From Up Above to Down Below: SERVPRO Helps With Tree-Induced Storm Damage

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

When storms come through, they can leave a lot of damage in their wake. Trees are especially vulnerable to high winds and flooding, and can often fall onto homes and other structures. SERVPRO is experienced in helping people recover after tree-induced storm damage. From above the roof, to below the foundation, SERVPRO has the expertise to get your home back to its pre-storm condition quickly and safely. Contact us to learn more about how SERVPRO can help you with tree-induced storm damage.

The Benefits of Specialty Cleaning for Your Business: SERVPRO's Expertise

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

A clean and hygienic environment is essential for any business, regardless of its size. Regular commercial cleaning not only helps to maintain the appearance of your establishment, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of your customers and employees. With the expertise of SERVPRO and their specialty cleaning services, you can rest assured that your business is in good hands.

One of the key areas that requires attention when it comes to commercial cleaning is the HVAC system. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and it is responsible for regulating the temperature and air quality in your business premises. Over time, dust, dirt, and other pollutants can accumulate in the HVAC system, compromising its efficiency and potentially leading to poor air quality. This can have a significant impact on the health and comfort of your employees and customers.

SERVPRO's specialty HVAC cleaning service involves a thorough cleaning of all the components of your HVAC system. This includes cleaning the ductwork, vents, filters, and coils, ensuring that all dust and debris are removed. By regularly cleaning your HVAC system, you can improve its performance, extend its lifespan, and create a healthier indoor environment.

Another important aspect of commercial cleaning is duct cleaning. The ducts in your business premises play a crucial role in circulating air throughout the building. However, they can also become a breeding ground for dust, mold, and other contaminants if not properly maintained. This can result in poor indoor air quality and even potential health hazards for those who spend time in your business premises.

SERVPRO's specialty duct cleaning service focuses on removing any dirt, dust, and debris that may have accumulated in your ducts. Using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, SERVPRO ensures that your ducts are thoroughly cleaned, helping to improve the air quality in your business and creating a healthier environment for everyone.

In addition to HVAC and duct cleaning, SERVPRO also offers a range of other specialty cleaning services that can benefit your business. For example, if your business has recently experienced a fire or flood, SERVPRO can provide document restoration services. They have the expertise and equipment to salvage and restore damaged documents, helping you get back on track as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO also specializes in cleaning up crime scenes, which can be a challenging and sensitive task. They have the necessary training and experience to handle these situations with professionalism and compassion, ensuring that the area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Regular commercial cleaning is not just about maintaining a clean appearance. It is about creating a safe and healthy environment for your customers and employees. By utilizing SERVPRO's specialty cleaning services, you can ensure that your business remains clean, hygienic, and welcoming to all who enter. Don't underestimate the importance of commercial cleaning – it's an investment that pays off in the long run. So, why wait? Contact SERVPRO today and give your business the cleaning it deserves.

When a State Vehicle Needs Cleaning

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

Fully Equipped in PPE for any biohazard

Here are SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell and Greater Highland/ White Lake/Commerce North, we understand that Michigan State owned vehicles can also sustain damages when transporting patients or prisoners to their destinations.  That is why we are registered as a preferred cleaning vendor for police patrol cars, ambulances, buses, fire emergency response vehicles, transport vans and transport cars on your State of Michigan Bio-hazard list.  We can clean any catastrophic issue from bodily fluids to blood borne pathogens.  No vehicle or clean-up is too big or too small, we have the training and know-how to tackle any job.  While you are protecting our safety, let us protect you by using proper personal protection equipment and specially designed cleaning products to tackle the job and get your vehicle back to a safe and clean condition.  We even have special products and techniques to tackle any odor that may be associated with the damages

Flooding in Livingston County Homes

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of sitting water in a customer’s home prior to SERVPRO pumping it out!

