Process Makes the Difference

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

It’s all about the process. SERVPRO has built a tried-and-true system that is geared towards making the claims process smooth and efficient for all parties involved, from the adjuster to the property manager and essentially the property owner or resident. A couple of the key elements are COMMUNICATION and DOCUMENTATION. Optimally, SERVPRO will already have done a full property evaluation, or an Emergency Ready Plan, and photographed the entire facility or residence so that the preexisting condition is well established.

If these photos are not in place before a loss, we immediately begin to photograph the entire area and gather data such as moisture readings, evidence of organic growth, and conditions of all parts of the structure from the roof and exterior to the interior and insulation.

We then are able to build our estimates based on established IICRC protocols, so that everything is packaged for the Insurance Adjuster to compare data and evaluate the policy in accordance with accurate proof of the damages and evidence of the cause of loss. This makes for a swift turn around on getting claims approved, and allowing us to start reconstructing the property for the customer!! Easy as that! Call us today!

Tips for Removing Nasty Cigarette Odor from your Home

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Purchasing a new home with a former smoker? Besides the damages, getting the smell of smoke out is a nightmare. There are some tips that aid in this process.

1. Charcoal and White Vinegar
   This method is by far the cheapest of many options as both charcoal and white vinegar are easy to come by from your local grocery or hardware store. By keeping open containers of either charcoal or white vinegar in your home, the cigarette smell is slowly absorbed out of the air. Keep in mind that this method only works for milder pockets of odor, so you might need something more heavy-duty if you've suffered a large ashtray fire.
2. Air Filters
   If the solution above isn't as fast or as effective as you require, you might try an air filter. Since you're dealing with a very complex pollutant composed of many particles and gases of varying sizes, your best option is a HEPA filter. There are different ratings of filters based on what size particle you want to filter. Each filter is rated on a scale of 1 to 20 called a MERV rating. This tells you what size particle a filter effectively removes from the air. The higher the rating, the smaller particles it is capable of filtering. With a cigarette fire or odor, you should use a filter with a MERV rating of 18 or higher.
3. Contact a Professional
   If these DIY tips aren't solving your issue, it's time to contact a fire cleanup and odor removal specialist at SERVPRO! These experts come with equipment that's designed exactly for this job, and they know how to use it with efficiency. One piece of tech many pros use is a hydroxyl generator. This device produces a harmless charged variant of water particles to break up odor molecules. This helps deal with the smell, and more advanced filters are used to deal with the pollutants.

Don't suffer from a lingering cigarette fire odor. Implement these tips and breathe easier.

We Are a PROUD IICRC Certified Firm

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

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.

Is It Duct Cleaning Time?

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

Allergy season is here. If you’re like many of us in Kentucky, you’re dealing with sniffles and sinus headaches too. Have you ever considered that part of your symptoms could be coming from your air ducts?

Your HVAC system circulates the air in your home anywhere from 5-7 times daily. Every time, it circulates microscopic allergens. Eventually, all of those tiny particulates build up and bring down your air quality. So if you’re one of the millions dealing with seasonal allergies cleaning your ducts could lessen the severity of your symptoms.

When Should I Get My Ducts Cleaned?

It is recommended that you get your ducts cleaned at the changes of the season. More specifically, fall or spring. It is at these times that the most dramatic changes to the weather starts. Kentuckians that are allergic to Ragweed and mold may want to consider the fall. As the nights get cooler, many of us open our windows to enjoy the fresh air. Ragweed blooms in the fall. The pollen can travel for 100 miles entering our homes while the windows are open. Damp places are the favored homes of mold and mildew. Large piles of leaves are examples of those places. Duct cleaning can also keep your energy bill down over the winter. A clean system means your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home. 

The spring is also a good time because we are generally already spring cleaning our homes. We are kicking up dust by cleaning our knick-knacks, and; our houses have been closed up all season. Kick up your spring cleaning a notch by investing in duct cleaning. Our duct cleaning services will aid in removing dust, dust mites, and pet dander from your home.

It’s also advisable to have your ducts cleaned after most reconstruction projects. The dust that accumulates post-construction can be detrimental to your air quality. Duct cleaning can keep the particulates from circulating around your house.

New homeowners should also consider getting their air ducts cleaned. This is especially true if the last time they were cleaned isn’t disclosed during the inspection. The idea of living in someone else’s dirty air does not sound appealing. 

