Outdoor Furniture That Will Save Your Wallet & Your Sanity

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Who doesn't love snuggling up on the couch with a good book while listening to the rain fall on your window?  The unexpecting owners of beloved patio furniture, that's who.  But here's the good news: rain doesn't have to ruin the outdoor furniture that you spent hours picking out and strategically placing on your back porch.  There are certain cloth materials that are made to withstand the effects of water, woods that repel insects and mildew, metals that are made to resist the formation of rust, and synthetic materials created to hold their own against the elements.  Let's start with seating.

Durable Seating Options For Outdoor Furniture:

• The first, and probably most common water resistant seating material, is synthetic wicker or rattan.  The organic version of these materials is absolutely charming, although not the most durable.  However, synthetic wicker or rattan mimic the color and texture of the natural fibers, with the additional perks of being waterproof and resistant to fading.  Fortunately, these materials are made to last, and won't break the bank.
• If your goal is to go all natural, teak wood might be the material for you.  Though teak is durable when exposed to moisture, its natural state and place of origin definitely make it more of an investment compared to synthetic materials.  Dawning from Asian rainforests that are prone to monsoons, teak is a soldier.  It is not only waterproof, but also resistant to insects and sunlight, and doesn't attract dirt.  It may be a high dollar material, but its natural state and long lasting features make this wood worth the price.
• Powdered aluminum is also a good choice of material for your backyard oasis.  Why is aluminum a better choice than other metals?  Allow me to put on my lab coat for a moment.  Rust is iron oxide, and because aluminum has virtually no iron in it, it doesn't rust.  Aluminum can also have an anti-corrosion coating added to it as extra insurance against rust.  Class dismissed.

Now that we have covered the most reliable base materials for outdoor furniture, let's discuss how we can add a little pizazz.

No fabric is going to be one-hundred percent waterproof.  There are waxy finishes that can be added to the surface of fabrics to allow water droplets to roll off rather than soak in, but those don't last forever.  Rather than preventing your cushions from getting wet, consider investing in a material that will dry quickly, resist mold, and avoid that mildew stench that nobody enjoys.

The Best Cushion Materials To Avoid Moisture Damage:

• The first fabric on our list is going to be polyester.  No, not like your great grandma's clothing.  Polyester has come a long way since the early ages of leisure suits.  This fabric will give you an expensive look without the expensive prices.  It repels light amounts of rain and still keeps its tight, clean shape even when it gets sopping wet.
• Acrylic fabrics are also a worthy option when it comes to patio furniture cushions.  Acrylic manages to stay easy on the eyes, with its silky touch, while also being resistant to the elements.  This fabric also holds its color due to the dying process that it endures.  Acrylic fibers are typically dyed before being woven together, resulting in the fabric keeping its vibrant color through the sun and the rain.

Polyester and acrylic fabrics are considered the two best fabrics to use for patio furniture cushions, but, what about the cushion itself?  There is only one thing that I, and most cushion aficionados, will recommend: quick-drying foam.  This miracle foam is made to be outdoors in rain or shine.  It is porous, which allows water to run right through it rather than soaking it in like cotton stuffing would do.  Because of this, it also dries exponentially fast and resists the growth of mold as well as that mildew smell.  You still have to let the cushions sit out in the sun after a nice rainfall, but they will be ready for use at record speeds.  They also don't have to be replaced as often as your average cushion which will save your wallet.

In Conclusion?

You shouldn't have to panic about making an artist's impression when your in-laws decide to invite themselves over for a barbeque.  These materials that we discussed previously will be ready, and stay ready, for any occasion.  No more complaints from your mother-in-law about smelly cushions or old furniture.  Give yourself something to be proud of, no matter the weather conditions.  Synthetic wicker, teak wood, and aluminum are just a small portion of luxurious looking, weather resistant materials.  Just as Polyester and Acrylic aren't the only fabric options out there, but they are the biggest bang for your buck.  These items are just a few outdoor furniture pieces that will save your wallet, and your sanity!

