Help the Environment, and your Wallet, by conserving Water!

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

Help the environment (and your wallet) today by conserving water in your home and office!

Our Rockville, Olney and Silver Spring areas of Montgomery County, Maryland experience our share of storms every season, so we see a lot of aftermath from home flooding, which means a lot of wasted water. Excessive amounts of water leaking, bursting, or draining cause these floods. Check out our website for information on how we clean up and restore the flooded areas:

www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/water-repair-process

In this blog, we'd like to address water conservation, and to provide you with useful tips you can follow to save on your water bill and to save our natural resources alike. Following these tips can also prevent a water catastrophe from occurring in your home:

• Check your toilet for leaks (the old food coloring trick is a sure way to discover any)
• Check for leaks in pipes and faucets too
• Do not leave you water running the entire time you brush your teeth, shaving or showering
• Purchase water-saving appliances (a shower head is probably the cheapest and will save you)
• Wait until you have enough clothes for a full load to do laundry
• Position your lawn sprinkler in the most efficient way possible. Oftentimes, sprinkler water ends up watering the road or sidewalks
• Plant drought-resistant plants and trees
• Use a broom, instead of a hose, to remove dust and dirt from your sidewalks, etc.
• Reuse water when possible. You can water your garden instead of allowing a lot of the water you’ve used to flow down the drain
• Capture rainwater! Invest in a water drum to catch water from gutters and downspouts

And in the unfortunate event your home or business gets flooded during the next storm, help is a phone call away. Call Team Gutierrez of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

We are here to help!

Our Teams Are IICRC-Trained and Certified

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

Our technicians are certified & trained in the latest industry techniques and services.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, we strive for excellence at every job we do. It's why our team members go through regular training and certification.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource. It serves as an independent, nonprofit standard-setting and certification body, to set and promote high standards of ethics; and to advance communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries.

The IICRC offers certifications in several categories of Cleaning, Inspection and Restoration. Additionally, there are Journeyman certifications available to those with advanced levels of recognition, which can be achieved by having several certifications in select categories and a minimum of three to five years of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry.

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez technicians are IICRC-certified and continue their education and certification throughout their employment. As new certifications become available through the IICRC, steps are taken to ensure that our technicians are certified in the latest techniques and services. Our customers can rest assured knowing that only the most qualified technicians will be sent into your business or home to restore and repair damage when you use our company!

Our accolades speak for themselves, as SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney was named 2023 Small Business of the Year by the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and 2021 Small Business of the Year by the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Our mitigation director, Alex, was recently honored as the 2024 Field Hero of the Year by the national Cleaning & Restoration Magazine!

We are here 24/7 to help tackle water, fire, mold or biohazard damage to your property, residential or commercial. Call us, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, at 301-340-1313.

What To Do When Dealing With Fire Damage in Your Home

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez technicians are experts on restoring fire, water and mold damage to help get your property damage to preloss condition.

Life has enough interruptions and bumps along the way without the unwanted disaster of a house fire.

The aftermath is almost as bad, but much longer-lasting. Even small fires can merit the use of a professional restoration company. Cooking fires that spread beyond the stove, barbecue grills that go haywire, and even small appliances that catch fire can cause damage to surrounding areas. 

Small Fires Can Pose High Risks 

While you should never pour water on a grease fire, nor on an electrical one, many times that is a person's first reaction. This can cause even more damage. Cooking fires and electrical shorts are common causes of fire in Montgomery County. It can also create physical risks to people standing nearby. With grease fires, baking soda should be poured into the skillet and any grease or oil that has caught fire outside of the cooking pan or skillet instead of water. 

With electrical fires, the appliance should be unplugged if it can be safely done, but not by pulling on the cord. This can cause the cord to snap, leaving the plug without the cord still in the outlet. The power to the area where this is happening should be shut off at the fuse box as quickly as possible to eliminate the hazard. 

After the Fire is Out, It's Time to Repair the Damage 

After firefighters put out the fire, have someone assess the damages for you. This can often help with insurance documentation. Landlords, if you are renting, will also appreciate if you inform them of the fire, and they can see the damage for themselves. It is every landlord's worst nightmare to have a fire or flood damage their properties. If they can see the amount of damage, they can rest easier knowing the extent of the repairs required. Fires do happen, through nobody's fault, and your landlord will know this. 

Damage can range from blackened walls and countertops to heavily burned surfaces, electrical wires being damaged and requiring replacement, to floors suffering damage so severe they must be replaced to be safe again. Having experts assess and conduct the repairs needed can greatly facilitate insurance claims being resolved, as well. 

Hopefully you will never have to experience a fire in your home, business or building, but if you have recently dealt with this catastrophe and need professional restoration to your residential or commercial property, give SERVPRO Team Gutierrez  a call today at 301-340-1313.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, our technicians are well-trained experts on restoring fire, water and mold-damaged property. No job is too large or too small!

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.

Camp fires can bring family, friends together. But be safe!

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

This fall season, create memories by having a campfire with family and friends! Be sure to follow safety precautions so that everyone has a good time!

Kids are back in school and Autumn is just a few weeks away after Labor Day weekend. It'll be the perfect time to have a campfire with family or friends.

While enjoying spending time in the outdoors with your crew, it’s important to remember campfire safety, especially as dry foliage can be a serious fire hazard.

When leaves catch on fire, irritants are released into the air, which can cause respiratory problems. Additionally, campfires that aren’t properly prepared or maintained can cause huge issues such as burns or out-of-control fires, possibly developing into a forest fires.

Follow these important steps to keep everyone safe before and after the campfire, so that everyone can have a great time:

1. Selecting your campfire spot: Look for signs and follow rules! If the area has rules prohibiting campfires, find another area, and do not build your campfire in an area with dry and/or hazardous conditions. Watch out for tree branches, and be sure to make your fire at least 15 feet from any shrubs, bushes, trees and tents. Inspect the area, ensuring no flammable items are nearby. Do not build a fire if winds are strong.
2. Building your pit: If there’s no pit, you can dig your own. This website has great tips, along with pictures, on how to do so: https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-prepare-your-campfire-pit
3. Building your campfire: For everyone’s safety, it’s always important to gather a bucket of water along with a shovel before starting up the fire. When gathering wood, do not cut a tree or an entire branch. Instead, gather small twigs, and sticks or pieces of wood you find on the ground (or which you purchase). Large pieces of wood should always be stacked upwind, away from the fire. Make sure you don’t collect sticks from an animal’s dwelling space. If you’re using matches to start the fire, make sure it’s cold before discarding (into your trash bag, of course). Once you start a fire, it must be monitored at all times. Adult supervision is required at all times. Children and pets must be closely and carefully watched.
4. Maintaining a fire: Once you are pleased with your campfire, add larger pieces of wood to keep it going steadily, but keep your fire to a manageable size. Do not let it get out of hand. Also, do not burn plastics, cans, or glass, as doing so can result in explosions, shattering, or the release of dangerous fumes.
5. Extinguishing your fire: If possible, allow firewood to burn to ash. Then, pour water on the fire. All embers must be completely soaked and dead (no red embers). Until the hissing sound stops, keep pouring water on the area. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s not yet safe to leave. Add more water, dirt, and/or sand until all materials are cool.

We hope these campfire tips are helpful and will keep you and your family & friends safe! Enjoy Autumn 2024 from your friends at SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North.

We are Faster to Any Disaster When it Comes to Commercial Fire Damage Restoration!

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage at your commercial property? Leave the cleanup & restoration to our well-trained and certified technicians at SERVPRO Team Gutierrez.

Has your commercial property recently experienced a fire?

Whether you manage or own commercial property, you know that fire loss can be extremely devastating and can leave a huge financial impact. Not only does fire destroy property, furnishings, flooring and much more, but smoke also damages the property, leaving behind soot and strong, fiery odors.

Water damage is an additional loss after a fire. Firefighters must use significant amounts of water to extinguish such a fire. With water damage comes the chance of mold growth. This is why it’s important to have the water completely extracted and dried as soon as possible.

Whether you own an office building, retail or coffee shop, car garage, daycare center, museum, etc., dealing with the aftermath of a fire places a lot of responsibility on you, not to mention the stress. At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, or SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, our technicians are highly-trained in all the areas aforementioned: fire, water and mold remediation & restoration, as well as biohazard cleanup and mitigation. Our tried-and-true process and equipment ensure that your property will be restored to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

We also realize how stressful losses can be. When choosing SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Our crew chiefs communicate very closely with clients to answer any questions they may have.

We also realize you are anxious to return to your business. Lost time is lost revenue. We will make sure your business is up and running as soon as possible. If your business has experienced a fire, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez 24/7 at 301-340-1313 and we will be there Faster to any size disaster™!

Are Your Classrooms, Daycares Safe for Back to School? SERVPRO can help!

8/16/2024 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO crews can deep clean & sanitize classrooms, hallways & other rooms on campuses and daycares to provide safe spaces for returning students.

Most area school students & staff, including those in Montgomery and Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland, return to class at the end of August.

For facilities managers, it's important to make schools, daycares and places where students and faculty & staff will be spending their daytime learning, teaching and interacting with one another safe places.

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North offer a variety of cleaning services, including fogging, electrostatic disinfectant spraying, and proactive cleaning. We have been helping businesses and residences stay safe and protected over the years and will continue to do so. Sanitized spaces give everyone a peace of mind.

Our services can be recurring, too! Get scheduled for a one-time cleaning, or make services recurring. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a cleaning, call us today at 301-340-1313!

Hurricanes and how do they affect where we live

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

Hurricane Beryl closing in on the Caribbean islands on July 1, 2024. photo credit: Ricardo Mazalan/AP

As the active hurricane season carries on – with Hurricane Beryl moving toward the eastern fringes of the Caribbean as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm as of Monday, July 1 – it is important for our DMV area to be aware of the potential damages hurricanes can do to our homes and how our services at SERVPRO can help.

Though hurricane damage is inevitable in some places, avoiding damages beforehand can help minimize loss and expenses. Make sure to have a team from SERVPRO check your home after a hurricane to verify that your home is safe.

Prevention and Preparedness

Hurricane damage prevention does not take much time at all and can be accessed locally at places like Home Depot and Lowe’s. But what are some things that you need? Things like shutters for your windows, putting outdoor furniture in a safe space, and putting cars in garages can extremely help. Hurricanes are a tropical cyclone of winds that are intense enough to damage any property. Hurricanes can also affect where we live by damaging outdoor sheds, patios and decks, gardens and homes in general. Luckily, SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 to come in and help restore those damages.

As suggested by the American Red Cross, it is best to have a source of power for your phone, the appropriate medicine, and a safe/sustainable floor to temporarily stay in (commonly a basement or ground level floor.)

Specific Home Affects

Hurricanes can shake your home to the point where items fall, fragile cupboards break, and pipes could be damaged. If you have trees near your house, they could potentially fall on your home. With hurricanes bringing a combined large amount of rain and winds, there’s potential damage to the roofs over our heads. This could lead to water damage and buildup of mold. Any concerns with storm cleanup, water damage restoration, mold removal, and reconstruction of damaged property can be handled by SERVPRO professionals. Here in the DMV – Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia region – SERVPRO Team Gutierrez can help.

Travel and Remediation

Make sure to have a safe place and route to get to if the hurricane is intense enough, along with a full tank of gas in your car. When coming back to your home, give us a call and we will send a team out to assess and help clean up & restore your property.

We know the stress natural disasters can put on the community and we strive to be that go-to company that can help people restore their homes not only as quickly as possible, but with the utmost quality and compassion. Give SERVPRO Team Gutierrez a call and one of our teams will be on the way to help. 301-340-1313.

Follow these tips to prevent a fire

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Grilling is a major part of backyard gatherings in Summer. Follow these safety tips to avoid a fire.

There's nothing like warm, nice weather that yearns for outdoor fun such as barbecues and cookouts with family, friends and neighbors.

In Montgomery County, MD, we’re able to enjoy certain activities specifically in the summertime, whether it be outdoor cooking, camping or going to fireworks shows. These activities create wonderful summer memories between family and friends.

