Recent Posts

A Willoughby, Ohio Water Damage Restoration Project for the Books

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

In November of 2022, SERVPRO of Mentor was called to complete a water damage restoration in Willoughby, Ohio. The origin of the issue stemmed from the refrigerator’s main supply line, and swift action was necessary to avoid further damage from occurring both at and surrounding the source.

To learn more about how we were able to answer the call and provide our water damage restoration services, review our case study or reach out to our team today.

Why This Home Needed Our Water Damage Restoration Services

After an initial assessment of the water leak in this Willoughby home, our team determined that the damage was a Category 2, Class 3, meaning that there was a moderate level of contamination which had the potential to affect the structural integrity of the home’s foundation.

Though the refrigerator leak was the source of the damage, our team was concerned with the extent of the water seepage in both the kitchen and the living room. The confirmed affected areas upon inspection included the vinyl plank flooring and cabinets in the kitchen, as well as the carpet in the living room.

How Our Team Managed This Willoughby Water Damage Repair

Based on our thorough observation and notes regarding the extent of the damage, our team at SERVPRO was able to create a plan of action and get to work. As always, safety and preventative measures were followed before any cleanup was conducted. This included containing the Willoughby, Ohio water damage restoration only to the affected areas, laying out non-skid floor protection, and removing any of the existing debris present in the kitchen and living room.

Once it was time to conduct our water damage restoration services in Willoughby, our steps for cleaning up the kitchen included:

  • Packing up cabinets, detaching sinks, and capping water lines
  • Removing the counters and cabinets from the kitchen
  • Tearing out the vinyl plank flooring and cove base
  • Conducting flood-cut drywall operations

Though we did all that we could to salvage the kitchen cabinets, four out of five of them were too damaged to reinstall. So, as the customer and the insurance company mutually agreed on, the cabinets were disposed of off-site.

As for the living room, the steps for cleaning up the water damage included the following:

  • Detaching the base trim and flood-cut drywall
  • Lifting the carpet and tearing out the pad
  • Steam cleaning and performing EPA measurements

After the main cleanup for this Willoughby water damage repair was finished, ongoing monitoring of the affected areas, as well as outlines for completing the project, were conducted the following day to ensure the project was wrapped up before our departure.

Our Final Thoughts on This Water Damage Restoration in Willoughby, Ohio

At SERVPRO of Mentor, we want to share our water damage repair expertise with customers in need. That is why we work with families from start to finish in order to create a definitive plan and completely eradicate the water damage at its source. Our team of experts is also proud to serve the following areas and beyond:

Overall, our team wants to ensure that your water damage restoration needs are fully met, whether a problem arises during the day or even when an unexpected leak occurs in the middle of the night. Let us provide the proper cleanup and restoration to your home to make it feel like the damage never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration Services!

If you’re looking to learn more about how the SERVPRO of Mentor can assist you with all of your water damage repair needs, do not hesitate to contact our team today. We look forward to assisting you!

Know the Facts: US & Ohio Fire Statistics

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a home We are "here to help" handle your home or business's fire damage restoration needs!

The unpredictable nature of fires can lead to so much devastation and loss for your home or business.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are around 346,800 house fires per year causing on average 2,620 fatalities.

Understanding the facts when it comes to fires can help you to better prepare your family and employees in case of disaster.

General Fire Facts & Stats

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires, followed by:

  • Heating
  • Electrical Systems & Equipment
  • Candles
  • Smoking

- In 2020, fire and lightning insurance claims had the highest average payout of $77,340.

- On average, across the US, a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds in 2021.

- In 2021, there were 1,353,500 fires reported, including residential and non-residential structures.

- In 2020, per 1,000 fires, the national average was 2 deaths and 8 injuries.

Ohio Fire Facts & Stats

- Ohio has the 7th most fatal home fires per capita in relation to the other 50 states, with Texas being the first.

Smoking is the top cause of fire deaths in the state of Ohio, making up 20% of fatalities.

It's difficult and scary to imagine your home or business experiencing a fire. It can be hard to determine where to start when a disaster like this occurs.

If your home or business falls victim to a fire, SERVPRO of Mentor is "here to help." Our experienced technicians handle the care and restoration of your property and its contents. We handle the cleanup and the reconstruction, so you don't have to worry about juggling multiple companies.

If you find yourself in need of fire damage restoration, give us a call today!

Know the Facts: US & Ohio Water Damage Statistics

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew removing water-damaged dry wall We are "here to help" handle your home or business's water damage restoration needs!

It's no secret that April showers are the start of Ohio's rainy season. Despite the name, April is only the 4th rainiest month in Ohio, with May, June, and the rainiest, July rounding out the top three.

As we work our way through the wet season, it's important to understand the facts of water and storm damage.

National Water Damage Facts & Stats

- 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day.

