Archived Commercial Blog Posts

Smoke damage in your New Mexico home?

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your house is still standing after a fire doesn't imply the damage is done. The fact that objects burn causes a surprising amount of fire damage. The smoke residue is to blame. The soot and smoke damage can worsen even after the fires are out.

Smoke can even damage regions not touched by flames and has the potential to spread to rooms where the fire did not occur, causing damage. Smoke damage occurs in some wildfires, even in buildings not involved in the fire!

Several acids are commonly found in smoke. The chemical composition varies depending on the fire's origin, but carbon and sulfur acids are generally present. Scientists continue to produce discoveries concerning the composition of smoke regularly. For example, researchers only recently discovered a type of acid in smoke that they had never heard of before. Even smoke that isn't acidic can be harmful.

Items that may be damaged

Carpets
Curtains and upholstery
Furniture
Clothing
Appliances
Plastic
Porcelain

When it comes to smoke damage, time is always of the essence. The sooner you act, the better your chances of avoiding permanent injury. Some materials, such as synthetic fibers and porous things, require immediate action to be properly rescued. The elements of your home, such as painted walls and floors, must be addressed in days, if not hours. Furthermore, painted walls and wood furniture can become permanently discolored if not handled promptly. When smoke and soot particles are left on metal surfaces for too long, they can rust and corrode. The longer you wait to remediate your smoke-damaged house, the more extensive the damage will develop, and the remediation cost will rise.

We specialize in fire and water damage restoration and have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to normal. For example, if you had a fire in your home or were close to one, call SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque. We can be reached at 505-828-3567.

Authored by: Chafika and James Landers

Certifications

AMRT -Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
ASD -Applied Structural Drying Technician
CCT -Carpet Cleaning Technician
ECTP -Employee Certification Training Program
FSRT -Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
HST -Health and safety Technician
OCT -Odor Control Technician
RRRP -Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
WRT-Water Damage Restoration Technician
IICRC -Certified Firm

Affiliations

ASBO
EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification

Awards

Emergency Ready Plan Preparedness

Post Construction Cleanup for your Business in New Mexico

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

We have a lot of cleaning experience at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque, and we're no strangers to construction sites. We provide quick and easy cleanup services once the work is completed and before the building's final touches are applied. With our broad network and readily available equipment, we can handle any size site cleaning when you have work done, big or little.

Post Construction Cleaning

After the floors have been laid and the drywall has been installed, the debris and dirt must be removed to lay carpet, paint, and decorate. SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque can help with debris removal to get the building ready for interior design, so you don't have to start from scratch.

Dehumidification and Drying

A building might trap moisture during the construction process. Mold could grow if there is too much moisture. If you suspect a moisture problem with one of your projects, trust SERVPRO to provide the help you need to eradicate moisture and prevent mold growth.

Final Cleaning

When your business first opens, you want it to appear at its finest. To give the building that extra shine, your local SERVPRO Franchise offers cleaning services such as:

Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep and finish
Ceiling, walls, and fixture cleaning
Deodorization
Air Duct Cleaning
Debris Removal
Window Cleaning

Authored by: Chafika and James Landers

Certifications

AMRT -Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
ASD -Applied Structural Drying Technician
CCT -Carpet Cleaning Technician
ECTP -Employee Certification Training Program
FSRT -Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
HST -Health and safety Technician
OCT -Odor Control Technician
RRRP -Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
WRT-Water Damage Restoration Technician
IICRC -Certified Firm

Affiliations

ASBO
EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification

Awards

Emergency Ready Plan Preparedness

SERVPRO Cleaning for your Commercial Property in NE Albquerque

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

As employees return to their offices, now is a good time for building owners to make sure their workplace is clean and ready to welcome them back.

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque provides a wide range of deep cleaning services to keep your commercial or residential property looking its best. We can swiftly and effectively dispatch a team to be deep clean and deodorize your property.

Commercial Cleaning Services

Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Biohazard and Sewage
Trauma and Crime Scene
Carpet and Upholstery
Drapes and Blinds
Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Vandalism

We have many years of experience working in all kinds of business settings and buildings:

Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing and Industrial
Government/Military

When your commercial property needs a deep cleaning, you can count on SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque's highly trained technicians to help. We are a 24/7 emergency response company. You can reach us at 505-828-3567

How to handle a sewage backup in your Sandia Heights Business?

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage is a dangerous substance that just no one should ever handle. The water used is also polluted. If the overflow has spilled onto non-porous surfaces, you can clean them up with a gallon of warm water and 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach. However, just because you can do something doesn't mean it's the best option.

Sewage should always be handled by professionals who conduct the sewage cleanup process themselves. Professionals will know how to address sewage and remove it safely, limiting its potential to cause harm.

If you notice sewage backups on your property, call a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a professional, the sooner the problems will be resolved, and your business will return to normal and be safe. Additionally, the backup may leave behind lingering scents. However, it is in your best interests to act right away.