As you know, fire can spread quite easily in hot, dry air. It spreads more rapidly when wind is present. Our weather in Maryland is often hot, and windy, so it’s important to follow safety precautions. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & SERVPRO of Silver Spring North offer the following info to help make those gatherings safe & fun:

FIREWORKS

• Instead of lighting your own fireworks, watch a public viewing. Leave the lighting up to the professionals.
• If you do choose to use fireworks, do not attempt to re-light those that never lit on the first try. Instead, dump them in a bucket of water and properly dispose later.

OUTDOOR COOKING

• Propane and charcoal grills are to be used outside only.
• Make sure your grill is well away from you home. Keep it out from under roof edges and keep it away from tree branches, shrubbery, etc.
• Remove all grease buildup on your grill to avoid a fire.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Be sure to keep kids and pets away from it.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothes while cooking outside.
• Do not pour lighter fluid directly onto a lit grill.
• Make sure the coals from a charcoal grill are completely cool before disposing. Cover the coals with water and mix to ensure they are extinguished.

CAMPFIRES

• Make sure the park or town you're starting a campfire at allows it before lighting one.
• Do not build a campfire near dry leaves or around any overhanging tree branches. Clear any vegetation in the area in which you dig your campfire pit in.
• Do not dig your firepit near your tent.
• Watch the campfire closely, never leaving it unattended.
• Always keep lots of water near the campfire site.
• Once finished, completely extinguish the fire.

We hope these tips help you to enjoy your summer and be safe at the same time! In the unfortunate event you have a fire or water damage situation, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North at 301-340-1313.

We're open 24/7 and here to help!

Water stains on your ceiling? Call us ASAP!

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

If you notice a water stain on your ceiling, give us a call!

Water stains aren’t something to ignore. Instead, they are indicators of an urgent matter!

If you see water stain(s) on your ceiling, call a professional promptly.

Water stains can mean:

• Leaky pipe(s)
• Old caulking
• Problem with roof
• Poor insulation

Whatever is above your ceiling is typically the source of the moisture issue. Is your property’s roof or a bathroom above the water stain? That may just be the source of the problem. However, if you cannot determine a water source above the stain, you may have a leaky pipe.

Water seepage from old caulking or piping in disrepair are other common sources of water stains. It’s very important that damaged or old pipes are replaced to avoid leaking or “sweating.”

After a snowstorm or even a rain downpour, water stains can show up on your ceiling. For instance, rain can leak through from the gutter. Therefore, you have a roofing issue upon your property.

However, if an ice dam forms on your roof and water is able to seep in, it’s a good indicator of a need to improve the insulation.

Sometimes, a professional may need to remove a portion of the ceiling, and possibly the wall, to completely restore and fix the affected area for good.

Remember, deal with the stain in a very timely manner! Applying a quick coat of paint over the stain can make a temporarily, cosmetic difference, but oftentime, the stain will bleed right through the new paint.

Instead, call a professional such as SERVPRO® to ensure the source of the water is correctly identified and handled properly. Ignoring the issue can lead to expensive repairs! It’s much better to catch the problem sooner than having to have sections of your ceiling teared down and replaced.

Call us, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North, to have water stains in your home or office checked out. We are the area’s water damage experts and are always “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property with efficiency and detail.

Team Gutierrez is here to help 24/7. (301) 340-1313.   

Tips for returning to a flood-damaged home

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

Beware that your house may be contaminated when returning home after a flood or other natural disasters.

Water – one of life’s essentials, for without it, we simply cannot survive.

But flood and contaminated water – water from natural disasters, and from contaminated sources like sewage and overflowed toilets & such – are toxic and can cause numerous health hazards and diseases that can be fatal, if exposed.

With Spring in full swing and the Summer months just ahead, families will be vacationing and traveling away from home. Suppose there was a big storm with heavy flooding while you were away, and your home was flooded and you’ve returned to face standing water throughout the home.

It’s many homeowners’ worst nightmare. What to do?

For starters, the Centers for Disease and Control advises that, if possible, try to return home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.

The agency also offers the following:

• If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
• Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning the power on again.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
• If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time.
• If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold.
• If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage. Call a professional home inspector to check for contamination. If confirmed, have a licensed company remove & remediate mold and sewage. Our certified crews from SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville, Olney & Silver Spring North are especially trained for such work, and are available 24/7 to help!

FOOD. The next step is to go through your home to discard perishable items and anything that has been contaminated with standing water. On top of that list is food; throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out!

WATER. Food water can contaminate drinking water from your home’s faucets. Until the water is tested, use bottled or water that has been properly boiled to kill any contaminants.

Some contaminants from surface water can get into the groundwater and affect private drinking water wells and municipal water systems that use groundwater. The CDC suggests the following steps:

• Follow local guidance on whether your water is safe to drink.
• If you have a private well and live in an area with flooding, get your water tested before you use it.
• Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

Until your power is restored after dryout, use generators and other electrical sources and equipment safely. Talk to your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home’s electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.

• All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. Have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.
• Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

The next step is to prevent MOLD from the flood or storm water, by drying out your home. Follow these steps from the CDC:

• If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it’s safe to turn it on, use a “wet-dry” shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.
• If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Note: If you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structures, or less than 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.
• Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold cleanup before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.
• Prevent water outdoors from reentering your home. For example, rainwater from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
• Ensure that crawl spaces in basements have proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate to allow the area to dry out.

The CDC and the American Red Cross offer great resources for storm and fire prevention and response. Visit their webpages for more information:

www.cdc.gov/floods/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods

www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood

Finally, when you are ready for that monstrous task of cleanup and remediation, you can rely on SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North. We are the area’s water & storm damage experts, as well as mold remediation and restoration. Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

We Give Our Customers a Different Level of Clean

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

Give your customers the high level of clean they expect. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney can help!

Covid is nearly a thing of the past, as the majority of businesses and corporations small and large in Maryland have returned to operation at full capacity. Still, it's in everyone's best interest for business owners and patrons to continue to take safety measures and common sense when it comes to our schools, workplaces and other public venues.

And with summer travel season upon us, businesses such as restaurants, hotels and places with high travel populations, owners and property managers of those facilities may consider a professional, deep sanitization to further protect your customers and patrons.

Our Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned program is a defensive cleaning program that gives your business a way forward by providing your employees & customers ongoing safety and assuredness. Our proactive viral pathogen cleaning program will help your business meet a higher standard of clean. We also provide general cleaning including carpet & rug cleaning, for the home and business.

Call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville, Olney & Silver Spring North today at 301-340-1313 to schedule a free consultation. 

Let's keep our schools, daycare centers mold-free!

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

To keep our students & teachers safe, we must ensure their campus and daycare center are mold-free!

Schools and daycare centers that have experienced water damage from instances such as plumbing leaks, water overflows from toilets, for example, or poor drainage of rainwater, are at risk of mold growth, which can take place within the first 48 hours of the accident.

If you can see the mold or smell it (usually similar to that of something rotting), it’s usually an indicator. It’s imperative to call professionals to come take a look as students’ and faculties’ health alike are at risk.

Yet there are other instances where mold isn’t caused immediately by a plumping issue, for example. Mold can develop behind paint, walls, under tiles, etc. and can grow there for years. Mold behind paint can begin appearing over it, but simply scrubbing the mold off the paint won’t solve the problem; it will just grow back.

In these cases, remediation is necessary. Give Team Gutierrez of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North a call today at (301) 340-1313.

We serve public and private schools throughout the county and the DMV. Mold can pose serious health risks including fatigue, nausea, headaches and respiratory irritation, to name a few. Our crew is well-trained and seasoned in mold remediation and will have your property mold-free and safe in no time! 

What if there's Mold on my food?

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

Moldy food may contain toxic substance and can cause health problems. Best to throw it out!

Have you ever noticed a few green or black spots of mold on the slice of bread or cheese you were about to eat? If the spots are small and look easy to pinch off, it’s pretty tempting to try salvaging. But, you run the risk of getting sick!

First, it’s important to know that simply cutting or scrapping mold off your bread, strawberry, etc. won’t save you from ingesting mold. The mold has already rooted itself in your food, so what you're looking at are surface spores. Even if you no longer see it, the mold has already made its home in your food. So yes, your piece of bread or cheese is more contaminated than you think!

Consuming moldy food can be harmful. Bacteria can grow along with the mold, and it’s easy for mold to contaminate porous foods like bread.

For example, black bread mold is a rarer, but very dangerous mold that grows on bread. It can cause serious infection. It’s best to toss out the moldy bread!

Mycotoxins, a toxic substance, can be produced by certain molds usually found in grain and nut crops. Mycotoxins can also contaminate apples, celery, grapes and other produce. Consumption of mycotoxins can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

Additionally, if you see mold on any of the following, throw it away:

• Lunch meat
• Bacon
• Hot dogs
• Cooked pasta
• Cream or cottage cheese
• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruits
• Peaches
• Peanut better
• Jelly (mycotoxins commonly found within the mold in jams and jellies)
• And yes… bread!

A few food items you can cut the mold off from include:

• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Hard cheese
• Hard salami
• Dry-cured country hams

Best advice: When in doubt, throw it out! 

Our Promise: We're Here to Help 365 Days, Every Day!

5/7/2024 (Permalink)

Emergencies don’t wait to happen on a day that’s convenient for us. A house fire or an office flood can happen anytime; we are ready to help 24/7!

Let's be real: Emergencies don’t wait to happen on a day that’s convenient for us. A house fire or an office flood won’t wait until our birthday is over or until Christmas Day comes to an end.

It's why Team Gutierrez of SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO® of Silver Spring North stands ready for when tragedy strikes, whenever that may be. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter morning or New Year’s Eve. Life happens, and we are ready to help!

At SERVPRO, we want to make sure whatever nature might throw your way, that we are here to help with the cleanup & restoration of your property! Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or an issue with mold, we are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year, and “Faster to any size disaster” at that!

Facing a disaster can be terrifying, and dealing with its effects is very stressful. We hope to diminish some of that stress.

We know the importance of reliability. We are a trusted and widely known brand in Montgomery County, as well as Prince George's County and beyond the DMV. As a family-owned business for 44+ years, we pride ourselves on fast response, quality service and excellent customer care!

Give us a call anytime, 301-340-1313.

Working from home? These tips may help!

5/7/2024 (Permalink)

Arrange your workspace at home in a way you’ll be the most organized and least distracted.

A growing number of workers continue to work from home well after the 2020 pandemic is over. The consensus is that many workplaces and how America conducts business have shifted in recent years, making use of the Internet and online tools such as Zoom and Teams for meetings.

So if you have transitioned from working in an office to working in your home, you’ve had to make many adjustments! SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North offer these tips to help make the best of working from home:

• Arrange your workspace in a way you’ll be the most organized and the least distracted
• Inform your family members or roommates of your work schedule and create rules to diminish disruptions and distractions. Talking to family and friends is very tempting, so you may need to close your door or drown out chatter with classical music
• Create a schedule that you follow each day, including clearly defined work hours
• Learn something new! Watch webinars or attend a virtual training your company may offer
• Keep the communication going! Call, text or email regularly 
• Take a break! Make sure you know your company’s break policy, and take advantage of it. Go for a walk to take in sunshine during your break before having to return back indoors to complete your assignments
• Keep an agenda book or calendar. Write down deadlines and meeting dates, as these can be easy to forget when working from home
• Turn off the notifications on your personal phone (such as Instagram and Twitter notifications) to minimize getting distracted from your work

We hope these tips help and wish you much success!

Now is the time to prepare for a ‘turbulent’ 2024 Hurricane Season!

5/3/2024 (Permalink)

A turbulent hurricane season is predicted for 2024. Now is the time to prepare your family & property!

Meteorologists are predicting 2024 to be one of the most turbulent hurricane seasons on record, with 24 named storms and 11 hurricanes forecasted. Six of those hurricanes are predicted to reach Category 3 status or stronger.

“The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to feature well above the historical average number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes and direct U.S. impacts," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said in an accuweather.com article.

Jonathan Belles, a graphics meteorologist and writer for weather.com, wrote that bigger impact from the hurricanes is likely this year. “Forecasters are also worried about more landfalls this season due to a troubling setup for storm movement,” he wrote.

Unlike last season, “a stronger high-pressure system is expected to set up shop near Bermuda and the Azores, which should deflect more storms westward toward the Caribbean and the United States,” Belles wrote.

