Recent Posts

Weather

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

We had a few nice days before the weather turned again.  With all of this rain and wind we have been busy taking care  of our customers and their storm damage. There have already been multiple claims in for wind damage to roofs.  Some of these claims are for temporary repairs such as a tarp.  Yesterday it was reported that we had a mud rain.  This is rain dust or snow dust, traditionally known as muddy rain, red rain, or colored rain, is a variety of rain (or any other form of precipitation) which contains enough desert dust for the dust to be visible without using a microscope.  This kind of storm did not give SERVPRO any work, but our cars were really dirty when we got off work. 

 

Dehumidifier Facts

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Along with fans, dehumidifiers are one of the pieces of equipment that are used in your home for the dry out process after a water damage, but what is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a bit like a vacuum cleaner: it sucks in air from your room at one end, takes the moisture out of it, and then blows it back out into the room again.

The moisture drips through into a collection tank that you have to empty.

How is the moisture removed?  A dehumidifier is more like an air conditioning unit in this case, which, itself, works a bit like a refrigerator. 

Look inside a dehumidifier and find out what all the parts do.

May homeowners like to keep a small dehumidifier running in their basement.

Protecting your Family and Friends

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Creating a safe environment for your family is everyone's top priority. Here are the top 9 things that can prevent you from doing that.

#1. Falls

How to minimize:  Install supports, keep toys picked up, secure bathroom, clear outdoor areas.

#2. Fires

How to minimize:  Install fire alarms, unplug appliances, have a fire extinguisher on hand.

#3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

How to minimize:  Install a CO Detector, keep up with home maintenance.

#4. Choking

How to minimize:  Keep an eye on kids, inspect all toys, cut up food into small pieces.

#5. Cuts

How to minimize:  Store kitchen supplies appropriately, keep all Put Away Yard Tools

#6. Poisoning

How to minimize:  Store medication properly, keep paint out of reach, secure chemicals appropriately, lock up detergent.

#7. Strangling

How to minimize: Pull all cords away, trim window cords.

#8. Drowning

How to minimize: Attend to kids when bathing, keep buckets put away.

#9. Burns

How to minimize:  Use back burners, add stove knob covers.

Cleaning Carpets

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

It is that time of year!  Everyone is calling SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids to get their rugs or carpet cleaned.  Why should you get your rugs or carpet cleaned? For the removal of dirt, stains, allergens and the overall appearance.  Having your carpet or rugs cleaned is more visually pleasing, healthier than poorly maintained rugs or carpet and they will potentially last longer. There is no need for an appointment to get rugs cleaned here at SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids just drop them off at the office between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  We will have them back to you all refreshed in about a week's time or less.  If you are needing carpet cleaned give the office a call to get something in the schedule.  

Cleaning Vehicles

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids takes pride in having clean good looking vehicles.  We make sure that all green vehicles out on the road are clean and in good working order.  There are other reasons to keep your vehicle clean:  The elements are hard on vehicles it is important to keep salt and sand off of the vehicle to preserve the exterior paint. Keeping a vehicle clean also means the interior.  This will remove all of the harmful bacteria that may exist.  Having a clean vehicle also helps with fuel efficiency.  This is just a small factor but over time can really add up.  A Clean vehicle is also important for safety.  You need to have a clear view out all of your windows.  The last factor is just peace of mind, it will make you feel better.   

Here 24/7/365

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch 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

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids 319-393-8430

Weather

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

e had a few nice days before the weather turned again.  With all of this rain and wind we have been busy taking care  of our customers and their storm damage. There have already been multiple claims in for wind damage to roofs.  Some of these claims are for temporary repairs such as a tarp.  Yesterday it was reported that we had a mud rain.  This is rain dust or snow dust, traditionally known as muddy rain, red rain, or colored rain, is a variety of rain (or any other form of precipitation) which contains enough desert dust for the dust to be visible without using a microscope.  This kind of storm did not give SERVPRO any work, but our cars were really dirty when we got off work. 

Cleaning Rugs

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

It is that time of year!  Everyone is calling SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids to get their rugs or carpet cleaned.  Why should you get your rugs or carpet cleaned? For the removal of dirt, stians, allergens and the overall appearance.  Having your carpet or rugs cleaned is more visually pleasing, healthier than poorly maintained rugs or carpet and they will potentially last longer. There is no need for an appointment to get rugs cleaned here at SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids just drop them off at the office between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  We will have them back to you all refreshed in about a weeks time or less.  If you are needing carpet cleaned give the office a call to get something in the schedule.  

Emergency Ready

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Approximately 50% of the businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen!  Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether is is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood.  The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. It outlines who the proper contacts are for the specific type of loss.  Also shows photos and a detailed description as to where the different turns off are in the building. 

Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.

By working with SERVPRO to help develop your personalized Emergency Ready Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. 

SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property and business cleaned up and back in working order.  

Frozen Pipes

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.