in the United States is burst pipes. Every year about 1 in 50 homeowners will file water damage or freezing pipe claims. There are varying types of water that can contaminate your home. Category 1 water, also known as “Clean Water,” comes from a clean source like a broken water line. This water can easily turn into category 2 or 3 water if left untreated. Category 2 water would include “Grey Water”. This encompasses water from sources like dishwashers, washing machines, and may contain bacteria or viruses and exposure may cause discomfort or illness. Category 3 water, also known as “Black Water” is grossly contaminated. Category 3 water can come from flooding of rivers, toilet water, or sewage backup. Contact with Category 3 water should be avoided and left to us. Category 3 water can cause severe illness or death if ingested.

Category 1, 2, and 3, water can all lead to mold when left untreated. Mold can wreak havoc on a property or home in as little as 48-72 hours. Molds produce health effects. The dangers of mold are most prevalent in children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. At SERVPRO of Mason City, we have highly trained professionals on stand-by ready for whatever happens. We can conquer your water issue and dry everything out properly to reduce the risk of mold. The mold remediation process is a carefully selected 7-step process. Mold can often be hidden from plain view. Once we are contacted, we come in and do a thorough visual inspection and use air sample tests to identify the problem areas. Various containment methods utilizing negative air chambers are used to isolate the contaminated areas and keep the microscopic mold spores from spreading. Once containment is set, we will filter the hair using HEPA filters, capturing the spores from the air and preventing the spread of the spores throughout the remediation process. At SERVPRO of Mason City, we use commercial-grade equipment and compounds to treat and eliminate mold colonies. We also remove and dispose of materials infected with mold-like carpet and drywall. Once all of the affected areas are treated or removed, our techs will clean your restorable items and restore anything affected to its pre-disaster state. One of the little-known gems about us is that we feature a reconstruction team. In the event that areas of drywall and finishing needed to be torn out, we are your one-stop shop for putting it all back together. Our reconstruction team is ready to help you make your water or mold issue "Like it never even happened."

Three Types of Damage for Commercial Claims

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City handles not only residential damage, but commercial as well.

There are three types of damage for commercial claims: 

Type 1

Type 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include; a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a small warehouse, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Type 1 loss can also be a smaller portion of a much larger structure.

Type 2

Type 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level and/or divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Type 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Type 3

Type 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Type 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a mid- to high-rise retail facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Prevent Flooding in Your Building

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Do Some Inspecting

If your building is getting along in years, it may be a good time to make sure different systems are performing well. You should even inspect these areas if you didn't install them too long ago. For flood prevention, each year, you should do the following:

• Check the roof for weak spots, missing shingles, or damage.
• Inspect the pipes in your plumbing system for cracks or leaks.
• Make sure rain gutters and downspouts are diverting water away from the building.
• Check windows and the foundation to ensure water can't seep through.
  
  

Think About Landscaping

The property surrounding your building could play a role as you try to stop flooding. Planting trees around the edge of the property could help block floodwater. Also, using native plants and thick mulch can soak up heavy rains. Make sure the yard is graded properly and slants away from the building.

Elevate the building

If you work in an area prone to high water and flooding, you should consider raising the entire building off the ground a few feet. This is an expensive process, but it could be worth it when heavy rains increase water levels and threaten your workplace.

Ask the Experts

If you need further information on how to prevent water damage, talk to a professional Flood remediation company. These experts know how to clean up after flooding, but they also understand effective ways to keep water away.
Don't put your building at risk when high water rears its ugly head. Take these measures so you can avoid costly damage.

Commercial Fire

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a hazard every business owner faces. Each business owner must be prepared to cope with the possibility of a fire that may cause fire damage. Commercial fire damage can happen as a result of many factors including an electrical fire or utility room fire. During the fire, the business owner may need to deal with a firefighter in their company space. They may also need to cope with a fire truck and a fire hose that may be in use in order to help clear out soot damage and fire damage as well as smoke damage. The fire may have taken place in a single area of the business such as a utility room fire or it may be far more extensive requiring fire restoration efforts that can time to fully fix. It's best to realize that any commercial fire damage from any kind of fire including an electrical fire or utility room fire can take time to fix.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of commercial fire damage, there may be lots of things present including a fire hose, firefighter, and fire truck. The owner may find it hard to get in during the fire to assess the fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage. A fire sprinkler system may still be on and going, possibly creating even more problems. Fire suppression efforts may be ongoing by the firefighter and a team with a fire truck and a fire hose. It's best to take the time and let the fire suppression efforts continue until the professionals with the fire hose and fire truck are finished.

Flood Damage Remediation

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

Many areas of the country experience heavy rains in the spring and early summer, and our area is no exception. These types of storms send water flooding into your home at its lowest level. Restoring the damage done from several inches of water pouring into your house needs the professional help of the skilled staff at SERVPRO. 
 
The one thing you do not want to do when flood damage occurs in your home is to wait to see if things get better on their own. Water can damage your home’s structure and contents if it remains inside for any amount of time. Also, if moisture levels remain high within your house, you run the risk of mold growth and damage. Flood damage recovery is at the heart of our business plan, and we pledge to do everything within our power to return you to preloss condition. 
 
Our SERVPRO team needs to complete some preliminary steps before they begin removing the water and then drying out your home after the flood. First, we need to be certain that there is no risk of electrocution. Many appliances in the flood water use electricity, so we risk trouble if the power is live. Second, other tools and systems use natural gas or oil for fuel, and they also need to be shut off while our crews work. We also need to be mindful of any structural damage or weakness that puts restorers or you in danger. 
 
Once we clear any hazards, we begin by removing standing or puddled water in the lowest levels of your house. A submersible pump works for deeper floodwaters, and once the level goes down, we use extractors, which are powerful water vacuums. Air movers are the next line of defense, staged to reduce the moisture content of flooring, walls, and ceilings. Carpeting dries in place if we can lift it to get air moving on both the top and bottom. Padding is inexpensive, and we often remove and replace it as it dries too slowly and incompletely. 
 
With our drying goals met, we take a final look at any microbial growth. Mold spores are always present, and it just takes a boost of a little water to get them growing. Drying out the structure within 48 hours gives SERVPRO staff the best chance of preventing flood-related mold growth. 
 
Driving rain flooding into your home has little chance of permanently damaging your house if SERVPRO of Mason City works on your behalf. A call to our dispatchers at 641-424-3382 ensures we get on the job within just a few hours.

Repairing Fire Damage!

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Repairing smoke damage to walls.

In an event of fire damage, smoke damage will always occur to your walls, wall paint, or even wallpapers. In the case of a situation where the smoke damage is not too huge, you should use detergents and bleach to scrub it clean. Soot damage is somehow greasy and therefore you should fast try to dust it off from the surface before you start the fire cleanup. Most likely you might want to repaint but you should ensure that all the surfaces are clean and dry.

Repairing floors and carpets.

Due to the water that is involved in putting out the fire, the flooring and the carpets will absorb a lot of water. It is more recommendable if you remove the carpets that have absorbed water and replace them. At this point, water might also get into the cracks of hardwoods and vinyl flooring, adding to the fire damage. This issue needs to be addressed by a professional fire damage restoration company to help you with the fire clean-up.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

There is always a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home or business. There are various appliances and systems that could accidentally introduce carbon monoxide into your building, and cause poisoning. Household appliances, gas fires, boilers, central heating systems, water heaters, cookers, open fires that use gas, oil, coal, and wood can all pose a risk. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can be very dangerous at high levels. It can be particularly dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Dull headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

If you feel you have been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air immediately and seek medical help. If you go to the hospital, they may have you breathe pure oxygen through a mask. This helps oxygen reach your organs and tissues.

3 WAYS YOU COULD BE DAMAGING YOUR DISHWASHER

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

1. Dirty Dishes

Placing dirty dishes in the dishwasher can clog the pump assembly, drain lines, or spray arms. A buildup in the pump assembly can prevent the dishes from getting properly cleaned.

2. Overloading

One of the easiest ways to make sure everything can get sprayed is not to overload your dishwasher. Yes, you want to run it when it is full because this saves time and resources, but overfilling it will not allow it to wash properly. In fact, Overloading prevents dishes from getting fully cleaned and may cause you to rinse the same dishes twice, causing additional wear on the unit. There is a fine line between full and overload.