As a restoration company – SERVPRO® Team Gutierrez of Rockville, Olney & Silver Spring North, as well as our sister franchises in Prince George’s County SERVPRO of Laurel & Beltsville/Greenbelt – is always prepared for disasters, and especially Hurricane Season that begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Now is a good time to prepare your family and your property to help keep you safe & minimize response time. The American Red Cross offers these Hurricane Safety tips:

Plan to Evacuate

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and go to a safe place.
• Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay.
• Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or use public transportation.
• Mobile & trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds.

Plan to Shelter Safely

• Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for a long time.
• Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not likely to flood.
• If you are in an area that is likely to flood, designate a location on higher ground that you can move to before floodwaters reach you.

Storm & water damage in your property can cause further damage if not mitigated swiftly and properly. That’s why our SERVPRO emergency response teams are on call 24/7 to help.

We have trained & experienced manpower, state-of-the-art equipment, and tried-and-true method to restore your property to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call and see why our SERVPRO brand has been consistently ranked #1 by Entrepreneur magazine in the restoration services category for 22 years. 301-340-1313.

Keeping duct system clean can save money

5/3/2024 (Permalink)

Keeping your duct system clean not only keeps a healthy home, but saves money!

Dust, pet dander and other containments from everyday living are circulated through your ducts and can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC heating and cooling system, causing it to work much harder.

Keeping the ductwork clean can extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which saves money.

Duct Cleaning can:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Offensive Odors

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, keeping your duct system clean should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

These contaminants from day to day living are sucked into your HVAC system and recirculated throughout your home over and over. This causes a buildup over time inside the ductwork. This buildup can cause problems for people with asthma and other respiratory health conditions, auto immune disorders and environmental allergies. 

According to the EPA, "a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.”

Cleaning your ducts can sweep away years of dust and dirt, helping to reduce potential for damage and health risks.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. This includes certain odors as well. In these cases, a Duct Cleaning Professional from SERVPRO® can often restore the ductwork to pre-damage condition. It is also recommended that you have the ductwork cleaned after buying a home or after a renovation. Just like carpet cleaning, having your ductwork cleaned should be part of your home maintenance routine. 

Call us today to schedule your duct cleaning! 301-340-1313

Planning for those unexpected Spring & Summer storms

5/3/2024 (Permalink)

Spring & Summer storms can occur anytime. Be prepared!

SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North want you to be ready for those unexpected Spring & Summer storms.

A spring or summer storm happens quite often in Maryland including our Montgomery County. There are many possibilities of damage from such storms, whether from wind, heavy rain, or lightning. Wind can cause structural damage to your home or business, heavy rain can lead to flooding and if lightning strikes on your property, it is at risk of a fire.  

If you know a storm is coming, take these initiatives to ensure safety:

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors.
• Unplug any electronic equipment.

During the storm, remain calm and be aware.

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with cords.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

After the Storm, BE SAFE! It may not be storming anymore but the damage can still affect you.

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to 911.

If you are caught off-guard to a dangerous storm that caused damage to your property, we have an Emergency Response Team 24/7 specially-trained to deal with the mess of a storm. Let SERVPRO Team Gutierrez be the experts you need in your time of crisis! 301-340-1313.

Be ready for Hurricane Season with our SERVPRO Ready Plan!

5/3/2024 (Permalink)

The hurricane season runs June 1 thru Nov. 30. Best be prepared with our SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan, or ERP.

Hurricane Season starts June 1 and weather forecasters are predicting an overactive storm season. Are you prepared for a big storm?

Now is a good time to have a plan – a SERVPRO® Ready Plan – in the event of an unexpected natural disaster!

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts overactive activity, with 24 named storms, 11 of which will become hurricanes and 6 of which will reach Category 3 status or stronger.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan, or ERP, is a FREE tool for property managers, risk managers and owners, both residential and commercial. It allows the user to create an emergency ready profile of their facility containing critical information to help speed up response time after fire or water damage. Help is then just a few clicks away.

Contact SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North at 301-340-1313 today so we can help you prepare your free ERP assessment!

Clean dryer vents often to prevent a fire

4/30/2024 (Permalink)

Empty or clean your dryer vent after each load to help prevent a fire disaster!

It can take minutes, but can prevent a fire that may cost a life or more.

Some 34% of home fires are caused by failure to clean the vent in a clothes dryer. A lint fire is a dangerous possibility. To avoid the hazard on lint buildup, occasionally pull out the vent and clean. Thoroughly dry the lint screen with a clean towel. You can also use a vacuum to clean the lint trap filter. SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

The National Fire Protection Agency gives us advice on how to keep your vents clean. Clean the lint filter before and after each load. It is vital to clean your dryer vents every so often to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs that your dryer vent may need to be cleaned:

• Drying times are taking longer.
• Your dryer is getting hot when you’re using it and your clothes are being damaged.
• You can’t see any steam or head any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, Team Gutierrez wants to make sure you are taking the right precautions to avoid a house fire. If you do experience a fire caused by your dyer or any other appliances in your home call us today! 301-340-1313.

Dealing with Severe Mold after 48 hours

4/30/2024 (Permalink)

Two days of water damage can turn into mold. Call the professionals for mitigation.

When it comes to residential water damage, there is a clear deadline that all technicians must follow. The 48-hour window is crucial for repairs. Up until this point, almost all flood affected materials can be dried and restored to their original condition.

After this point, repairs are still possible, but they are tough, and the outcome is not certain. Part of the reason for this is because two days is all that’s needed for flooding to turn into mold in homes.

At SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, we are trained to handle these severe cases and can use a variety of strategies to neutralize mold spores and prevent them from spreading. Keep reading to find out what happens to household materials after the window has passed and mold develops.

Carpeting
Heavily affected areas of carpet are hard to clean. Usually, it is more economical to remove and replace them. We can help you to do this, as we have a wealth of industry contacts. New flooring is installed only after the subflooring is completely dry. It requires the use of high-powered fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to draw water vapor out of materials. Concrete and cinder block surfaces respond very well to dehumidification and water extraction using motorized pumps.

Wallboard
Wallboard, which is not dry within 48 hours (after the initial incident), requires removal. However, it is rare for the whole wall to need disposal. The SERVPRO technicians measure 12 inches above the water line and take away all material beneath this boundary. It leaves a hole, which is helpful for drying. Fans are either pointed up into the cavity or placed inside it to deal with wet conditions between the boards. New wallboard only gets installed once the restoration experts have tested the moisture levels and found them to be safe and suitable.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North specialize in fast, effective mold damage repairs. Our remediation strategies are designed to protect your home from further damage and mold breakouts.

Call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez at (301) 340-1313. We're here to help 24/7!

Black Mold? Safer to call the professionals!

4/10/2024 (Permalink)

Mold exposure can be hazardous to our health. Leave it to our certified technicians for safe cleanup & mitigation.

We’ve all heard of black mold, but what exactly is it? And if your business or company headquarters have sightly signs of mold, they may discourage your customers and visitors.

One of the most obvious signs happens to be scent. Have you smelled something earthy or musty? Think of a late fall’s odor of rotting leaves or the smell of dirt on a rainy spring day.

Next, consider the environment in which you suspect the mold is inhabiting, and ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the area damp?
• Has the area previously been flooded?
• Does it get little to no exposure to light?

Black mold feeds off water-saturated materials such as cotton, drywall, cardboard and wood. It even thrives off of damp dust and lint.

If the scent of the mold leads you straight to where it is festering, examine the color but don’t get too close. In color, black mold is typically greenish-black and a bit slimy. However, it can also appear grayish and powdery.

Note other molds may appear similar in color, so it is impossible to determine which breed of mold is growing in your property unless it is examined under a microscope.

At the end of the day, this examination is expensive and unnecessary because whether it is black mold or not, mold must be removed for health and sanitary purposes.

If you detect mold, regardless of its color or texture, call the professionals to have it removed.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North are the area’s water & storm damage, and mold & mildew remediation experts. Large or small, we will restore your mold- and water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

Let SERVPRO Rockville take your facilities to the next level of Clean!

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

It's always important to keep commercial facilities such as businesses, hospitals & schools clean to protect everyone's health.

What the recent pandemic has taught the world is that clean and disinfected spaces, especially in public, continues to be key to keeping everyone safe and healthy.

With the country back to nearly 100 percent normal and most businesses and workplaces operating in person as usual, we want to remind our clients that it's still important to have buildings and facilities thoroughly cleaned to keep everyone safe from germs and other health hazards.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO® franchises throughout the country – including SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North and SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E – are here to help keep your customers and employees safe with our commercial cleaning services.

We use a proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. 

Our commercial clients include daycares, schools, government entities such as police & fire stations, hospitals, and condo & apartment buildings.

Give us a call today at 301-340-1313 and let our crews take your facilities to the next level of CLEAN!

Grill Season: A Safe BBQ is a Fun BBQ

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

A safe bbq is a fun bbq!

Spring is well under way and with nice, warm weather, who doesn't itch for those outdoor gatherings and grilling!

It's Barbecue Season, and while we want to enjoy a good barbecue with family & friends on our deck or yard, following some basic safety rules can help avoid disasters that would spoil the fun.

The fire chief of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service of Maryland offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a 3-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. NEVER use gasoline!
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Remember to keep your grill clean! Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• REMEMBER: Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

(Learn more about fire safety by visiting https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcfrs-info/tips/citizens/grill.html)

Grilling and BBQ fires are not to be taken lightly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an annual average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in or on residential properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million. 

For more safety tips, or if you have fire & smoke damages to your property, call SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North today at 301-340-1313 for professional remediation and restoration services. 

We are the fire & water cleanup and restoration experts, and can make your property damage "Like it never even happened."

Spring is nice, but best to be prepared!

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Get your property ready for those unexpected Spring & Summer rain storms!

Ahhh! Spring... balmy weather one day; frigid to near-freeze overnight. To don a sweater or not. To bring in plants or not...

Spring weather can be unpredictable, as many of us here in the Washington, D.C. region have experienced a time or two. Remember the heavy April snowfall over a decade ago? And the wind gusts of 20-30+ mph every now and then, like the storm our DMV experienced just over the weekend at end of March 2023.

While we can’t predict when severe weather hits, we can always plan for those unexpected storms to minimize injury to ourselves and damages to our properties. A viable plan of action for storms, floods, tornadoes, even fires, can save lives and costly repairs in the aftermath of severe weather that can occur, even within the same day.

Mark Twain said it best: “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

Preparing an emergency kit to keep on hand is a great start to advance planning for storms. Some items to include, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:
  • telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends
  • insurance and property information
  • telephone numbers of utility companies
  • medical information
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• A first-aid kit, which may include:
  • non-latex gloves
  • assortment of adhesive bandages
  • antibiotic ointment
  • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • absorbent compress dressings
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • adhesive cloth tape
  • aspirin packets

Being prepared & proactive for storms and severe weather can save lives and minimize costly repairs to damaged property. Oftentimes we have little if any time to prepare for an approaching storm. For families with young children, a mock emergency drill may be a fun yet helpful activity. Show them where to go; where emergency supplies are stored; and make sure everyone in the family knows where & how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home.

Preparedness and swift response may save a life or two!

When all’s settled and you find your damaged properties needing cleanup & restoration, call us – SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North – 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

We are the area’s water & storm damage experts and are always “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail. 

Windy, Dry Weather Conditions Can Enhance Threat of Wildfires

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Warm weather & dry conditions can spark a brush fire that can affect property. Take precautions!

Spring brings lots of sunshine and beautiful flowering trees in full bloom all around us, but the warmer weather and oftentimes strong winds can create dry conditions that can spark wildfires.

If you live in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. region long enough, you've likely experienced countless days of strong winds and dry conditions. It's common to receive warnings from the National Weather Service urging area residents to be careful with any source of ignition and to dispose of smoking materials properly during the warmer months.

In general, it's always wise to properly discard all smoking materials, as any dry grasses and tree litter can catch fire and that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly.

The NWS offers these safety tips:

• Take ashes outside, away from the house and combustible material.
• Put ashes in a metal bucket/container.
• Always use a metal container; never use a plastic or paper bag.
• Completely immerse the materials in water.
• Clear an area for the container — possibly down to dirt, ruling out the possibility that grass could catch fire if it were knocked over.
• Allow the contents to soak for at least a week.

