Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

#1 Insulate Around Recessed Lights

Most recessed lights have vents that open in to the attic, a direct route for heated or cooled air to escape. When you consider that many homes have 30 or 40 of these fixtures, it’s easy to see why researchers at the Pennsylvania Housing Research/Resource Center pinpointed them as a leading cause of household air leaks.

Lights labeled ICAT, for “insulation contact and airtight,” are already sealed; look for the label next to the bulb. If you don’t see it, assume yours leaks. An airtight baffle ($8 to $30) is a quick, 10-second fix. Remove the bulb, push the baffle up into the housing, then replace the bulb.

#2 Plug Open Stud Cavities

Most of your house probably has an inner skin of drywall or plaster between living space and unheated areas. But builders in the past often skipped this cover behind knee walls (partial-height walls where the roof angles down into the top floor), above dropped ceilings or soffits, and above angled ceilings over stairs.

Up in the attic, you may need to push insulation away to see if the stud cavities are open. If they are, seal them with unfaced fiberglass insulation (less than $1 a square foot) stuffed into plastic garbage bags; the bag is key to blocking airflow.

Close large gaps with scraps of drywall or pieces of reflective foil insulation (less than $2 a square foot). Once you’ve covered the openings, smooth the insulation back into place. 

#3 Close Gaps Around Flues and Chimneys

Building codes require that wood framing be kept at least 1 inch from metal flues and 2 inches from brick chimneys. But that creates gaps where air can flow through.

Cover the gaps with aluminum flashing ($12) cut to fit and sealed into place with high-temperature silicone caulk ($14). To keep insulation away from the hot flue pipe, form a barrier by wrapping a cylinder of flashing around the flue, leaving a 1-inch space in between. To maintain the spacing, cut and bend a series of inch-deep tabs in the cylinder’s top and bottom edges.

#4 Weatherstrip the Attic Access Door

A 1/4-inch gap around pull-down attic stairs or an attic hatch lets through the same amount of air as a bedroom’s heating duct. Seal it by caulking between the stair frame and the rough opening, or by installing foam weatherstripping around the perimeter of the hatch opening. Or you can buy a pre-insulated hatch cover kit for stairs ($150) or doors ($350 and up). 

For more tips visit www.houselogic.com

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

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

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

Advanced Moisture Detection Tools

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

In all cases of water damage, taking immediate action helps a great deal. Issues like mold and bad odor that happen within 24-48 hours after, can be prevented by extracting the water from affected areas or taking other preventive actions. At SERVPRO, we have highly trained techs on standby 24 hours a day. Our trucks have all the necessary supplies including water extractors with different capacities to remove standing water within the first few hours.

After a water loss, there is the damage that you can see, and what you might not see. From casual observation, you can tell that there is standing water on a wooden floor. However, you might not tell how deep the moisture penetrates the wood. By using advanced moisture detection tools such as moisture sensors, our SERVPRO technicians probe the affected material to establish the extent to which the moisture spreads. Moisture meters also help us establish the effectiveness of drying efforts.

Call SERVPRO of Mason City  (641) 424-3382 any time.

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

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.

Three Causes Of Ceiling Tile Discoloration

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Over 60% of commercial facilities have drop ceilings with ceiling tiles. It is not uncommon for these tiles to become damaged over time and require replacement. However, many facility managers may be disheartened to find a single tile or several tiles with stains and assume tile mold. While your mind may immediately jump to mold growth, any remediation service in Mason City will likely explain that mold is possible, but there are at least three other causes, especially if the staining is recent.

  1. Plumbing problem
  2. Roof leak
  3. HVAC system issue

Plumbing Problem
If your facility is multi-story, then the tile discoloration is likely the result of plumbing issues and not tile mold. Ceiling tiles are incredibly porous and will soak in the water, causing a stain to appear on the other side. Freshwater stains typically look damp; they will likely turn the tile a shade of gray, especially if the tile is a lighter color naturally.

Roof Leak
If your facility is a single-story, then you may have a more significant issue than a minor plumbing leak. A roof leak can also result in the discoloration of ceiling tiles because of water damage. You may want to inspect your roof around the area of the staining to ensure that there is no existing external damage.

HVAC System Issue
If your facility has roof-mounted HVAC units, it is possible that the staining is a result of leaking from the condensation line or system and not mold. If you have an A/C unit above or near where the staining appeared, then you may want to contact an HVAC repair specialist.
While tile mold is a concern for any business because of the inevitable business interruption, it is not always the reason for tile staining. If you are genuinely concerned about the possibility of mold and cannot find any other likely causes for the staining, then contact a mold remediation company for a property assessment.

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

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

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 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

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."

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.  

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.

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 15th 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 15th from 11am to 2pm!