3. Non-Dishwasher Safe Items

The dishwasher, while great in so many ways, is way too rough for many of our most prized kitchen items. Before you start loading the rack with reckless abandon, check out the 10 things that should NEVER go in the dishwasher.

1. Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards
2. Cast Iron Pans
3. Gold Trim Plates
4. Good Knives
5. Items with Hollow Handles
6. Copper and Pewter Items
7. Crystal and Hand-blown Glass
8. Travel Mugs
9. Takeout Containers
10. Containers with Labels

Did we learn from the Derecho of 2020?

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Property damage caused by severe weather can be devastating to your family home or business, and repairing it can be a complex undertaking. To get storm damage repair completed quickly and safely, you need a restoration service company that specializes in bringing your home back to its pre-accident condition.

SERVPRO of Mason City provides specialized emergency cleanup and restoration services in North Iowa to bring your property back to normal. We can handle any damage due to severe weather, including:

Thunderstorms

Lightning Strikes

Tornadoes and high winds (like Derecho)

Hail and ice storms

Freezing weather and ice dams

SERVPRO has successfully rebuilt thousands of wind-damaged houses through the years. It is in situations like these that our team’s specialized skill sets are required. Rebuilding part of a home is very different from a new construction facility. Building materials, design, and finishes must all be matched to the remaining structure, while moisture remaining in the building components may need to be addressed as well.

SERVPRO of Mason City is licensed and insured contractors that are available 24 hours a day. Call SERVPRO 641-424-3382 today.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

When water gets into a structure and is dried incorrectly, mold and mildew can form making the occupants extremely ill. Trained and certified to the highest standards in the industry, our professional production team responds immediately - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion, and respect. Our technicians identify the full extent of moisture damage, both obvious and unseen, by using sensors such as moisture detectors and state of science technology.  Meanwhile, we help homeowners overcome their feeling of helplessness by explaining the process in a way that they can understand what is happening, what to expect, and what they can do. SERVPRO of Mason City’s commitment to customer excellence includes insurance professionals; which means that insurance agents and claims adjusters can expect effective, ongoing communication and reporting. We understand insurance industry requirements. Our professional production team will provide a complete estimate, including photos, to the agent or adjuster within 24-48 hours. Call SERVPRO of Mason City and get quality water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold and mildew removal and if your home, business or insurance customer needs one of our large selection of biohazard removal services, we are ready, trained, and equipped to provide you with any cleanup, mitigation, and restoration service.  Call us today at 641-424-3382!

Upholstery Cleaning

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Mason City we pay careful attention to the details of your furniture. Ensuring even the most delicate fabrics are taken care of properly. With a gentle process, stains and dirt are carefully lifted out without any damage.

If there’s a real problem area on your upholstery, we’ll take the time required to gently pull out the stain. With a quick inspection after the job is complete, we ensure no removable spots are left behind.

At SERVPRO of Mason City, we use the most updated technology available for upholstery. That same hot-water extraction system we use on the carpet is just as efficient on your most durable upholstery.

SERVPRO of Mason City is available 24/7 including on holidays

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are low-maintenance household devices. However, in order to ensure they are in good working order, there are a few steps that you should perform.

• Make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn about any special maintenance required for your specific alarm model.
• It is recommended that you test the smoke alarm at least once a month. Normally, this is done by pressing the test button on the center of the device.
• Make sure everyone is familiar with the sound of the alarms and knows what to do if they hear the alarm.
• The batteries in the smoke alarms should typically be replaced twice a year. A good habit is to change the batteries at the beginning and the end of Daylight Savings Time. If one of your alarms starts to occasionally “chirp”, it means the battery is low and you need to replace it immediately.

Unforeseen Tragedy

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Crime scene cleanup usually involves the removal of human blood and other bio-hazardous wastes following major accidents, accidental deaths, unattended deaths, suicides and murders. SERVPRO of Mason City has the skills, specialized equipment and cleaning products to effectively eliminate forensic and other residues left behind.

As part of our procedures, we will eliminate all odors and disinfect and sanitize the location to leave it clean, spotless and as appealing. We always work as effectively and as efficiently as possible to clear up all traces of crimes and traumas so that your location can be returned to its former use in the shortest possible time and the people involved can start to rebuild their lives.

Don’t go at this alone SERVPRO of Mason City is here to help 24/7

Why You Should Check Your Gutters.

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Gutters play a key role in preventing water damage to your home. That is why it is essential that you keep your gutters clean. Their purpose is to channel rainwater to the downspouts and away from the home, protecting roofs, walls, and foundations of homes. To keep gutters working properly, it is important to make sure that gutters are cleaned regularly so that water can flow freely to the downspouts and away from your home.

Clogged gutters can cause many issues for a homeowner. If water finds its way into the walls and ceilings of the home, it will cause interior damage. In winter months, pooling water around the foundation of the home can cause foundation cracks if it freezes and expands. The paint and siding of a home can also be damaged as water overflows from the gutters.

Commercial Water Removal in North Iowa

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

One thing you never want to see in your office.

If a plumbing failure causes your business to require commercial water removal in Mason City, SERVPRO professionals are ready to come to your business and restore it to its pre-accident condition. We can handle everything from measuring moisture levels to cleaning and drying water-affected furniture, walls, and flooring to ensure that your waiting room is safe and free from long-term structural issues such as warped flooring or subflooring. 

 Removing water from carpeting in your business takes high priority, and our SERVPRO team can use portable vacuums to suck up excess moisture from isolated areas of carpet that have been affected by water. Furniture and other items near the water-damaged area can be moved to a dry area in your business to prevent further exposure and prepare for drying. Moisture sensors poke into the carpet and other porous surfaces to evaluate moisture levels, and secondary measures of moisture such as moisture meters can be used to assess moisture levels directly on surfaces. 

 SERVPRO of Mason City is available to clean up commercial disasters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team can be at business within just a few hours if you call 641-424-3382 today.

Disasters don’t plan ahead

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do when disaster strikes?

Come up with a plan today. If a disaster strikes, your family may not be together, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect you, your family, and your friends.  Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner or maybe bring it up to your friends and a cookout. Here are some ideas from SERVPRO of Mason City to get you started:

Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.

Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Download a group texting app so your entire family and friends group keep in touch before, during & after an emergency.

Practice evacuating in the car with your animals, so they’re more comfortable if you need to evacuate in an emergency.

Sign up for local emergency alerts in your area by searching online.

Keeping yourself, your family and your friends safe should be your priority when disaster strikes. Be sure you have a plan in place before disaster strikes. For more information on creating and implementing a Disaster Plan visit Ready.gov.

When Heroes Need Help

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

This water loss was caused by a busted pipe in the main clinic of a local hospital in Mason City, Iowa following a heavy rainstorm. Our SERVPRO of Mason City technicians responded quickly to save any further merchandise from being affected as well as the building structure. 

No Job Is Too Large

SERVPRO has a Commercial Large Loss Team that is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite team is pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the US to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

SERVPRO of Mason City is here to serve the central North Iowa area. If your business suffers a major loss, call (641) 424-3382

The Intrusion of Water!

8/15/2021 (Permalink)

The intrusion of water into your place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks, and poor humidity control. 

When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present an increased risk of harmful mold growth.  Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments.  If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged business environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply.  Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.  Excessive mold growth can lead to the business having indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

To have SERVPRO evaluate your North Iowa commercial restoration needs, give us a call at 641-424-3382.