Fire damage can have extremely catastrophic effects on your property. SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO® of Silver Spring North are the area’s fire & water damage experts and are always “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your fire- and water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313. We’re here to help!

Got MOLD? Leave it to your friends at SERVPRO Rockville-Olney!

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO recommends professional cleanup of mold infestation. Call us at 301-340-1313.

If you see visible mold on your property, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread this mold infestation throughout your building, office, store, or other property. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores that become airborne and can circulate inside the building. This can create or worsen health effects for your employees, customers and you.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North for cleanup & mitigation.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO® of Silver Spring North specialize in mold cleanup and remediation; in fact, it is a cornerstone of our businesses. Our crews are highly-trained restoration professionals who use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If you see signs of Mold, call us today at 301-340-1313.

We do more than Fire & Water restoration: We provide Business Cleaning Needs

3/13/2024 (Permalink)

We do more than fire & water restoration: We provide business cleaning needs for commercial property owners and managers.

You work hard every day to build your business, so the last thing you need to deal with is a disruption to your daily functions. But accidents -both large and small - can happen at any time. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & SERVPRO of Silver Spring North can help during those times with specialty cleaning for your commercial property.

Whether it’s duct cleaning, odor removal, graffiti removal, biohazard cleaning services… Let SERVPRO® Team Gutierrez certified technicians handle these specialty cleaning projects for your business and commercial properties.  

Providing Your Business Cleaning Needs

We have the equipment and experience to get the job done, whether you have a routine need, like air duct and HVAC system cleaning, or face a major emergency, such as biohazard and crime scene cleanup. Our professionals are skilled and work with the most advanced cleaning products and techniques to clean & restore your commercial property, so you can focus on work and growing your business.

Team Gutierrez can create a custom cleaning plan for the business or property owner, followed by our best-in-class cleaning and disinfecting services, and finishing with a certification they can share with their patrons and staff. Rest assured all our crew members and products adhere to Centers for Disease Control and local cleaning guidelines.

Call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & SERVPRO of Silver Spring North today at 301-340-1313. We are locally-owned and operating for 44+ years, and always open & ready to help! 

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North Stand Ready to Help in Any Situation

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

Count on the experts, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, for cleanup & restoration needs!

Thank goodness the Covid pandemic is behind us although there are still small cases going around,  safety precautions are always a good idea to help keep everyone safe.

SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO® of Silver Spring North want our customers to remember that we are certified specialists in cleaning services and continue to stand ready 24/7 to respond to any cleanup and restoration situation.

Our Crews Are Specially Trained

Our crew members are specially trained and certified to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have more than 40 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work regularly performed by janitorial companies.

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

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

Call Us Today to Make a Plan

For deep cleaning and sanitization, and restoration, call the experts today – SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO® of Silver Spring North – (301) 340-1313. Team Gutierrez is here to help 24/7!

Keeping schools, daycares & other buildings SERVPRO-clean is good for public safety

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

When a structure is sanitized & disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left at the structure.

Thank goodness we have moved forward since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020!

While Covid is still around and most of us are protected with multiple vaccines, those unprecedented times have made us realize the importance of keeping public facilities such as schools, daycares, hospitals, government buildings cleaned and sanitized. It's for everyone's safety.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North continue to provide the SERVPRO certified cleaning program designed to provide communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized and disinfected to minimize harmful pathogens.  

When businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers and community can rest assured they’ve selected a higher standard of clean – Certified SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC).  

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, as well as our sister franchises SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, we continue with our disinfecting service as businesses small & large are in keeping their workplaces safe for employees and customers. Our crews use special equipment to provide this Covid cleaning; equipment such as the Electrostatic Disinfectant Spray, for example, and fogging  devices are effective in covering even those harder-to-reach spots around offices and work environments. Our goal: to help keep our communities safe and protected.  

How would you know if a business has had a SERVPRO-certified cleaning? If a structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left at the structure, as well as a separate window decal that is dated by our crews to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected.  

Our CSC program gives patrons and employees peace of mind that the space has been protected by SERVPRO, an authority on what it means to be clean.

Contact us today at 301-340-1313 if we can help. We are locally-owned and operating for 44+ years, and always open & ready to help!  

Team Gutierrez stands ready for storm damage response large or small

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

Our crews at SERVPRO Team Gutierrez are always ready to respond to storm damage of any size. Count on us!

Disasters call for swift response.

Which is why our crew chiefs & teams at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North stand ready for when & where help is needed.

Extreme cold weather, which can strike anytime in the Northeast including Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia, can cause frozen pipes that result in water damage. The water damage can be extensive, such as those in tall buildings that can cause water to trickle down from the top and wreak havoc to ceilings and walls in addition to floorings, furniture and other items.

In homes, where pipes are unheated or partially heated, are also at risk of freezing. 

Another potential hazard to consider as the snow/ice begins to melt is damage to your roof and ice dams. An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger. 

Our SERVPRO experts offer these suggestions: 

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety.

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What Not To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Routine duct cleaning keeps indoor air safe & extends HVAC system's life span

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Routine duct cleaning is recommended to keep your indoor air safe, and your HVAC system running efficiently.

Dust, pet dander and other containments from everyday living are circulated through your ducts and can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC heating & cooling system, causing it to work much harder. Keeping the ductwork clean can extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which saves you money.

Duct Cleaning can:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Offensive Odors

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, keeping your ductwork clean should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

These contaminants from day-to-day living are sucked into your HVAC system and recirculated throughout your home over and over. This causes a buildup over time inside the ductwork. This buildup can cause problems for people with asthma and other respiratory health conditions, auto immune disorders, and environmental allergies. 

The EPA’s website states: “In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.”

Cleaning your ducts can sweep away years of dust and dirt, helping to reduce potential for damage and health risks.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. This includes certain odors as well. In these cases a Duct Cleaning Professional can often restore the ductwork to pre-damage condition. It is also recommended that you have the ductwork cleaned after buying a home or after a renovation. Just like carpet cleaning, having your ductwork cleaned should be part of your home maintenance routine. 

Call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North today to schedule a cleaning! 301-340-1313.

Frequent dryer vent cleaning can help prevent a fire

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Routine cleaning of your dryer vent can prevent a home fire.

Did you know that 34% of home fires are caused by failure to clean the vent in a clothe dryer?

A lint fire is a dangerous possibility. To avoid the hazard on lint buildup, occasionally pull out the vent and clean. Thoroughly dry the lint screen with a clean towel. You can also use a vacuum to clean the lint trap filter. SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

The National Fire Protection Agency suggests we clean the lint filter before and after each load. It is vital to clean your dryer vents every so often to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs that your dryer vent may need to be cleaned:

• Drying times are taking longer.
• Your dryer is getting hot when you’re using it and your clothes are being damaged.
• You can’t see any steam or hear any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.

If you do experience a fire caused by your dryer or any other appliances in your home, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North at 301-340-1313. Our teams stand ready 24/7 to clean up and restore your property from fire, smoke, water, mold and biohazards such as sewer and graffiti.

Spring is near... but stay prepared for late winter storm!

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Blue sky and balmy weather are nice, but stay prepared for late-winter surprises!

Our DMV region has enjoyed some balmy weather most of February... until the next cold blast with temps dipping back to the 20s overnight next the week!

But that's the norm in DC and Maryland! Balmy weather one day; frigid to near-freeze temperature the next. To wear a sweater or not. To bring in the plants or not…

Spring weather can be unpredictable, as many of us here in the Washington, D.C. region have experienced a time or two. Remember the heavy April snowfall over a decade ago? And the wind gusts of 20-30+ mph every now and then?

While we can’t predict when severe weather hits, we can always plan for those unexpected storms to minimize injury to ourselves and damages to our properties. A viable plan of action for storms, floods, tornadoes, even fires, can save lives and costly repairs in the aftermath of severe weather that can occur, even within the same day.

Mark Twain said it best: “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

Preparing an emergency kit to keep on hand is a great start to advance planning for storms. Some items to include, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:
  • telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends
  • insurance and property information
  • telephone numbers of utility companies
  • medical information
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• A first-aid kit, which may include:
  • non-latex gloves
  • assortment of adhesive bandages
  • antibiotic ointment
  • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • absorbent compress dressings
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • adhesive cloth tape
  • aspirin packets

Being prepared & proactive for storms and severe weather can save lives and minimize costly repairs to damaged property. Oftentimes we have little if any time to prepare for an approaching storm. For families with young children, a mock emergency drill may be a fun yet helpful activity. Show them where to go; where emergency supplies are stored; and make sure everyone in the family knows where & how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home.

Preparedness and swift response may save a life or two!

When all’s settled and you find your damaged properties needing cleanup & restoration, call us – SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North – 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

We are the area’s water & storm damage experts and are always “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Black, Gray or Clean Water. What's the Difference?

12/28/2023 (Permalink)

If you have flood water in your home or business recently, may have it checked out for toxic contaminants.

If you have flood water in your home, you’ll probably wonder how safe the water is.

Should you retrieve possessions from the puddles left behind? If you forgot to wear gloves and boots, will soap and water be enough to rid the germs from your hands?

Those are excellent questions.

First, you must identify the water source.

Clean water will not cause an immediate threat. It contains no contaminants and originates from toilet holding tanks, snow melt, rain, appliances such as a broken refrigerator, air conditioning units, etc.

Gray water contains chemical or biological contaminates, and therefore, may pose some health risk. It originates from washing machines, showers, sinks, aquariums, etc.

Black water causes an immediate threat due to the expected contaminants in it, including but not limited to, viruses, bacteria and protozoan. This water originates from toilets and floodwaters. Oftentimes, after a flood, water collect soils, sewage, etc. which contain harmful contaminants, which explains why it’s marked as "black water." 

However, please note that as these waters sit, they can advance to a more serious level. For instance, after sitting for two days, clean water can turn into gray water. This is why water removal should be handled immediately.

Contact with contaminated water can cause vomiting, nausea, parasitic illness and fever.

If you’re not sure of the source, contact a professional.                           

If you’re dealing with gray or black water, it’s very important to get help as soon as possible. Keep in mind that if it’s clean water, and it’s been sitting for over 48 hours, it should be treated as a gray water problem.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, we are water damage and biohazard experts. We will efficiently restore any water damage and carefully treat and disinfect your home, so you feel safe in it again.

Take a look at our website for more details: www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/sewage-cleanup

Does your Rockville, Silver Spring North, Olney, Sandy Spring, or Laytonsville home or office need restoration or cleanup? Call us today at 301-340-1313, and we will give you peace of mind!

Christmas & holiday tree safety tips

12/28/2023 (Permalink)

Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year. Follow these safety tips to prevent such disasters.

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show the holidays are a high-risk time for home fires. Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year, and other holiday decorations are the cause of another 1,170 fires.

Here are some tips to keep your home safe this holiday season: 

•Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

•Keep trees at least 3 feet away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process.

•Use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying of the tree.

•Always inspect light sets before placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.

•Do not overload electrical circuits.

•Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house and before going to bed.

•Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.

•Install and ensure smoke alarms work inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

In the unfortunate event you have a fire, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, 301-340-1313. We are here 24/7 to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez wishes you a safe & joyous holiday season!

Water stains on your ceiling? Call us ASAP!

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney as soon as possible to get those water stains on your ceilings checked out!

Water stains aren’t something to ignore. Instead, they are indicators of an urgent matter!

If you see water stain(s) on your ceiling, you should request help promptly.

Water stains can mean:

• Leaky pipe(s)
• Old caulking
• Problem with roof
• Poor insulation

Whatever is above your ceiling is typically the source of the moisture issue. Is your property’s roof or a bathroom above the water stain? That may just be the source of the problem. However, if you cannot determine a water source above the stain, you may have a leaky pipe.

Water seepage from old caulking or piping in disrepair are other common sources of water stains. It’s very important that damaged or old pipes are replaced to avoid leaking or “sweating.”

After a snowstorm or even a rain downpour, water stains can show up on your ceiling. For instance, rain can leak through from the gutter. Therefore, you have a roofing issue upon your property.

However, if an ice dam forms on your roof and water is able to seep in, it’s a good indicator of a need to improve the insulation.