How Often Should I Get My Air Ducts Cleaned?

A general rule of thumb is to clean your ducts at least every 4-5 years. However, certain lifestyles may require more frequent duct cleaning. For instance, animal lovers may need to have their ducts cleaned more often. This can help pet dander build up in the vents. Homeowners that smoke in their home may also want to have air ducts cleaned more regularly to battle the smell of nicotine.

If you're questioning how often to clean your ducts, NADCA simply suggests regular inspections. This will take the guesswork out of whether or not you're due for an air duct cleaning. 

Call us to schedule your duct cleaning today!

April Theme of the Month

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

April Theme of the Month

Biohazard is a service that SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties provides that is often overlooked because of the nature of it. It is hard to discuss.

But it is also a service that if you had the need for it, would be really important to know who does it. Without the knowledge, many times people might try to clean this up themselves without first finding out the risks associated. There are many reasons why it is best to have a certified company come and take care of the problem, but two big reasons are listed below- 

• Safety: Any remains or fluids that come out of a human or an animal are considered biohazard. Biohazard means that they could carry life threatening pathogens to the person cleaning up the area or whoever is simply exposed to them. When working with SERVPRO, you can trust that the cleanup will be done in the safest manner possible for everyone involved. Our staff has completed all of the proper trainings, including being registered and compliant with OSHA and FEMA guideline to clean up any type of biohazard.
• Traumatic: Whenever we are called for this type of job, it is typically a very traumatic experience for the family, and it would be emotionally difficult to clean up the area when it is a traumatic loss. Having someone else come in will be easier on any family or loved ones.

BIG NEWS – WE ARE GROWING

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

BIG NEWS – WE ARE GROWING

After owning SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties for over 10 years, owners Dewayne and Lisa Cox, decided it was time for a new adventure.  As of March 25^th, 2021, they are now officially the owners of 3 more franchises over the state of Kentucky. If you see Dewayne and Lisa Cox, give them a big congratulations, or send them a message showing your support. Continue to support local by calling us with any of your cleaning and restoration needs!

Message from Dewayne Cox:

“I am finally able to share the news! An adventure, and it’s official! We have expanded our SERVPRO services in KY.  We are very excited about the future and this certainly would not be possible without my family, friends, our amazing TEAM COX members & my SERVPRO corporate family.

Now proudly providing fire and water restoration in:

Allen, Barren, Hart, Green & Taylor Counties.

Butler, Ohio, Hopkins, Muhlenberg & Edmonson Counties.

Daviess County”

LOOKING FOR CONTRACTORS!

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

LOOKING FOR CONTRACTORS!

SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties has a goal of making the process of any type of loss as smooth as possible for our clients. While we started with only a mitigation department, we quickly grew to include a rebuild department! Our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened,” when it comes to your home or business.

We are looking for Electricians, Drywallers, Tiling / Stonework, Masonry, Carpenters, Flooring, Framing, Plumbers, Roofers, Handymen, Painters, HVAC, and more. All trades are welcome to contact us and apply.

 If you are a contractor looking for more work, give us a call and see if we would be a good fit to work together.

For more information, contact Lisa at 270-670-2346.

*Must be licensed and insured, and willing to travel around our area*

February Theme of the Month

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

February Theme of the Month

For this February’s theme of the month, head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up! We are doing things a little differently this month, as we are spotlighting OTHER businesses in our community!  

We are normally showcasing the different services that SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties provides, but we want spread the love this month, and spotlight other small, locally owned businesses in our counties. In the past year, many small businesses have adapted their business plans, and are now offering more curbside services. We will be working with these businesses to make “Spotlight Videos” over the products and services that are currently offering the public.

*If you would like to be a part of our spotlight, send us a message! We would love to meet you and learn more about you! *  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SERVPROofHarLarCo

Instagram: @SERVPROTeamCox

Local Marketing Representative – Tracy Foster

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Local Marketing Representative – Tracy Foster

We would like to give a warm welcome to our new local Marketing Representative, Tracy Foster! When a position opened with SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties, we knew just the person for the job. We are excited to see how Tracy will grow to serve our local communities and get to know each and every one of you. Here are a few words from her introducing herself:

“My name is Tracy Foster, and I am from this area. I previously lived in Bardstown, Kentucky for 20 years. My background in insurance made the opportunity to market for SERVPRO a perfect match for me! I am very family oriented and that made working for this franchise a great fit. Since working here I feel like I now have extended family and it is a great fit. I look forward to meeting new people and forging new, long lasting relationships while offering a service to help those that are in need.”