Our SERVPRO highly trained technicians can effectively handle the following sewage cleanup tasks:

Safe removal of biohazards and water with specialty equipment.
Removal of damaged items
Discard items that cannot be salvaged.
Disinfection of salvageable items off-site.
Drying and dehumidification affected areas.
Ventilating dangerous fumes and airborne particles.
Disinfect flooring and surfaces within a contaminated area.

If your business has a sewage backup that needs to be cleaned, call SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque for Water Damage Restoration, specialty cleaning, and Repairs, we can help. Call us today at 505-828-3567. We are a 24/7 emergency response.

Commercial Fire Damage – Albuquerque

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Two men cleaning the soot from a ceiling

Soot can get everywhere

When you take in the breathtaking vistas of NE Albuquerque, it is hard to imagine disaster striking here, but unfortunately fire can strike without warning and have a devastating impact on your commercial property.

To properly handle commercial fire damage Albuquerque needs the right company to turn to and for many local businesses SERVPRO has been the name they can trust for over 50 years.

From the historic San Ignacio Church to the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, to its many shopping malls and business centers, NE Albuquerque has plenty to offer.

It’s a wonderful spot to visit or to settle down and a thriving center for commercial properties.

As a local business ourselves, SERVPRO understands how important it is to act quickly when fire strikes. We’re ready to respond faster to any disaster and provide the thorough, quality restoration service you need to get back in business.

Understanding Fire Damage

There are many ways that fire can damage a property and it can be truly devastating. In order to provide complete restoration service, you need a company that is prepared to handle every aspect of the job, from the charring caused by flames and the thick covering of smoke and soot to the water damage caused by firefighting efforts.

At SERVPRO we have specialized training and certification in fire and water restoration so we know exactly what to do and are ready to act fast.

Put Your Business In Good Hands

You’ve invested so much in your business and you can’t afford to take chances when disaster strikes. You need to know that you’re relying on the best, and that means depending on the professionals of SERVPRO.

Not only are we trained to provide expert restoration, but as a member of the NE Albuquerque community, we will go the extra mile to treat your business as if it were our own.

We have someone ready to answer your call 24 hours a day because we know that time is of the essence.

We’ll have a technician arrive at your business within four hours of that call to perform a thorough walkthrough and put together a comprehensive plan that will help make your business look “Like it never even happened”.

From boarding up windows and covering damaged roofs to helping you perform a thorough inventory and file your insurance claim, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll use our state-of-the-art equipment and professional training to ensure that everything is thoroughly dried, cleaned and deodorized and do everything we can to get you back on your feet again.

Commercial Fire Cleanup You Can Trust

You can’t afford to settle for less when it comes to your business. When it comes to handling commercial fire damage Albuquerque turns to SERVPRO, the name you can trust. We respond faster to any disaster and we won’t be satisfied with the results until you are.

Albuquerque is our home too and we’re ready to help when you need us most

Commercial Water Damage in Albuquerque

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Can Be Messy

At the base of the Sandia Mountains, northeast Albuquerque is a bustling area that is home to some of the most expensive houses in the city.

Visitors can also find a wide variety of commercial properties from the campus of the University of New Mexico to Cliff’s Amusement Park and several shopping malls, including the Coronado Center.

With temperate weather and breathtaking natural surroundings, it’s easy to see what draws so many people to visit here and to stay.

Unfortunately, whether it’s the aftereffect of a sudden storm or the result of aging pipes, water damage can strike your business at any time and have a devastating effect.

To properly handle commercial water damage Albuquerque needs a name it can trust at times like these.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration With Your Business In Mind

With industrial strength equipment and highly trained technicians, SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque is prepared to tackle all of the special challenges of commercial water damage restoration.

We can handle any size job and we’ll move quickly so you can get back up and running again.

As a local business ourselves, we take great pride in approaching each property as if it were our own and providing the quality restoration you expect.

SERVPRO: Trust The Pros

If you’re like most business owners, you’ve invested a tremendous amount of time and money into achieving your dream and you can’t let a water-related disaster wash all that down the drain.

When faced with commercial water damage Albuquerque needs a name it can count on to address the problem quickly and thoroughly and that’s where the professionals of SERVPRO come in.

We have staff ready to respond 24/7 and we’ll have an experienced technician at your property within four hours to perform a full walkthrough and damage assessment.

Once the assessment is done, we’ll put together a thorough plan and we’ll go over every step of it with you so you know exactly what to expect.

We’ll also point out any items that aren’t salvageable so that you can decide what you want to do with them and we’ll even help you to file an insurance claim so you can get the compensation you deserve.

The work begins with boarding up windows and covering gaps in the roof in order to prevent further damage.

We’ll use submersible pumps and industrial strength wet/dry vacs to remove standing water, air movers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry all surfaces, and other equipment to clean and deodorize.