Signs of a Weakened or Busted Water Pipe

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Repairing busted water pipes and the damage they cause can be stressful for all parties involved.  Although there is no sure way to prevent wear and tear, there are some signs to look for in order to catch a leak early on.  

Signs That You May Have a Busted Water Pipe

1. The formation of puddles under sinks, around toilets, etc. is one of the more obvious indications of a damaged pipe.
2. Low water pressure can also be an effect of a leak or burst.
3. Stains along walls or ceilings are another obvious sign of water damage.
4. Discoloration in the water such as a reddish undertone or strange smells that mimic something metallic may be due to rust which will eventually weaken the pipes.
5. Water bills may increase if there is a leak that has gone undetected for a period of time.

Water Damage Timeline

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties provides 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 Parker and Northeast Hood Counties 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 – (817)596-8714

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.

Leaking Appliances?

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

One of the most frustrating experiences as a homeowner is having to fix or replace things throughout the home as they begin to wear down.

Cleaning appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines can be some of the more frustrating fixer-uppers, as they may leak water constantly for months before anything is detected by the homeowner. This means that the water has had an ample amount of time to seep up under the flooring, soak into the baseboards, or even make its way into electrical outlets or other nearby appliances. It can also cause other types of secondary damage. Of course, as a homeowner, there are actions that you can take once the leak is detected that will limit the  amount of further damage done; however, SERVPRO of Parker & NE Hood Counties has a team of professionals, available 24/7, including holidays, that have been trained to tackle instances such as this.

While a mop may help clean up the affected surfaces, leave it to the professionals to handle extensive water loss clean-up and repairs to ensure the job is done safely and properly. With over 19 years of experience, our technicians are able to make the loss look as if “it never even happened”.

Personal Protective Equipment | Water

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, we aim to keep our employees as safe as possible.  One of the ways that we go about this is by providing what we call PPE, or personal protective equipment.  This is equipment or clothing articles that our crew uses when dealing with certain hazardous materials or substances.  An example of a hazardous situation that would require PPE is a water loss.  

With water losses, there are three categories that we like to consider to determine how contaminated the water is. Category 1 is clean water that doesn't pose any threat to humans.  An example of this could be tap water straight from the sink.  Category 2, grey water, meant that the water contains some contaminants and could cause a human illness if ingested. This may come from broken toilets or sump pumps.  Finally, category 3 is called black water.  This water is highly contaminated and my include biohazardous materials such as urine or feces.  These categories are greatly considered when determining what PPE is necessary while performing the mitigation process. Here are a few examples of PPE that we use during a water loss and what justifies us wearing them.

• Gloves are a staple piece for our crew.  No matter the job or the category of the loss our team is always wearing a pair of gloves.
• Rubber boots are always worn when there is standing water in any room of the house.  Wet socks are uncomfortable enough as is.  Add some contaminants in there and you've got a recipe for disaster.
• Safety goggles are another staple piece in our PPE closet, and for obvious reasons.  Our crew is highly susceptible to getting things in their eyes while working.  Safety goggles will shield their eyes from water, insulation, drywall, and anything else that might be floating around.
• Safety suits are worn when the water loss is a category 3.  This category includes things such as sewage where there are a lot of dangerous contaminants and bacteria in the water that could be incredibly dangerous to our crew members.
• Respirator masks are also worn when the water is considered highly contaminated and dangerous.  Mold and other bacteria can easily form in this category and can be dangerous to inhale.

These are just a few examples of PPE that our crew wears when handling a water loss.  These items help keep our people safe so that we can create a safe environment for the homeowners as well.  

As always, if you have experienced a water loss in your home or business, give us a call!  You can contact us at 817-596-8715.

3 Types of Secondary Damage that Can Occur After a Water Loss

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

When a water loss first occurs, your home will most likely experience immediate damage.  This can include loss of important documents, electrical shortages, or wet drywall.  If the water is not removed quickly and the area is not dried properly, there can also be damage that is caused after the flood.  This is called secondary damage.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to hire a professional to remove the water and reverse the effects of the loss.  However, if not attended to immediately, here are a few examples of secondary damage that you should look out for.