Tracy Foster

Cell: 270-734-4804

TFoster@SERVPRO10020.com

Mask Care

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Mask Care

Are you aware how to properly care for your mask?

Single Use Mask Disposal:

After using, place mask in plastic bag and tightly tie the top.

Then throw away along with normal trash.

Washing Reusable Masks:

Preferably use a different mask each time you need one, or at least one a day. Using these rules, it is important to have several masks to use between washings. It is also a good idea to have a certain bag for dirty masks and a bag for clean masks.

Washing By Hand:

Scrub mask with detergent/soap and water.

Thoroughly rinse until water runs clean after scrubbed.

By washer-

As long as there are no specific directions printed on the mask, you can typically throw your masks in with normal laundry.

Then use your normal detergent and washer settings.

It is also a good idea to the reshape your masks using an iron.

Drying-

After washing you can either dry your masks in a dryer or let them air dry. You can lay them flat, or hang them up.

How To Sanitize Your Phone

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Need to sanitize your phone? Here is a simple, safe way to do it without damaging your phone!

Step 1: Remove case  

Step 2: Wipe off top layer of dirt on phone and case with a clean cloth

Step 3: Carefully clean your device and case with a disinfectant wipe while being careful around any openings, ports or buttons. This will kill any bacteria and viruses that are living on your phone.

Step 4: Put them to the side for about 5 minutes to air dry. This will allow the wipe to clean and disinfect before touching it again.  

Step 5: Before putting case back on, look for anymore damp areas and wipe those off with a new, clean cloth.

The CDC recommends doing this at least once a day to keep your device as clean as possible during this season where many germs, viruses and illnesses are traveling.

November 2020 Theme of the Month

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

November 2020 Theme of the Month

It is now officially holiday season! While this year is going to look different for everyone, it is still a great time to celebrate and be merry. While it is a wonderful time of year, this is also the time of year when SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties will begin receiving an influx of calls about accidents happening. Here is an excerpt from a State Farm article with holiday tips this season!

Shopping- When shopping in public this holiday season, make sure to constantly maintain a 6 foot distance from others and wear a clean mask. When shopping online, make sure to only order from reputable websites and make sure there is a safe place for your packages to be dropped off if you are not home.

Cooking and Dining- While this year is going to look different, you may still find yourself cooking for others. One of the keys to keeping everyone safe is to keep your hands clean! Wash them often so you are not cross contaminating food items. Another tip for kitchen safety is to keep children and pets out from underfoot. Having them in another room is a good way to make sure no one trips over them and causes an accident. You should also check and make sure that any food items reach 140 degrees internally before serving and are only sitting out a maximum of 2 hours after they are finished cooking.

Traveling- When traveling, if it is icy or snowy, leave extra room between cars in case of slick spots. If you are going anywhere where you will be consuming alcohol, make sure to have a designated driver or Uber/cab ride home.

Decorating- Use the proper equipment when putting up decorations to prevent any issues from arising. Also before plugging in any cords, check for exposed or frayed wires. If you find any, toss and replace immediately. Using these wires could result in a fire or electric shock. If using a real tree, once it is dry, promptly take it outside, as they are very flammable and could cause a house fire.

For more information:

www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/simple-holiday-safety-tips

#TipTuesday - How often should you change your air filters?

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

#TipTuesday: How often do you change your air filters?

This is one home maintenance chore that is not always top of mind for renters or even home owners. While changing your air filters is not a hard task, it is something that is easily overlooked for long periods of time. While in some cases, they do not need to be changed very often, depending on how many people/pets live in a home and the homes size, they could need to be changed as often as every few weeks. If you have not been changing your filters regularly, here is a general guide on how often to change them:

• Single occupant/vacation home: 6 months.
• Single family home with no pets: 3 months
• Single family home with 1 pet: 2 months
• Single family home with more than 1 pet OR family members with allergies: 20-45 days

*NOTE* This is just a general guide, it is a good idea to check them even more regularly in case build up begins happening sooner!  