Basement and crawlspace flooding from sump pump failure is a common problem in Michigan.  If you live in an area that's prone to flooding or if you lose power during a storm, you need a sump pump to protect your home from the damages of standing water that could infiltrate your home.  Flood waters can destroy the structural integrity of your home and create an environment for mold and mildew to thrive.  SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell will complete an inspection of the damages and then the extraction process will begin.  The amount of standing water will determine the type of extraction necessary.  We use powerful submersible pumps, truck mounted extraction systems, and industrial strength wet/ dry vacuums to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.  Prompt and efficient removal of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth. 

The Dry Out Process

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Depending on the water damage, SERVPRO will come in inspect the damage and determine which type of drying process will be best for the flooring, homeowner and insurance company. Three different drying techniques we use are: 

Inject Floor Drying System: 

Inject-dry floor drying system is used to dry hardwood and ceramic tile flooring. It directs airflow down along the floor, drying floors faster. With proper placement of the mats, it easily adapts to any floor plan. Placing a containment or "tenting" the affected area is sometimes used in conjunction with the inject-dry floor drying system. 

Usage of Air Movers in Drying: 

Evaporation will occur when the water moves from a liquid state to a vapor state in the air. This is achieved by rapid and direct air flow. Evaporation does not remove the moisture; it just moves it from the materials to the surrounding air. 

Usage of Dehumidifier in Drying: 

Dehumidification is the removal of moisture in the air. In some cases, a containment is placed over an affected area ceiling to concentrate the dehumidification specifically on this area. 

Prepping For Storms

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Here's a photo from a local home that was not prepared prior to a storm.

Fall in Michigan is a beautiful time of year. Prior to our long winters we all get excited with the mild temperatures and changing trees. Fall time can also bring storms as the weather changes. From strong windstorms, thunderstorms and tornadoes, these storms can cause a lot of destruction. It's important to be prepared for these storms. While mother nature is difficult to predict, here are a few helpful tips: 

• Trim any dead or rotting branches near the home or any vehicles. 
• Know how to shut off the power to your home as well as gas and water shut off if needed. 
• Tie down or bring anything inside that can blow around or cause destruction. For example, trash cans, patio furniture, children's outdoor toys. 
• Set your refrigerator to the coldest setting. If you lose power your food will stay cooler, longer. 

Flooding

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a local Livingston County home which was flooded by one of our Michigan Storms this past summer after the sump pump malfunctioned.

Basement and crawlspace flood from sump pump failure is a common issue in Michigan. If you live in any area prone to flooding or if you lose power during a storm, you need a sump pump to protect your home from the damages of standing water. Flood waters can destroy the structural integrity of the home and can create an environment for mold and mildew to thrive. 

If you experience flooding SERVPRO will complete an inspection of the damages and the extraction process will begin. The amount of standing water determines the type of extraction process our crews will use. We use power submersible pumps, truck mounted extraction systems and industrial strength wet/dry vacuums to quickly remove hundreds of gallons of water from your property. 

Seasonal Storm

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a Brighton residents living room. A tree had fallen through the roof and came right into their living space.

As Michigan residents, we all know we can experience all four seasons in just one day. Whether were hit with 50 mph windstorms, four feet of snow, torrential rains, or a tornado- SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is prepared to help you! 

Frozen pipes, down trees, or a flooded basement. Storms can create a very scary time for Michigan residents, but remember, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even when the largest storms hit, we have the availability to bring in crews from different SERVPRO locations, allowing us to properly serve our community, quickly and safely. 

Let us be your real-life hero! If you are affected by storm damage, call SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell today: 810-220-3711 

Extent of Water Damage

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a home that experienced a major water loss.

When a homeowner deals with a water loss, its often a surprise to the customer the extent of damage that is caused. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell will come to the home, evaluate the damage, and begin the dry out process and repairs. Our crews often must remove dry wall due to damaged installation, we might have to remove flooring, furniture, essentially anything that is affect by the water. 

It’s important to have SERVPRO to come out to evaluate the home to find how much the water spread, and what needs to be done to properly get your home back to normal! Our production leaders have top of the line equipment, to test areas that are wet, and they can see what has been affected. Our SERVPRO crews are educated and trained to know how to handle each home depending on the job.