1. Mold Growth
   
   
• The first, and most familiar example, is mold growth.  Mold loves moist environments.  This is why it is such a common effect of a water loss.  If left untreated, mold can continue to spread and damage other areas of the house.
2. Warped Hardwood Floors
   
   
• Another familiar cause of water loss is warped hardwood floors.  This is when wood flooring absorbs the moisture sitting on top of it, causing it to disfigure and/or rise off of the foundation.  Warping is why flooring is commonly removed and replaced after a water loss.  Wood furniture can also become disfigured if exposed to moisture.
3. Corrosion
• The third example of secondary water damage is corrosion.  If any pipes, screws, or nails were exposed to moisture during a water loss, they may eventually begin to rust.  This can weaken the metal piece and cause it to eventually break.   

When dealing with a water loss, these examples of secondary damage can be detrimental to your home.  Our team here at SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is trained to look out and resolve these issues BEFORE they occur.  If you are in need of professional mitigation due to a water loss, give us a call at 817-596-8714.

Categories and Classes of Water Losses

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Upon arriving at a water mitigation job, one of the first things that we do is assess the category of the water and the class of the water damage.  Water category refers to the range of contamination of the water.  There are 3 basic categories:

• Category 1: Clean Water- This is water that does not pose a threat to humans. This water can come from the kitchen tap or broken appliances. 
• Category 2: Grey Water- This water contains harmful microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms.  Grey water can come from broken toilets or sump pumps.
• Category 3: Black Water- This water is unsanitary and contains microorganisms or bacteria that can be harmful to human health.  This water is commonly sewage.

When determining the water category, our technicians take into account a number of factors.  These factors include: origin of water, current location of water, time since the loss  occurred, temperature of water and surrounding areas, and noticeable smells.  Once these factors have been considered and the water category has been determined, we then assess the class of the damage. 

Determining the class is important when assessing water damage repair options. While it is true, all water loss requires some amount of repairs, some repairs aren't as extensive as others.  There are four classes of water damage:

• Class 1: This is the least severe class where minimal damage was caused.  Materials generally absorb very little water and only a small portion of the room may be affected.
• Class 2: This class wreaks a little more havoc than the previous one.  The entire room has been affected, usually involving wet carpet and/or cushioning and water has reached around twelve inches up the wall.
• Class 3: Materials such as walls, furniture, carpet, and insulation have been affected by the water loss.
• Class 4: Water has damaged materials with low permeability rates, such as hardwood and concrete.  These materials are difficult and time consuming to dry out and restore.

Once the category of water and class of damage have been determined, our technicians can then accumulate a game plan to begin the restoration process.  If you or someone you know experiences a water loss, you can call SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties at any time, 24/7.  Our biggest goal is to make the restoration process as simple and stress free and possible, in order to make it "Like it never even happened."  We can be contacted at 817-596-8714.

The Do's and Don'ts of a Water Loss

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

A water loss can be a scary and dramatic experience for all parties involved. Of course, in the midst of the panic and stress that one may endure, the main priority is to ensure the safety of whoever is present. Once everybody is safe, here are a few things to continue to ensure the safety of not just yourself and your family, but also the state of your home.

What to do After Flooding:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.

What not to do:

• Do not leave fabrics and rugs in their place. Hang them and let them dry. 
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are low

As always, if you have experienced a water loss in your home, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is here to help!  We are available 24/7 to help you with your water mitigation needs.  Give us a call at 817-596-8714.

FEMA's Checklist for Saving Water Damaged Contents

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water loss can disrupt your life in ways that aren't often thought about.  Obviously it may require you to hire a professional mitigation or restoration company in order to save the building, but what about all of the contents inside of the building?  Do you need to hire a professional to salvage those too?  Well, in a lot of cases, water damaged contents do require restoration from a trained professional, but there are things that you can do as well to save a lot of the valuables in your home.