The main reason people think to change their filters often is to improve air quality throughout the home. There is another reason to continually change them though, it can help extend the life of your HVAC system. When dirty air is circulating in your home, it creates a buildup within the system, and it then takes more power for the system to run.  

For more information, visit: https://www.betterhomeguides.com/home-improvement/how-often-to-change-air-filter-in-homes/  

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties - Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

With SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties being a franchise, it has the unique ability to call on over 1,7000 other franchises for help or expertise in any type of job that comes through. During these times of uncertainty and stress with the Corona Virus outbreak, it is important to partner with a business that has decades of experience, like SERVPRO.

To highlight our expertise, SERVPRO Corporate began the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program to reflect our companies unique experience and capabilities. SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties quickly adopted the program, and begain using it on all jobs associated with COVID-19. This program is made up of 3 steps to help both our franchise and business owners navigate during this time:

Step 1- Consult

With each business having different needs, it is important to look at each one individually. To start the program, we send a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who is trained to help guide you in figuring out the best course of action for your business. Once this is done, our consultant will then create a personalized cleaning program. Some of the information that is looked at during the consult includes: type of business, building size, high touchpoint areas, incoming traffic, employee contact with each other and customers, and congested areas of the building. This will also help you decide how often deep cleanings are needed for your business.  

Step 2- Clean

This is when the actual cleaning and sanitation happens in your business. Using the guide built from the consultation, one of our trained crews arrive in full personal protection equipment to undergo a deep clean on your business using our exclusive cleaning system. At this point, our crews not only go by the SERVPRO Corporate standards, but also the CDC’s guidelines throughout the entire process. Our goal is to go beyond the scope of work to ensure maximum satisfaction and cleanliness for your staff and clients. Throughout the cleaning, we will also bag up the hazardous materials created during the clean, and dispose of it for you. The goal is to make it "Like it never even happened," including the cleaning itself.

Step 3- Certify

After the cleaning has been completed and one of our managers have been onsite, we then certify the cleaning. This includes posting and dating signage inside of your building to give both incoming customers and your employees peace of mind that their safety is the #1 priority.

Give us a call today to discuss your options, and to secure your spot on our schedule to start the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program!

SERVPRO Sump Pump Tip's

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pump's keep homes from flooding by pumping away ground water that collects around the house when the ground is saturated. The reason the sump pump is so important is flooding. Flooding is the #1 most common disaster in the United States. Insurance claims average around #3 BILLION dollars per year. So, here's a few tips from your local SERVPRO to hopefully keep your home/ basement dry.

Tip #1 - Install your pump on an isolated circuit to prevent fire hazards.

Tip #2 - Don't underestimate the weather. The average homeowner will typically experience a home disaster of some kind once every 25  years. Just because it's never happened before does NOT clear you next time.

Tip #3 - A battery back-up sump pump is always a great idea. Especially if your home is susceptible to flooding.   

SERVPRO has been extracting water and slug from homes since 1967. We were here for our customers yesterday and we will be here for you tomorrow. 

Advice form SERVPRO on Smoke Detectors

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

If 1 in 10 fires results in a destroyed home then 0.03% of individual homes are destroyed by fire in a year. That would mean that chances of having a home burned down would be approximately 1 in 3000 ballpark. Having said that, SERVPRO would like to give a few pieces of advise on fire alarm safety that could save your life.

When it comes to smoke detectors make sure they are dusted monthly and tested. batteries should be changed out twice a year. A good time to do that would be during daylight savings time. If you have kids in the home let them help. Use this time to talk about escape plans or fire safety practices. 

There should be one smoke detector on each floor, possibly placed in the hallway, and one per sleeping area/ bedroom. The average lifespan of a smoke detector is 10 years. SERVPRO suggests replacing it at that point if not sooner as you conduct your monthly tests and hear it getting weak. 

Our SERVPRO team is always here to help. 

SERVPRO has Specialized Training

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared to clean and disinfect 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/ chairs. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial space 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.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html 

SERVPRO Water Damage Tips

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

When water damages occur in your home or workplace, avoid the frustration and potential risk of handling the cleanup yourself. Your local SERVPRO Professional will respond quickly, with the right equipment to dry and help protect your property.