Frozen Pipe Damage

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Michigan is known for our harsh winters with extreme temperature drops in the months of January, and February. This means homeowners are susceptible to frozen pipes. Water expands when it freezes- putting additional pressure on the pipes, which can ultimately cause them to burst. Pipes that freeze are those that exposed to extreme cold, such as exterior spigots, water sprinkler lines, and water supply lines in unheated areas. Basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages often have exterior pipe lines as well. To aid in freeing pipes make sure to keep your home to at least 55 degrees or warmer and leave interior doors open to increase air flow into the cooler areas of the home. Also, if you leave your home during these months make sure a trusted neighbor or friend is watching over your home! 

Tree Damage

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a tree that fell on a local home. Our crews were able to help with the cleanup and repairs of the roof and home!

The trees in our yard not only provide shade and privacy, but they are also good for the environment! However, we often underestimate how tall or heavy they are until they fall during a storm.  Falling trees during bad weather can result in downed power lines and costly damage to homes, fences, and outbuildings.  That is why we remind homeowners to have any dead or damaged branches or diseased trees removed. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can help you avoid this danger by coming out to your home to remove any branches or limbs that could be a potential danger when high winds occur. 

Have you recently had a branch or limb fall causing damage to your home or garage? Remember SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Commercial Water Damage

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

COMMERCIAL Water Damage: Regardless of the cause, when catastrophe strikes a commercial property, the damages can be crippling to a business and even bring operations to a complete halt. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost productivity and revenue.  SERVPRO has highly trained technicians that are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to mitigate the damages properly and efficiently. 

Ask about SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP), a useful tool to prepare a business for the "worst-case scenario".  The ERP is a data collection source, storing all your important and vital information such as where to find shut off valves for both water and gas, where electrical panels are located and who to contact in the event of an emergency.  This information is compiled into one neat folder and is ready for anyone in your business to use in one place at your fingertips.

Types of Smoke

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

Many people don't know this but there are different types of smoke.

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Water Loss in the Home

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of the dry out process after a water loss.

Many people think that water damage, or sump pump failure could only happen in older homes, but water damage could happen to anyone at any time. The owners of SERVPRO Brighton/Howell, just recently experienced water damage in their own home. In a newly built home, their ice machine drain had malfunctioned, causing water damage throughout their kitchen. Our crews started right away with the extraction of the water and began the mitigation process. 

It doesn't matter how old the home is, where it is located or how safe you can be, water loss can happen to anyone and any time. If you experience water damage, remember SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Let us help you! 

Water in the Home

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of sump pump failure.

Imagine walking down to your basement or crawl space and discovering your belongings in water. Unfortunately, for those living in Michigan this is not uncommon. Many homeowners are prone to flooding, and power outages. It’s important for homeowners to have a sump pump to protect your home from the standing water that could destroy your home. The water can destroy the structural integrity of the home, ruin your belongings, and create and environment ideal for mold growth. 

If you ever experience sump pump failure, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available to help! Our crews will complete a full inspection and start the extraction process.  Our crews use powerful submersible pumps, truck mounted extraction systems, and industrial strength wet/ dry vacuums to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property. 

Fire Hazards

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo from a kitchen fire!

Every year SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell and is called out to address fires that begin in the garage and that is why we try to educate homeowners on possible fire hazards.  Most of these fires are caused by electrical shortages/ malfunctions or by improperly stored flammable liquids.  This fire was caused when a charging station was placed on top of an appliance with flammable liquid inside, the heat from the charger ignited the liquid. 

Follow these simple tips to keep your family and home safe.

·      Store oil, gasoline, paints, propane, and varnishes in a shed away from your home.

·      Keep items that can burn on shelves away from appliances.

 ·      Plug only one charging appliance into an outlet and don’t use an extension cord when charging an appliance.

Commercial Carpet Cleanings

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of carpets that SERVPRO have cleaned prior to the cleaning.