Sometimes, a professional may need to remove a portion of the ceiling, and possibly the wall, to completely restore and fix the affected area for good.

Remember, don't put off too long to deal with the stain! Applying a quick coat of paint over the stain can make a temporarily, cosmetic difference, but oftentimes, the stain will bleed right through the new paint.

Instead, call a professional to ensure the source of the water is correctly identified and handled properly. Ignoring the issue can lead to expensive repairs. It’s much better to catch the problem sooner than having to have sections of your ceiling teared down and replaced.

Call Team Gutierrez at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North to have water stains in your home or office checked out. We are the area’s water damage experts and are “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property with efficiency and detail.

We are here 24/7. 301-340-1313.   

Best to call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez when it comes to water damage restoration!

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to further problems if not taken care of swiftly. SERVPRO Rockville-Olney has the manpower & equipment to respond quickly.

When a flood or any other water events like supply line break or pipe break destroys your home or business, it's crucial to act quickly by acquiring professional flood restoration services, like those offered by SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North. Cleaning up water damage involves more than just drying and wiping the residue away.

Additionally, delaying makes the damage worse because the water will seep into the walls, furnishings, floors, which may result in mildew and mold growth. Water mitigation can be devastating, but when one gets professional services, restoring the home becomes easier and you can put the traumatic event behind.

Water damage mitigation

Water/flood damage is the destructive process that occurs when water gets into a building. This can be caused by a pipe break, supply line break, or floods after heavy rains. Water in a home or water in a business can cause damage like oxidation of metal (rust), rotting wood, composite building materials delamination, and microbial growth. Immediately water seeps into the building materials, a chemical reaction begins to occur hence breaking down the strength of the material. In case water cleanup and drying aren't done immediately, the stability of the structure can be compromised. This makes the flooded home unsafe for human occupancy. Sometimes the effect just comes from a simple pipe break.

Restoration Solutions

The first step for handling flood damage when you have a flooded home is emergency mitigation. This involves locating the cause of the problem (be it a pipe leak or a supply line break) and eliminating the problem. The next step in managing water in home or water in business damage would be assessing the water damage and any dangers to humans. All these services are to be handled by licensed and trained water cleanup professionals. What follows is the drying and dehumidifying of all the affected areas.

After our SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney team assesses the property, equipment as well as other items to know if the contents can be restored are brought in. Mold mitigation services may be necessary as they help get rid of any microbial growth associated with a flooded home.

Once the structure is safe for occupation, your family or employees can get back to their normal operations.

Reasons to get professional help

Rapid restoration
Tackling the task of restoring your flooded home or business after flood damage can be slow and exhausting. This increase the probability of further damage especially when the cause of the problem, like supply line break or pipe break, hasn't been addressed. By working with SERVPRO, water damage mitigation becomes manageable. The water cleanup and drying process is handled efficiently and quickly by flood damage professionals with the right equipment.

Preventing mold and mildew
In case you have experienced mildew or mold after water in home or water in business, you know how hard it is to get rid of the problem. Prompt water and flood damage restoration can reduce the chances of mold growth.

Insurance issues
When you have water or flood damage coverage, the mitigation firm will assist you to deal with the needed procedures and forms. Here at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, our team can help to document the losses they so that they can get the proper settlement from the insurance company. 

Although hiring restoration experts may cost a bit more, the expenses can't compare to the costs incurred if you do nothing or decide to handle the restoration by yourself. Oftentimes there are problems beyond the wet surface that the non-professional eyes cannot see. It's always best to call a professional when it comes to water damage!

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & SERVPRO of Silver Spring North Team Gutierrez is always here to help. 301-340-1313.

SERVPRO uses different mold mitigation method for different surfaces

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Mold, if not treated properly and efficiently, can lead to other problems in the home, and to your health. SERVPRO Team Gutierrez can help!

Mold is often undetectable in homes until it has become a significant problem. Not every type of mold has that distinctive, ‘musty’ odor and if the growth started behind a wall or in the attic, the smell is not noticeable until the mold has grown into a large colony of spores.

Restoring a home due to the effects of mold damage is a task that needs a professional service. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and our sister franchises SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt/Beltsville have trained crews on 24-hour notice to support our neighbors and customers. We have some of the best-trained personnel in the industry to safely remove & remediate mold from the property.

The technicians first determine the type of surface infested. This inspection decides both the cleaning methods needed and how much time may be required to complete the job. We usually divide surfaces into porous, nonporous and semi-porous categories.

Porous surfaces are typically building materials and fabrics; drywall and upholstery for example. They are often cleanable, but if the mold is very thick or has grown into the material, we dispose of it. Our cleaning methods for these surfaces involve vacuuming them with special HEPA filters that catch tiny amounts of loose mold, even a single spore.

After vacuuming, we move on to using spray bottles with an antimicrobial cleaner and foaming agents to dampen the surface. Wetting loosens the mold and allows technicians to remove it with cloths and sponges.

Nonporous surfaces are the easiest to clean. This category includes metal and glass tabletops, as well as marble and smooth stone kitchen countertops. In many cases, we can remove the mold with dry cloths and sponges. Technicians wipe down the surfaces from top to bottom to prevent accidentally leaving spores at the top or along the sides. If the mold layer is thick, we vacuum it first before dry wiping.

Semi-porous surfaces (concrete and wood decks for example) require methods not acceptable on other surfaces. Affected surfaces may need sanding to wire brushing and other abrasive tools to dig out the mold. The cleaners we use on these surfaces would mar or otherwise destroy glass and metal surfaces. If mold has penetrated the surface of the wood or concrete, technicians may have to sand them down by hand or with a power sander to remove it.

Returning your home to its pre-mold condition is not a quick or easy set of processes. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, Silver Spring North and SERVPRO of Laurel/Greenbelt-Beltsville have years of experience in helping our customers through each step, to put you back into your home.

Call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez at 301-340-1313 in Montgomery County, or 301-323-8862 in Prince George's County today to set up a free assessment.

Safety tips to keep your Christmas season merry!

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Use these safety tips in your Montgomery County residence or commercial building to make it a safe holiday season!

Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! Can you believe it?

During the winter holiday season, we notice a pattern of catastrophes, many dealing with Christmas trees. While they’re beautiful to look at, Christmas trees can cause a lot of issues if not properly taken care of.

To avoid hazards such as a tree fire, house fire, outlet overload, and even electrocution, follow the tips below to keep you and your family safe and happy during this 2023 holiday season!

• Water your tree daily! A dry tree can quickly transform into a tree in flames.
• Do not connect more than three strings of lights.
• Got cords? Keep them away from heat sources. Do not nail or staple them either. Placing them under a rug isn’t a safe idea. Neither is completely shutting a door or closing a window with a cord running through it. This is a fire hazard.
• Plugging in too many appliances can overload the outlet. 
• Before plugging in appliances, lights, yard decorations, etc., make sure your sockets are in good condition and that wires are not bare. Oftentimes, we use these decorations or particular outlets once a year, so it’s important to carefully inspect them.
• Turn off and unplug any lights before going to sleep or leaving your home. Extinguish any candles before leaving the vicinity.
• Cooking or baking for the holidays? Make sure to stay in the kitchen when doing so.
• Use battery-operated candles instead of candles with actual flames.
• Water and electricity do NOT mix well. Be careful your string lights are not touching or partially in the tree’s water bowl. Additionally, snow=water. Make sure you are dry when plugging in outdoor lights. Dry your hands from any falling elements such as rain and snow before dealing with electricity.
• It’s cold! But be careful where you place space heaters. They should always be at least 3 feet away from furniture, etc. and even farther from Christmas trees.

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North wish you a Merry Christmas and safe holiday season!

For more fire safety tips, visit our website:

www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/fire-damage-tips

Certified with decades of experience to respond to disasters

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & our sister franchises take pride in our well-certified staff and decades of fire & water restoration experience.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, and our Prince George’s County counterparts, SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, have decades of fire and water restoration experience in helping our customers, and we pride ourselves in having one of the most well-trained technicians in the business.

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup, restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event, as well as mold and biohazard mitigation. 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.

Here are some of our Certifications:

• IICRC - Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• RRP - Lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting
• 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

All our four SERVPRO franchises - Rockville-Olney, Silver Spring North, Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E - are IICRC firms. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals. Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Our office phones are staffed 24/7 for emergencies. Call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez at 301-340-1313 in Montgomery County, or 301-323-8862 in Prince George's County today if we can help with restoration needs!

Winter Weather is coming. Are you prepared?

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

Take these simple steps to ensure your home is ready for winter weather.

Most of us would probably rather hibernate for the winter than deal with any of the home maintenance tasks that come along with owning property during the wintry months. 

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North would like to remind you that your winter will be much better if you take steps now to prevent any winter weather-related disasters or accidents happening in & around the home!

Here are some helpful tips for winter preparedness in the coming weeks...

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes that could freeze.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off."
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of "puff backs." A puff back occurs when your oil burner backfires and shoots smoke and soot into your home or business. Puff backs can cause anything from minor inconvenience to severe damage to your property and heating system. 

Don't overlook these tips as you head into the winter months and holiday season. Keep your home safe and secure so that you can focus on staying warm and enjoying the season with your loved ones this winter! 

In the unfortunate event you have storm, water or smoke damage, restoration help is a phone call away: Team Gutierrez of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North 301-340-1313.

Preparing for colder temperature

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

Insulate your water pipes can help protect from cold temperature burst.

With Winter approaching, there are simple steps that can be taken to ensure your home is ready to withstand the cold temperatures. Most steps are inexpensive and take little time, but can help avoid property damage that can be costly to repair.  

Following are a few tips to consider before Winter arrives:

1) Seal off drafty windows and patio doors with clear plastic.

2) Insulate the hot water lines around your hot water heater and turn down the temperature to the "warm" setting.

3) Replace your furnace filter.

4) Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs when no one is home.

5) Keep all vents and baseboard heaters clean.

6) Install foam insulators behind the face plates of light switches and electrical outlets.

7) Remove any window unit air conditioners.

8) Shut the vents in rooms that aren't used.

In the unfortunate event you experience a pipe burst or other water damage in your home or business, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring is here to help 24/7 and just a phone call away. 301-340-1313.

Time to Winterize Your Property, to Avoid Pipe Bursts & Other Water Issues

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

Pipe burst or other water-related damages? SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney is a phone call away. 301-340-1313

With Winter just weeks away, we are reminding our customers & friends in Montgomery County and surrounding Maryland areas to walk around your home and yard and take a few simple steps to winterize your property.

The below 30 temperatures can freeze exposed water pipes. In the event you have frozen pipes, take these steps to be safe and help prevent further damage:

• First, find your home’s main water supply and shut it off.

• Next, turn off your main electrical supply to reduce the risk of electrical shock and damage to circuits and electrical appliances.
• If the water comes from a hot water pipe, shut the main valve to your hot water heater as well.
• Call a plumber for help as soon as possible.
• Your safety is most important. Please do not attempt potentially dangerous repairs. Be aware of submerged electrical outlets, appliances or chemicals that may be inside standing water.

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) offers the following tips to winterize your pipes and doors & windows this winter:

• Make sure to drain outdoor water spigots and winterize water pipes. You can winterize water pipes by locating your hose bib shut-off valve, which may be in a basement or crawl space, and turning it off at the source. For extra protection, purchase a Styrofoam cover that attaches over the outdoor spigots to keep them from freezing.
• You may also want to shut off water to exterior faucets and drain sprinkler systems for extra protection against freezing pipes and water lines.
• Heat lost through windows and doors can account for up to 30 percent of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To keep heat in the house, look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, check seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed. While these do-it-yourself fixes can reduce heat loss, a professional energy assessment can provide additional insights into areas where you may be losing heat and recommend fixes. Call your utility company to ask about their services or get a recommendation for a pro.

Check out this article from the AARP website for more tips to winterize your home and save money:

www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-10-2012/8-ways-to-save-money-this-winter.html

In the event you experience pipe bursts and other water-related damages to your home or business property, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & SERVPRO of Silver Spring North are available 24/7 to respond to water damage emergencies. We are a water & fire cleanup and restoration company and can do the job right the first time!

Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

Tips for Purer Air in Your Home

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

There are many benefits to having house plants!

