What Is the Best Air Filter for Mold?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

HEPA filters are meant to remove pollutants from your home's air.

What Is the Best Mold Air Filter?

You probably want an easy answer when you ask for the best air filtration system to get mold spores out of your home. However, like anything else when it comes to home ownership in South Jordan, UT, choosing the right air purifier is far from simple. It's a balancing act that involves taking various factors into account.

The most common considerations in the area include:

• Cost of the system
• Type of unit
• Effectiveness in mold removal or control

Whatever you choose, HEPA filter purifiers are generally the most effective. In a way, you could say that these filters are the best and choose whichever fits your individual restrictions in terms of budget, size, and other factors.

Why HEPA?

HEPA filters are designed to remove particles from the air in your home. Mold spores are particles, so you're using the right tool for the job when you choose these physical filtration systems. In contrast, some other technologies are mean to make the air smell better. You might want to use a combination of purifiers, but definitely include one that removes particles if mold is a problem.

Filter Ratings

Filters are given a number rating when they're manufactured. The higher the number, the more complete the filtration. However, you should be careful: The higher numbers also might be more expensive to purchase and operate. The lowest air filtration rating that catches mold spores is 13, and the true HEPA is rated 17. Most major retailers around South Jordan, UT, should have a variety of options.


Effectiveness

Your new air filter is only as effective as you allow it to be. Make sure that you use it as recommended by the manufacturer. The maximum amount of air that passes through a filter is limited, although more expensive models tend to cover more real estate. This sometimes means you will end up buying multiple machines, or else operating them in sealed rooms.

Air filtration is an important step if you want to control a mold problem or prevent a relapse of mold in your home. You might also want to consider dehumidifiers or ventilation, as mold often grows in wet environments.

Mold's Wrath and Your Belongings

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have any mold problems in your home? We are the solution, call SERVPRO, our work is guaranteed.

Mold's Fury And Your Possessions

There are many aspects to consider when combating a mold problem in your West Jordan, UT, home. For example, you may have fungus growing underneath walls that need close inspection or extensive water damage that calls for a complete renovation. Whatever the case, a mold cleaning is no small task. As shown in the following information, there are some materials that hold up better than others when it comes to mold damage and your belongings.

Porous Materials

If the part of your home that has become mold's new living space contains items such as pillows, rugs, or other porous items, chances are you'll need replacements. Mold can easily cling to these items, and, unfortunately, the fungus tends to claim them for good. Mattresses and box springs are other common targets for mold and can contribute to necessary mold remediation.

Food Items

That loaf of bread may have been a great deal at the grocery store a few days ago, but it is likely rendered useless if it's suffered from mold's takeover. While throwing damaged food items away may seem like a no-brainer when mold cleaning, even utensils and other food preparation items may need replacements. It may be hard to let go of a beloved blender, but if you keep it inside, you could raise your chances of having another infestation.

Paintings and Art

Unlike permeable objects and food items, paintings may not always be so vulnerable to mold damage. In fact, just because a painting has become one of mold's victims does not necessarily mean it has reached its end. If addressed quickly, paintings can be restored without allowing any further spreading of mold. However, it is usually wise to let the restoration professionals take on this potentially challenging task.

Not all West Jordan, UT, residents appreciate the value of a true work of art, but those who do know all too well that their preservation is crucial. Learning that your artwork – no matter how much the cost – is affected by mold growth can be upsetting, but there are proper mold cleaning tactics to keep the art and kick the fungus to the curb.

How To Fix a Clogged Pipe Without Causing More Damage

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have clogged pipes in your Draper, UT home or business contact SERVPRO

How to Unclog a Clogged Pipe Without Adding  Problem

If you have a backed-up drain at your Draper, UT, business, your quick fix may be to grab a convenient bottle of cleaner to push away the blockage. However, that could end up causing more problems. Here are a couple of tips to fix a clogged drain the proper way.

1. Manually Clear the Blockage

Mechanical plumbing tools like a plunger or auger, also known as a snake, should be the first line of defense. These tools, if used correctly, can push out a blockage from a drain without causing damage to pipes.

2. Try a Biological Cleaning Solution

A safer cleaning option to clear a clogged drain is a biological solution. These cleaners consist of live enzymes which will eat away at a clog over the course of a few hours. This is an eco-friendly cleaning option if you cannot manually clear the drain.