- The average insurance claim to repair a water damaged home is $11,605.

99% of US counties experienced a flood from 1996-2019.

98% of US homes will experience water damage in their basements at least once.

- Even the smallest leak can increase the average water bill by 10%.

- In 2020, almost 20% of home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.

Ohio Water Damage Facts & Stats

- In Ohio, 540,863 properties have more than a 26% chance of being affected by severe flooding in the next 30 years.

- In 2021, at least 142 people died in flooding incidents, 64 of which were driving.

Water damage, whether it be from flooding or a storm, can be a difficult process to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of Mentor is equipped to handle all of your water damage restoration needs! From the drying process to reconstruction, we work with all insurances to get your home or business looking "like it never even happened."

Preparation Tips for Handling Spring Showers

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Storm Prep is Worth the Time

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $27 million in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

  1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
  2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
  3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
  4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
  5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
  6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
  7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.
  8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Stay Safe During a Storm

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

  • Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
  • Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
  • Try to stay away from appliancesAvoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
  • Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Mentor today and let the experts take care of it! 

SERVPRO of Mentor is Ready for All of Your Storm Needs

If you have experienced any type of storm damage, whether it be from flooding or water damage, the experienced Storm Team at SERVPRO of Mentor will be there for you. Although we are an Ohio based franchise, we prepare in advance for expected damage from any storm anywhere in the United States! We respond quickly, too, because we know that immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage, and reduces restoration costs. Our professionally trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources needed to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams strategically prepare ahead of the storm and place equipment at the best locations in case of flood or storm emergency. With several certifications and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that we are perfectly equipped to deal with any storm job no matter the size. Choose SERVPRO of Mentor a company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and are ready to respond when Mother Nature strikes.

Mold and Your Business

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

mold on a warehouse ceiling after a roof leak SERVPRO of Mentor is there to handle your mold remediation needs!

Mold and Your Business

Just thinking about mold can make a lot of business owners shutter. Nobody wants to deal with the stress that comes with mold.

At SERVPRO of Mentor, we understand how stressful mold remediation can be. We want to be sure that your business is able to run properly, and that your employees are healthy. Because of this, we take on your stress, working quickly and efficiently to get you back to doing what you do best, mold free.

Should you be a business owner that shutters at the M word, be aware of the following tips to help prevent mold in your commercial property!

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices since the 1970s, which resulted in tightly sealed buildings with diminished ventilation, contributing to moisture vapor buildup. Other moisture problems may result from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or unvented combustion appliance. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building.

Mold prevention tips include:

  • Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible.
  • Looking for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible.
  • Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
  • Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
  • Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes.
  • Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible).
  • Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
  • Venting kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements.
  • Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery.
  • Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. Follow all local building codes.
  • Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur.

If you have Mold present call SERVPRO of Mentor today. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

General Cleaning Service

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee wiping down surfaces in a home SERVPRO of Mentor handles your cleaning needs, no disaster required!

Professional Clean Up Company

If you know SERVPRO of Mentor, then you know that we are the restoration pros that handle all of life's disasters. You may think that we just take care of the big stuff, or the major disasters, but we truly do it all.

SERVPRO of Mentor is available to handle your general cleans, no disaster required. We provide routine cleans on things like carpet and upholstery, drapes and blinds, HVAC and air ducts, odor removal, and viral pathogen cleans.

We are not there to handle the every day cleaning of your home or business, so don't think you can get out of your chores by calling us. But, we are there to handle those cleans that you need a bit more manpower for. With years of experience under our belts, we utilize the best technology, cleaning supplies, and people to help keep your home or business in the best shape possible.

Mold Inspection, Testing, & Removal

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Inspection

If you see signs of mold in your home, you need to have a mold inspection performed.

There are two goals of a mold inspection: 1. find any mold growing in your home and 2. find the moisture problem which caused the mold to grow.

Why You Should Have a Mold Inspection

When it comes to mold problems in the home, the earlier you can detect them the better. The longer mold is left, the more it will grow, and the harder it will be to remove. This is why it's best to have a mold inspection performed at the first sign of mold in your home.

One of the main reasons to have a mold inspection is if you smell moldy odors in your home, but you can't find any mold growth.

If you've had water problems, such as flooding or leaks, or if you notice signs of water damage, it can also be a good idea to have a mold inspection.

Even if you've already been able to find some mold growth in your home, it is often a good idea to still do a mold inspection. This is because finding mold can often mean there is more mold hiding elsewhere. For example, mold growth on a wall, floor, or ceiling can mean there is a mold colony on the other side of the material which has grown through.

Even if there are no signs of mold in your home, there can still be good reasons to have a mold inspection. If you're selling your house, for example, a thorough mold inspection could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Hiring a Professional Mold Inspector

If at all possible, you should hire a professional mold inspector to inspect your home. Professional mold inspectors know the best places to look for mold. They can also immediately recognize subtle signs of mold growth and signs of water problems.