End of Summer. Start of Fire Season

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

As I turn the calendar over I'm unfortunately reminded that summer is coming to an end. As fall approaches we need to be cognizant of what comes with it, fire season. There are a million precautions and steps that we all take but we can't control everything. When a fire happens there are some amazing tools and technology that SERVPRO has perfected. For odor control, there are a couple of amazing techniques that can really restore a lot of different situations. We have a technique called ozone that uses electricity and splits the O2 molecule and with an arc. When that happens the remaining oxygen atom is free and pairs up with other weak O2 molecules forming O3 molecules. These O3 molecules organically attach to odor molecules and change them chemically by oxidizing them. Another popular method for deodorization is using what is called a hydroxyl generator. This method also uses oxidization for odor removal. These generators use ultraviolet light and combine with water vapor to produce hydroxyl molecules. The hydroxyl molecule has a free electron that essentially lets it react with organic compounds and materials in this environment. These organic compounds are now attacked and neutralized and the chemical reaction lessens the perception of odor to us. These are just a couple of tools we have in a large arsenal that we utilize to lessen odor and restore your possessions or home to how it was before "Like it never even happened."

2 Ways To Reduce Revenue Loss

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Business Fires: 2 Ways To Reduce Revenue Loss

A fire at your business can occur without warning and leave you to face a serious loss of revenue. Smoke and water damage, along with damaged inventory and equipment, could seriously delay a reopening.

1. Protect Undamaged Inventory

You might continue to lose money after a fire at your business unless you gather and remove undamaged inventory and other items from the building. Continued water damage and exposed sections of the building might be vulnerable to the elements and ruin items that were untouched by the fire. Securing inventory and equipment could help prevent further financial loss.

2. Retain a Restoration Service

While interruption insurance can protect your financial interests after a business fire, retaining fire damage and restoration service before trouble strikes may protect your financial interests as well. Not only will you have somewhere to turn for fire restoration and repair, but having a company like this on your side may help you recover more quickly after a fire so you can reduce revenue loss.
Interruption insurance and creating a working relationship with a fire restoration service can be useful assets to your business. Because serious fires can occur without warning, preparing for such an event may mean the difference between resuming operations within a few weeks and enduring a lengthy shutdown.

Different Types Smoke Damage

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. 

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Mason City will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore, smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

The Importance of Business Insurance

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

life can be unpredictable, it is important that your business has the proper insurance coverage for a variety of disasters. Basic property insurance is a must, but we urge you to search for more specific coverage. Talk to your insurance agent to see what kind of coverage you can get to protect your belongings.

For example, property insurance will cover general repairs such as water damage due to leaks and other external factors, but flood and storm insurance specifically target the kind of prolonged water damage you can get from floods or the damage caused by hail.

Here at SERVPRO of Mason City want only the best for you and your business, so do not hesitate to call the experts at (641)424-3382 we are available 24/7.

Water Damage To Your Property.

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Has your property experienced flooding? Water damage can be a serious issue to handle on your own. When you choose SERVPRO of Mason City, our team will put our years of experience to work for you. Extracting water and moisture as quickly as possible. When water has time to sit, it can cause further damage like destroying carpets and upholstery, while also weakening support beams. Complications and damages caused by excess water build-up include mold growth, structural damage, and other costly issues. To avoid the damage and costs of a lengthy cleanup process, it is important to call SERVPRO of Mason City immediately and start taking care of the problem as soon as you notice it. We are available 24/7. You can reach us at 641-424-3382

On Your Next Cleaning Day, Don't Forget Your Dryer Vents.

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires start each year by the clothes dryer. When lint and debris build up in the dryer vent, a common fire hazard is created.

There are many signs that it is time to clean the dryer vent. Several of these signs include:

• Clothing does not dry completely after normal drying cycle.
• A musty odor is present in the clothing following the drying cycle.
• Clothing seems unusually hot to the touch after a complete drying cycle.
• Debris is present within the outside dryer vent opening.
• Large amounts of lint accumulate in the lint trap of the dryer.

Reduce the risk of a dryer vent fire by watching for these signs and regularly maintaining the dryer vent. Not only will the risk for a dryer vent fire be reduced, clothes will dry faster and smell better!

What Happens After A Water Loss?

7/10/2021 (Permalink)

When dealing with a flood SERVPRO of Mason City is here to help. Here is what you can expect:

Within one hour of SERVPRO being made aware of your loss one our SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange for service.

Within four hours, our SERVPRO professional will be on-site to start mitigation. Fast response is the key to reducing damage!

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal summary will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally the adjuster or property owner/manager.

Our professionals will work efficiently to regain control of the property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use restoration techniques to ensure that the property is taken care of right the first time.

After the work has been completed, a final walk through will be conducted to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Don’t go at this alone SERVPRO of Mason City is Here to Help every step of the way.

Storms Can Causes Significant Damage To Your Home!

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

We all know that strong winds and lighting during thunderstorms can actually cause major damage to your home

But who do you call when the clouds roll out?

SERVPRO has been fixing storm-damaged homes in the North Iowa area for years. Our technicians are qualified to handle almost anything.

They have the training and equipment to handle a small flood to massive thunderstorm damage resulting in holes in your roof from fallen trees or power poles, water damaged floors and even fire damage caused by lightning.

Why trust the process of putting your home back together to any person with a truck and a few tools. SERVPRO is licensed and insured to give you the ultimate peace of mind that you are in good hands.

Call us today (641) 424-3382!

Mold vs Mildew

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to mildew vs. mold, homeowners often have trouble identifying the differences between these two fungi. Knowing their different characteristics will help you when preparing for the battle against these household culprits.

Mold and mildew are both members of the fungi kingdom.

Mildew is common and will grow on damp materials like paper, leather and fabrics in addition to walls and other wet surfaces. Because of this, mildew is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Mildew usually gives off a musty smell.

Once mold is found in your home it is important that you make the call to SERVPRO of Mason City to have the experts come and remove it from your home. 

We can be reached 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 641-424-3382

Fire Damage In North Iowa!

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Mason City understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home.

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your North Iowa home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis.

A Flood Can Jeopardize Your Health!

6/20/2021 (Permalink)

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flood can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Mason City and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flood Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill the Insurance Directly – One Less Thing for you to Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Got Water? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (641-424-3382)

Stay Safe This Summer!

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
SERVPRO of Mason City wishes you a safe and happy summer!!

What To Expect From Us

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year including holidays for fire and water emergencies, no matter the size. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Having our crew on the scene with a few hours can help save the structure and contents in your home.  

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO technicians may be needed.

SERVPRO of Mason City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. Our crew is highly trained in property damage restoration. Call us today at 641-424-3382

13 Years After Iowa's Big Flood

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

One of Iowa's biggest floods to date

The year is 2008. It’s a warm, wet summer day in Iowa, on June 8^th. Six billion dollars. That is the estimated total for damages of property due to the heavy torrential rains and high waters that began June 7^th, 2008, peaking on Friday, June 13, 2008. While there were no flood-related deaths, few and far between were people who were not affected by the waters. Believe it or not, the 2008 Iowa floods and hurricanes were considered to be the 6^th largest FEMA disaster declarations based on financial public assistance, right up there with Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Communities rallied together bagging sand and barricading businesses to help prevent the water from causing even more damage. Wet, stormy weather and flooding are common causes of water damage. While it may be a no-brainer to stay alert and look for signs of trouble or water in your home during times like June 2008, but what about June 2021? What about today? When it comes to water damage timing is everything. SERVPRO of Mason City promises to arrange services within one hour from the notice of a loss, so you will know help is on the way! The longer damage goes unaddressed, the worse the damage will be. If excess moisture isn’t dealt with, mold, mildew, and microbial growth begin to occur, resulting in damaged or ruined carpets, furniture, and even structural components of your home like wood and drywall. In addition to materialistic damage, you and your family can suffer health effects due to mold exposure. Pay close attention to signs of excess moisture in your home like

Discoloration and spots on walls, ceilings, tile grout, and fabrics

Condensation on window glass or metal pipes

Musty, damp, unpleasant odors

Pools of water gathering underneath or near plumbing

Difficulty heating your home and keeping in warmth

Allergy symptoms that flare up whenever you’re homes, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion

Leaks along with ceilings and walls when it rains

Signs of water damage or puddling around your home’s foundation.