3. Use a Drain Cleaner as the Last Resort or Call For Help

Given the chemical properties of drain cleaners, they can ultimately cause more harm than good. They are designed to create heat which helps to disintegrate a blockage, however, this can lead to damaged pipes. Plastic and metal pipes alike will not benefit from these cleaners and their harsh chemicals. Be wary of also using them if you have a completely blocked drain. The chemicals will not break up the clog and instead sit stagnant in the pipe.

A water damage mitigation company can also assist if you cannot clear the blocked drain. Water experts can evaluate the damage and perform the necessary sewage cleaning to restore your pipes back to normal.

Using a chemical cleaner for a clogged drain is not the ideal fix. Instead, try to manually clear the clog with plumbing tools or use a bio-safe solution to remove the clog. If all else fails, rely on water experts or a chemical cleaner to get the job done.

SERVPRO: How Can They Really Be Faster to Any Size Disaster

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help with any size fire or water loss. Even if you just have a question, call us and we will answer you!

How Can SERVPRO Respond To Any Size Disaster Faster?

In the insurance claim process, a speedy restoration company response matters, and that is why SERVPRO with their Faster to Any Size Disaster motto is leading the industry. However, it is more than just a slogan. It is a tagline that the company stands behind and for several good reasons.

1. 24/7 Emergency Response

Adjusters and clients alike, require the services of restoration companies at all hours. Disaster doesn’t set a clock and therefore emergency response shouldn’t either. SERVPRO’s standard of service is built on the idea of 24/7 availability, meaning that they’re out working while the other guy is sleeping. This level of commitment has not gone unnoticed as the company has been recognized nationally for their dependability.

2. Nationally Available

Additionally, they can make it Faster to Any Size Disaster because there are over 1,700 franchises spread across the country. This level of localization means that the company truly can make it to your client’s home sooner than less expansive brands.

3. Preferred Vendor

Also, SERVPRO only works with preferred vendors, meaning that all contractors and suppliers go through a screening process. Every company is expected to meet specific qualifications and comply with the level of care and professionalism outlined in the company’s standard practices.

4. Residential and Commercial Services

Beyond being nationally available, SERVPRO’s services include both residential and commercial properties, allowing a larger client base. This versatility suits insurance companies well because they typically cater to both large and small clients.

Faster to Any Size Disaster is not merely a slogan. It is a reality. It is an honest description of a company’s ability to receive a call and respond to a client in need, regardless of property size or type. Insurance companies depend on these quick responses to mitigate further loss and to make the claims process more manageable. SERVPRO is a localized company that has a proven reputation of compliance and satisfaction that can provide the level of service both insurers and clients require.

Tips for Preventing Water Damage

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

A water loss that goes unnoticed or unattended can result in water damage. It is important to give SERVPRO a call at the first signs of water damage.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

Water in the home can cause extensive damage. It can weaken any part of the structure it saturates, and it can result in secondary damage such as mold growth. Fortunately, leaks are pretty easy to detect, thus allowing you to avoid more expensive problems. Damage from leaks and excess moisture can be prevented with regular inspection and maintenance of a few key areas of your home.

Plumbing

Damage to the pipes that carry water throughout your home in Bluffdale, UT, is a common cause of water damage. Keep a lookout for signs of a broken pipe:

• Condensation around pipes
• Corrosion on pipes
• Water patches on ceiling or walls

The main areas where water damage from a plumbing mishap is likely to be found are in the bathroom and under the kitchen sink. If you find a problem, call the plumber and water restoration specialists for pipe cleanup as soon as possible.

HVAC System

Another common place to find excess water in the home is in the HVAC system. If there is condensation on an indoor unit, that means that something is leaking or not draining properly. It is fine if the indoor evaporator coil has a little perspiration on it, but there shouldn’t be so much that it drips. Have your system inspected regularly to ensure that the coil is not dirty, which can also cause leaks.

Appliances

The appliances in your home that use water also need to be checked for leaks on a regular basis. Your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine and water heater are the four appliances that are most likely to leak when they need to be repaired. Cracked supply lines and residue buildup can contribute to leakage. Consider installing a leak detector on each appliance that alerts you when a problem occurs.