Why not show your home or office some love during this time of year! Not only can plants and candles add beauty and pleasant scent to your spaces, they have health benefits as well, by purifying the indoor air and add a sense of calm.

Below are a few tips to improve the quality of your already amazing property:

• Buy a few beeswax candles (but be sure to never leave them unattended!). Beeswax candles are amazing air purifiers due to their release of negative ions, which cancel out many of the already existing positive ions in the air, which have been released from dust, pollen, etc.
• Not into candles? Salt lamps have the same effect!
• Invest in house plants! Just make sure they are pet friendly if you have a four-legged friend in the household! House plants have numerous benefits, including an increase in oxygen, allergy relief and mood-boosting properties. They also absorb toxins. A few house plants to consider:
  • Bamboo
  • Spider plant
  • English ivy
  • Dragon tree
  • Peace lily
• Activated charcoal also purifies the air. Additionally, it removes odor.
  • Have a smelly refrigerator in the work lounge or in your kitchen? Both activated charcoal and baking soda work as agents to eliminate odor. Just place an opened jar or bowl of activated charcoal or an opened box of baking soda inside the refrigerator, and say goodbye to that smell!
• Smell something different? Something musty? It could be mold! Have your home checked by a professional (such as your SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North!) as mold can be hazardous to breathe in.
• Replace older appliance and fixtures with newer, energy-efficient ones. 

And if you do have visible mold, our SERVPRO technicians can clean up & mitigate. Just give us a call, 301-340-1313.

Does Mold Die in the Winter?

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

If you see condensation on windows from inside, be sure to dry the area! Keeping windows closed keeps out the cold, but also shuts out ventilation.

Another cold front is on its way to Maryland and as the area gets more of those as Winter arrives, you may wonder if mold is still a concern even in extreme cold temperatures. Will snow or ice wipe it out?

Unfortunately, no. If you were trying to find a benefit of painfully cold temperatures, this certainly isn’t one.

While the cold can deactivate mold spores, warmer weather has the ability to quickly reactivate them. The spores will then begin to grow again. So watch out! The cold winter months of the Rockville, Olney and Silver Spring region does not put your home or office in the clear from mold growth.

Here are a few tips to prevent mold growth in your home or commercial property during the winter months:

• Make sure your pipes are insulated to ensure they will not crack or burst
• Check the seals on your windows and doors. Are they in good condition? This is important in keeping moisture out!
• Is there water collecting on the ground around your building? Sometimes snowmelt can create puddles, which turns into moisture seeping into your home or office. If this is the case, find a way to drain the water (ground around your building should slope away from the foundation).
• If you are indoors and see condensation on pipes, windows or walls, dry the area completely and investigate the cause. Is there a leak? Is there a reason why there is high humidity?
  • Oftentimes, there will be high humidity in a building during the winter due to lack of ventilation. Having the windows closed will keep the cold air out, but also shuts out ventilation/fresh air.

If you experience a mold issue or simply want to have your home or commercial building inspected, contact SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney or SERVPRO of Silver Spring North. We are the area’s mold damage mitigation experts, serving the area for 43+ years! 301-340-1313.

Mold: We cannot ignore it, but we can prevent it

11/16/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can grow just about anywhere in our home or business. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney can help with mold remediation.

Mold can be found just about anywhere around us, and there’s always some level of mold or mildew in our home or business building.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your home:

• Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home’s humidity at a home improvement store. Humidity levels change over the course of a day so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Be sure the air in your home flows freely. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after a flood.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. You can buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away. Think about not using carpet in places like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
• To learn more about preventing mold in your home, see the Environmental Protection Agency’s book A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home at www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf

To learn more about mold, how to clean it and whether to test for mold in your home, check out this article by CDC:

www.cdc.gov/mold/control_mold.htm

In the event you have severe and visible mold in your home or business, leave it to Team Gutierrez at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North. We are the experts on mold remediation, as well as fire & water cleanup and restoration. Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

Got MOLD? Leave it to your friends at SERVPRO Rockville-Olney!

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North are the experts on restoring fire, water and mold damage. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold can be visible or not.

If you see visible mold in your office or other commercial property, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread this mold infestation throughout your building, office, store, or other structures. When mold is disturbed, it can release microscopic mold spores that become airborne and can circulate inside the building. This can create or worsen health effects for your employees, customers and you.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North specialize in mold cleanup and restoration; in fact, it is a cornerstone of our businesses. Our crews are highly-trained restoration professionals who use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 301-340-1313. We are here to help!

How to recover damaged items after flooding

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

It’s essential to dry items within 48 hours after a house flood, if you want to salvage your goods.

If you’ve ever experienced a house flood, you might have lost a few items, or maybe you lost most of your possessions depending on the extent of the waters and how long you waited to dry your furnishings, accessories and trinkets.

If you want to salvage your goods after experiencing a flood, it’s essential you dry items within a 48-hour timeframe.

We want to offer some tips & suggestions on how to salvage your items:

• Improve air circulation! Don’t contain the moisture. Instead, open windows and doors. If there are no windows or doors leading outside in the particular room, open closet and cabinet doors.
• Turn on a fan! It can either be a ceiling fan, a floor fan, or both. However, please do not plug a fan into an outlet attached to a wall that is wet or has water behind it. That’s an easy way to get electrocuted.
• Use a dehumidifier. These remove water vapor from the air. To be effective, it must be used in a contained area. Be sure to shut all doors and windows during use to prohibit more humidity from entering.
• Use a sump pump. These remove water out of house or office through a hose or pipe. They’re useful when the floodwater level is more than a couple inches deep. 
• Got soaked items? Quick! Take them out of your house. Allow them to dry off in the sun. Keeping them indoors will ensure nothing ever dries up as their excessive moisture will travel to surrounding objects.
• Try a wet-dry shop vacuum. Never use a regular vacuum cleaner. A shop vac is specifically made for wet conditions.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, we are water damage restoration experts. With the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and certified technicians, you can trust us to clean up and restore your property back to how it used to be! We also offer content restoration, as oftentimes our customers want to salvage and not discard their valuables, even furniture and paintings... Ask us about content restoration!

You can review our water damage restoration process here:

https://www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/water-damage-restoration

Give SERVPRO Team Gutierrez a call at 301-340-1313 if we can help!

Enjoy the BBQs, Fireworks & Fun, But Be Safe!

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

A backyard fire may seem fun, but there are risks so be safe!

Summer is traditionally known for fireworks, barbeques and picnics – all musts for major celebrations especially July Fourth!

While putting on a firework show at your own home may seem fun, there are many risks. If lighting fireworks is not legal in your residential area there could be a large fine. Moreover, keep in mind the potential dangers that could occur as a result of fireworks, such as severe burns, blindness and scars.

Kids should not be near or handling the firecrackers or rockets. Supervise children around fireworks at all times. To avoid the dangers of fireworks, enjoy a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.

If you choose to give your children sparklers, never leave children unattended with these. It is possible to get burned by the tip of the sparkler. Make sure your children do not point the sparklers towards themselves or others. Keep a bucket of water nearby for when your child is finished with the sparkler to ensure that the sparkler is no longer lit.

Take precaution for your pets, too! Leave your pets inside your home so there are no risks. Loud fireworks and unfamiliar places can be scary to pets.

Remember these tips when grilling:

• Never grill in an enclosed area, as carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Use caution when using lighter fluid on a barbeque. Do not add fluid to an already-lit fire, as the flame can flash back into the container and explode.
• Make sure children are away from the grill.

Have fun this summer and stay safe!

Know who to call in the event you have fire or water damage in your home or business. Our emergency response teams at SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North are here 24/7 to help! 301-340-1313.

Be Prepared for Those Unpredictable Summer Storms

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to secure your property for those unexpected storms in Maryland.

Summer in Rockville, Olney and other parts of Maryland brings lots of sunshine and pleasant warm weather. It also offers a fair share of storms.

The NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) predicts a 30% chance of an above-normal season for the Hurricane 2023 season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Our Maryland region has seen recent storms with heavy rain and strong winds, causing trees and powerlines to fall in some counties including Montgomery & Prince George's counties. Lightning, thunder, flying debris and hail can also occur during these storms.

Just last week our emergency services team responded to a residential loss pertaining to a tree that fell on the side of a townhome during a thunderstorm. Our team tarped the affected area to prevent further damage to the home. This emergency tarping prevented other elements, such as rain and dust, from entering inside the cracks and openings of the siding, which the fallen tree caused.

Here are a few tips to make your property more secure during a storm:

Get your roof and foundation checked out. Are there any cracks in your roof? If so, call a professional to have it repaired ASAP.

Remove any tree branches that pose risk to breaking a window, for example. Getting a tree trimming before the summer storm season begins is a wise idea.

Invest in storm windows.

Bring all patio furniture, grills, etc. indoors before the storm hits.

Tightly secure outdoor items you cannot bring indoors.

Bring potted plants inside until the storm passes over.

If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside it before the storm hits.

If you must evacuate due to the storm, secure and board up windows.

We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you an enjoyable and safe summer!

SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney – along with our sister franchises SERVPRO® of Silver Spring North, SERVPRO® of Laurel and Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E – is a full-service restoration company that specializes in the cleanup, restoration & reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. We also mitigate mold & mildew, and biohazards from your home or business.

Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313 and let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

Is Black Mold Growing in Your Home or Office?

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

Visible mold is a sure sign there's more to it than meets the eye. We can help!

We’ve all heard of black mold, but what exactly is it? Take a look at our website to find out, then return to this blog post to discover how you can identify black mold in your own home or office.

https://www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/black-mold

One of the most obvious signs happens to be scent. Have you smelled something earthy or musty? Think of a late fall’s odor of rotting leaves or the smell of dirt on a rainy spring day.

Next, consider the environment in which you suspect the mold is inhabiting, and ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the area damp?
• Has the area previously been flooded?
• Does it get little to no exposure to light?

Black mold feeds off water-saturated materials such as cotton, drywall, cardboard, and wood. It even thrives off of damp dust and lint.

If the scent of the mold leads you straight to where it is festering, examine the color but don’t get too close. In color, black mold is typically greenish-black and a bit slimy. However, it can also appear grayish and powdery.

Note other molds may appear similar in color, so it is impossible to determine which breed of mold is growing in your property unless it is examined under a microscope.

At the end of the day, this examination is expensive and unnecessary because whether it is black mold or not, mold must be removed for health and sanitary purposes.

If you detect mold, regardless of its color or texture, call the professionals to have it removed.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North are experienced and trusted companies that will get the job done promptly and carefully.

Call us at (301) 340-1313 today!

Quick water removal can prevent further damage

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

Quick removal of water is crucial and can prevent further damages to your home or business.

SERVPRO is well known to be 'Faster to any size disaster,' and this quality provides many benefits for home and business owners of waterlogged properties. When a pipe has burst apart, or a tub overflowed, your home or business needs to have that excess water removed as quickly as possible.

Homes in Rockville, Olney, Silver Spring North and throughout Montgomery County, MD that have excess water from disasters such as pipe failures and forgotten tubs dry out best when SERVPRO is called. Pumping out any water that is visible upon our arrival helps us gain a better visual so we can more easily assess the extent of the overall damage.

Larger amounts of porous materials require more aggressive drying methods than materials that are less porous. 

Removing water starts the process, but then we need to move toward removing the moisture that has escaped into the air through evaporation. This moisture can find its way into every part of your home and create problems later unless it is captured and removed. Dehumidifiers, heaters, air movers, and even open windows can work wonders when used together. Moisture meters provide us with a beginning reading of areas in your home or business, which are compared to later readings, showing us our progress in drying out your property.

When dry, remaining problems can still exist, such as unusual odors. This is because odors are caused by particles that although tiny, produce smells when they have been disturbed. We can rectify this problem with odor control methods. Other problems that can remain behind include over-stretched carpeting, and SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North can remedy that, too.

Because floors are always saturated in a situation where standing water exists, we take great care in ensuring that these surfaces are completely dry. This prevents warping of wooden floors and sub-flooring. Otherwise, walking in your home may soon become hazardous for your family and guests.

In situations that have left your home partially submerged, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

We can begin water removal efforts so that your home is once again as it should be - perfectly dry. Accidents can occur at all hours of the day and night, and because of this, we are always here to help!

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Storms

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to help keep your pets safe during storms

Like us, pets can face a lot of anxiety during a storm.