We’ll also perform a full mold remediation if necessary. Finally, we’ll replace drywall, remove and replace carpeting, replace damaged flooring, and whatever else is required to complete the restoration process.

NE Albuquerque has so much to offer and it’s the perfect spot to make your business dreams come true.

Don’t let water damage stand in your way…call the name guaranteed to respond faster to any disaster.

That’s what has made SERVPRO the brand that Albuquerque trusts for over 50 years

Now Offering Janitorial Services

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

From large scale fires to basic cleaning needs we get the job done faster and right the first time. Our highly skilled Professionals provide 24-hour emergency services and now Specialized Cleaning Services for your Home and Business. Remember, SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque, your local restoration company offers maintenance services, helping to ensure your home or business is always clean.

Home Cleaning Services That We Provide

We're Here Because Life's Too Short to Clean Your Own Home

There's a saying that a clean house is a sign of a wasted life. While this may not exactly be true, it's certainly true that there are more important and enjoyable things to do than worry about keeping your home clean! With all your other responsibilities, you should be able to enjoy your free time as you please. Our home cleaning services are designed to give you the peace of mind you deserve and the time you need to enjoy your life and loved ones.

Clean Homes. Clean Earth.

Our team proudly uses residential cleaning solutions that are environmentally responsible.

Do you wish you had more free time? We can make it happen!

We offer different cleaning frequencies according to your needs and preferences, including every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, every four weeks, monthly, and occasional or one-time cleans.

Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Indoor air can get polluted with dust, allergens, and other small particles. If you are concerned about your indoor air quality, you might benefit from having your air ducts cleaned. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned may make a difference in the overall quality of your indoor air. And, cleaning your air ducts may also help your HVAC system function more efficiently.

When it comes to air duct cleaning, homeowners often have many questions. Here are a few of the most common:

Does a professional air duct cleaning really make a difference?
A professional air duct cleaning can benefit you in more than one way. First, the cleaning will remove dust, debris and other pollutants from your air duct system. This can be beneficial to anyone living in the home who suffers from allergies, has breathing problems, or is sensitive to pollutants. Second, clean air ducts can result in a more efficient HVAC system. When your home’s ventilation system is clean, it can function more efficiently – which may ultimately save you money on your monthly energy bill.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Unless you are in the midst of a home renovation project or you live in an area with extremely high pollution, you should not need to clean your air ducts more than once a year. In fact, after your air ducts are professionally cleaned, you may not need another thorough cleaning for several years. For advice on how often you should have your air ducts cleaned, make sure to ask your air conditioner repair company. If the air conditioner company does not offer air duct cleaning services, they should be able to provide you with the name of a reputable company to call.
Can I clean the air ducts in my home myself?
Many homeowners wonder if they can clean their home’s air ducts with their own vacuum cleaner. In reality, it is practically impossible to clean an air duct system with a regular vacuum. Air duct cleaning companies use special equipment that is designed to specifically clean air ducts. As a homeowner, one of the best things you can do to prevent pollutants from infiltrating your air ducts is regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters.

Is a professional air duct cleaning expensive?
The cost of air duct cleaning services varies. Factors that are taken into consideration when an air duct cleaning company provides you with a quote include the number of air ducts in your home, the age of your home, the length of time since the air ducts were last cleaned, the current condition of the air ducts, and more. It is advisable to get a quote from more than one air duct cleaning company to make sure you are getting a fair price quote.

For more information about air duct cleaning, and for advice on whether you should have your air ducts professionally cleaned, make sure to discuss the matter with your air conditioner repair company. There are several good reasons to have your air ducts cleaned, and your HVAC system might benefit from a one-time or recurring air duct-cleaning schedule.

Systems and appliances checklist

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

it would be amazing if once you bought a major appliance or system that would be the extent of the issue and they would last forever. We all know that is not the case. Just like the systems and appliances in your home have shelf lives so do the systems and appliances in your office building.

We found this amazing infographic that will help guide you as to when you will need to start thinking about upgrading your items.

Use this infographic to see when common house systems like your heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical wear out, or how long your appliances like your oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer have before they need to be replaced. They’ve also included the average cost to replace each item.

http://www.lifehack.org/344955/how-long-your-homes-systems-and-appliances-last?ref=pp

Tips and tricks to help declutter your office.

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

clean desks lead to more efficient workspaces

Divide Your Workplace Into Zones: Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives. This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.

Keep Only What You Need At Arm's Length: Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter by paring down the items on top to the essentials only. Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you've established for them.

Create A Daily Paper System: Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "To Read", "To Do", and "To File". Establish set days for each, so that you don't get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.

Sort Your Catch-All Drawer: Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands. Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.

Eliminate Digital Clutter: Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files - with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders. Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.

Disinfect Regularly: Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains and fingerprints. Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

Disaster Preparedness: 40% of small businesses go out of business after a disaster.