You may not be able to keep a pipe from bursting, but you can prevent damage from water in the home by keeping a close watch on the areas where it is likely to occur. Inspection and maintenance are the keys to saving you time and money.

How To Extinguish a Fire

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Being able to use a fire extinguisher to put out a small flame can reduce the damage that fire restoration specialists have to repair.

How To Put Out A Fire

If your home in South Jordan, UT, catches fire, you will need to call 9-1-1 and evacuate most of the time. If, however, the fire is small enough to be put out with a fire extinguisher, you may be able to handle the problem yourself. If you don't know how to use the apparatus, the fire may not subside completely. To successfully extinguish a small flame, such as a kitchen fire, you need to follow four simple steps.

1. Pull the Pin

Once an extinguisher has been discharged, it has to be refilled and pressurized before it can be used again. To safeguard the contents when it is stored, there is a seal and a pin that keeps them in the tank. Removing the pin breaks the seal and prepares the fire extinguisher for use.

2. Point the Nozzle

Many people will try to put a fire out by aiming at the top of the flames, expecting that the contents will rain down on the fire and douse it completely. The best place to aim, however, is the base of the fire. Point the nozzle at the lowest point where you can see the flame begin.

3. Squeeze the Handle

Once you have aimed the nozzle where you want the extinguishing agent to go, squeeze the handle to expel the contents of the tank. Make sure you hold the tank and nozzle firmly to control the flow of the pressurized spray.

4. Move Back and Forth

Move the spray back and forth along the base of the fire. Once you believe the fire is out, continue watching the area for a few minutes to make sure it does not ignite again. If it does, repeat the process or call 9-1-1 to minimize the fire damage to your home.

Being able to use a fire extinguisher to put out a small flame can reduce the damage that fire restoration specialists have to repair. Learning to use it properly makes your home a safer place to live.

Lawn Slime: An Uninvited Visitor

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Have you mold problems? SERVPRO is your best option, call us, and we will help you right away

Lawn Slime: An Unwelcome Visitor

When it comes to the topic of mold, most residents in Riverton, UT, likely think of greenish-black spots on shower walls or underneath old wallpaper. Just as mold thrives in a wide variety of places, it can also easily spread outdoors, as seen in the infamous lawn slime that plagues yards of all kinds. Keep reading the pointers below to find out what this type of mold is, what its common characteristics are, and how to identify it.

What Is Lawn Slime?

A homeowner unfamiliar with outdoor mold may be shocked to find a dark, sludgy substance across the yard. Like most types of fungi, slime mold grows in a variety of forms and can actually help other parts of the yard break down organic matter. Outdoor slime can take on many different colors, such as pink, blue, or orange, but it is usually dark.

How Long Does It Last?

A common characteristic of mold is that most types depend largely on temperature and moisture. If both of these elements are at the right levels, it may be years before lawn slime fades into the background of your domain. For instance, if your area sees a lot of rain, you can likely expect the slime cleared from patches in your yard, only to see it reappear days later.

Where Can One Spot It?

Aside from the most obvious location of your lawn, outdoor mold can pick favorite areas to spread. While it mainly sticks to lawns, this type of fungus can also affect paved areas, such as sidewalks and driveways. If you see a powdery or slimy substance outside your home, you are probably dealing with some degree of this mold.

When you've discovered a problem that is making your home less homey, small patches of lawn slime can seem magnified. Although it can become a spot for slip and falls when on paved areas, slime in your yard is typically no major cause for alarm.

3 Reasons Mold is Growing in Your House

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a kitchen.

Reasons Mold Might Be Growing In Your Home

Black mold is a common problem that many homeowners in South Jordan, UT, will come across at some point. This fungus is persistent and can spread quickly throughout your house. Discoloration on surfaces and a musty odor are some signs of an infestation. Knowing why it is growing in your home can help you keep it at bay. The following are some possible reasons.

1. Mold Spores Are Present in Most Environments
One reason why black mold is so common is that mold spores exist nearly everywhere. These spores are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye, making it easy for them to spread throughout your house before you’ve noticed their presence. In most cases, mold spores do not cause any trouble. However, they can become a problem if the environment becomes conducive to their growth.