Saving these valuables can be a race against the clock as mold can begin forming as soon as 48 hours after contact with moisture FEMA has created a checklist to follow when you are trying to clean water damaged contents but the very first thing that you must do is determine what kind of water you're working with.  Contaminated water may require help from a professional as the item that came in contact with the contaminants will need to be thoroughly sanitized.  If the water was untainted, however, follow these steps to help restore your waterlogged valuables.

1. Prioritize.  Not everything may be salvageable which means you need to choose the items that are most important to you and go from there.
2. Air Dry.  Gentle air drying could work wonders.  Use fans, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers to control the moisture.  Avoid using hair dryers, ovens, irons, or setting items in direct sunlight as this could do irreversible damage.
3. Handle With Care. As I'm sure you already know, wet objects are fragile.  That means that you have to be extra careful with them.  Remove sodden items from the surface of photos, artwork, and any paper materials.  You may also place paper towels in between every few pages of books or magazines to absorb some of the moisture.
4. Clean Gently.  Gently loosen dirt and debris on fragile objects using a soft rag or brush.
5. Salvage Photos. Carefully rinse photos under cool, clean water to remove remaining debris.  You can then dry them by placing them flat on a screen or drying rack, or hanging them up by one of their corners with a plastic clothespin.
6. Freese items that cannot be restored immediately.  Placing items like books, photos, and textiles in a freezer until you're able to clean them will prevent bacteria and mold from growing.  It only takes 48 hours for mold to start growing but it wont grow at all if the moisture is kept frozen before cleaning.

Try out these methods of cleaning if any valuable items come in contact with moisture.  As always, if you have experienced a water loss in your home or business, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is here to help!  We have the equipment and manpower necessary to mitigate a water loss of any size.  We can be contacted 24/7/365 at 817-596-8714

Water Moves in Strange Ways

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

In the water mitigation world, it is very important that we check every inch of wall and flooring after a flood. Whether it be a small sink overflow, and busted pipe, or a huge storm, finding all the moisture in the affected area is a must. Water will move in strange ways sometimes. Years of studies and experience shows that no matter how much we think we know, or how we may predict the water to move, we cannot truly be sure. If a SERVPRO technician comes to your home to scope, they may start to look in places where water did not necessarily go. To prevent further damage and mold growth to begin, all moisture must be extracted. If you need any services from our SERVPRO professionals, do not hesitate to call! (817)596-8715

The 3 Water Categories

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

This picture represents three examples of water categories.

In the water mitigation world, there are three categories of water. When dealing with these categories, we must be thorough. The first is category 1, clean water from a precise source. For example, a sink overflowing into the bathroom floor. If the floor is not contaminated with anything dirty and there are no pets. We would probably consider this a “1.” A category 2 would contain a significant amount of biological contaminates. If this water were consumed it could cause sickness or discomfort. This would be something like a dishwasher leak. While the water may not look super dirty to the eye, the chemicals in the water from the dishwashing machine could be harmful to humans and animals. The most harmful is a category 3. Category 3 is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic or toxigenic agents. More often than not, the water we deal with is a “1” or a “2.” Call SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties today if you have questions. (817)596-8714

We're Here 24/7, Do Not Hesitate To Call Us

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Waking up in the middle of the night to a flooded floor like this can be frustrating but, don't hesitate to call us!

A water loss can happen at any moment. Since, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties will always be here for you, our phones ring 24/7 for your convenience. The phone lines are always open because here at SERVPRO, we understand that water losses have no manners or sense of privacy. They come and go as they please! It is easy to underestimate how much damage water can cause. But we can assure you, the longer you wait, the more likely your personal belongings and home will be damaged. So, do not hesitate to call, even if its 3a.m.

Your safety and comfort are important to us. YOU are our priority no matter the time or place. Please, if you have any questions or concerns, call us. (817)596-8714.

Checking Your Gutter System

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Overflowing Gutter & Pooling Downspout

Checking Your Gutter System

Gutter systems are very important for your home. Gutters catch rainwater and direct it to the downspouts and into your home’s drainage system. This process protects the foundation of your house. It is very important that you check your gutter system at least once a month, especially during the rainier seasons.