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque for your Pandemic issues. 505-828-3567

It’s a harsh reality of opening a small business. Most of the owners' efforts are focused on the opening and consequent upkeep of their small businesses. Many of them don’t find much necessity in focusing on more unlikely and uncontrollable disasters that can affect their business. With this oversight comes a high cost; 40% of small businesses are never able to open their doors again after suffering a disaster (as reported by CBC & SurveyMonkey’s Small Business Survey).

With the life-changing altering consequences a disaster can have on any business, it’s important to be prepared in the event of a disaster. It’s a case of “better to be safe than sorry”. This is why it is important to have a ready-made plan to follow through with when confronted with the unexpected. Having a disaster readiness plan can’t always prevent a disaster from occurring but it can increase the chances that your business reopens, and stays open, successfully.

Do yourself a favor to prepare for a disaster now, to give yourself a greater sense of peace of mind in the future. Here are five helpful tips to consider for all small businesses who are wanting to prepare for the unexpected.

1) Keep your Company Records in the Cloud

This one may seem obvious given our society's current reliance on electronic technology and the internet. Though this doesn’t apply to all businesses; especially small businesses with tighter budgets. Most cloud based services will give you a limited amount of space to use for free on their service. This is great for newly started businesses or businesses which are starting to transfer their information from physical copies to the cloud. Once this storage is fully used then it’s time to consider buying more cloud storage.

Having all of your data stored to the cloud doesn’t mean you have to stop keeping physical records, instead it works as a safety net in the event of a disaster. It also give you the ability to access all of this information from anywhere, not just your office. This is the one tip that is most versatile for all of the different things it can do for your business.

2) Have a Plan to Communicate to Employees, Vendors, and Customers

When preparing for a disaster it’s best to prepare for the worst case scenario. If your physical location is out of commission make sure to have a separate plan to address all employees, vendors, and customers. The reason you have a different plan for each is because each set of people have different needs when dealing with your company.

You should always address your employees first. They should be properly trained and aware of how to proceed, otherwise they won’t be able to effectively communicate and help with all vendors and customers. They are the foundation of your business and will be crucial to making sure business will continue as smoothly as possible during this turbulent time.

Additionally, your employees will be wondering if they will be out of a job or if they need to worry about finding another source of income while the business gets up and running. This can cause all employees to stress and lead to them leaving the company due to uncertainty. If they are well informed of what to do during a disaster this can not only put them at ease, but also make sure they still have work to accomplish, knowing they will still be able to get the money they need to provide for themselves and their family.

With vendors it’s important to contact them to work out an arrangement until you can get your business back on its feet. This way vendors won’t send you products you can’t store, sell, or pay for. The vendors will respect this and know that if they can work with you they can keep you as a customer, therefore working in both of your favors. This can help grow your relationship with a vendor and help you during your comeback.

Lastly, it’s important to contact your customer and inform them of your situation. No need to leave them in the dark and risk them going to a competitor. Transparency is crucial. Alert them as to how long and why you will be closed. Additionally, this also means that you must alert them as to when your “grand re-opening” occurs. Especially with your best, most loyal customers you don’t want to leave it up to social media to alert them, you want to get in front of them as directly as possible. If you put forth the effort for them, they are more likely to give you their word of mouth and business.

3) Develop a Plan to Keep Operations Running During the Repair Process

This step goes hand in hand with communicating with your employees. Make sure all involved in your business are prepared to keep the business running. If you have an online store, consider shipping any undamaged products or talking to your vendor and getting products drop shipped. Finding creative ways to keep your business running while your physical space is getting repaired is important in not allowing your business to close.

4) Analyze Potential Threats

As stated earlier, it’s best to assess and prepare for all potential disasters. When preparing, do be smart about what disasters you prepare for. For example, in New Mexico, there’s no use in preparing for a hurricane but there is value in preparing for a fire, flooding, even tornadoes; these are some of the most common natural disasters experienced around the state. So while it’s recommended you prepare for all disasters, be smart about where you are located and what type you prioritize.

5) Actively Practice Drills

Once a preparedness plan has been created and is ready to be put into effect don’t allow it to sit there and gather dust in a folder. Train employees on exactly what to do and how to use the preparedness plan. Once all employees have been trained and know their specific responsibilities, practice. Practice implementing the preparedness plan much like a fire drill is practiced. If people learn it once and don’t have to use it for years to come, they will forget what to do; making all of the hard work it took to create a plan for naught.

It may seem unlikely and a waste of time, but in the unfortunate event that you need to use the plan, it can prove to be a business and job saver for many.

Spring Cleaning List for Businesses

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Spring time has become a staple time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects. Although this is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for workplaces as well as homes. The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and messes start to grow. A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers.

Unless you’re an archetypal Danny Tanner or Monica Geller, chances are cleaning isn’t near the top of your to-do-list. Lucky for you, we are here to help make that part just a tad bit easier with a list of some important areas to inspect during your spring cleaning.

