When water disasters strike, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez ASAP!

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Water intrusion can spread through your building and wreak havoc to the structural integrity and equipment. Call 301-340-1313 right away!

Our DMV region (District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia) including the Rockville, Olney & Silver Spring area has seen flooding problems due to heavy rainfall.

Water damage can shut down your office building. Water can cause damage that you can see, but also damage that is not easily visible. No matter the damage, best to call in a professional remediation service, such as SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, even if you think the repairs are small. Water takes the path of least resistance, so it finds its way through building materials where the water eventually gets trapped and can create rot and mold growth.

Emergency water removal is the first step in preventing more damage to your property. Once the water has been dried out by our technicians, we thoroughly inspect your property and determine what has been affected and what is okay. We can then focus our effects on restoring the damaged areas. The drying & restoration process can usually be finished in a few days and is monitored closely to ensure proper drying. Water damage can be from any of the sources below:

Plumbing Failure
These disasters can release hundreds of gallons of water quickly into your office building. Malfunction can result from broken pipes, malfunctioning sprinkler systems, loose hoses and other plumbing sources.

Local Flooding
Flooding can come from sudden, heavy rainfalls. Intense downpours can flood gutters, drains and downspouts quickly, and the overflow can cause severe water damage to your business.

Long-Term Moisture & Humidity
Small leaks usually hide and are overlooked; however, overtime they lead to water damage problems that need repair. Ceilings, wall cavities, bathrooms, hallways and attics are the most susceptible areas to mold growth and wood rot from continued exposure. Basements and vented crawlspaces are also environments that can be humid, leading to similar water and mold issues. Standing water can fast turn into damage that is more widespread if not cleaned up right away. Mold starts growing in as little as 24 hours after a water intrusion and can spread through your building and do much harm to the structural integrity, plus to the health of your employees and any equipment inside.

If you want a trusted, professional company to come out to your property to access water damage and to begin the restoration process, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville, Olney and Silver Spring North, 301-340-1313.

Our powerful truck-mounted water extraction equipment and our specially-trained technicians are just what you need when a water disaster strikes your office building.

Graffiti, sewer, biohaz damage... SERVPRO Rockville can tackle them all!

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Our commercial services include water & fire cleanup and restoration, biohazards & mold remediation, and reconstruction of damaged properties.

Team Gutierrez of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North offers a plethora of commercial services including water & fire cleanup and restoration, biohazards and mold remediation, as well as reconstruction of damaged properties. 

From office buildings and restaurants, to schools, government agencies and malls, even churches, we solve problems anywhere from water damage to mold and soot damage.   

We realize it’s important to keep your commercial property in the best repair possible. Your building, both on the outside and inside, is oftentimes the face of the company.

Below are a few of the most common issues commercial properties face. You may want to take note of these issues and check your building for them. If you do come across any of these problems, it’s important to get them fixed immediately, as holding off can increase the problem - and cost.

Check for the following (or you may need to hire a professional to investigate for some of these):

• Leaks: From roofs to gutters, to serious moisture buildup, water leaks can cause an assortment of problems including mold growth and rotting
• Asbestos: If your building is older than 20 years, you should have it inspected for asbestos, which if present, can cause detrimental effects on one’s health
• Cracking: Could possibly be a sign of an underlying problem in the building’s structure
• Fire and safety regulations: Make sure your building and property meet all standards regarding the current safety and fire requirements
• Infestation of bugs or rodents: Yikes! No one feels comfortable working in a building knowing it’s home to an abundance of rodents. It also doesn’t look pleasant to visitors or clients when ants or gnats are buzzing around or see a few rodent droppings. Additionally, pests can damage the wiring of a building.
• High energy costs: Keeping your commercial building in good repair can help keep your energy consumption at a manageable level. Also consider installing energy-efficient lighting & appliances. Consider creating energy and water-saving campaigns throughout your building. Make colorful posters and have prizes for whichever floor most actively participates, for example.
• Electrical faults: Dead outlets, melting wires, and faulty circuits can cause fires. A trusted electrician should be called to check out the situation immediately.
• Biohazard damage: Graffiti, sewer and bodily fluids are part of our biohaz cleanup services.