Professional mold inspectors are not only experienced, but they also use sophisticated equipment. This equipment is very effective at finding hidden mold with minimal impact to your home.

By hiring a professional mold inspector you can be sure that if there is any mold in your home, it will be found.

Equipment for Mold Inspection

Moisture meters are used by many professional mold inspectors. Moisture meters have a narrow probe, which can be used to test moisture levels by inserting it into, or pressing it against materials such as carpets, drywall, bricks, wood, or concrete. By finding damp areas, the mold inspector can work out places in your home where mold is most likely to be growing.

Another piece of equipment used in mold inspections is a borescope. Borescopes are useful for finding hidden mold behind walls and other surfaces. First, a small hole is drilled in the surface and then the borescope, which is a fiber optics probe, is inserted to look for mold on the other side. This way, borescopes can find hidden mold while minimizing the damage to the wall or other surface.

Mold is more likely to be growing in areas of your home with high humidity. Hygrometers can measure the humidity of the air, giving the mold inspector a better idea of where mold might be growing.

History of Water Problems

Even the most experienced mold inspector cannot perfectly spot signs of every single past water problem in your home. This is why you should think of a list of any past water problems, such as leaks and floods, including how much water was released and how long before the water was removed. You should let the mold inspector know this information before they begin the mold inspection process.

Finding and Fixing Water Problems During the Mold Inspection

If you have mold in your home, then it must have had a moisture source to grow in the first place. Make sure you've fixed any existing water problems you know about. After that, you should look for new causes of moisture problems. Look out for things like leaks, humidity problems, condensation, or floodwater.

It is important that you find and fix the water problems which caused the mold to grow in your home before you begin the mold removal process. After all, you do not want to spend time and money removing mold only to have it return because there's still a water problem.

Finding Mold

Next it's time to find the mold. If you are performing the mold inspection yourself you should begin by thoroughly searching every room in the house. Carefully look for visible signs of mold growth and remember to pay attention to any damp or moldy odors.

If you are suffering allergic symptoms, take notice of which rooms upset your allergies more. You may already have an idea of which rooms your allergies have been worse in in the past. If so, then there is a good chance that mold is lurking in these areas.

Also, look carefully in places where water flows, such as near pipes and sinks, or places which you know have had leaks or flooding in the past. Check spots where moisture accumulates such as surfaces with condensation, humid areas, or any other places where you often see moisture. Rooms where surfaces are regularly wet such as the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen are common locations for mold growth too.

You also need to look for signs of water damage. Water damaged materials usually have abnormal surfaces such as warping or bulging. Discoloration, stains, and cracked or peeling paint are also signs. Small dots of mold growth can be a clue there's a larger mold colony nearby.

If you do find mold make sure not to disturb it. Large mold colonies should not be removed without properly sealing off the room first and following the best removal methods.

Inspecting for Hidden Mold

Most people have a mold inspection because they have hidden mold in their home. The above signs can help with finding visible mold, but they also help to narrow down where hidden mold is probably growing. If you think you have worked out a location where hidden mold is probably growing, you will then have to use invasive inspection techniques to look into the area.

This is where it's a big advantage to hire a professional mold inspector since they can check for hidden mold with minimal damage to your home. You might also want to turn to mold testing to make certain you have hidden mold before you begin invasive inspection.

Invasively inspecting for hidden mold also includes lifting carpet to check for mold underneath, looking behind paneling, looking behind ceiling tiles, looking under wallpaper, looking inside air ducts, and moving furniture or insulation to check behind.

Your house could have hidden mold if you've had flooding or leaks. Leaks in pipes, which run behind walls, are an especially common cause of hidden mold.

After the Mold Inspection

After the mold inspection, you have the option of either having mold testing performed or moving on to the mold removal.

Mold Testing

There are a few reasons you might want to have mold testing done after a mold inspection. One reason is if you could not find any mold - or you found some mold, but suspect there is more. In this case, mold testing can confirm whether you have mold in your home and help you locate it.

Secondly, if you found what looks like a toxic species of mold, then you need to have it tested by an expert to identify it. Removing toxic mold is dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.

Lastly, sometimes you might not be sure if what you've found is actually mold. For example, soot or dirt can sometimes look like mold. You might want to test what you have found to be sure.

Mold Removal and Remediation

Once you have found all the mold growth in your home you can start to plan for mold removal. SERVPRO of Mentor provides a stress-free mold remediation process when you find mold in your home or business.

If you have a mold suspicion, be sure to call our pros today!

Easing Your Pets' Anxiety During a Storm

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Anxiety with Pets

It's no secret that dogs can have anxiety when it comes to loud noises. Whether it's fireworks, storms, or just a truck backing up outside, we know that your furry friend may need extra attention to ease their nerves.