OUTSIDE

Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to clean. Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals. Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.

Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business. Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape. Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes. Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business.

AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system. Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing. Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside. Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts. It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period.

Pest Maintenance

Along with the rebirthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests. Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem. It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Keep in mind your locale because different areas attract different pests, this will help inform you what to spray for. If you’re located near a ditch you’ll have more mosquitoes, among other pests, than a more urbanized area. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems year after year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.

INSIDE

Dusting

Simple and effective. Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas.

Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up. Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.

Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts. The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access. Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed. The second is the reorganization of the office itself. This is more to keep a clean and presentable workplace. Ideally this is a continuing process year round. If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up the office and breathe some fresh air into the workplace.

Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of spring cleaning takes priority. For example, if you are in a retail business many of these basic cleanings, such as windows and organization, might already be factored into your weekly/monthly workflow. Although it never hurts to go over all areas to make sure everything is getting done properly and efficiently. Additionally, there will be some other more industry specific actions that require priority over window cleaning. Remember, it’s most importantly to consider your specific business and the area in which you are doing business when prioritizing your spring cleaning.

Smart Heating and Cooling Tips

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Running your household can often feel like a chore. There are many tasks related to maintenance that you have to keep in your mind at all times to keep your space performing in efficient ways. One primary area to focus your attention is the HVAC system you use to keep your home comfortable. Paying attention to the needs of your units can help you to avoid disaster and keep your home cooled and heated in the best possible ways.

To see excellent results from your maintenance endeavors, be sure to focus on specific aspects of your system. By paying attention to certain areas, you will have a much easier time getting your home in the state that you would like it to be in.

Low Numbers

Staying comfortable at home is not always the easiest of tasks. When you crank up the heat in the winter it can cost you. Energy bills are not cheap and plenty of homeowners are looking for ways to lower the numbers that they spend each month. To keep your costs low while simultaneously reducing the amount of stress on your heating & cooling systems you need to keep the thermostat set to lower numbers. When you turn the heat up as high as it can go, it will cost you a small fortune.

Instead, you can keep the thermostat at a normal temperature and see better results from a financial perspective. In addition to this, keeping your thermostat at a low temperature will help to ensure that you get many years of service out of your HVAC system. This does not mean that you can’t play around with keeping your house different temperatures but the default should always be something reasonable. Finding a balance here will help your home perform the way you would like it to.

Keeping It Clean

Another excellent way for you to make sure that your HVAC system is in great shape is by cleaning it out from time to time. Your units will benefit greatly by you taking a little bit of time to check over the various parts and provide a little care. The filters, for example, can wind up being one of the more important components of your system. These filters are responsible for catching any loose dust or dirt that is floating through the air and circulating through your units. Unfortunately, the filters can clog pretty quickly.

The more clogged a filter is, the more difficult it becomes for your HVAC system to perform the way it is intended. This can put a lot of strain on the unit, causing it to break and wear down far faster than is normal. To avoid all of this, get into the habit of changing the filters at a sensible pace. Knowing when it is time for you to change the filters can allow you the room that you require to keep your system running right and give your home a comfortable feeling whenever you walk through the door.

In the Still of the Night

Many HVAC systems also offer the option of running fans to keep a home circulated. This can be helpful if you want to make sure that your home has a fresh feeling. It can also be useful if you want to cool down your home with the natural air outside instead of having cooler air created by your unit. To achieve this goal with a level of success, run the fans primarily at night. Temperatures are lower at night and keeping the fans of your HVAC running at this point can help you to give your home a cool atmosphere.

Running a household is not always a simple task. To see the most success from your endeavors, focus on the maintenance required by your heating and cooling systems. The more you learn now, the easier it will be to spot an issue down the line.

Sourced: http://www.hewnandhammered.com/hewn_and_hammered/2017/08/smart-heating-and-cooling-tips.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hewn+%28Hewn+and+Hammered%29

Why Property Managers partner with SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

The winter months can create significant challenges for property managers. Snow and ice don’t have the predictability of grass and shrubs. Furthermore, grass and shrubs don’t cause ice damming and pipe freezes.

How you react to the challenges of winter can set the tone of your relationship with HOAs and association boards come spring and summer. Your clients are more likely to forgive circumstances that are out of your control. As long as they know that when mother nature strikes, you are there trying to get their home a quality fix, in a timely manner.

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration recognizes the need to be prepared, this is why when we partner with property managers we help them build a comprehensive recovery plan. This way you can react confidently and quickly in the face of a disaster. Winter months aren’t the time for training in front of upset tenants. Our crews have received technical and service training to help them take the proper course of action while remaining empathetic to the situation.

Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels which simplifies settlement, whether there is a claim or the job is a direct pay. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that tenants and owners understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry, and SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration is the longest standing SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration franchise in the state of New Mexico. You can feel confident you are calling the right people when you contact SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration. After all, no one gets fired for hiring the industry leader.

