Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
We are Cleaning Experts
3/18/2020 (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 guidelines set forth by the Federal Government. 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 Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces in all public spaces. Examples would include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces likely to fall under the PHAC’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 Government of Canada recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectants with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products available to SERVPRO carry this approved emerging pathogens claim. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the Federal Government and provincial/local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of Calgary South, 403-255-0202]
Fall Home Maintenance Musts
10/11/2019 (Permalink)
Fall home maintenance tips to keep your property in great shape
Fall Home Maintenance Musts
Clean the Gutters
After leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts, flush them with water, inspect joints, and tighten brackets if necessary. Clogged gutters are one of the major causes of ice dams. Replace old or damaged gutters with new ones that have built-in leaf guards for easier future maintenance.
Caulk Windows
Be sure to caulk around windows and doorframes to prevent heat from escaping. “Caulking and sealing openings is one of the least expensive maintenance jobs,” says Michael Hydeck, Hydeck Design Build, Inc. “Openings in the structure can cause water to get in and freeze, resulting in cracks and mold buildup,” he says.
Inspect the Roof
Make sure the roof is in good shape. Inspect for missing and loose shingles. "Ice, rain, snow, and wind combined with rapidly changing temperatures and humidity wreak havoc on roofs," says Jay Butch, Director, Contractor programs for CertainTeed Roofing. "Your roof is your first defense in protecting your home. It’s better to proactively deal with repairs in the fall than to discover a leaky roof during a snowstorm."
Ready the Fireplace
Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating contractor. Heating systems will use fuel more efficiently, last longer, and have fewer problems if properly serviced. Get your wood stove and fireplace in working order. Gary Webster, Creative Director of Travis Industries, suggests that you examine your wood stove or fireplace insert’s door gasket for a tight seal.
Spring Tips: General Spring Maintenance
3/19/2019 (Permalink)
The warmer temperatures are finally on the way after a long, cold winter. Spring is a beautiful time of year, but we must also remember spring cleaning entails a lot more than a thorough vacuum and dusting. For easy home maintenance it is important to stay on top of it and not let the chores build up season to season. In addition to saving time and money, regular maintenance is beneficial for your property because it can help you discover problems by identifying small issues before they become major repairs. Maintenance also helps with curb appeal because a well-maintained home has a more pleasant appearance increasing property value.
Here are a few more tips for your General Spring Maintenance:
1) Air Movement (Air Conditioner and Furnace)
It is a good idea to check your A/C and furnace before the first heatwave hits and your home becomes a sauna. Check all the connections, change the filter, and if necessary, have it serviced. You won’t regret it.
2) Attack the Attic
After a long and cold winter, it’s important to check your attic space to make sure no water has found its way in. You will also want to make sure no mice, insects, or other critters have nested over the winter, terrorizing your insulation. Check to make sure the insulation is dry (wet insulation is less effective) and look for signs of mould or water damage. Improper ventilation can cause condensation to buildup, become frost, and eventually result in water damage.
3) Browse the Basement
Changing season often lead to basement issues as, basements are often a hotspot for repairs. Check for cracks in the cement walls and look for signs of leaks. While you are down there, check the washing machine hoses for leaks or holes, inspect the basement windows for mould, leaks, or drafts, and watch out for signs of bugs or rodents.
5) Look for Leaks and Monitor for Mould
In addition to browsing the basement, looking for leaks and mold is vital in all areas of your home. Take the time to inspect all windows, doors, bathrooms, toilets, sinks, and other areas where water is prevalent. If you discover mould, take action immediately. If you have a large amount of mold, SERVPRO of Calgary South would be happy to help with your mould remediation.
6) Secure Smoke Signals
Frequently checking the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be a regular household activity, make sure they are working properly and change the batteries when necessary (check monthly, change annually). Check your fire extinguishers to ensure there are no leaks and the pin is in place and it is not expired. It is also important to store you fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place where everyone knows where it is.
Spring Tips: Exterior Maintenance
3/19/2019 (Permalink)
Time to get your home ready for BBQ season, here are a few tips to help with you spring time maintenance.
With Spring approaching, it’s time to check your home and see if the wintery cold caused any damage to your home or building. Signs of winter damage start to show themselves once the weather warms up and the surrounding environment starts to thaw. This article will help you get out of winter hibernation and back into barbeque season! Here is a quick maintenance checklist focusing on the exterior of your building:
1) Start at the Top (Inspect the Roof)
A healthy roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Ensuring it is sturdy and sealed is central to keeping your entire home efficient. Damage to your shingles, flashing, or any leaks can quickly trickle down and affect other areas of your home. When looking at your shingles look for curled edges, tears, or loose stones in your gutters, these are all signs of damage and could be a signal for replacement.
It is also important to have proper drainage form your roof, this means cleaning you gutters and downspouts. Repair any holes in the gutters and clean out leaves and pine needles. Organic material can degrade in your gutter and create a thick muddy mess, stopping water from being properly redirected away from your property.
2) Check the Structure (Inspect the Foundation, Walls, Windows, and Doors)
Do a walk around of your home and check for cracks/holes in the foundation. as well as inspecting the exterior walls, siding, windows and door. If you identify a foundation issue, contact a specialist to take a look. When inspecting the windows and doors, pay special attention to the caulking and weather stripping, issues in the seal are often harder to find than obvious holes or tears. All of this will limit the chances of water using one of these pathways into your house and reduce your heating/AC bill.
3) Independent Structures (Garages, Sheds, Fences etc)
Make sure the garage door is functioning properly and has a strong seal at the bottom. Sweep and vacuum dust, dirt, and debris around the doors. Also make sure there is nothing that could fall off the ceiling and impede the doors from working properly. Looks for signs of cracked or split fencing boards, especially near any gates and ice can raise fence boards and make gates stick.
4) Spring Yard Cleanup
It is grass cutting season! Time to get that lawn mower out, change the oil, get the blade sharpened and have the yearly debate of what is the better way to cut the yard, side-to-side or up-and-down (My vote is for side-to-side) Now, head to your local hardware store to restock on supplies such as landscaping bags and grass seed. Don’t forget to pick up the tools you need to thatch, weed, and clean out your garden beds. Now that you are ready, fire up the BBQ, pull out the cooler, and invite for the family and friends.
For Immediate Service in Calgary, Call SERVPRO
3/12/2019 (Permalink)
Calgary Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!
SERVPRO of Calgary South provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Calgary and surrounding area. 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
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (403) 255-0202
Residential Services
Whether your Calgary 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 Calgary 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. Learn more about our commercial services: Commercial Cleaning
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Calgary Home
2/27/2019 (Permalink)
We are proudly an IICRC Certified Firm
Industry standards are very important in business as they not only give the business a baseline of how to conduct business, they also protect the consumers by ensuring the company they choose is qualified.
SERVPRO of Calgary South is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Calgary South
SERVPRO of Calgary South 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Meet Our Crew