If you notice these or any other water or mold damage signs, make sure to make SERVPRO of Mason City your first call at 641-424-3382. We are available 24/7 to help mitigate damages and restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

Storms Leaving Water In Your Basement

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration After Storms from water extraction to spinning the floors.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If you Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call SERVPRO of Mason City Today At - (641)424-3382

Wet Bank in Forest City, Iowa

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

A bank in Forest City, Iowa called SERVPRO of Mason City with water damage and we responded with our state-of-the-art water extraction unit known as The Butler and our Desiccant Dehumidifiers.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidifiers are devices that replace the humid air with desert-dry air quickly and efficiently. Inside each of these dehumidifiers is a rotor containing water-absorbing chemicals. As the air cycles through the machine, water is absorbed and re-cycled until only bone-dry air can escape. Compressor-type dehumidifiers can often be noisy, heavy, and inconvenient, so we make sure to better serve you with desiccant-type dehumidifiers.

Using the desiccant dehumidifier is just one of the ways SERVPRO of Mason City treats you like our neighbor. 

If your business is affected by water damage, call your local SERVPRO at (641)424-3382 today!

Soot Clean Up

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke are very invasive and can penetrate cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor.

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Mason City today at 641-424-3382

Why Remove? When We Can Restore!

4/25/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage happens, there are a lot of people who want to start tearing out carpet. When a homeowner calls and asks if they should start tearing out wet materials, we typically tell them not to, because we may be able to save the materials.

If the carpet can be saved, we remove the pad from underneath, extract any standing water on the ground, and extract the carpet. We often “float” the carpet, by attaching the carpet to an air mover and blowing air under it.

If the carpet is not salvageable, we promptly remove the carpet and pad, and focus on drying the remaining wet materials.

Before you start ripping wet carpeting out of your home or commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Mason City.

Do You Know Where To Begin?

4/10/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can be a mentally draining process.  When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned upside down. The hardest part is knowing where to begin. You will need a professional company to help you navigate through the process. 

Our trained technicians will walk you through exactly what we can do for you.  From securing your property, to the cleaning of the structure and your belongings.  Inventory will take place on-site.  Once the inventory is complete, we will pack your items and transport them back to our facility.  These items will be cleaned, packed and stored at our warehouse until your home is repaired. 

A fire in your home or business can be devastating, but we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Causes for Business Fires

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Coffee makers, toaster ovens and microwaves produce more than delicious beverages, snacks and hot meals. They can be frequently blamed when it comes to retail establishments catching fire. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that emergency personnel respond to over 17,000 retail conflagrations yearly and rings up to be over $600 million in property losses. Appliances aren’t completely to blame: human error, arson, and equipment malfunction round out the list of possible causes.

Human Error

The best preventative for human error, is to ensure all employees and visitors know how to properly use all electrical equipment and assign designated smoking areas with secure places to extinguish cigarette butts.  A huge fire breakout can be caused by the smallest mistake. Like a coffee pot accidentally being left on or a cigarette butt that wasn’t completely extinguished.

Arson

Unfortunately, the leading causes of a commercial building fires are set by people with bad intentions. There are many reasons why people commit arson including, malcontent employees, vandalism and the desire to collect insurance money. A sprinkler system can help minimize the damage of a commercial fire. Arson not only affects business owners but creates a risk of injury for employees and firefighters, and possibly result in job loss for workers.

Equipment

Equipment such as boilers, furnaces and water heaters are vital to the functioning of a commercial building, but when improperly installed or incorrectly maintained, the risk of a fire happening can be high. Sometimes fires due to human error, such as when combustible materials being stored too close to a furnace, boiler or water heater.

In the event of a commercial fire happening, ensure that your business has a proper fire safety plan in place to help ensure safety. SERVPRO of Mason City can assist by providing you with a SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile, which will give you a quick reference of important building details and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company. 

Not All Waterfalls Are Beautiful!

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

We all think waterfalls look beautiful in nature, but flowing down your stairs in your home is a different story.

Water intrusion into your home can be devastating, from flooded floors, wet walls and cabinets to ceilings about ready to collapse.  But knowing that SERVPRO is here to help will lessen that anxiety.  We will professionally take care of your home. From the first call to the last piece of drying equipment removed from your home, you are the most important customer to us.  Our team will make sure that what needs to be accomplished is getting done. You will feel confident that you hired SERVPRO of Austin & Albert Lea. We possess and utilize the most current tools in the industry.  Remember without you as our customer, there is no us at SERVPRO Austin & Albert Lea.

Backbone Of Our Community

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City understands that our businesses are the backbone of our community. Our commercial business partners, when dealing with an event, are faced with several challenges including business interruption. Regardless of whether your business interruption looks like customers not walking through your door, or having to displace residents, we are mindful of that disruption and work to minimize that disruption in the most cost-efficient way possible.

SERVPRO of Mason City offers free Emergency Readiness Preparation to our business partners. Quick, deliberate action to head off damage is the best way to minimize damage, and the best way is to prepare ahead of time.

Strength:

SERVPRO of Mason City has the strength and expertise locally to restore your property, regardless of the size of your property. Our team is IICRC certified, knowledgeable, and available 24/7 to locally support our community. Our team of experts restore fire, smoke, water, mold, and biohazard material on a regular basis and are sought after throughout the Midwest for our knowledge, professionalism, and communication.

Your locally owned SERVPRO of Mason City communicates a clear path for our partners to understand the process from start to finish, so when you encounter an event, you have confidence of when you will return to "Like it never even happened."

What To Do During The Season Change

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Isn’t it true that we all need water to survive?  In fact, 60% of the human body is water. We need water to keep our bodies going!  However, there is nothing worse than water where it's not supposed to be. Wouldn’t you agree?

As the late winter snow falls and the early spring rains begin there are steps that can be taken to  prevent that moisture from damaging your home. If your basement walls are susceptible to water seeping in or flooding, it is important to have your furnace, water heater and other appliances, along with cords elevated.

Here are some things you can do to prevent water damage to your basement:  When removing snow from your driveway and sidewalks, always make sure that snow is being moved away from the home so when it melts it runs away from the foundation. Another important preventative measure is to clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris.  Extend the downspouts out a few feet from the foundation to prevent the water from collecting near the home. It is also important to grade the dirt away from the foundation.

If you do have water where you don’t want it... SERVPRO IS HERE TO HELP CLEAN UP THE DAMAGE!  

Call us at 641-424-3382

Water Extraction

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

As an insurance agent, adjuster or property manager you may wonder why SERVPRO extracts water from soaked rugs and carpets that will most likely end up being thrown away anyway! There are a few reasons for this; first, the weight of a wet carpet or rug requires more manpower to remove and move, so extracting water reduces the weight of the carpets to be removed significantly. This not only makes the material easier to lift and requires fewer technicians but it is safer for our technicians to handle, reducing on-site injuries. Also, by removing the weight of the water we reduce the amount of total weight of the waste removed, helping to keep waste removal fees down. Finally, by extracting and removing the water from wet carpets and rugs we are removing the water from the property entirely! The importance of this cannot be understated because removing water from the property quickly is the first step in preventing further structural damage and mold growth. Dragging wet rugs and carpets from a property without extraction can leave water behind and exasperate an already frustrating situation. SERVPRO of Mason City is ready 24/7 to service your needs! call us at (641)424-3382

Here To Help Your Business Get Going Quickly!

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your North Iowa commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Mason City has the expertise to respond promptly and get your property back to business. Our technician are IICRC trained and certified in restoration. We offer the following services for commercial properties of any size:

Commercial Restoration Services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm and Major Events

Contact SERVPRO of Mason City 641-424-3382 anytime of the day or night 365 days a year. We are the industry leader in commercial and home restoration!

Information About Mold

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of Mason City would like to talk to about Mold and the places we usually find it.
• Mold like to form where there is a lot of moisture and places with high humidity like the basement of your house, attics, crawl spaces and interior places that don't have a lot of ventilation or lack of air movement. Enclosed utility rooms are one of the of the places most people forget to look at.
• If you see mold and clean it with bleach, the odds are that it will return from where you cleaned up the mold. There are specially made products that take care and help prevent mold from forming again.
• Few things we recommend and what people to know. If you have a water leak somewhere in your house to contact us immediately.
• If mold is not properly taken care of it could cause health issues for your family, yourself and your beloved pets.
SERVPRO of Mason City want to wish you and your family Happy Holidays and may your time with your families be wonderful

We are here to help.