Water Damage Happens in Albuquerque Government Buildings

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

This Business Needs SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

There are a large number of structures everywhere throughout the country that is claimed by the United States government. A large number of these structures, some in Albuquerque, are to some degree older structures that need servicing. One service frequently required is water damage cleanup and restoration. Framework substitution of fundamentally critical parts, for example, rooftops and old cast press plumbing turn out to be progressively more pertinent as a building ages. This requirement for substitution can concentrate on the pipes that are exceptionally old and not all around kept up. These channels will probably blast then more up to date pipes. To have a water harm restortion organization like SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque as a reasonable alternative as a quick reaction group is critical.

Likewise, there are numerous administration structures that are situated in spots that experience noteworthy changes in the atmosphere that can go anyplace from to a great degree chilly to a great degree hot amid the yearly regular cycles. These temperature changes can make for a lot of strain on any channeling that is in the building, which can yield blast pipes inside structures.

Despite the fact that many individuals jump at the chance to think about the Unified States government as resistant to ordinary issues, for example, this one, truly their structures are simply structures like any others. They can simply be influenced by issues, for example, water damage as can some other business working in the United States.

Which sorts of offices that are possessed by the Assembled States government can be affected by the blasting of channels?

Military offices encounter impacts because of climate changes that can come without notice. Considering that these offices are disseminated everywhere throughout the country, it is critical to guarantee that the ones that are in calm atmospheres have sufficient protection. On the off chance that they don't, the results will be that the funnels will keep up an inclination to blast, regardless of whether they are situated in the workplaces, plane shelters, or sleeping shelter. In the event that a pipe bursts in one of these offices, the episode could really prompt the formation of mold. This is sufficiently awful in a home, yet when an issue like this affects the military, it is pivotal to ensure that the issue is settled. Shape could antagonistically influence the wellbeing of individuals from the military.

Government court structures could likewise be truly affected by water harm. These structures can be unfavorably influenced by form. There are numerous stories of poor air quality making sickness the representatives, law specialists and bolster individuals.

Government workplaces should be shielded from water harm too.

On the off chance that there are water harm issues in a noteworthy focus of government action, it is conceivable that the organization inside the administration could be unfavorably influenced or even back off to the point of insufficiency. Thus, it is vital for any water damage issues that emerge in these structures, in Albuquerque or different areas, to be settled quickly and in the most expert way that could be available. SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration is known for being faster to any disaster.

Privately Possessed Organization with National Assets

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration can react promptly to your business water harm crisis paying little respect to the degree or size of the harm. We are a piece of a national system of more than 1,600 Establishments with extraordinary Calamity Recuperation Groups put deliberately all through the nation to react to huge scale occasions and debacles.

Regardless of whether your water crisis happens in a major box store or a little office building, we will react rapidly to alleviate the harm and deal with the reclamation extend through to its finishing. (505)-828-3567

Why You Have To Hire Cleaning Services

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

It’s appropriate for a working person or a mother with small children to employ a cleaning company. It is just a case of valuing a person’s time.

First of all, the cleaning agency is going to do a much better job than you would, because their cleaners are properly trained to clean and they have become professionals. Second of all, your house is going to be much cleaner than if you had done the cleaning yourself and it will be healthier, as you would have probably missed some areas which are vital for the maintenance of excellent health. That is why it’s always better to hire specialists, as opposed to doing the work on your own.

For instance, the typical carpet in many houses is actually full of dust, microbes, insects, contaminants, insects, mold and grime. You need to remember that most of these cannot be removed with simple vacuuming. That is why you should use cleaners who have efficient equipment and they would be able to protect you and your family from any future problems.

You can use individual cleaners if you want, but it is the specialist services that will give you the best results for the money spent. Specialist cleaners come in your property as a group and their cleaning job is going to be more structured and pre-planned.

If you have a full-time job, you could give the cleaner a house key so that they could complete the job while you’re working. It can be difficult to let someone in your property but don’t worry, because they are covered with insurance and if something happens throughout the service, you will be refunded by the cleaning company.

Even if you don’t work full time, why do you have to spend your time cleaning when you could be doing something with your family and friends? Simply book a cleaning service and spend your time in the park or somewhere else.

Top-quality cleaning services will give you the ability to forget worrying about having a spotlessly clean property. Vacuuming the carpet a couple of times per week will not keep it clean and healthy. Eliminating all the filth, sand, dust mites, debris, microbes and other pathogenic things that are harmful to our overall health calls for the use of professional carpet cleaning services. Carpet cleaning services can be booked on a regular basis to ensure that the carpet is kept in fantastic condition.

Only the smell of a clean property is enough to inspire you to more energetic pursuits. Having a clean property will help to ensure that over 90 percent of all the microbes are removed and you stay in great physical shape. When you sum up all of these aspects, the cost of a fantastic cleaning service pales in comparison to the overall improvement in health and hygiene.