If the gutters or downspouts are not functioning correctly, issues may occur. Without proper drainage, the soil alongside your home will start to wear away or water may leak into your basement or crawl spaces. Some signs to look for in a broken gutter system are standing water inside the gutters, improper drainage, or pooling at the downspouts. High winds during storms can highly damage gutters as well.

If you discover that your gutter system is failing, find water in a crawlspace of your home, or simply want us to come out and inspect, our SERVPRO technicians are happy to help. Call SERVPRO of Parker & Northeast Hood Counties now!

(817) 596-8714

Did You Know?

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

If you find yourself dealing with contaminated water, from a water loss, call in the SERVPRO experts for help.

There are three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water" is from a clean source like a broken water line; however, if left untreated, can degrade into a category 2 or 3.

Category 2: "Gray Water" may contain bacteria and viruses, and can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: "Black Water" comes from flooding rivers or sewer backup and may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes. 

Let our highly trained experts help you decipher what needs to be done and walk you through the process.

We are open 24/7, and 7 day's a week.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO today at 817-596-8714.

What is IICRC?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

What is the IICRC? Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It's a non-profit certification body for the restoration industry founded in 1972. #SERVPRO is certified with the IICRC for water, fire, and mold damage. With IICRC certified technicians are trained to operate at a higher standard within their designated certification. One of the main benefits of an IICRC professional to handle your home is knowing who you are hiring.

Have questions? Call us today- (817) 596-8714

Oh No My Water Heater Broke!!!

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

A water heater breaks, the sink won't stop running or some other clean water source causes damage to your home. You've called SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties and we're on our way, but in the meantime there are some things you can do to help mitigate.

Shut off the water source

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building

Remove as much excess water as possible

Wipe excess water from wood furniture

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet

Remove paintings and place them in a safe/dry place

You may have noticed I said 'clean water source' in the beginning of this post. Water from toilets, outside the home and any other contaminated source pose a different danger. When water damage has been caused by contaminated water we suggest avoiding all contact and washing your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO today at 817-596-8714

It's Freezing!

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

During these cold winter months, keeping warm is a necessity. Keeping your pipes warm is just as important for your household/business. One of the most prominent ways that households flood is because pipes freeze and the metal becomes hard and compressed over night. Once the water is turned back on, the pipes heat up, expand, and bust. This is what leads to flooding water in the house and a massive mess. Nobody wants that! It is important to keep your pipes warm during these winter months to avoid this predicament. House floods can cause some major problems especially during the holiday season. If you have any questions on how to avoid this issue, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 596-8714.

Did You Know?

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

There are three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water" is from a clean source like a broken water line; however, if left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3.

Category 2: "Gray Water" may contain bacteria and viruses, and can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: "Black Water" comes from flooding rivers or sewer backup and may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.

Response Times

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Response times are a huge factor in minimizing water and fire damage. Download our Ready Plan App to create a Ready Profile so that when disaster strikes, help is just a click away. bit.ly/1eXVvAE

Parker and NE Hood County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Parker and NE Hood County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 817-596-8714

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Parker and NE Hood County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Parker and NE Hood County

SERVPRO of Parker and NE Hood County 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.

Oh no! A flooded house!

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

A flooded home is the last thing anybody wants during the holiday season! However, with pipes freezing and water heaters busting, your friendly SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is here to help. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding the water hazard emergency. These question will help us be able to bring the needed equipment to dry your house and remove water as quickly as possible. Our SERVPRO representatives will ask several questions:

• your name and contact information
• the address of the water emergency 
• your insurance information (if applicable)
• where the flooding/damage occurred 

CALL TODAY: (817)596-8714

We understand that when you call us, you may be distressed, anxious, and confused, and you need a specialist to guide you through this process. SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties has specific water damage training and experience to help get you through this crisis. We specialize in water restoration; it is the foundation of our business.