Recent Posts

SERVPRO® Olmos Park - Smoke and Soot Facts

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Olmos Park San Antonio will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 210-899-1017

Fire Restoration Process - SERVPRO® of Olmos Park

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Steps To The Fire Damage Restoration Process

A fire in your home or place of business is going to leave quite a bit of damage behind. Not only do you need fire damage restoration but also water damage mitigation. Here is what the fire restoration process is likely to entail when SERVPRO of Olmos Park San Antonio arrives.

Assessment

The first thing technicians are likely to do is survey the damage. They inspect the whole property to find anything that needs restoration:

  • Walls and insulation
  • Ceilings
  • Flooring
  • Furniture
  • Contents
  • Cabinets / Countertops and more...                                               

Once they have an itemized list of everything that needs to be done, the cleanup can begin. Our SERVPRO® staff is able to help with the insurance process in getting the claim filed and approvals that may be required. 

Water Remediation

A lot of water goes into putting out a fire. Therefore, Fire damage restoration often starts with water remediation. Technicians also have to contend with the water the fire rescue team used to douse the flames. Restoring what the water destroys is part of the cleanup process.

Smoke and Soot Removal

Another aspect of fire restoration is smoke and soot. Technicians have techniques for removing soot from the cracks and crevices for a complete cleaning. Smoke will likely need to be removed from surfaces, and the air may need to be filtered to neutralize smoke particles in it.

Rebuilding

After all damaged materials have been removed and all remaining surfaces cleaned, the final restoration begins. Walls that are torn out need to be rebuilt. Ceiling and floor tiles that are broken or damaged must be replaced. If the fire only affected one area, it must be made to match the surrounding area so that your home or business looks the same as it did before the fire.
There are several steps to the fire damage restoration process. Knowing what to expect before it begins can help you stay on track.

 call us at: (210) 899-1017

SERVPRO® Olmos Park - Ready 24/7™

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park San Antonio provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in San Antonio Texas. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster™
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Independently Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 210-899-1017

Residential Services

Whether your San Antonio home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your San Antonio commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

What are MOLDS?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Mold on Walls Mold? Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park at (210) 899-1017

One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold.  What kind of mold do I have?  How do I keep it from spreading?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

  • Cladosporium
  • Penicillium
  • Alternaria
  • Aspergillus

SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home.  In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming.  In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.

In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated.  Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Refrigerator Leaks

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Refrigerator Leak Refrigerator Leak? Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park at: (210) 899-1017

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact SERVPRO of Olmos Park right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage. Call (210) 899-1017. 

Water is Leaking Through My Light Fixture! What Should I Do?

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Water leaking through light fixture Water leaking at light fixture

Water leaking through a light fixture is a common problem in homes that have plumbing leaks, which can occur either under or behind the sink, around the bathtub, or anywhere where water can collect. When it happens, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage. This article will help you understand why water is leaking through your light fixture and what you can do about it.

If your water is leaking through a light fixture, there are several things you should do immediately. This is a serious problem. Do not touch the light fixture or any electrical equipment in the area. Call an electrician right away to fix it for you. If you don’t know where to find an electrician, look online or ask friends and family members if they can recommend somebody. Do not try to fix this by yourself!

Turn Off the Water and Electricity 

This should be obvious, but it's worth stating. Turning off the water will prevent further damage if you don't know where the leak is coming from yet. If you can't turn off your pipes or faucet, use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up as much water as possible before calling a professional for help.

Clean Up the Mess

If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to suck up any water that is on the floor. If this is impossible to do due to the leak being too big or your vacuum not being strong enough, then use a towel or other absorbent material (like an old t-shirt) and soak up as much water as possible.

Monitor the Situation

To monitor the situation, you'll need to keep an eye on the room temperature and humidity levels. If they rise above normal levels and/or you notice a musty odor, it's possible that mold has begun to grow in your home. If this happens, call a specialist right away! It's important not to wait until the damage is too severe before seeking out help—a professional can help you fix any problems before they become too severe.