SERVPRO NE Albuquerque Restoration Satisfied Water Damage Clients

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

We strive every day to ensure that our quality of work is up to the highest standard and we are always so happy to get positive feedback from our customers.

Here are some recent quotes from real customers:

"MANY THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE AT OUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING. YOUR STAFF ARRIVED IN THE EVENING AND EVALUATED THE NEEDS AND STARTED TO WORK THE NEXT DAY. WE APPRECIATE THE FAST AND QUALITY WORK THAT SERVPRO DID FOR US. I AM GLAD TO RECOMMEND YOUR SERVICES TO OTHERS" -David, New Mexico

"You made our emergency a priority and the service provided was outstanding. As this was my first exposure with SERVPRO, I am impressed with both your office and field staffs, which were always helpful. It was a pleasure doing business with you." -Rick, Santa Fe

"While we were devastated by our water leak and home getting ruined, your crew stepped up and saved our home. In the process, they calmed us and made us feel like all was going to be OK. We can never express how wonderful your crew was and how much they did to make it all OK. Thank you!." -Evelyn, Albuquerque

If water damage, from the smallest overflow from a toilet to full house flood from a pipe burst, threatens your home or office call us at (505)-828-3567 We are here to help and care for not only your home or office, but for you as an individual.

Tips for Keeping Insects and Rodents Away

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have a pest infestation? When insect and rodents invade your home it's time to fight back.

ANTS

Repel:
Clean with white vinegar. Not only does vinegar make a great all-purpose cleaner but ants can't stand the smell and it will mask their scent trails so they will lose their direction. Follow the ants to locate the food source (usually something sticky that has been spilled on the counter or floor). Removing the source and cleaning the area with a solution of one part vinegar and one part water a couple of times a day will usually eliminate the ants.

Exterminate:
If you still find ants try this simple bait recipe. Mix one part powdered sugar to one part baking soda*. Place this mixture in small shallow dishes (I found that Gatorade or juice lids work perfectly for this) and leave around the home in places where you often find ants.

*Please note large amounts of baking soda can be harmful to pets. For this recipe, you should only be using a small amount but to be on the safe side I would place the mixture in areas where your pets can't get to it.

COCKROACHES

Repel:
Place mint & bay leaves around the home. Cockroaches hate the smell and will stay away. I like to place the leaves in small mesh or muslin bags and place in dark areas such as closets and cabinets where cockroaches like to hang out.

Exterminate:
The same recipe we used above for ants will also kill cockroaches. Place equal parts of powdered sugar and baking soda into shallow containers and leave around the home where you notice cockroaches.

MOSQUITOES

Repel:
Grow marigolds, basil, & mint. Mosquitoes are repelled by the strong scent of these plants. Place live plants around your home or place dry mint leaves in muslin bags to keep in your home. Also cleaning with mint or citrus scented cleaner will do wonders at keeping mosquitoes away.

Exterminate:
Make a mosquito trap. Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 cup hot water. Cut the top off of a bottle. In the bottom half of the bottle add the cooled down brown sugar mixture and 1 gram of yeast. Place the top half of the bottle upside-down inside the bottle. Wrap a sheet of black construction paper around the bottle and tape it in place. Place the bottle in an area of your home where you find the most mosquitoes. Placing these bottles in your front and back yard a few feet away from your home will also attract the mosquitoes and trap them before they have a chance to enter the home.

Mosquitoes larvae live in water. Removing any standing water around your home can greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your home.

MICE

Repel:
Mice hate peppermint. Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this around your home especially any entry points or holes that mice use to come into the home.

Exterminate:
The best way I've found to kill mice is a simple mousetrap. I've tried other traps and even tried poison with little or no luck. Place a small amount of peanut butter or cheese on the traps before you set them and leave them in several areas around your home where mice have been seen making sure they are out of reach of children and pets. Be sure to check the traps often. You don't want a dead mouse stinking up your home. If you would like to catch mice without killing them try out this handmade 5-gallon bucket trap and leave out the water.

SPIDERS
Repel:
Peppermint repels spiders. The same recipe used above to repel mice also repels spiders. You can replace the water with white vinegar and it makes a great cleaner. Use this solution to wipe down counters, appliances and even the floors. Your home will be spider free in no time.

Exterminate:
Fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and one part water. Spray this directly on spiders. The acid in the vinegar will kill spiders on contact.

FLIES

Repel:
Lemons & cloves. Cut a lemon in half and stick several cloves in the pulp. Leave the lemon halves on your kitchen table or wherever flies gather. The scent of the lemon and cloves will drive the flies away.

Exterminate:
Cut a plastic bottle in half. In the bottom, half pour in a small amount of wine and fruit scraps. (I usually use strawberries or some kind of melon.) Place the top half of the bottle upside down inside the bottom half. Place the trap in your kitchen and replace every couple days until flies are gone. Another option would be to use rotten meat in place of fruit and place the trap outside, away from the home. The rotten meat smell will attract the flies and keep them away from your house.