2. Your Home Has High Levels of Moisture
Mold spores need water to grow, so a moisture problem in your home makes an infestation more likely. This could happen for a variety of reasons. A severe storm in the area could result in water damage or flooding in which case mold might begin to grow within the next day or two. Persistent leaks or high humidity can contribute to mold growth as well.

3. A Previous Infestation Was Not Properly Removed
Because mold spores travel through the air without being seen, it is easy to spread them without knowing. If you had an infestation in the past and attempted to do mold cleanup on your own, then it’s likely that you did not remove the mold thoroughly or accidentally moved it to another area of the house. To prevent this, it is best to have the removal done by a mold remediation company instead.
If you find black mold in your home, you should contact a professional service to have it removed. Trying to do so by yourself can result in a larger problem. To keep mold from coming back, you should always have water damage repaired as quickly as possible and try to reduce moisture and humidity in your house.

What To Know About Claims Management Software

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Your insurance company uses claims management software to streamline the filing process.

Here Is Some Basic Information About This Software

Providers need an efficient way to handle an insurance claim they receive. When you notify your provider about a disaster in your business in Draper, UT, it kicks the process off. During this process, agents need a way to track costs, work with a disaster remediation company, such as SERVPRO, avoid fraud, and streamline their communication. The way they do this is with claims management software. 

What Are Common Features?
Most insurance claim management software comes with a set of standard features that helps agents perform their jobs. This includes:

• Claims tracking
• Electronic claims
• Data exchange
• Fraud management
• Inventory management
• Customer portals
• Customer relationship management
• Reporting

What To Consider When Purchasing It?
As with any software purchase, companies need to think about certain aspects of the insurance claim management software they buy. For instance, the type of software they buy is a big factor. Both on-premises and cloud-based software are available. On-premises is traditional software installed at an office location, while cloud-based is run through the internet. On-premises software tends to be used because it is more customizable. On the other hand, cloud-based systems don't cost as much. Each vendor will evaluate these factors when choosing the right software.
Additionally, insurance companies need to think about what additional features they need. Some may want incorporated accounting or business intelligence systems. Items such as these can enhance the claims management system. Therefore, these are common add ons. Furthermore, an agency will need to think about the type of insurance they offer. Then, they can choose an appropriate system for their offering. For instance, those that offer property coverage are going to have different requirements than business interruption companies.
Your insurance company uses claims management software to streamline the filing process. This makes it easier for an insurance agent and business owner to file a claim and get it processed quickly.

Commercial Mold_49_Understanding Mold Insurance Claims

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in South Jordan, UT

Regardless of the type of business owned in South Jordan, UT, having general commercial liability insurance is an essential component to being successful. Knowing that the unexpected can happen, having it provides peace of mind. That can only happen if you understand what your policy actually covers. When it comes to mold insurance claims, various factors are considered by insurers to determine if mold damage remediation and restoration will be covered.

What Might Be Covered?

Since not every policy or insurance company is the same, having a clear understanding of your personal policy is essential. In most cases, accidental water losses will include mold issues. For mold insurance claims that are accepted, they typically cover:

Repairs, removal and replacement of materials directly damaged by the mold.
Damage incurred to non-affected materials that need to be removed to access areas with hidden growth.
Costs associated with testing to ensure the problem has been resolved.

What Might Be Denied?
When it comes to mold remediation, most insurers have a list of exclusions that may result in a mold claim being denied. Ranking high on that is list is a failure to address a long-term leak or structural defect. In these cases, the mold is considered secondary damage that could have been avoided if repairs were made sooner. The claim may also be denied if the mold spread to non-affected areas because precautions weren’t taken to contain a water loss. Whenever renewal time comes around, it is important to thoroughly read through the policy and ask your agent questions. There may possibly be new exclusions or changes, so it is better to know what they are before a problem happens.
Although not all mold insurance claims are accepted, there are many situations in which they will be. Having a clear understanding of your policy will help keep you better prepared for potential issues down the road.

The 3 Most Costly Mold Remediation Expenses

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mold removal services in West Jordan, UT

The 3 Most Costly Mold Remediation Expenses

Getting mold out of a residence can be a costly proposition. Find out more about the three most expensive aspects of remediation. The total amount will be the sum of the costs of cleaning, testing, mold removal and restoration of the affected area of a home in West Jordan, UT.