When you have a water leak in your home, SERVPRO of Olmos Park to help get your home back to normal. 

Three Steps To Avoid Calling a Fire Restoration Company

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Clean the lint screen of your dryer Clean the lint screen of your dryer.

Did you know that your clothes dryer can be a cause of a home lint fire? According to the United States Fire Administration, there are about 2,900 clothes dryer fires reported each year. The USFA also states that almost 35% of those fires could have been prevented if the dryer had been cleaned. Ensure that your San Antonio, home or business' dies not suffer the devastating effects of fire damage by cleaning your dryer regularly. Here are 3 steps to follow. 

1. Clean the Screen
The first part to clean is the lint screen. Every clothes dryer has a lint screen located on top or inside the bottom of the door. There are three ways to remove lint from the screen:

  • Run your fingers gently across the screen
  • Wipe a used dryer sheet on the screen
  • Use a vacuum brush attachment

It’s important to clean the lint screen before each new load to prevent a lint fire. If you use dryer sheets, remove the screen every month and run it under water to remove any residue.

2. Deep Clean the Vents
In addition to cleaning the screen, it’s necessary to deep-clean the vents at least once a year. Lint can get trapped and accumulate inside the vent, which leads to inefficient drying and possible combustion. Fortunately, cleaning the vent isn’t difficult.


First, unplug the dryer and shut off the power to the machine. Next, move the dryer away from the wall and remove the hose. Third, gently wipe the interior or put a vacuum attachment inside to pull out the lint. Finally, use a dryer cleaning kit and follow the instructions to clean the wall vent.

3. Clean the Exterior and Interior
Cleaning the outside and inside of the appliance prevents a dryer fire. Remove the back panel of your dryer with a screwdriver and gently wipe all areas with a soft cloth. Check inside as well to remove any lint in the drum.
Removing lint from the screen before each load and thoroughly cleaning the vents and dryer can prevent a lint fire.

Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today at (210) 899-1017. 

SERVPRO of Olmos Park - Faster to any Disaster

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Fleet van ready to go! SERVPRO of Olmos Park Van is ready to respond faster to any disaster.

Although it is something that none of us ever want to deal with, flooding will happen at one point or another in your home. Flooding can occur many different ways in your San Antonio home -- a malfunctioning appliance, a pipe that burst, a family member who walked away from a filling bath tub for a little too long. When your San Antonio home experiences water damage, immediate action is crucial in minimizing the extent of the damage done to your property. SERVPRO of Olmos Park responds quickly; we make it a priority to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Our highly-trained professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to remove water efficiently. SERVPRO of Olmos Park will make it "Like it never even happened."

If your home experiences flooding or water damage, don't delay - Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today. 

Prevent Secondary Damage - Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Mold!! Oh No! Mold! Oh No! Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park 210-899-1017

Call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park to Prevent Secondary Damage

You have heard it said again and again: Time is money.

The old adage is never more true than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property remains wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage.  That's why emergency response matters.  

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air.  Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation.  The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry.  The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc.  Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow.  This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.

Let's face it: Floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday.  So why should your restoration provider?  SERVPRO® of Olmos Park Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods to get the job done right as quickly as possible.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Hazmat and Bio Hazard Removal Trained

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Bio hazard clean up is considered: blood clean up, urine clean up, human feces clean up, animal feces clean up, vomit clean up, and the clean up of other human fluids.  General maid and janitorial services will not remove these items due to their potentially hazardous nature.  SERVPRO of Olmos Park technicians are trained and properly uniformed to safely remove bio hazardous materials. This is why you can rely on SERVPRO of Olmos Park to get the job done quickly, safely, and to sanitation standards.  Many homes and buildings that have been left unattended and/or improperly cared for will generally require this type of service. SERVPRO of Olmos Park will remove all hazardous items and properly dispose of them. If your home or your business is in need of bio hazard removal, please do not hesitate to call today.