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Our team pride themselves on striving to be the best restoration company in North Iowa.

We’ve developed a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.

With every water or fire comes a flood of emotions. There is a certain amount of uncertainty, and a loss of control. It can be your home, business or your belongings that have become damaged you don't just want things to be clean. You want your life back, as well. You look to us, SERVPRO, to handle the situation.

And that is where SERVPRO of Mason City comes in. We are a franchise system with over 40 years of leadership in the cleanup and restoration industry. 

Our team takes to the streets, every hour of every day. Proving that wherever there's a house full of water, or an office filled with smoke, there is also a van full of clean. SERVPRO of Mason City can make it "Like it never even happened."

Preventive Checks

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Stovetop and ovens are not the only things that can cause a kitchen fire. Toaster ovens and toaster are both known to contribute to kitchen fires

• Here at SERVPRO of Mason City, we would like to give you a few tips to help you with the preventative checks to avoid a potential fire.
• You want to check your electric heaters for ware on the cord, fraying of the cord, ensure its working properly and keep it clear of objects that could catch on fire.
• You want to check your furnace filter. Ensure that it is clear of debris and being to dirty. With the filter being full of dirt and debris, it will not only make your furnace work harder it could potentially start a fire.
• Another thing to be looking for is something blocking the heater vents with in your home. Blocking the vents can not only damage what ever is blocking the vent but it can cause your furnace to work harder, your enegery bill can be higher because of the blockage.

The Changing Temps

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

With the temps rising after a cold spell, beware that your pipes might burst after they warm up. This is the time of the year where we at SERVPRO of Mason City see a lot of pipes burst. 

The way to prevent the pipe from bursting is quite simple. during the really cold spells leave your water faucet drip slowly. This keeps the water flowing through the pipes and keeps it from freezing.

We have received a lot of calls dealing with frozen pipes. Another thing that frozen pipes could cause is  a sewage back up. With a sewage back up please get ahold of us right away. There is a lot of harmful things that come with sewage. SERVPRO of Mason City techs have been specially trained in how to deal with a sewage. 

Hope the new year brings everyone a very successful year. Thanks for visiting the SERVPRO of Mason City Web page.

Does your Business Have An Emergency Ready Plan

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

How quickly your business is able to return to normal operations after a tornado, fire, or even a flood often depends on emergency planning. It is easy to think that such emergencies are unlikely to hurt your business, because truly they aren't a terribly common occurrence. That said, it is even easier to just take the time to prepare for anything.

Even though every situation is unique, your business can still be prepared. Your commitment to emergency planning will help support your employees, customers, industry colleagues, your local community, and even the country. Additionally, it protects your business investment by giving the facility and company a better chance of survival after various emergencies.

Be informed:

Know what kinds of emergencies might affect your business and devise a plan to deal with them

Develop a Business Continuity Plan:

Plan which staff, procedures and equipment are undeniably necessary to keep operating. Plan a backup plan for everything. Make a procedure for what to do if your facility isn't accessible or if there are utilities disruptions.

Make Your Emergency Plan:

Evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place plans, communications procedures for before, during and after an incident. Make them. Practice them at least once a year.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Promote Family and Individual Preparedness:

Emergency preparedness is a chain reaction. Preparing your business will encourage your employees to prepare their families, their families will encourage their friends, friends encourage other community members, so on and so forth.

Be Prepared

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared in the event of an emergency or a disaster? As many as 40% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster. Here are a few helpful tips to prepare your business for the unexpected.

Technology is a vital tool for most businesses. Many of us use technology on a day-to-day basis already. Did you know that this same technology can help prepare your business in the event of a disaster?

Store Information Online:

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer free ways to store different types of files all at the touch of one button. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, etc.

Mark Yourself Safe:

The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in site to list yourself safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish. Facebook also has a check in feature that is activated after natural disasters or a crisis.

Get an Emergency Ready Profile:

SERVPRO of Mason City is proud to offer free Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP) to help prepare you, your property, and your business for an emergency. By setting up and appointment with SERVPRO, our team helps set up your ERP to minimize business interruption by developing this immediate plan of action.

Contact us at (641) 424-3382 for more information about your FREE ERP!

Holidays

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of Mason City hope everyone has a joyful and wonderful Holiday. We know not all families live in the same City, Town, State or even Country. We want to remind people if you traveled over the Holidays and came home to an unfortunate event that happened while you were gone, that we are here for you 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Some of us here at SERVPRO of Mason City have had some misfortune of coming home to some of these events as well. We know how tough it is to deal with these kinds of events and we want to help in any way we can. 

• All our Techs are very passionate of helping out in any way we can. That is a quality we look for when we bring an employee on board with us. We here at SERVPRO of Mason City like to think of us as family and you will be treated as though you are family too.  

Fire and Water Damage

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Have Experience and Training to Restore Your Home after Fire Damage

There is nothing that can make you overwhelmed quite as much as witnessing the effects of a recent fire in your residence. While you might not exactly know how to rectify the damages that you see, you are fortunately not alone to have to figure it out on your own. One of the main concerns with more considerable fires is the water damage that is often present after the fire occurs.

While you might be able to identify many of the content in the  home following the blaze, there are still multiple issues that require a trained eye and specialized equipment to locate and assess. For as critical as water damage restoration is to specific house fires, having trained technicians like our SERVPRO team can help you to understand the full scope of the damage that the home faces and the best approach to restoring it.

When it comes to contending with the water damage that you could experience in your home after firefighting efforts have completed, our SERVPRO technicians must scope out the farthest reaches of this damage with the use of thermal imagery from an infrared device. Once this persistent water gets found, drying and dehumidification efforts can begin. This process typically involves the use of air movers and dehumidifiers.

One of the primary reasons that addressing this type of damage first before anything else is the hindering nature of this kind of issue to the rest of the fire restoration process. Apart from this, the warmer temperatures annually throughout this region of the country, combined with the dampness and moisture of the incident, could allow for compounding damages like mold growth to occur on top of the long list of fire damage restoration tasks to complete.

While you might not always think about water damages after a fire to your home, this is one of the first things that our experienced team of specialists looks to resolve when we get dispatched to your restoration project. Our SERVPRO of Mason City technicians are available 24/7 to help you through any disaster your home might experience at (641)424-3382

Mason City, IA 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Service

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin & Albert Lea is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 641-424-3382

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Mason City has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Mason City

SERVPRO of Mason City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

The cold months are right around the corner!

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

This busted pipe can cause a lot of damage in the winter months

With the cold months right around the corner here are a few tips to avoid a disaster 

• Keep your house warm and allow the warm air to circulate as much as possible. Seal drafts and keep interior doors open. If you are going to be gone for an extended period, don’t turn off the heat. Keep it set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat to reach the pipes. Be sure to move cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
   
• Open indoor faucets, hot and cold, to allow a trickle of water. Flowing water is less likely to freeze. Do this to at least one faucet on every floor if you can. Another tip would be to have someone check your property throughout the period your gone too.                                            

Hazardous Flooding and Sewage back up

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage back up can be hazardous.

Sewage water should always be assumed to be contaminated and hazardous (until one of our professionals determines otherwise). Sewage water is typically referred to as category 3 black water. This classification is due to the dangerous contaminants in it. It is important to note that sewage water can appear clean. This is an instance of top water. If sewage runoff looks clean, it is usually because the waste and contaminants have sunk to the bottom. This water is still categorized as black water; not for the color, but for the risk it carries with it. In most cases of any standing water in your home, it's crucial to understand that just because you can't particularly see the contaminants or just because the water looks clear...doesn't mean that it is safe to try to mitigate yourself.

Our SERVPRO of Mason City crews are specifically trained to deal with hazardous water and how to clean any harmful remnants once the water is drained. Without that training, your knowledge is your most powerful tool to keep you from putting yourself at risk upon spotting standing water in your residential or commercial property.

If you experience sewage backup or sewage related flooding, let us be your first call. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

Air Conditioner Condensation Lines Cause Water Damage

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking AC Condensation Line Causing Damages to Subfloor.