1. Removal and Cleaning
Eliminating the presence of mold is often the most expensive part of managing a mold problem. The considerable costs associated with black mold removal led most homeowner’s insurance providers to cut out mold coverage from policies.
Supplementary mold coverage can be helpful for reducing these potentially substantial costs. Without mold insurance, a property owner will have to pay out-of-pocket for all of the services that go into remediation.

2. Replacing Building Materials
Some porous materials used to create and insulate the interior of a home may become contaminated by mold spores. Porous materials are absorbent and can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
Scrubbing a contaminated surface with bleach or even applying a specialized anti-fungal solution may not be sufficient for mold removal. Removing mold may also require tearing out and replacing insulation, drywall or carpet.

3. Mold Testing and Lab Analysis
If an infestation calls for identification of the type of mold present either at the start of the remediation process or to confirm that cleanup is complete, these costs can be considerable. An indoor environmental hygienist can take air or mold growth samples that will then be analyzed at a lab. This procedure can add several hundred dollars on to the total cost of cleaning up mold.
If you suspect that mold may be growing at a residence in West Jordan, UT, you should contact mold removal specialists near you as soon as possible. A fast response that does not leave as much time for fungi to spread throughout a structure can make it possible to save thousands of dollars.

3 Things You Can't Learn From a DIY Mold Testing Kit

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

A home mold testing kit can leave you with more questions than answers

Three Things You Can't Learn From a DIY Mold Test

If you’re concerned about mold levels in your home, you might be tempted to buy a home mold testing kit. These kits can detect the presence of mold spores in your home, but they can’t provide all the information you’ll need to solve your mold problem. Here are three things you can’t learn from a DIY mold test.

Where the Mold Is Located
A home mold testing kit works by you placing a test dish somewhere in your home and allowing mold spores to accumulate in the dish. Unfortunately, the results of the test will be limited to detecting mold spores in the air somewhere in the vicinity of the test dish. A DIY mold test can’t identify all the areas of your home where airborne mold is present, or detect mold growing on surfaces in your home.

What’s Causing the Excess Mold
The most important step toward eradicating a mold outbreak is figuring out what’s causing the mold. Mold needs moisture to survive, so you’ll need to find the moisture source—usually a leak, drainage issue, or condensation buildup. One of the major benefits of an inspection by an environmental hygienist is that these professionals are highly skilled at finding mold sources that other people might overlook.

How to Eliminate the Mold for Good
Even if you’re able to find what’s causing your mold issues, your cleanup needs may go beyond just fixing a leak. A professional mold remediation company can tell you the extent of the damage, assist with any necessary removal and repair work, and advise you on ways to prevent future mold problems.
A home mold testing kit can leave you with more questions than answers. If you suspect your home might have excess mold, don’t waste time with a DIY mold kit. To learn the important facts about your home's mold situation, contact a professional mold service in West Jordan, UT, right away.

How to Remove Mold Spores From Your Business

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

A professional team can remove mold spores from your business

Mold build-up can be an unpleasant experience for any business owner. In truth, there is no way to completely avoid this problem; mold spores are microscopic and therefore difficult to manage. If your business in Herriman, UT is overwhelmed with an infestation, there are strategies you can use, including carpet cleaning, to eliminate the problem.

Where Does Mold Grow?

Spores circulate anywhere there is moisture. Some of the most common places to find an infestation include:

• Air vents
  
• Areas around leaky pipes
  
• Porous materials such as wood and cotton
  
  

The first step to managing mold problems is to identify the source. A professional inspection can find the origin point for the infestation, and from there, you can determine the appropriate solution.

How to Manage the Problem
Your focus should be on regulating the moisture in your business; this is the only way to get mold under control. If there is a leak in your pipes or air ducts, you should have it repaired immediately. A large build-up of moisture in your carpets should be immediately eliminated with a thorough carpet cleaning. As spores are so small, it is unreasonable to assume you can completely remove them from the business. A far more controllable factor is the amount of moisture that is present. In maintaining a dry and clean environment, you can avoid the harmful effects of mold infestation.

Staying One Step Ahead of the Problem
In its early stages of growth, mold is not visible to the naked eye. A clear sign of a problem is the presence of a musty odor around the office. The moment you notice the smell, it is highly recommended that you have the premises inspected and the infestation eliminated with the help of mold remediation services. A professional team can conduct a thorough carpet cleaning and remove any spores that have taken root in your air ducts. By taking action early, you can protect your business and employees.