If you know a storm is approaching, or see the first sign of one, immediately bring your pet(s) indoors. Animals can become disoriented and panicky when witnessing intense conditions, and it’s not uncommon for them to wander away under these circumstances.

Also, if a veterinarian has prescribed your pet(s) any anxiety medication, administer the medication to them as soon as possible.

It’s also important your pets wear ID tags, or better yet, are microchipped. If they do get lost, they will be much easier to identify and more quickly returned to you.

It’s very common for your pet(s) to become frightened when they hear thunder or feel the house shake due to high winds. In case of emergency, in an instance where you have to pick them up and flee your home, be sure to remember their favorite hiding spaces. This way, you won’t waste time wandering around your home in search of them.

If you are leaving your home, it’s best to bring your pet(s) with you. Create a list of surrounding lodging choices that are pet-friendly. See if you could drop off your furry friend(s) at a friend or relative’s home, or call to see if any boarding kennels have space.

If you are staying home, keep your pets away from windows as much as possible. In a state of panic, your pets could either try jumping out (however, your windows should definitely be shut), or something may cause your window to shatter, sending pieces of broken glass everywhere.

In the event heavy rains begin to come inside your home, and it begins to flood, move yourself and your pet(s) to the highest location inside your home; they can take shelter in cabinets or shelving.

A few tips include moving your pet inside a room with no carpeting, in case of bathroom emergency, and having a fresh supply of water readily available, as you do not want your pet to dehydrate. Taking them to a veterinarian would be nearly impossible in the case of a serious weather crisis.

Additionally, make sure there are no poisonous substances or baits your pet can get ahold of. When taking shelter, your pet(s) might either be in an unfamiliar room that you are not used to them being in, or they might get bored and begin getting into boxes, bins, or shelves. Again, if they consume something that will cause them to fall ill, it would be nearly impossible for you to bring them to the veterinarian.

Lastly, consider creating a first-aid kit for your pet(s). ASPCA has created a list of items you should include in your own kit. Check out their link:

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit

Ways to Conserve Water in Commercial Buildings

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

Install energy-saving faucets and appliances to save water (and money!)

Unlike your home, your commercial building is comprised of various employees and clients/customers. You and your family might make conscious efforts to conserve water at home, but oftentimes, those in your building may not.

How often do you use your bathroom sink and walk out with the water still running? Probably never! Now consider this. How many times have you visited an empty public restroom with a running faucet? Probably a few times a year!

One solution would be to install touch-free faucets. This and other energy-saving fixtures and appliances nowadays can save businesses a lot of money, even if the initial cost isn’t very low.

Additionally, you can make an easy switch of replacing your faucet aerators with newer ones of lower power. After companies make this switch, they typically notice the new aerators only use a fifth of the water the older ones did.

Another money-saving bathroom investment is purchasing new flush valves. Today, there are some great options to choose from. You can buy water-saving flush valves that use 20 percent less water than newer toilets and 70 percent less water than pre-1992 toilets.

If you operate a restaurant or any other facility that calls for a dishwasher, you may want to upgrade to a water-saving dishwasher. Although they cost about the same as normal dishwashers, these washers use 40 percent less water, not to mention less energy too.

A few more tips for saving water in your commercial building include planting shrubs, bushes, flowers, etc. that require less water instead of growing plants that demand water. Additionally, you should make sure your irrigation device is positioned practically. The sidewalk shouldn’t be drenched after a watering session. Also, check for leaks or drips. You'll need them repaired to save water (and money).

If you’ve noticed rainfall and your irrigation schedule collide, you may want to invest in a rain or soil moisture sensor. You can save a lot on your water bill from what nature has to offer. Plus, if it has rained or the soil is damp enough, the plants could potential drown.

Lastly, meter your irrigation separately, as unless you do so, your water company will send all the water coming from the property to a wastewater treatment plant. If you do choose to meter, your sewer bill will plummet.

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North encourage you to incorporate a few of these tips into your commercial business and see how much water (and money) you can save!

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney named 2021 Small Business of the Year

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney was recognized as the Rockville chamber's 2021 Small Business of the Year!

We are humbled and honored to have been named the 2021 Small Business of the Year by the newly-named Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce. The recognition reinforces our continued commitment to provide swift, effective & compassionate service to our customers, who usually are under stress when they need us. We are equally committed to giving back to the community in which we live & work. THANK YOU to our clients and to the Rockville chamber. OneTeamWins! BeTheBest!

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a company that has been in business for at least five years with revenue under $5M. Specific criteria include: flexibility, innovation and has a proven unique business and marketing strategy that has benefited the Rockville community. Winners were recognized at the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce annual Rockstar Awards Gala that draws some 200-300 attendees each year.

See other winners here: https://business.rockvillechamber.org/events/details/rcc-rockstar-award-ceremony-2021-14630?calendarMonth=2021-11-01

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, as well as our other franchises SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, our team members strive day in, day out to provide swift & excellent service and great customer care. Such is reflected in our longstanding 4th ranking out of the 2,000+ SERVPRO franchises across the nation and N. America for garnering the most Google customer reviews. Great thanks to our customers & friends for their trust in us!

National Preparedness Month: Be 'Prepared, Not Scared!'

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Be 'Prepared. Not Scared!'

September is National Preparedness Month. This year, ready.gov calls us to be “Prepared, Not Scared.”

Did you know you can:

• Download applications on your phone for weather alerts and updates
• Create a financial plan with consideration of a potential storm or other act of nature
• Check to see your insurance’s coverage for damages caused by an act of nature
• Learn more about how to protect your assets, potentially by investing in flood insurance
• Take a course or independently research about how to ensure safety during a storm or other event

The list could go on as there are endless precautions one can take, in addition to the rapid increase of technology. With that being said, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North make it easy for clients to be “Prepared, Not Scared,” as we stay up-to-date with the latest procedures and techniques to ensure your home or office is ready to face the potential natural force in its path.  

Waiting for a storm to pass through before asking for help can have disastrous effects on your property and can leave you and your family overwhelmed.

It's important to know that creating a plan and taking preventative measures will impact your safety and your wallet for the better, but sometimes, these emergencies cannot be foreseen. 

Luckily, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North offers 24-hour Emergency Service provided by highly-trained damage specialists who are equipped with stellar knowledge and skill. You can rest assure knowing SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North will demonstrate their mastery over acts of nature. You can remain confident as we restore any damages on your property. See our website below for more details.

www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Please call (301) 340-1313 if you want to plan for an emergency or if you have damage from an emergency that needs to be fixed.  

SERVPRO Rockville-Olney Inaugural School Backpack & Supply Drive

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Join us in collecting school backpacks & supplies to be donated to area students in need. Thank you!

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney kicks off our inaugural Back-to-School Backpack & School Supply Drive this week. We have placed a bin right outside our main office at 850 E. Gude Drive, Suite H, Rockville if you would like to bring a backpack and/or notebooks, looseleaf paper and/or pens & pencils to join in our efforts.

The bin is out during weekdays from 8-5, and the collection ends Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. We will match & donate all collected items to area schools that need them for students. Thank you!!

Look for this box at our front door to drop off your donations. Also, if you know of a school in need please contact our marketing rep at trinh@SERVPRO5186.com and we will certainly try to accommodate. 

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney wins Contractor Connection's TOP Award!

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

From left, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney co-owners Michelle and Jorge Gutierrez and Office Manager Megan Sweeney.

Superb service and customer care are what we strive for here at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, Silver Spring North and our Prince George's County franchises, SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E.

We are thrilled and humbled to have won the Crawford Contractor Connection Performance Excellence Award for our district, the highest honor within the industry network, plus The Golden Hammer Award for Top Performers across the country. The awards are presented each year to performance leaders based on overall excellence measured by estimate upload TIP, customer service scores, professionalism in communication, cooperation and overall POMS scores.

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney is among the 6,000+ contractors in the network, and represents the Tri-State District that includes Maryland, D.C., Delaware & Pennsylvania. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney is recognized as a top performer in the region, having consistently scored high marks for:

*Quality of Service & Repairs

*Professionalism & Customer Service

*Timeliness of Response & Completion of Work

*Work Ethic 

Click to watch the award announcement & recognition: https://fb.watch/61OwEyXJlw/ 

Contractor Connection, an industry leader in contractor managed repair and home improvement services, provides insurance carriers and consumers a national network of residential and commercial contractors that are vetted and managed for performance, quality, timeliness and customer satisfaction.

We are open 24/7 and here to help with any water, fire and mold damage cleanup, restoration & reconstruction, as well as HVAC/duct cleaning and biohazards mitigation, among other services. Call us at 301-340-1313 to we can make your property "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney responds to historic freeze in southern states

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Our storm team & equipment stand ready to tackle jobs in Texas.

Spring is in full swing and while most of the U.S. population are enjoying the nice weather and some hope that the pandemic will be behind us by year’s end, the struggle to dry out and rebuild their homes and businesses continues for thousands of Texans in the aftermath of the February freeze.

A storm team of 6 from our SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney spent three weeks in the Dallas, Texas area in February helping to restore more than 30 residential and commercial properties. They have returned to Maryland with hundreds of pieces of equipment in four large trucks. But that’s just our story, one franchise.

Multiply that by 78 total SERVPRO crews from 38 U.S. states that mobilized to the affected states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Kansas. As of end of March, 26 SERVPRO franchises are still in Texas helping to restore damaged properties as part of our companywide Storm Response. Still much destruction and devastation!

Brian Petraitis, Storm Response Manager, Commercial Large Loss Division of SERVPRO® Industries, LLC, says the Texas storm response has been the largest event in the company’s history.

“To put this in perspective, an average year for storm we can see our teams invoice around 5,000 jobs in a full year. This is seen during years of heavy storm activity such as hurricanes. Our Storm teams will invoice over 5,000 jobs that were produced in only 1.5 months,” he says, noting that Hurricane Harvey provided 17,851 job leads and $28.3 million in revenue.  

The Texas freeze event, Petraitis says, has provided more than 40,000 job leads and an estimated revenue exceeding $38,000,000.

While it’s business for SERVPRO franchises, it’s one of the reasons our storm and emergency response teams are regularly trained and certified to be ready for such disasters, because time is of the essence when disasters strike, and it’s especially so for the people affected as well as other responders such as insurance companies. Quick restoration means home & business owners can reclaim their properties and start to pick up the pieces sooner; for insurance adjusters, it means less claim payout since longer restoration time can mean insurance companies have to put their insureds into temporary housing and such. It’s a win for all involved!

But storm response also means that our crews perform their jobs with the care and compassion our customers need, especially at times of distress and uncertainty. The nature of our business as fire & water cleanup and restoration companies is such that we may be imposing on personal properties and belongings that are of great monetary & sentimental value to our customers. 

Speaking for SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, General Manager Jorge Gutierrez says it was a highly rewarding experience to have been able to help people in their time of need.

“Demand was so high for restoration services, that some customers waited weeks before being able to get someone out,” he says. “And through it, the people of Texas could not have been more understanding, grateful and more than all welcoming to us.”

The southern states suffered a massive freeze the second week of February. SERVPRO headquarters, based in Gallatin, Tennessee, initially received 26,000+ job leads from six states all pleading for help with drying out and restoring their homes and businesses. The job leads grew to 40,000+ and growing, as over time water emergencies can lead to further problems including mold and biohazards. As our Rockville-Olney franchise General Manager Gutierrez says, our teams tried to help the people of Dallas as much as we can, “but there are only so much manpower and resources.”

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney is a full-service restoration company that specializes in the cleanup, restoration & reconstruction of residential and commercial properties after a fire, smoke or water damage. We also mitigate mold and mildew, and biohazards from your home or business, as well as thorough cleaning with CDC-certified products. Our sister franchise also serves Silver Spring North; and our SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E serve Prince George’s County. 

For a free consultation, call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313 or 301-323-8862. We are always here to help!

Snow Melt on Your Rockville-Olney-Silver Spring North Property

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Keep these tips in mind as winter is quickly approaching!

As the temperatures are beginning to rapidly drop here in Montgomery County, Maryland, it’s safe to assume we can expect snowfall in a month or two. While a snow fall can be fascinating to watch and supports a wide variety of winter activities, such as sledding and skiing, it can also cause many home problems.

