What Is Vermiculite and Why Should You Be Concerned?

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Vermiculite in an attic

Vermiculite is a natural insulation material — but it’s one that you definitely don’t want to have in your attic.

Vermiculite is a mineral mined from the earth, composed of shiny flakes that look like cat litter. When this mineral is put in an oven, it expands like popcorn. Expanded vermiculite is lightweight, fire-resistant, and odorless; since it has an R-value of about R-2 per inch, it was used for decades as an insulation material.

There is only one problem with this wonderful material: most vermiculite contains friable asbestos. When inhaled, vermiculite dust can be hazardous.

Owners of homes with vermiculite have a huge headache. If your attic contains vermiculite:

• It’s dangerous to enter your attic.
• It’s dangerous to perform any attic air sealing work until all of the vermiculite has been removed by a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
• It’s dangerous to install cellulose insulation on top of the vermiculite

If you have more questions about vermiculite or other building material that you need help identifying, give SERVPRO of Bend a call at 541-385-7044.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: #114 SERVPRO Odor and Stain Remover.

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

#114 SERVPRO Odor and Stain Remover.

SERVPRO of Bend is called to many situations, often times requiring very specific cleaning products to properly mitigate a job.

Fortunately, SERVPRO has their own manufacturing plant for cleaning products, SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products (SPCP,) which manufacturers all in-house cleaning products for all franchises throughout the United States. One cleaning agent that we use quite often is #114 SERVPRO Odor and Stain Remover.

SERVPRO of Bend is called to many jobs were urine or bio material that has infiltrated a home or commercial business. Using #114 SERVPRO Odor and Stain Remover, our technicians are able to eliminate odors and stains that may have been caused by urine, feces, vomit, spilled food, skunk, perspiration or other organic material.

If you need our services ore would like to learn more about the wide array of SERVPRO products we use in-house, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Bend at 541-385-7044.

CCB#203503

Meth Lab Cleanup can be Hazardous

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Suspected Meth Lab

Meth Lab can be a complicated and extremely dangerous hazard. SERVPRO of Bend provides Cleaning and Restoration Services for properties that may have been used as a meth lab.

Bottles of paint thinner, drain opener or muriatic or other acids are strong indicators that someone has been making meth, as are propane tanks or other heat sources used to cook the drug. Sinks stained red by phosphorus, chemical smells and powdery residues left in glass cookware are also telltale signs.

Building materials and furniture may absorb contaminants and can give off fumes. Meth remains are very dangerous to the health and well being of occupants or future occupants of a property requiring an extensive cleanup process.

If you have any questions if your property was used as a meth lab, we recommend you first call the authorities. They are professionally trained to review the signs of a meth or any other type of drug lab.

CCB#203503

SERVPRO of Bend Sewage Cleanup Services

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Sewage Cleanup

SERVPRO of Bend is proud to be certified in Biohazard and Sewage Cleanup.

When it comes to sewage damage, the job of a sewage damage restoration specialist is far more serious than simply removing waste and odors and restoring your home to its former state.

In reality, our seasoned professionals are charged with an extremely vital task: Making sure you and your family remain safe from the potential health risks associated with sewage damage. There are many different health problems that could result from sewage damage, which is one of the biggest reasons why the sewage damage cleanup process should almost always be handled by a professional organization like SERVPRO.

Here are some of the ailments and diseases you could face if you don’t call on a sewage damage expert to handle your home’s cleanup:

• Hepatitis A, which is an acute liver infection that afflicts more than 10 million Americans each and every year.
• Salmonella, a bacterial infection that causes symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, vomiting and weakness. If left untreated, salmonella can even lead to more serious diseases, such as typhoid fever.
• Bacillary dysentery, which is a type of dysentery caused by interaction with harmful bacteria. Dysentery also causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and so forth, and can be extremely taxing on the body if immediate medical care is not sought.
• Intestinal infections. In addition to the aforementioned ailments, there are other types of intestinal infections that may be sustained from contact with raw sewage.
• Skin infections. When sewage comes in contact with exposed skin, a painful or itchy rash could be the result.
• Eye infections.
• Respiratory infections. This is of particular concern if the sewage problem is left untreated, as water damage can easily lead to mold growth, and mold releases spores that can be harmful or even fatal when inhaled by living organisms.

If you have any questions regarding Biohazard or Sewage cleanup, give us a call at (541) 385-7044.

CCB#203503

Oregon Couple Falls Ill After Purchasing an Undisclosed Meth House

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Meth Lab Cleanup

A young Oregon couple and their baby who fell desperately ill after moving into a newly purchased home have discovered that the house is a former meth lab that has been emitting highly toxic fumes ever since they moved in.

The couple bought a foreclosure property in Klamath Falls in the summer and though they recognized it was a fixer-upper, could never have predicted the traumatic events that would follow.

Within a matter of days, they began experiencing problems with breathing and by week three of their occupancy, , had been struck with agonizing sores, migraines and nose bleeds.

Buying the home 'as is', they were informed of their responsibilities for detecting lead paint and asbestos hazards and chose not to bother with an inspection that would only point out superficial repairs anyway.

Neither brokers warned them of any drug activity on the property so armed with paintbrushes and an optimism the family moved into their new home.

Information regarding the history of a foreclosed property routinely falls through the cracks by the time the bank or government agency has reached the point of foreclosure.

If you feel that a property you occupy was used as a meth or other drug producing lab, call your local authorities.

CCB#023503

SERVPRO of Bend Takes Lead in Cleaning Homeless Camp in Deschutes County

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Homeless Camp

SERVPRO of Bend along with a homeless advocacy group, veteran outreach and the Bend Police Department assisted in cleaning up a homeless camp that had been expanding on private property for over a year.

The property became hazardous when it was found that many hypodermic needles and sewage were found on the property. After providing over 3 months of communication to the individuals of whom were camping illegally on the property, SERVPRO of Bend was able to start the cleaning of the camp.

All residence of the camp were provided with information of where they could go for assistance.

SERVPRO of Bend cleaned all of the hazardous materials from the property and posted no trespassing signs to identify the property as private.

The residence were appreciative of how caring the transition from the camp to the private property went and thanked all involved for their understanding of the situation.

Biohazard Cleanup

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Bend, we understand when a tragedy occurs; dealing with the aftermath can be distressing. When the unthinkable happens, we’re here to help.

Our technicians are trained and specially equipped to deal with the cleaning and reconstruction of a property after a death or serious injury. We comply fully with all OSHA, EPA, and Oregon Health Authority requirements.

Call today if you have any questions about our services, (541) 385-7044

CCB#203503