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville, Olney & Silver Spring North is here to help. Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

Is Your Business Resilient?

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

It's important to make a plan with your team for your business in case of disasters.

Small businesses that have been struck by disaster will not reopen, according to FEMA - the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

As we post this blog, multiple states along Southeast U.S. including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas are picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild from the massive destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida in late September (2024) before moving on to surround states. Nearly 200 died and neighborhoods and businesses large & small were submerged as of first week of October.

Many people don’t consider the serious impact a disaster, such as a storm, fire, or flood, can have on a small business. It not only can destroy the building and surrounding property of the business, but can also destroy essential information, contacts, etc..., which can put a quick end to the business’ existence.

By taking action before a disaster strikes, you can take steps to increase your employees’ safety, your business’ resiliency, and your clients’ trust.

These steps below may be helpful to keep your business safe:

• Keep your company records, documents, and contacts stored in paperless form (on Google Drive or iCloud, for example)
• Pre-establish policies for employees, vendors and customers in order to maintain trust and stability, and also to retain relationships and positions
• Do a threat analysis. Assess any possible risks your business may be susceptible to, from a hurricane to a cyber attack
• Develop a continuity plan. FEMA recommends creating your plan using these four steps:

1. Conduct a business impact analysis
2. Identify, document and implement recovery strategies
3. Compile a business continuity plan with others in your business
4. Conduct training, testing, drills and exercises to teach, practice and evaluate the plan

Additionally, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North can help establish a response plan should your business experience a storm or fire that may cause water and smoke damage to your business property.

Our SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can help give you, your employees and customers peace of mind. Our ERP allows for quick restoration response to help minimize disruption of your business. Call us today, 301-340-1313.

Mold? Leave the Mitigation to SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, the Experts!

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

Best leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney to clean up & mitigate mold damage!

Mold can seem almost benign due to its slow rate of visible damage and sluggish spreading but make no mistake: It can pose a health hazard to you once it has taken hold.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North - or Team Gutierrez - technicians take frequent courses and training on mold safety and remediation. There are many species of fungi that can create widely varied situations and problems depending on a high number of factors. If you have uncovered mold in your home, protecting your health and safety becomes a concern, and should top your list of priorities.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you live and work in your home during the remediation service:

You May Want to Wear a Mask
Mold damage has a potential to cause health issues. SERVPRO® technicians have access to industrial-grade protective masks and even suits when needed, and you should, at the very least, try to protect your mouth and sinuses with a mask when working near mold damage. We firmly recommend that you do not grapple with this problem. Our main advice is to call us for professional mitigation. Be safe, not sorry.
 
Hands Off
Some types of mold can produce toxic or infectious byproducts, making the act of touching mold with your bare hands potentially dangerous. In general, you should never touch visible mold growth, as doing so can not only hurt you but also spread the mold to other surfaces. If you touch mold by accident, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching other surfaces.
 
Be Mindful of Other Dangers
Many mold damage cases come with additional problems, whether or not you are aware of them. That patch of mold could be the result of a five-year-old water pipe leak, and in addition to allowing mold growth, it may have already long weakened the surrounding structure. Being aware of structural issues and other types of damage could save you money while protecting your home investment.
 
Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North is ready 24/7 to respond to mold and other property damage. We're a phone call away, 301-340-1313.

Most Home Fires Start in the Kitchen

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

Follow these quick tips to help prevent a major fire damage emergency in your home!

It's October, so Halloween is just around the corner, and the holiday season won't be far after that. That means many of us will be spending a lot more time in the kitchen.

This also means that, with every dish we cook on the stove or in the oven, every pumpkin pie and each batch of Christmas cookies you make, there is a greater risk of a fire emergency. 

Aside from calling 9-1-1, which should be one of your first moves, here are some quick tips for dealing with a fire emergency in your kitchen.