Does a Residential Mold Assessment Require a Professional?

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Draper, UT home

If you experience a flood or a burst pipe in your home, you’ll probably know about it. But what about a pipe with a slow leak or a roof that isn’t water-tight? Unfortunately, mold can grow without you ever knowing about it in Draper, UT. Tracking it down often requires an expert for a valid mold assessment.

Is Black Mold Always Visible?

Not always, but it can be. Colonies like dark places to grow, but it’s not unusual to find mold peeking out from behind a washing machine or hot water tank. It’ll often be either growing right around an edge or, if well established, be in large, shiny fan-shaped patches in at least one of three colors:

• Yellow
  
• Green
  
• Black
  
  

Will a DIY Mold Detection Kit Work?
Unfortunately, a mold test kit that isn’t designed and certified to be handled by an expert will never be considered valid. Many off-the-shelf kits don’t even meet insurance company specifications.
Yet, the test kits aren’t the main issue with DIY. Studies show that most DIY test results are positive for mold because mold spores are everywhere. It takes training by a professional organization such as Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification to learn how to perform a mold assessment for the bad types.

What Happens if Mold Is Found?
Simple areas of mildew, such as what’s often found around water tanks on a toilet, can be easily cleaned off non-porous surfaces. However, black mold growth is serious and requires a certified mold restoration company with both the experience and access to resources needed for removal.
That’s another reason a professional mold assessment is so essential: they can decide what can be repaired and what must be replaced. It’s why insurance companies have a list of Preferred Vendors: they’re guaranteed to work within a budget to keep costs down.
The restoration will locate the cause of the water damage and hunt down any hidden mold. They use custom disinfectants that are hospital-approved to strip away mold spores and viruses. They’ll replace moldy drywall and can often sanitize carpets and fabrics in your home.

Key Things To Remember About the Insurance Claims Process

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Electronic claims

Like any business owner, you can't bear to think about a disaster affecting your workplace. A fire or flood could be catastrophic. Such an incident could damage building materials, personal belongings, business supplies, or the structure itself. Luckily, you can rely on a professional disaster response team to restore your property. Also, by filing an insurance claim, you can get the financial help and coverage you need.

Staying Safe

In the wake of an emergency at work, you have some initial responsibilities. Make sure you do the following:

• Evacuate the building in an orderly manner.
  
• Contact emergency services personnel.
  
• Stay out of the building until it is safe to go in.
  
• Call your insurance agent to discuss the claims process.
  
  

Furnishing Information
When you make an insurance claim, you should provide details about the incident and how it is affecting your business in West Jordan, UT. Describe how the incident started and how extensive the damage is. It is helpful to provide photos, if possible. Also, make a list of your losses, along with an estimate of their monetary value.

Work With the Cleanup Company
It's critical to choose the right repair and restoration company. SERVPRO knows how to communicate and coordinate efforts with the insurance company. The cleanup team will give a price quote to the agent to help with the claims process.

Electronic Claims
Gone are the days when you had to mail in the documentation for an insurance claim. Thanks to electronic processes, you can upload all relevant information to the insurance company's website. This makes things easier for you and speeds up the process. By doing this, you can have a faster resolution to your claim and receive payment more promptly.
You don't want to be in a position where you need to file an insurance claim. However, if you need help rebuilding your property, choose the professionals at SERVPRO, and follow these steps.

When Are Property Owners Liable for Mold?

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth on Bluffdale, UT

Residential rentals must be habitable, but standards for mold in commercial buildings are less clear. The terms of a lease agreement should identify conditions in which either an owner or tenant is responsible for restoring water damage, scheduling mold testing, or remediating black mold or other fungal infestations at a building in Bluffdale, UT.

Failure to Remediate Damage

Structural water damage is likely to be the responsibility of a property owner. A tenant should notify the owner about any of the following incidents:

• Construction defects
  
• Plumbing problems
  
• Roof leaks
  
  

Depending on the terms of a lease, the tenant’s responsibility may only extend to a timely report of damage. A property owner will need to arrange for water damage restoration if this is the case. He or she may be liable for mold that results if preventative measures do not take place within a reasonable amount of time.