• Water Damage Response Tips for Property Owners
• (These tips are for clean water situations only.)
• Shut off water source if possible, and it can be done safely.
• Remove excess water by mopping or blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushions in the washing machine. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs. 
• Hand furs and leathers separately at room temperature. 
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting. 

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious issues later. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property.

If you have any questions or need any help give SERVPRO a call!

We can help with Mold

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Many people think that Mold Remediation, Mold Removal and Mold Restoration are the same thing. However, SERVPRO has a team of professionals that would like to share those differences with you.

*Mold Remediation narrows in on those especially problematic areas of mold.                                                                                                                           

*Mold Removal is necessary when you have  significant mold buildup. SERVPRO professionals can perform a mold inspection, determine if mold is present, measure its level and remove it if necessary. Furthermore, we will address the source of the mold.

*Mold Restoration is when a company you select (SERVPRO) comes in and finds the root of your problem, pinpoint areas in which mold has become excessive and do everything possible to move those levels back to an acceptable level. 

Often times SERVPRO will have air samples taken. These samples identify the type of mold spore present and their concentration. These spores are reproductive spores as opposed to dormant spores. Pinpointing the type of mold present with a spore sample makes it that much easier for remediation experts to figure out the best possible approach to tackling this problem.

In conclusion, if your mold covers a large area (10 square feet or more), it's best to call professionals. Call SERVPRO.

Biohazard and Trauma Cleanup

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

As SERVPRO professionals we are trained to safely remove and dispose of biohazardous substances in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. Failure to properly remove biological and chemical contaminants can contribute to unhealthy and hazardous environments.

When SERVPRO is called out on a biohazard/ trauma cleanup we take ALL safety precautions. SERVPRO specializes in removing potentially harmful contaminants such as blood and other body fluids, and odors from the scene. Blood and body fluids can contain bloodborne pathogens and potentially cause diseases. 

The situations in your life that warrant this type of attention from any company are typically not calls anyone wants to make. Having said that, SERVPRO is here to make that process as comfortable and easy for you as possible. 

Trusted since 1967. Call SERVPRO we want to help. 

Why SERVPRO?

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

The Importance of Fast Extraction of Mold!

Home and business owners place a lot of their faith in their buildings when they place the orders to supply their shops with items and goods. While you might have made the substantial initial investment a long time ago, every item that you have for sale within the shop represents part of that financial arrangement that you have with your supplier to make good on your end of the agreement. When water loss incidents occur within the home or property, you need to act immediately to protect this investment from irreparable damage. Our professionals are readily available to help!

While you cannot predict when you might need water or mold removal, the faster that you can secure this service, contain and appropriately clean the area, the less of the items and stock throughout your home or property that can become directly impacted. Our SERVPRO professionals can work quickly to offer effective mitigation solutions including fast extraction when you need it the most.

When we first come into your building, part of our team works to set up the extraction equipment required to begin removal and restoration efforts while another portion of our crew can work to remove at-risk contents from the affected area. Without a widespread situation, much of these moved items can get stored in a different area of your store unless they require focused drying and cleaning attention.

Our SERVPRO technicians on site determine the best equipment for the severity of the water damage, ranging from mobile wet-vac units with extraction wands to gas-powered trash pumps and our extractor truck. With effective removal of excess water, our team can get to work on thoroughly drying the damaged area and protecting your building from potential reconstruction or remediation needs.

While there are many concerns when your home or property suffers a water loss incident, the investment that you have made and contents of the property is our upmost priority for our SERVPRO of Hardin & LaRue Counties teams, as well. We have efficient extraction and drying equipment to get your doors back open quickly. Give us a call anytime disaster strikes at (270) 360-0448.

We Respond Faster to Water Damage - Day or Night!

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Hardin / LaRue Counties 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 Hardin / LaRue County arrives quickly and starts 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 – (270) 360-0448

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 bio hazard 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 bio hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About Us:

SERVPRO of Hardin / LaRue Counties specializes 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.

How to Remove Debris From Your Fire Damaged Home

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Once a disaster has impacted your home, you work to understand that steps necessary to return your property to pre loss conditions. Ultimately, in the case of fires, much of the work that needs to happen falls into the skilled hands of professional restoration technicians like ours. The question becomes who is going to cover the costs of restoring the property, whether this falls into the coverage that you pay for when you have home insurance, or if it becomes an out of pocket expense.