A buildup of snow can create massive drifts which gather and lean against the exterior walls of your property. As the temperatures begin to warm, the sun melts the snow, which can result in home flooding.

Below are a few consequences of snow melt/flooding:

• Water damage
• Warped/rotted wood and floorboards
• Mold
• Electrical damage

To avoid the potential problems snow can bring upon your property, keep the following tips in mind:

• Shovel all snow away from the foundation of your home/office. Make sure all snow is away from ground level windows and doors to avoid seeping, etc.
• Clear all drainage areas around your home/office
• Make sure any garden beds are not creating dams the retain water (add extra soil if this is an issue)
• Inspect your roof and eaves for ice and snow buildup. This is very important as melted snow can get under your shingles, causing damage inside your home. It can also result in giant icicles that can fall and break car windows, fall on people causing injury, etc.
• Have your roof inspected before winter! Ice and snow weight on a roof can cause a roof to collapse. An over-stressed roof can begin to crack, then leak, then sag (or collapse). This weight can also pry open gutters.
• Insulate and ventilate your attic

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North wish you a safe winter! We want you to enjoy the snow, not to become a victim of it!

Halloween Safety Tips

10/27/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure to inspect your child's candy before they consume it!

It’s that time of year again to stock up on candy, as trick-or-treaters will be arriving in the masses at your door any day now! Whether you’ll be passing out the candy or accompanying your own trick-or-treater, follow the tips below to ensure everyone has a safe and happy experience.

• Always accompany children! Do not let them go alone. This is the most important step to follow to ensure a safe Halloween.
• Carry a cell phone and flashlight with you at all times. Have your child carry a flashlight to increase visibility too.
• Walk on the sidewalk and in residential neighborhoods whenever possible. Walking on streets or up long driveways can be dangerous. A great Halloween tip is if you live in the country or in an area where homes are quite spread out, drive and park in a neighborhood with homes in close proximity, i.e., townhomes.
• Make sure the costume fits well! If costumes are too large, they become a fire hazard (people commonly place burning candles inside pumpkins). Furthermore, tree branches, fallen sticks, debris, etc. is less visible at night, and long costumes could get caught or tangled in the mix.
• It’s also highly recommended your costume and trick-or-treat bag is reflective in the dark. Adding reflective tape to both is an easy and inexpensive way of doing so.
• Avoid masks and long and sharp accessories. Masks can limit eyesight, and sharp and long objects that play apart in your costume can cause injury. Both may play a part in your costume, but they can cause risks that aren’t worth risking.
• Speaking of fire hazards, avoid placing a burning candle inside your pumpkin. Instead, opt for a flashlight or glow stick. If you must use a candle, consider a tea light.
• If you will pass out candy, make sure your home, walkways, etc. are well-lit to ensure no one gets injured due to lack of vision on your property… that could end poorly.
• Make sure pets are inside their kennels, locked in the basement, etc.; anything to ensure they cannot run outside or “greet” trick-or-treaters. Pets either become excited, protective, or terrified, which can lead to shocking or harming both your pet and whoever is at your door.
• Do not take your child to a home with no light on. That almost always means they do not want trick-or-treaters at their door and that they are not passing out candy.
• Additionally, candy should be passed out at the door or sometimes, in a bowl sitting outside the door. Do not step into homes or vehicles to receive candy. That’s could be very dangerous.
• After your children collect their candy, inspect each piece, ensuring no wrappers have been opened or tampered with. Candy without a wrapper, such as candy corn or gumballs, should be discarded immediately.
• Feed your children a large meal before trick-or-treating so that they do not come home very hungering and make a meal out of their candy. Instead, ration candy for the days and weeks to come.

Fire Prevention Week!

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week, brought to us by the National Fire Protection Association, is observed Sunday, October 6 through Saturday, October 12 of 2019.

The NFPA has sponsored this national and public observance week since 1922. With a goal of increasing awareness and education people young and old about fire safety, NFPA hopes causalities caused by fire will drastically decrease. 

This year, the theme is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”, and it aims to inform about the importance of escape planning and practicing it at least twice a year. The NFPA wants to encourage people to take small, but very important steps to ensure they and others will stay safe from fire.

It may be surprising to hear, but the average time it takes for a fire to consume an entire home is five minutes. Often times, there will only be one or two minutes for your escape. If you don’t have an escape plan, much disarray and chaos will result. A lack of an escape plan also puts you, your family, and even pets in a vulnerable position.

A video on the NFPA website highlights a few steps you can easily take to create your home fire escape plan. The steps are listed below and can also be found on the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khyHziYGFZg&feature=youtu.be).

1. Draw a map of your home
2. Mark two exits from each room, typically a door and a window. Mark a path from each exit to the outside.
3. Include the location of all smoke alarms in your home
4. Choose a meeting place outside of your home where everyone will meet up once they have exited
5. Add 911 or any other emergency number to your plan
6. Call 911 once you’re outside. Use a neighbor’s phone or a cellphone if you have one on you

Check out NFPA’s website where you can gain valuable and even life-saving information. The website will equip you with free apps, videos, printables, and much more! There’s something for everyone of any age to check out on their page. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-Prevention-Week/Resources

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North want you to stay safe! We know the damage a fire can do and find it very important that you create your own, home fire escape plan. We encourage you to take charge in preventing fires!

What's the Difference: black water vs. clean water vs. gray water

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

If you’re home floods, you’ll probably wonder how safe the water is to come in contact with.

Should you retrieve possessions from the puddles left behind? If you forgot to wear gloves and boots, will soap and water be enough to rid the germs from your hands?

Those are excellent questions.

First, you must identify the water source.

Clean water will not cause an immediate threat. It contains no contaminants and originates from toilet holding tanks, snow melt, rain, appliances such as a broken refrigerator, air conditioning units, etc.

Gray water contains chemical or biological contaminates, and therefore, may pose some health risk. It originates from washing machines, showers, sinks, aquariums, etc.

Black water causes an immediate threat due to the expected contaminants in it, including but not limited to, viruses, bacteria, and protozoan. This water originates from toilets and floodwaters. Often times, after a flood, water collect soils, sewage, etc. which contain harmful contaminants, which explains why it’s marked as black water. 

However, please note that as these waters sit, they can advance to a more serious level. For instance, after sitting for two days, clean water can turn into gray water. This is why water removal should be handled immediately.

Contact with contaminated water can cause vomiting, nausea, parasitic illness, and fever.

If you’re not sure of the source, contact a professional.                           

If you’re dealing with gray or black water, it’s very important to get help as soon as possible. Keep in mind that if it’s clean water, and it’s been sitting for over 48 hours, it should be treated as a gray water problem.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, we are water damage and biohazard experts. We will efficiently restore any water damage and carefully treat and disinfect your home, so you feel safe in it again.

Take a look at our website for more details: https://www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/sewage-cleanup

Does your Rockville, Silver Spring North, Olney, Sandy Spring, or Laytonsville home or office need restoration or cleanup?

Give us a call today at (301) 340-1313, and we will give you peace of mind!

2019 Crawford & Company Day of Service

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

The 2019 Crawford & Company Global Day of Service extends from October 1^st to 31^st. Various companies around the world pay tribute to this day by selecting a day from the month of October to give back to their own community.

A few examples of projects that companies have completed in honor of the day, which is dedicated to stewardship and supporting the community where you work, include cleaning local parks, serving meals, repairing homes for residents in need, free of charge, and participating in charity walks.

Last year, we of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North cleaned the local stream that we had adopted. We removed debris from the water, including a car tire. We were sure to bring large trash bags to collect the litter that was scattered through the forest which surrounds the water too.

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North believe it’s extremely important to take care of our community. We are here to support any commercial and residential needs you may have. We are also here to make sure the environment in our community is being taken care of. That’s why we are taking steps to improve it.

In general, Montgomery County is a populated area. The more crowded an area, the quicker litter tends to build up. Thankfully, a large percentage of residents are environmentally-conscious, and as a result, are careful to dispose of their trash properly and/or take time out of their busy schedules to collect trash.

That being said, we know a lot about water here at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North. While we cleanup and restore water damage, we also know why waterways need to be cleaned and how they are damaged by litter.

Litter can have the following, but not limited to, effects on lakes, rivers, creeks, etc.:

• Clog storm drains (which can result in flooding)
• Increase algal blooms (which can suffocate aquatic life)
• Choke or entangle water species
• Prohibit drinking and swimming use
• Decrease aesthetics (not nearly as serious as the other effects, but still…)

We encourage you to donate a few hours of your time per year helping to clean up the environment in your community and are confident you properly throw away, or when appropriate, recycle items you no longer need. Carry a trash bag in your car to throw your personal waste in or to hold litter you may find on your travels.

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North thank you for your efforts!

Happy American Business Women's Day

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

September 22 is American Business Women’s Day.

First recognized in 1982, the day celebrates the women of the workforce and female business owners. It commemorates the achievements of working women around the county both now and from history.

Although these women hold diverse occupations, this day unites them due to their dedication and commitment to their careers and their successes and accomplishments in the workplace.

Here at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, we would like to give a special thanks to all the women of our team!

Remember to reflect on the contributions of the women you know who are a part of the workplace on the 22nd! 

Do you recall a woman from the past or present who has exhibited great leadership skills, innovation, or determination? It could be your mother, your boss or coworker, a past professor, your sister, or a famous scientist, or even someone you’ve seen in the movies.

You can celebrate that woman! Feel free to use the hashtag #AmericanBusinessWomensDay on social media, especially if you’re giving your favorite working woman a shoutout!

If you’re reading this, and you’re a woman of the workforce, we of SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North would like to let you know we notice and appreciate all your contributions!

How to Prepare Your Property for the Fall Season

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Happy September! It’s important to get your home ready for the change of weather. Below are a few tips for how to prepare your home for fall.

• Test safety devices: Are your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices working? Batteries often time die during the winter months as cold temperatures slow or ultimately stop the chemical reactions (the power source) inside the battery. 
• Clean your humidifier: Failure to clean humidifiers can result in growth of mold, bacteria, and certain germs.
• Eliminate drafts: Ensure cold air can’t seep through your windows. If you feel a draft, you should consider replacing seals or purchasing sturdier drapery.
• Inspect trees: Are there any broken, overgrown or suspicious limbs? Become a branch detective! Ensure no branches are too close to power lines (which can cause a fire) or to your roof.
• Organize your shed: Clear your garage of summer equipment, furniture, etc. and move it into the shed! Swap your summer items out for fall items for easier access.
• Secure all loose outdoor furniture and prepare to store them inside: Wind gusts blow over your outdoor furnishings, flower pots, parked bicycles, etc. Snow and heavy rains can damage your properties too. If you must leave certain items outside, consider chaining or roping them to a secure foundation.

Make sure the following aspects of your property are clean:

• The roof
• The chimney and fireplace
• The siding
• The gutters
• The water drainage
• The pipes and spouts

Keep in mind that preventative maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs and damage!

If you need help safeguarding your home, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North are here to offer you there services and expertise. Give us a call at (301) 340-1313.

What is a flood cut?

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

What is a flood cut?  Removing the bottom 12-24 inches of drywall in a flood affected room. 

Examples of why we flood cut:

·         If we detect there is wet insulation

·         The water is contaminated from the sewage or other storm  related contaminates

·         If any microbial growth is detected

After the lower wall portions are removed, any studs or framing are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Once the walls are completely dried out new insulations can easily be installed and the finalization of the build back can continue. 

Some of our steps:

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Give SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North a call: 301-340-1313...Here to help!

IICRC Certified Firm

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Both SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North are IICRC firms. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North specialize 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Holiday Fires - Christmas Tree Fire Safety

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show the holidays are a high-risk time for home fires. Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year, and other holiday decorations are the cause of another 1,170 fires.

Here are some tips to keep your home safe this holiday season: 

•Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

•Keep trees at least three feet away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process.

•Use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying of the tree.

•Always inspect light sets before placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.

•Do not overload electrical circuits.

•Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.

•Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.

•Install and ensure smoke alarms work inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

If you have a fire, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney or of Silver Spring North. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Faster to your Rockville-Olney or Silver Spring North Water Damage Event

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by water heater leak.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all 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 more.  SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and 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 and 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 of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North

SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North specialize 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.

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