Refusal to Respond to Complaints
A property owner should always respond when a tenant reports water damage or the possible presence of black mold. Even if it is the tenant’s responsibility to restore damage or remediate mold according to the terms of the lease, maintaining clear lines of communication and documenting reports is essential for limiting liability and building a case.

Violation of Lease Terms
Liability for damage is more clear-cut if either party violates the terms of a lease. When an owner refuses to restore water damage or arrange for mold remediation necessitated by issues for which he or she is responsible, this could be grounds for a lawsuit. The same applies to tenants who do not adhere to the terms of a lease.
Legal liability for black mold or other fungi in a commercial building varies depending on the lease. Commercial property owners should carefully review any sections of this document that pertain to responsibility for water damage restoration, mold testing, and remediation.

Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Mold?

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Mold?

If you have sustained substantial water damage in your home in West Jordan, UT, fungus growth is not far behind. Mold remediation can be costly, so you may be wondering if your homeowner’s insurance policy has a mold coverage clause. Typically, insurance plans will cover mold if it was created by a “covered peril”.

What is a Covered Peril?

Most insurance policies identify covered peril as “sudden and accidental”, in which case any repairs and mold cleanup would be paid by your insurance company. Covered peril includes the following situations:

Lightening - When lighting strikes and causes your hot water heater to rupture, the resulting water damage and mold cleanup would be covered.
Frozen pipes - If a frozen pipe bursts in your home and saturates the carpeting and drywall, the repairs would be paid by your insurance provider.
Accidental overflow of water from appliances - If the damage was caused by an appliance that was in good repair and you stopped the leak quickly, the damage should be covered.
Weight caused by ice or snow - When ice forms in the gutters and causes water to back up under the shingles, creating a water leak, any resulting repairs would likely be the responsibility of your insurance agency.

What Type of Mold Issues Aren’t Covered?
Any damage caused by appliances or structures that have not been kept in good repair would not be covered. Examples include such things as:

• An old roof that has been neglected and leaks, which causes water damage
  
• Appliances that have not been maintained and spring a leak, causing a substantial water event
  
  

Unfortunately, damage caused by a flood is not covered under the typical homeowner’s insurance policy either. In order to cover your home during flooding, you need to purchase an additional flood policy. As long as the damage was not caused by neglect, any fungus growth would also be covered. A separate mold insurance policy isn’t necessary as long as there is no language excluding mold.
it would be a good idea to look over your current homeowner’s insurance policy carefully. If it doesn't specifically cover flooding and fungus growth conditions, talk with your agent right away so that your family is protected.

Quickly Recover from Catastrophic Loss with SERVPRO

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the company to trust to help restore your business

Why Choose SERVPRO?

With a large network of emergency response teams located in various spots across the nation, SERVPRO has both the resources and expertise to handle large scale catastrophic loss in Riverton, UT. From devastating hurricanes to widespread flooding, 24/7 services are available every day of the year to respond to disasters big and small. No matter the situation, as a preferred vendor for most insurance agencies, the SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is well-equipped to help quickly mitigate the situation and significantly cut costs for business owners. Here are several reasons why to choose SERVPRO.

Proven Effectiveness

SERVPRO’s disaster recovery team can respond to many different types of emergency situations including hurricanes, flooding, fires, blizzards and more. There have been several recent mobilizations that SERVPRO played a large role in including:

• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
  
• 2017 Hurricane Irma
  
• 2017 California Wildfires
  
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
  
• 215 Carolina floods
  
  

Versatile Experts

The restoration specialists at SERVPRO are skilled in a wide variety of fields. There are experts who can address, water and storm damage, fire damage, mold growth and more. Their services cover both the mitigation and rebuilding process, so you only need to reach out to one company when dealing with catastrophic loss.

Restoration Specialists

Rather than simply replacing or compensating business owners for damaged belongings and assets, SERPVO always attempts to restore and repair items when possible. This prevents the loss of irreplaceable items, such as important documents or valuable items, and cuts down on costs.

Simplified Claims

SERVPRO works with insurance agents and adjusters to make the claim process as simple as possible. By keeping a claims inventory service and allowing access to electronic claims information, filing and processing insurance claims should be far less stressful.
In the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic loss, communities may not know who to turn to for the best chance of recovering. Ready to handle even the largest disasters, SERVPRO is the company to trust to help restore your business.