It is common for an air conditioning unit to build up condensation as it operates, which is normally drained away quickly. However, any issues with this draining mechanism can cause much larger issues if your unit is inside the home. Following your manufacturer’s instructions as far as inspection and maintenance is the best thing you can do to prevent this, in addition to doing your own visual checks in between official inspection calls.

Your air conditioner–when working properly–draws moisture from the air and generates water as part of the condensation process. The water produced by the AC system typically runs out the back of the unit or drains into condensation pan attached to a drain line designed to channel the water to a safe area. If you do not pay attention, water can collect inside the system or drip into areas of your home causing damage.

Excess water can damage all parts of your AC system. You might require parts or system replacement if the excess water is not addressed for a long time. Water intrusion from AC units can also damage your home and decrease AC efficiency.

Summer is a common time for the AC Units to be running a lot more. Never neglect water building up in an area of your home no matter how small they seem. That tiny leak can cause major damage to your home. Small leaks can seem like a trickle but that trickle slowly but surely will eat away at your property. 

Our experts at SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin and Albert Lea are specialized in mitigating damages and doing the least amount of replacements as possible. With that in mind, it is best to assess the possible water damage as soon as possible.

"Like it never even happened."

A Derecho devastated countless Midwest communities

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Midwest grain bins destroyed by Derecho

Recently Iowa, along with surrounding states experienced a catastrophic weather event called a derecho. A derecho is a long-lived straight-line windstorm that is part of a line of powerful thunderstorms. The damage is widespread and has been devastating to countless Midwest communities. There were parts of the region that reached sustained wind speeds of 100+ MPH.

Whatever type of weather event happens, SERVPRO of Mason City is able to respond quickly. Our IICRC certified staff has several years of combined experience responding to weather events across the Midwest. Most recently, our SERVPRO team responded to storms involving catastrophic flooding in the Chicago area, as well as in southern Minnesota. We have been able to assist with this latest event by coordinating temporary power through generators for homes and businesses that have been without power since the storms moved through.

SERVPRO of Mason City has the knowledge and skills to respond quickly and professionally to assist home and business owners during these stressful times; from the first responders to our office staff, we can help you navigate the steps from day one through completion. SERVPRO of Mason City also has years of experience working with insurance professionals and has the knowledge to assist throughout that process.

When a big storm happens, you want to rely on the experienced professionals at SERVPRO of Mason City to make it “Like it never even happened.” We are available to help 24 hours a day to help. You can reach us at (641) 424-3382.

Disinfecting During the Pandemic

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

As we all know, the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has been of growing concern across the world. This has increased the need for disinfectant cleaning of homes and businesses. SERVPRO is here to help!

Here at SERVPRO of Mason City and SERVPRO of Austin & Albert Lea, we specialize in cleaning and sanitization. We utilize an electrostatic sprayer to apply a botanical disinfectant to surfaces and objects as the preferred method for disinfecting.

The use of an electrostatic sprayer is a fast and effective way to apply disinfectant solutions to surfaces. As the product passes through the sprayer the particles become positively charged, allowing the particles to aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects. This means reduced clean time and more control of the amount of product being applied. The botanical disinfectant that is used is EPA registered and has no known adverse effects to human health or the environment.

SERVPRO is dedicated to providing the best quality service using the highest quality equipment and products to disinfect your home or business. Call us today for a free quote!

Midwest Storms Call for Help!

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

A storm can occur any time anywhere and can leave behind devastation to the homes and businesses in that area. SERVPRO of Mason City is dedicated to helping people in need and making a storm look "Like it never even happened." Individual SERVPRO of Mason City franchises and storm response teams around the country work together to help during these catastrophic events.

Our franchise had the recent opportunity to assist in two different storm events. The first was in Chicago, IL and the second in Mankato, MN, each relating to a flood situation.

The production staff working in those areas gained much experience with organization and prioritization, projecting how much equipment and consumable products that would be necessary to bring along. Once on site, the project manager was able to come up with a game plan quickly and the team was able to execute effectively to get each homeowner taken care of.

The office staff also learned a lot about communication during these storm events. With the storm team not at home base, communication was a bit challenging. Each staff member was able to overcome those challenges.  Having a support system back home to help them out there was huge.

Being able to assist the local franchises with these storms has given our franchise an opportunity for growth and has been a great training tool for us. Not only do we get to help more people in need, but we also get to learn in the process.

CAN YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS BE SAVED AFTER WATER/MOISTURE DAMAGE?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Most homeowners worry that water damage that has occurred in their home may cause permanent damage to their hardwood floors. The damaging effect of water on wood builds over time. By the time you notice a change in your wood floor, the water has already hurt the floor. One of the first signs that water has damaged your floor is cupping of individual planks, or crowning of several planks, creating a hump in the floor. Once the wood absorbs water, it expands and this expansion reveals itself in the edges of the board turning up, or whole planks buckling. Hardwood floors go through changes as humidity levels shift as well.  At SERVPRO of Mason City, our top priority is to reverse the effect of cupping and buckling in your floor. We will closely monitor humidity levels and allow wood planks to return to their ideal state.  Our trained technicians can also increase the airflow beneath the floor itself, with minimal perforation to the finish on the floor. We may also create a drying chamber if needed. Technicians at SERVPRO of Mason City are also trained to remove the finish from the floor if it becomes an evaporation barrier. Whenever you face the consequences of excessive moisture and water damage, we are here to help, 24/7. Leave the work to our expert team. We have the knowledge needed for the treatment of different materials such as wood, textiles, and composite. Count on us to make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

IMMEDIATE FIRE RESTORATION SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Having a fire and dealing with the initial loss can feel overwhelming. Recovery and restoration of your home should begin as soon after the fire as possible to stop extra damage. The first step in the restoration process is to ensure your home is protected. Does your house need to be boarded up after a fire? Call SERVPRO of Mason City, and we can come and do it for you. This will keep your home safe from weather, animals and trespassers in the aftermath. Prioritize the cleanup process and call SERVPRO of Mason City, Iowa. Here at SERVPRO, we have trained professionals who are equipped with handling this type of damage. We have the knowledge and equipment needed for the entire restoration process. Our technicians are highly trained and have the experience to handle all types of fires. From the beginning to the end, the staff at SERVPRO is here to assist you. Restoring your home after it experiences a fire is a stressful process. The quicker the restoration process is handled by SERVPRO, the quicker you, the homeowner, can start reconstruction.  As a homeowner you may think the damage caused by a fire looks minor. However, in most cases more damage occurs from neglect. Be proactive in your restoration process, and call SERVPRO of Mason City. Whether your fire is big or small, we are here to help, 24/7. Give us a call and we will make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

Expect the unexpected

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

firework fun

Summertime presents us with great weather, opportunities for family reunions, and more time with the family in general.  During this time, especially during a pandemic, entertaining your family during the summer can be a lot of fun!  From grilling your favorite summertime meal, to setting off fireworks at night, summertime involves a lot of activities that can become dangerous if safety measures are not in place and adhered to. 

     Next week will be the 4^th of July and many families will be shooting off fireworks, grilling and having yard events.  SERVPRO of Mason City would like to share some useful safety tips that could help prevent fire outbreaks. 

• When grilling and using lighter fluids and gas, make sure you are at a safe distance from your home and other structures, and that there are no flammable materials close enough to the grill. Keep an eye on which direction the wind is blowing and adjust, as necessary.  If using gas, ensure that connections are good and that the gas is turned off when not in use. 
• When setting off fireworks, make sure that fuses and wicks are long enough, adults are supervising sparklers and proximity factors, and that aerial fireworks are set off securely and at a safe distance from trees, homes, power lines, and other structures.
• Be sure to monitor yard torches using kerosene and other accelerants, and that their bases are secure with no hazards around them. Keep in mind that if a torch were to spill an accelerant, the fuel expelled becomes a fire hazard on anything that it touches. 
• When setting a bonfire, always consider where the wind is blowing and its speed. Bonfires need to be placed at a safe distance (at least 25 ft) from homes and other structures, and you need to have a fire extinguishment source at hand in case of emergency.  Some things to keep on hand would be sand/dirt and shovels, a fire extinguisher, a water barrel, a garden hose or anything that can be used quickly to extinguish fires.