1. Always watch your cooking; don't leave anything unattended
2. Set a timer so that you don't accidentally burn something or forget that an appliance is being used
3. If something on the stove catches on fire and it is small, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner
4. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen near your cooking area where it is easily accessible
5. Add baking soda to a grease fire, not water
6. Clean your appliances regularly so that grease does not accumulate and start a fire
7. Clean and dust around and behind appliances, as dust accumulation can cause fires if it is close to electrical wiring
8. Keep flammable objects away from cooking appliances, especially items like tea towels and potholders 
9. Install a smoke alarm in your kitchen
10. Test your smoke alarms and make sure they will work when you most need them!

Keep these quick tips in mind to help prevent a major fire damage emergency from taking place in your home this season!

In the event that you've got fire or water damage in your home, you can count on the experts at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North to respond quickly to restore your property to minimize further damage. Call us, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

Team Gutierrez will make it "Like it never even happened!"

Autumn colors are nice, but the storms... not so much!

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

Autumn weather & colors are welcome, but not seasonal thunderstorms that can wreak havoc to property. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney can help!

The cool weather and changing colors have arrived in Rockville, Olney, Silver Spring and the rest of Maryland, and as the warm and humidity from Summer mix with the drier air, the encounter can result in an increase of thunderstorms.

Gusty winds, heavy rainfall and lightning are among the most common characteristics of a thunderstorm. When a thunderstorm updraft has enough strength to carry water to an area with below-freezing temperatures, hailstones begin to form. When the hailstones become too heavy for the updraft to hold, they are released, and that is when hail falls to the ground.

Damages caused by the winds, rainfall, lightning and hail can have devastating effects on your property, residential and business.

Post-storm damages are not limited to, but can certainly include water, fire, and even mold damages.

If you experience any problems, either residential or commercial, Team Gutierrez of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North will get you back on your feet fast, with our crews' extensive knowledge and swift response.

If you want to ensure you don’t face any stormy issues this season, give us a call at (301) 340-1313, and we will help prepare a plan for quick response, and we can make your property "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney: Well-equipped for any size water damage disasters

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

Rest assured we are well-trained and well-equipped to restore your damaged property.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including weekends & holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster™

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture and beyond. Crews from SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning & restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 301-340-1313

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold & mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO Team Gutierrez

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or storm and water damage. Our technicians are 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 crews are equipped with the knowledge and latest equipment to restore your property effectively, the first time.

Certifications

• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• HST - Health and Safety Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

Call us anytime, 24/7/365, 301-340-1313.

National Day of Encouragement is Sept 12

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

Praises or words of encouragement can make someone's day!

Sept 12 marks the annual National Day of Encouragement, and this year that’s this Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024! Its purpose is to encourage people to encourage others.

You never know how you can shape someone’s day or how you might be able to turn someone’s day around.

Were you ever having a rough day and a co-worker complimented you? Maybe a classmate told you that your presentation was great. Maybe a co-worker, sibling, or friend told you to keep up the great work. The gesture costs little to nothing, but it can impact someone’s day, week, or even life unimaginably. Check out the story in this link (talk about life-changing!):

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/alabama-woman-reveals-life-changing-advice-she-received-from-state-trooper-who-pulled-her-over-for-speeding-right-person-right-time/ar-AA1qbRaH

Here a few simple ideas on how you can encourage someone:

• Write a simple note or send an email
• Give them a small gift, such as a flower or notepad
• Invite them to lunch and talk with them. A listening ear is all someone needs sometimes!
• In an encouraging manner, share an advice on how they can stay on top of their goals

At SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North, encouraging team members to “Be the Best,” “Be a Game Changer,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Be Positive” are our daily mottos. We’re confident you’ll be able to inspire and encourage someone every day!

Got an Odor in your home? SERVPRO Rockville-Olney can help!

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

Candles can mask indoor odors temporarily. But for more serious and lingering odor, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney can help!

Detect an odor in your home or business? SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North can help!