With the often widespread fire effects throughout your property, even fire debris removal can feel overwhelming to a homeowner. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with an honest assessment of the damage and the best approach to restoring the property as efficiently as possible. Your insurance provider requires documentation, evidence, and photographs to approve a claim for your home to get the restoration paid for, so calling our experienced team first can be a time and money saving option.

Also, by getting our professionals to your home quickly, we can implement our mitigation tactics which can keep the damage from getting worse. We have equipment designed to clean up potential water damage, improve air quality, and remove hazards that could exist from the fire spreading throughout your home. Our safety-conscious SERVPRO technicians have full-body personal protective equipment that can keep them safe through these initial efforts.

Often basic home insurance policies from major providers includs fire debris removal coverage. To know for sure, you can call your agent directly to walk you through the details of your specific policy. This removal is critical to begin restoration as it removes overly damaged components and potential health hazards from the property and provides a safer environment for our technicians to restore.

With fire damage, there are no two homes to be affected in the same way. Let our highly trained SERVPRO of Hardin / LaRue fire restoration specialists offer you comprehensive service from our initial inspection through the return of your restored home. Call us anytime -day or night - at (270) 360-0448.

Identifying Potential Sources of Mold Damage in Homes

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth is a frustrating problem to deal with in homes because of the effect it can have on your property and family. It can cause damage to walls and floors, leading to unpleasant odors, and even have health implications on your household.

If you suspect the presence of mold damage in your property, contact SERVPRO as soon as possible. We are a trusted company in the restoration industry, and our technicians are up to par with IICRC guidelines to ensure a seamless mold remediation process. We also have high tech cleaning equipment that is available on demand, all in our dedication to restoring your home to standard conditions as fast as possible. 
 
To eliminate mold damage in the house, you first need to understand where mold is most likely to develop unnoticeably. Window sills are especially prone to mold growth because they provide ideal conditions for its survival. Window sills allow condensation to build up throughout the year and unless the windows are open, there is not sufficient air circulation for evaporation to occur. Dirt accumulates on the sills and window tracks, providing food for the mold. It is advisable to wipe out this condensation and clean out the dirt on a regular basis. 
 
Refrigerator drip pans are also good places to look for mold damage. All refrigerators come with drip pans that collect condensation along with food particles and spills. This combination of food and moisture in an area with poor air circulation provides a conducive environment for mold growth. If the mold growth is excessive, SERVPRO technicians can come in and clean it up using special antimicrobial products. 
 
Mold damage can also develop inconspicuously behind wallpaper. Mold and mildew feed on cellulose, which is commonly found in drywall, wallpaper, and paste. Identifying mold growth behind the wallpaper is difficult unless it is peeling off in certain areas, or you are detaching it from the wall. 
 
Removing and treating mold-damaged wallpaper should be done by trained professionals to avoid contamination with mold spores. Our mold damage remediation experts can treat the surface with high-quality adhesives and a mold-resistant primer before new wallpaper is installed. As a general rule of thumb, do not put wallpaper in places exposed to moisture such as the bathroom or kitchen. 
 
Mold growth can overtake and overwhelm your home in a matter of days. That is why SERVPRO of Hardin / LaRue Counties is dedicated to fighting and eradicating all signs of mold damage as soon as they appear. For emergency services, call us today at (270) 360-0448.

SERVPRO Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup and Restoration

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SERVPRO professionals are trained to safely and effectively removed bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes, and offices.  

Blood-borne Pathogens

SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Hardin / LaRue Counties professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. SERVPRO professionals help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Commercial Water Damage

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When it comes to any mitigation work in a commercial setting, getting it done fast and right is essential to overall functionality. A definite bonus to those items is being able to work quickly enough to save the content of the business like furniture, desks and computers.  SERVPRO is in the business of restoring items....not throwing it away and buying a new one.  If an item can be saved or restored to like-new status it is worth the time to do so.  This is especially important to our customers and also the insurance company.

We take extra special care to protect items from damage while we do work, whether that is content shifting and covering items at the loss or boxing it up to clean up back at our shop.  Our content specialists do amazing clean-up on a wide variety of materials and types of damage.

SERVPRO of Hardin / LaRue Counties is very proud of keeping the "restore" in restoration!

Give us a call today at (270) 360-0448