Storms can cause anxiety and stress in anyone, and that stress is only intensified when you have to worry about your pet's stress on top of your own!

Clinical Signs of Stress May Vary

While clinical signs vary, the most common reported signs of pet anxiety include panting, pacing, hiding, drooling and following people through the home. Some animals, perhaps more severely affected, may be destructive to items in their environment.

Although there have been several studies on dogs in storms, far less information is available on cats.

In one study on firework anxiety, dogs exhibited more overt signs like pacing and panting, while cats hid and cowered. This difference is likely to occur during storms as well. While it is difficult to miss a 90-pound Labrador jumping on your bed during a storm at 2 a.m., it is easy to miss a hiding cat. This does not mean cats are any less afraid than their canine counterparts. Instead, owners have to be more vigilant for subtle signs of anxiety because cats are equally in need of treatment.

What about scolding or punishing my dog?

Do not punish your dog when he is scared, it only confirms to him that there is something to fear and will make him worse. In addition, if you are upset or anxious about your pet's behavior, this will also make your dog more anxious.

Can I do anything to reduce the impact of the noise and flashes from fireworks or storms?

Treatment should focus first on reducing anxiety and providing an appropriate environment during storms. Once that is accomplished, the behavior can be modified through training. Behavior modification helps change the way the pet feels when it experiences the storms. However, without reducing anxiety, most pets have a difficult time learning how to be calm during storms. There are several different avenues to pursue for decreasing anxiety, including behavior training, creating safe spaces, pheromones, pressure wraps and supplements.

Always try to ensure that your dog has access to a well-curtained or blacked-out room when a storm begins. Blacking out the room removes the additional problems of flashing lights, flares, etc.

Provide plenty of familiar toys and games that might help to distract the pet.

Try to arrange company for your dog rather than leaving him alone in the room.

Close all the windows and doors so the sound is muffled as much as possible. Try taking your pet to a room or area of the house where the stimuli will be at their mildest and the dog can be most easily distracted. Sometimes placing nested cardboard boxes or a blanket over the cage can greatly mute the sound. Be certain, however, that there is enough air circulation so that the pet does not overheat.

Provide background noise from the radio or television. The volume does not have to be loud as long as the music has a strong beat that acts as a distraction and prevents him from concentrating on the noises outside. Other background noises such as a fan running or even "white" noise devices can help to block outdoor noises.

We Dry Your Documents Following Water Damage

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

Does your home or business have important documents that are important to your well-being? In the event of water damage at your home or business, SERVPRO of Mentor offers document drying services for those important files or personal papers.


Vacuum Freeze Drying
Items containing moisture are frozen and dried using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation (direct conversion of a solid into gas without passage through a liquid stage – think dry ice).


Digitizing 
With the new age of technology, digitizing records and documents has become a standard practice in most industries. This eliminates the need to have massive file storage rooms and allows us to access records at the click of a button. If your file room was damaged by water and needs to be cleaned, dried, or decontaminated, digitizing might be a good choice to eliminate the need for hundreds or even thousands of documents and records in storage.


Gamma Irradiation 
Gamma irradiation is a process used for cleaning/disinfecting and decontaminating documents or other consumer goods. In gamma irradiation, high-energy photons are emitted from an isotope source (cobalt 60) producing ionization (electron disruptions) throughout a product. In a category 3 water loss situation (sewage or flood water), documents are not only dealing with that water, but also are infected with all types of bacteria. If this is the case, decontamination is a must. In living cells, these disruptions result in damage to the DNA and other cellular structures. These photon-induced changes at the molecular level cause the death of the organism or render the organism incapable of reproduction. The gamma process does not create residuals or impart radioactivity in processed products.


Certified Destruction
Unfortunately, many business and government agencies have to dispose of counterfeit, faulty, expired, or contaminated materials. All entities need to be certified that their products and materials are destroyed. The guarantee of certified destruction is to protect one’s liabilities, brand image, or proprietary information. We guarantee certified destruction to give you peace of mind that your documents are disposed of properly.

If you find yourself in need of document drying or restoration services, be sure to call SERVPRO of Mentor!

Let Us Handle the Stress of Your Commercial Disaster

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck in front of a commercial property SERVPRO of Mentor has the equipment and manpower to handle your commercial loss, no matter the size!

Are you dealing with water damage in your home? SERVPRO of Mentor has a crew of certified technicians ready to help 24/7. Here is how we can help your business in times of disaster:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources needed.

Step 2 - Inspection 

We determine the scope of your damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage.

Step 3 - Mitigation Process Begins

The water removal/fire damage cleanup process begins almost immediately. We use the best technologies available to ensure that your business is being cleaned out properly.

Step 4 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water, fire, or mold. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 5 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-disaster condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in your business.

If your business falls victim to disaster, call SERVPRO of Mentor.