Take time to enjoy the summer and the activities that come with it, but always be safe in doing so and consider these pointers when planning your fun filled adventures!       

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

ready for any size disaster

The driving force behind SERVPRO Restoration Services is offering quality work and going above and beyond what is expected from our customers.  We rely on our reputation to bring us the work we need to maintain a strong momentum throughout the day, week, month and year.  When the phone rings, we need to be ready to take on any size disaster, even when the caller is an owner or management at a local business or franchise serving the community, as we do, in their own way. 

                Commercial properties can range in size and extent of damage, and sometimes the work that needs to be performed is not comparable to some residential jobs.  However, there are times where a commercial structure needs all our attention, and sometimes even more.  That is why a SERVPRO franchise needs to have open communication with other neighboring franchises, as well as connections to teams structured though the corporate level that are prepared to take on high stakes, high demand jobs that a locally owned and operated franchise might not have the assets and ability to handle. 

                SERVPRO has designed their services to be open and flexible to take on any task, no matter what size the damage or structure is.  Our franchises in Mason City and Austin and Albert Lea are prepared, and have been for quite some time, to take on “the big one” whenever that job appears.  We have connections to a Storm Team, a Large Loss Team, and an Extreme Team that can help get us what we need to produce quality work in a timely fashion at any size disaster.  This is what makes being a SERVPRO franchise better; our commitment to finding a way to address fire, water, sewer backups, mold, and several other losses in a way that will benefit each party involved.  When catastrophe strikes, SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin and Albert Lea will find a way to get your business or property back to normal and exceed your expectations.  Let us help you in your time of need to make it “Like it never even happened.”    

What to do next

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Nothing is more stressful then returning home from a trip out of town, walking in your front door to find water throughout your home. The stress of not knowing where it is coming from or how long it has been happening kicks in immediately, quickly followed by what to do next. As you spring into action to find the source of the loss, you come to find out that your basement has 2 feet of water in it. You race to shut off the water in your house in hopes to stop or slow the water. After you turn the valve off you call your plumber.

When your plumber arrives, he finds a busted water line from your refrigerator is the cause of the water loss. The plumber informs you that the water has leaked out to other rooms in your home such as the living room, bedroom, and bathroom.

With the information provided to you by your plumber you know it is time to call SERVPRO. You know SERVPRO has trained and certified technicians in water damage restoration. Plus, they have the tools and skills to get the job done right from beginning to end.

Grill safely this spring!

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be caused by a multitude of things. Some of those being incidents from cooking or grilling. As we enter the warmer months and you pull the grill out of it's winter hiding place, remember to check it over and keep in mind that a few simple steps can help prevent fire damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of grill fires is caused by using an unclean grill (25%). As restoration professionals who have seen this type of damage first hand, SERVPRO would like to remind you to clean your grill as you are preparing to use it for the first time this spring. Remembering to clean your grill could be the difference between a great spring meal or having to call the fire department. We at SERVPRO would also like to remind you that you should always use your grill in an open area out and away from structures as over a quarter of grill fires resulting in structural damage were used on a balcony or porch.

If you do have an incident while grilling, be sure to keep a safe distance from your grill and call the fire department or 911 if necessary. 

COVID-19 Not a forever thing

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

This pandemic has taken so many things away from us the last few months. In the future, businesses will start reopening and people will begin to socialize. All of us at SERVPRO Mason City want to make it as safe as possible for everyone to go back to their normal lives. We have many years of experience with cleaning contaminants and viruses. Our sanitizing products are EPA registered, and we have the proper training and knowledge in applying them. Commercial grade disinfectant sprayers are used in conjunction with the cleaning product we have on hand. Our team has it down to a science on the amount of disinfectant to apply to different surfaces to get the correct dwell time for fighting this virus. Let us help you flatten the curve.

Prepare for the changing of the seasons

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Spring weather can be very unpredictable as temperatures fluctuate from temperate to frigid. It is the time of year when thunderstorms are most prevalent bringing heavy rains, lightning and even tornadoes.

Alan Lakein, an author on personal time management, once wrote, "Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now." That's very empowering when you think about it. It's almost like time traveling without a DeLorean or having to mess with all that space-time continuum stuff. Planning for emergencies can also bring you great peace of mind. Think of it as an insurance policy against future disasters. 

Here is a list of tips to help you prepare for the changing seasons.

1. Evaluate the exterior of your home.

• Inspect the condition of your roof and siding.
• Evaluate foliage around your home to ensure tree branches are trimmed to prevent them from falling on your home during a storm.
• Inspect your gutters to make sure they are free from debris and that downspouts are secured and in place.

2. Check your sump pump.

3. Tend to leaks and inspect for unnoticed new leaks.

4. Make storm safety plans.

• Conduct a family meeting that will inform everyone what you emergency plans are.
• Have an out of town contact your family knows the number to. This is who you'll call to inform where you are after disaster occurs.
• Teach your children how and when to call emergency numbers.
• Have a location picked out as the place your family will meet in case you get separated from one another. Make sure everyone knows not only the best escape routes but the safe places to go inside your home if a tornado approaches.
• Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves.
• Have fire extinguishers ready. Show everyone where they're located and how to use them.
• Inventory your possessions and keep that list along with other important documents in a safe deposit box or in the cloud. (On the internet)
• Keep your home owners or renters insurance company's telephone numbers readily available. (Also, be sure to keep SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin & Albert Lea's phone number close at hand.)

5.Maintain your plan and kit.

• Every six months, review your plans with your family, conduct evacuation drills and restock expiring food and perishables in your kit. Also, confirm your fire extinguisher is recharged and smoke alarm batteries are replaced.

6. Get informed- Many areas have local emergency management offices and/or a Red Cross Chapter. These organizations can provide vital information concerning local emergency shelters. It's also a good idea to invest in a NOAA weather radio that will alert you during any time of the day or night for when possible destructive conditions materialize.

SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin & Albert Lea is dedicated to responding immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies in order to help minimize the loss. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.

Cold Weather Can Affect Your Businesses Fire Sprinkler Systems

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Living in North Iowa we know winters come with some cold weather. In most commercial businesses the buildings have fire sprinkler systems to help put out a fire if one were to ever occur. In winter it is important to check where the sprinklers are located. Sprinkler lines that are along an exterior wall or between entryways with poor heat are exposed to the chance of freezing due to the cold weather. Frozen pipes expand causing the pipe to crack or even break causing water to leak out. Make sure the main water line is labeled so you can turn the water off fast. SERVPRO is trained to come and clean the affected area if a pipe were to break. We have equipment that can get the remaining water out and dry the structure. SERVPRO of Mason City is available 24/7 to come get your business back up and running.

What to Check Before a Winter Storm

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Iowa winters are filled with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. SERVPRO of Mason City recommends checking these 3 things before a winter storm hits.

• It is advised to get your fireplace chimney inspected once a year. Using a wood fireplace is a great way to get extra heat in the winter, but if not taken care of can be a fire hazard. Chimney fires can be caused by creosote, soot, and other debris that can create blockage.

• Before the start of really cold weather protect your pipes from freezing. Common water pipes to break during the cold are ones in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Normally these are pipes that are running in a poor insulated wall or exterior wall. There are a few steps you can take to prevent them from freezing. Keep a few faucets dripping that are along exterior walls. Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let in extra heat. Lastly keep the thermostat at the same temperature during the day and at night.

• Do you know where your HVAC intake and exhaust vents are located? If large amounts of snow fall it can cause these vents to be covered by the snow. If the intake vent is blocked it can cause your furnace to stall meaning you are left without heat. Exhaust vents being covered can cause toxic fumes to be pushed back into your home.

 Mason City SERVPRO is here for you if you ever experience winter damage. SERVPRO is available 24/7 with experienced technicians to make it look like it never happened.

Steps To Take If Water Is In Your Home

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can come from many different sources and be a very stressful and messy situation. SERVPRO of Mason City is here for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We have trained professionals to safely dry and clean the affected area. We have the proper equipment and tools to dry out the area. If water damage ever occurs in your home, there are a few steps that can be done to stop further damage.