OTHER

On top of following these methods of controlling insects, you should also find a cleaning schedule that works for you and stick to it. Insects and rodents tend to like messy/dirty homes a lot more than they like a clean home. It seems that every time I find pests in my home it's always after a busy week or after I haven't been feeling well. That's usually when I tend to slack on my cleaning schedule and it doesn't take long for the bugs to set up camp and move on in. Sticking to a cleaning schedule won't guarantee that you will not find bugs in your home but it does help a lot to minimize them.

Another great way to keep bugs out of your home is to make sure they can't get in in the first place. Go over your entire house and look for areas where insects may be entering the home. Replace any caulking around windows and doors, check the weather stripping to make sure it's in good shape, and fix or replace broken window screens.

Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned??

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

Dirty Air Vent | Clean Air Vent

When it comes to air duct cleaning, homeowners often have many questions. Here are a few of the most common:

Product Watch: EasyDECON

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Welcome to Product Watch! Today we’ll be discussing EasyDECON.

Hello and welcome to the first edition of Product Watch! This is where we will aim to inform you, our reader, about interesting products in the remediation and construction industry. For this inaugural post we are going to learn about a product called “EasyDECON”.

"EasyDECON", also branded under the name “Crystal Clean”, is a decontaminate/disinfectant offered by Intelagard. It was originally developed in response to the Tokyo train scare of March 20, 1995. After which it was commissioned by the U.S Department of Defense and developed by the workers at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

It has since been used by the U.S. government in the 2001 anthrax scare; as well as the Ebola virus pandemic in 2014. It even found its way into cleanup crews’ equipment for the Boston Marathon bombing.

Currently the U.S. Special Forces/Special Operations units use it to assist them with the destruction of biological and chemical weapons in all areas of the world. Other government agencies, such as the FBI, also use "EasyDECON" as their main decontaminate product.

"EasyDECON" is used by the government due to its greater effectiveness when compared to more common bleach products. Not only does it allow better penetration into porous materials it also requires less applications to fully remediate an effected area. Perhaps the most unique thing about "EasyDECON" is it’s ability to be utilized in 3 different states of matter which includes: liquid, foam, and fog. This help to increase effectiveness of the product for all different type of jobs. For example, when dealing with an area that has a lot of airborne mold, using the solution in fog form is most effective for remediation.

Not only is "EasyDECON" being used by the government for its originally intended purpose, to help in response to biological and chemical terror attacks, it has more recently gaining use with more local tasks. For example firefighters are using it to disinfect their protective suits, aka bunker gear, of cancer causing toxins. This hints at the ability to help in cases of fire remediation. Additionally, it is more effective than bleach in mold remediation, as well as more efficient as it requires fewer applications for remediation. Both of these hint at the possibilities this product could have to cross over into the commercial/residential remediation industry. It’s quite possible "EasyDECON" could become a go-to product in the remediation industry.

Stay aware and keep watch, until next time!

September - National Preparedness Month

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Are you prepared?

At SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration our main focus for September is Emergency Preparation Month. We want to raise awareness and help initiate preliminary action, so that you will be safe and ready to act in the event of any size disaster.

National preparedness Month is an annual event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is a means to raise awareness about the importance of preparing in-advance for the unexpected. SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration supports FEMA's initiative and encourages all property owners and families to take some simple steps in order to better prepare yourself for unexpected disasters.

Step 1: Take the time to review, update, or create an emergency preparedness plan. If you don't have a plan, let FEMA help you build one using their tools.(https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan) Additionally, you can call your local SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration and we use our expertise to help you construct a quality preparedness plan.

Step 2: Gather in a concise document, critical information that can assist first responders and help save your property. Gather information such as: location of shut off valves, fire suppression system controls, emergency contact numbers, etc. It is a good idea to have a physical and a digital copy of all this information. Some disasters, such as a fire, can require you to quickly evacuate; this is where a digital copy comes in handy. Compared to a disaster like a water leak, where a physical copy can be more accessible. Once you have the information together utilize the best of both worlds, physical and digital!

An important distinction should be made when comparing an emergency preparedness plan to an evacuation plan. An emergency preparations plan acts as compliment to any and all evacuation plans. An evacuation plans importance is to help you safely evacuation the premise in the case of a disaster. An emergency preparation plan is used to help you quickly restore your property and get back into your home/business as soon as possible. The emergency preparedness plan is used to minimize downtime.

An Emergency Readiness Proposal (ERP) helps the property owner and/or manager to quickly reach out for expert help immediately following the disaster. At SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration we have professional who will help you create an ERP. This is a free service that we offer to anyone who is interested, because we believe everyone should be prepared in the event of a disaster.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (505) 828-3567