First, you might ask where it’s coming from. Is there a specific source that’s letting off this smell? What’s causing it, and how can it be eliminated once and for all?

Sometimes, an odor can originate from a deceased animal trapped in your attic. That’s a simpler cleanup. Other times, the odor could be much more difficult to pinpoint. When the situation is more complex or dispersed, there’s more of a science to identifying the root of the issue.

This is when SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney & of Silver Spring North step in. Our highly-trained technicians have taken IICRC technical classes to learn how to properly identify and remove odors.

Let’s get rid of this smell so that your personal chemical sensor (your nose!) agrees with the surrounding air once again!

Oftentimes, people try masking a serious odor. In attempt to scare the smell away, here are a few common methods used, but are either very temporary or to be used with caution:

• Purchase and light a candle warmer
• Spray a pleasant scent
• Sprinkle baking soda everywhere (which can neutralize odors permanently, however, use caution or avoid if you have pets. If ingested, animals can become ill)
• Cleaning furniture or walls with soapy water
• Leaving windows open (which is sometimes a preventative measure to take, but can also allow additional moisture to travel inside depending on climate and temperatures)

If the odor stems from an issue such as mold, a gas leak, improper heating equipment, a blocked chimney, or spilled chemicals, the methods above might cover the smell for a short while, but will not be able to stop the smell from resurfacing. In many of these instances, the smell could lead to sickness or could even be fatal.

If you discover the source, and it’s an easy fix (rotting vegetables in your refrigerator, a bag of old gym shoes in your garage, food stuck in your drain because you forgot to use the garbage disposal, etc.), then you’re in luck. However, you will want to call a professional immediately if the circumstances seem more dangerous/hazardous or if you cannot pinpoint a harmless source after searching.

Leave it to SERVPRO Team Gutierrez if you want a safe, thorough and effective cleanup. With our extensive knowledge and advanced equipment, we will have the odor source identified and carefully eliminated. Give us a call at 301-340-1313.

Visit our website for more information: SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/odor-removal-deodorization

Why your business needs a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile can save a lot of time, energy and money when disasters strike.

Disasters can strike at anytime, anywhere, and Montgomery County, Maryland is no exception.

Did you know up to 50% of businesses afflicted by a disaster will never reopen? The statistic may be shocking, but what isn’t very surprising is that the vast majority of the surviving businesses had previously established a preparedness plan.   

Prevention saves a lot of time, energy and money. Unfortunately, all catastrophes cannot be prevented, which means it is imperative to have an emergency plan in place just in case an unexpected event occurs.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan application works to prevent situations from escalating. The app, designed for commercial use, is marketed towards property and risk managers and towards business owners.

Some benefits of the app include:

• An assessment at no charge
• A Profile Document containing only necessary information geared for a time of emergency
• A quick reference for you and your employees (especially if the owner/manager is away on a business trip, for example).
• A free guide outlining important steps to take post-disaster
• A connection and direct contact with your local SERVPRO

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez clients, including those in Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North are offered this service free of charge. After downloading the SERVPRO ERP application onto an electronic device, a SERVPRO team member will meet with the client to map the property they own or manage.

Mapping the territory includes, but is not limited to, making note of water pipes, crawl spaces and fire exits. Information such as the square footage of the building and photographs of the property are collected and stored in the app as well.

Although gathering and recording this information on the app may sound like a lengthy process, employees have noted they can finish the plan in about 30 minutes. Additionally, owners can go back into the app and add more detail or update over time. There’s nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

If you prepare for the future, you will “Save Early for Disaster Costs.” Using tools to prevent damage, to prevent loss, and to prevent losing your business to a disaster, is one of the best ways to ensure the “health” of what you own or manage. 

It’s simple, and it’s free. Save now to avoid large costs later. Download the application in the App Store or from the link below:

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/Home/MobileApp

Please feel free to call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North at 301-340-1313 with any questions you may have about the Emergency Ready Plan. We're also here 24/7 for any cleanup & restoration needs from storm, water, fire, mold or other property damage.