• Shut off the source of water if possible
• Turn off electricity before unplugging anything or using any outlet or appliance
• Try and remove standing water with either a shop vac, mop, or even towels to soak up standing water
• Call your insurance company
• Take pictures of the area that has water damage

SERVPRO of Mason City Readers’ Choice 2019 Award

9/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City is the area’s top pick for Cleaning Services in the 2019 Readers’ Choice awards.

Owned by Keith and Holly Messenger since October 2017, SERVPRO of Mason City was also voted as Readers’ Choice in 2018. SERVPRO of Mason City offers professional response to property damage emergencies.  “It is very rewarding to be recognized for our team’s hard work and efforts. Our goal is to continue to offer the best service and support possible to our customers and the local community,” Keith Messenger says. “The community has always been very supportive of our franchise, and it shows through awards like this one.”

SERVPRO of Mason City is capable of cleaning and restoring a fire, mold or water-damaged building and its contents, including: wall, ceiling and floor surfaces; furniture; fabric; fixtures and more. They also offer cleaning and restoration of special items, such as: HVAC duct systems; building exteriors; electronic equipment, including computers; and documents that have sustained water damage.

For more information on the services offered by SERVPRO of Mason City, call 641-424-3382. You can also find the business online at www.SERVPROmasoncity.com or on Facebook.

SERVPRO of Mason City Adds a Building Expansion

9/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City, is located at 808 S. Monroe Ave. In 2017, when the new owner Keith Messenger, took over SERVPRO of Mason City, he purchased a bigger building to move the company into. This new building was once a car dealership, and is right around 12,000 Sq. Ft. This was a big move for the company, beings the previous building was around 3,000 Sq. Ft. Over the course of 2 years, the company had outgrown the new building. In 2019, SERVPRO of Mason City added on a 10,000 Sq. Ft., state of the art facility to the building. It includes an Ultrasonic Cleaning room to process clients’ contents damaged by disaster, O-Zone room, Product room, mezzanine for storage space and a classroom for staff training and meetings. SERVPRO of Mason City is excited to continue to add more equipment to help with the restoration process for customers.

Tips to Control the Humidity in Your Home

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Something as simple as humidity in your home can cause a multitude of problems including mold, dust mites, and structural damage. This can lead to not only structural damage to your home, but also health problems. You can help control the humidity in your home by taking the following steps:

• Install exhaust fans in high moisture areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. Be sure to install exhaust fans with the vent going outside, not inside your home.
• Keep the number of plants that you have in your home to a minimum. Plants produce moisture and be mindful of over watering any houseplants, this too can increase the amount of moisture in the air.

Ventilation is essential to reducing the amount of indoor humidity. In the event that you are to have mold or structural damage, SERVPRO of Mason City can help.

SERVPRO® of Mason City Owner Receives The Patriotic Award

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Left to right: Tom Teggatz, Cyle Spieker, Mike Groh, Keith Messenger, Angelica Brager, Ben Retz, Kully Olson

It’s always a great honor to be able to employ those who have served our country in the military. In May 2019, the owner of SERVPRO of Mason City, Keith Messenger, was awarded The Patriotic Award from the Iowa ESGR. He was nominated by Angelica Brager, who is the Business Development Manager at SERVPRO of Mason City. She nominated him for his support, during her 2017-2018 deployment and for employing other military service members and veterans. There are currently 7 employees, that are veterans at SERVPRO of Mason City, 3 who are actively serving in the Army National Guard or Reserves and one who is currently deployed overseas. SERVPRO of Mason City takes great pride in employing those who have or had served in military forces. We are a Military Veterans Preferred employer.

SERVPRO of Mason City Open House

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City has a new location!! Join us at our open house on Saturday June 15^th from 11am to 2pm for a day of food, fun, and music. And best of all, it’s FREE! Bring the family and come check out SERVPRO’s new facility.

Some of the activities planned for the day include:

• Bouncy houses and slide from North Iowa Youth Center
• Grilled food from Hy-Vee
• SERVPRO of Mason City photo booth
• Giant board games from 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count
• Live demonstration of our Morantz Ultrasonic cleaning machine
• Tour of our facility and equipment

Special guests include:

• Mason City Policy Department – police car and motorcycle
• LIVE broadcasting from 93.9 KIA-FM and 106.1 KLSS
• Mason City Fire Department – fire truck and ambulance

This is a great opportunity to come learn more about SERVPRO and how we can help you in the time of need. Hope to see you Saturday June 15^th from 11am to 2pm!

Call SERVPRO for a mold inspection after water damage

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth just a day after water into there basement in Mason City.

Call SERVPRO after Water Damage to Help Prevent Mold Growth

Sometimes a slow leak occurs inside your home causing damage that goes unnoticed. Many times people do not know that water damage occurred until they notice a foul mildew smell or see the presence of black mold. Once mold exists, spores created by the fungus can travel to other rooms inside your house.

The spores easily become air-bound and travel to other areas of your home, possibly creating an issue with fungi in other areas besides the source. SERVPRO's technicians know how to mitigate mold. We always follow a strict set of procedures when mitigating fungal issues so that the fungus does not spread into other areas of the home or complex.

Water damage scenarios create increased moisture that makes a good environment for mold development. Mold needs water, food and the ideal temperature to form and become a problem. Mold feeds off of any organic materials including paper and wood.

Various strains of mold grow in different temperatures. Some rare mold strains develop in extremely cold or hot temperatures. However, most types of fungi develop between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most types of fungus need incredibly high levels of moisture to survive. Although, some mold strains exist in rooms that have a relative humidity of 65%. When trying to prevent mold growth after a water damage situation, we attempt to drop the relative humidity below 65%.

The time it takes for mold to develop depends on the conditions. Some forms of fungus grow within twelve hours of a water damage problem taking place. Other molds grow into colonies but take between 24 and 48 hours to develop.

Most houses offer many food sources for a fungus. Outside dirt, drywall, carpet, and paper all offer mold growth opportunities if the moisture levels and the temperature inside are ideal. The more time that passes, the worse a mold problem can get.

If water sits inside your home for a long time, then it spreads to areas where microbes already exist and cause mold to develop. For help preventing fungus growth, call SERVPRO  of Mason City, IA 24/7 emergency service.  

Giving Back to the Community

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City has been working with the Girl Scouts of Northern Iowa for the last few years to help them be able to sort their big orders. SERVPRO of Mason City opens its doors up to our location so they can sort the orders with enough space and stay where it is warm. SERVPRO of Mason City does this twice a year for them. 

SERVPRO of Mason City and our employees are very active with in the community. Our employees volunteer everything from lending a hand with carrying groceries to serving our country. 

With the upcoming new year we plan on opening our doors to the public so people know what we offer and they can meet us without having an unfortunate event happen. 

We hope to meet new people and answer all your questions if you have any..

The New Year

12/31/2017 (Permalink)

With the new year right around the corner SERVPRO of Mason City wanted to wish everyone a very wonderful and prosperous New Year. With the New Year means new beginnings. SERVPRO of Mason City will also be beginning a new chapter. 

SERVPRO of Mason City will be breaking ground this spring to add a new building at our home office. With teethe growing of our company we also look forward to growing our family. 

SERVPRO of Mason City prides itself on developing the company and employees. We pride ourselves with being professional and completing the job in a timely manner. SERVPRO of Mason City likes to grow our employees not only professionally but personally. Our owner Keith sits down with all of our employees once a month and sets personal goals and helps them achieve their goals. 

Once again SERVPRO of Mason City wants to wish you a Happy New Years and safe travels.

Little bit about ourselves.

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of Mason City wanted to take a minute to let you know a little bit about ourselves.

• SERVPRO of Mason City is proud to support our troops by employing both active and Veteran Service members. 
• Our Office Manager Angelica Brager is currently Deployed. Our General Manager Kully Olson is an Active Member of the Army Reserves. Our Chief Construction Manager Tom Teggatz is a retired Army Veteran. Our Job File Coordinator Cyle Spieker is an Army Veteran. One of our Production Techs Mike Groh is a Navy Veteran. 
• SERVPRO of Mason City is very proud to have these wonderful people as we are proud of all of our wonderful employees. They all have a quality that we look for in a person, and that is the passion to help others.