At SERVPRO Brighton/Howell we understand that emergencies can happen at any time. We also understand importance of keeping a business running, that is why we are available 24/7 which is extremely important for our commercial customers. Whether disaster strikes or you need a regular carpet cleaning we are available to help you! Allow our crews to come in at night while your business is closed to clean, restore and mitigate. 

Regularly scheduled carpet cleanings are important to businesses. With high levels of customer traffic through a store, it is important to maintain and keep your business looking clean. Call and schedule a time for our crews to come out! We would love to help you, and your property look its best! SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is here to help you! 

Fire Aftermath

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

A house fire can be one of the worst experiences someone could go through. After the flames are put out is when SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell can step in and help you! One major causes of damage is smoke and soot. Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Fire Damage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can happen to anyone, at any time. Sometimes our customers are able to identify how the fire got started, other times it is unknown. The was fire depicted is one that SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell was called out to help with. It is believed that the fire started in the garage, however, the cause and origin was unable to determined.

The house and its contents sustained heavy soot and smoke damage, and the family lost their car as well.  Our crew spent several weeks on site helping the family sort through their belongings and helping them restore the items that could be saved. No matter how big, or how the fire is started SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is here to help you and your home! 

Emergency Ready Profile

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is an example of one of our tagged Gas shut offs!

Commercial buildings and local schools can often face the risk of floods, and fires. One of our goals at SERVPRO is to prepare our local communities, in the case of a disaster! To do this we offer Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP's) for local schools, and commercial properties. 

For an ERP, a representative from SERVPRO will come out to your business, and tag the gas shut off, water shut off, electrical and alarm systems. We note directions to each location, so if there ever is a problem anyone in the building will be able to local these shut off locations! Once we physically do the ERP, we load the information into an app, which can be edited and accessed by the staff. 

This is a free service offered by SERVPRO, for more information call us today!  

Commercial Damage

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Whatever may be the cause, when catastrophe strikes a Livingston County commercial business, the damages can be crippling and put the day-to-day operations to a halt. Every hour spent cleaning is an hour loss of productivity and revenue. Let SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell help you! We have highly trained professional technicians here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year available to mitigate the damages properly and efficiently. Our crews our certified and know the best techniques for restoration! 

SERVPRO also offers the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) a useful tool used to prepare a business for the "worst case scenario." The ERP data is a collection source of all the most important phone numbers, and information you would need in the case of an emergency. 

Commercial Disasters

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to make sure that your business is prepared for any disaster. At SERVPRO Brighton/Howell we have seen it all. 

Our crews have repaired kitchens in which a car drove through. We have dried out massive floods in Livingston County government buildings. We have cleaned up fires within 24 hours prior to a major Halloween party at a private clubhouse. We have even pumped out sewage during a major event. 

These are all random disaster that have hit local businesses, but we were able to be there for our fellow business owners and we were able to get their establishments up and running again. 

If you ever experience an emergency, remember to call SERVPRO Brighton/ Howell! Whatever the problem, whatever time, we are here for you! 

Commercial Water Loss

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a local ice rink that has experienced water damage.

As we know, flooding and water losses can happen anywhere! Luckily SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell has the crew, and equipment to take care of the water removal, and drying process in any location. Our technicians are certified to carefully handle any situation they are faced with! 

A local ice rink experienced a major water loss, and when we received the call, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell was there as soon as possible to start the drying process. The client could not have been happier with our service. 

Whether you own a small business, or a large ice rink, SERVPRO is available to help you. From the first phone call, our team is ready to work with our customers providing the best possible experience. Give us a call at 810-220-3711! 

Being Prepared!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Check out our booth at the Emergency Expo every September!

We know that the best time to prepare for an emergency is before the emergency occurs and helping the community and other local businesses be prepared for any type of emergency is something we strive to do here at SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell.  That is why we have made it a point to participate in the annual Emergency Preparedness Expo held in Howell every September.  We bring information on how to make sure every family and local business is prepared for any emergency. We bring water and gas shut off tags for business and homeowners, magnets and even coloring pages for the kids.  We want to make sure that companies are prepared by signing them up to do Emergency Ready Plans also known as ERP's.  

SERVPRO Protecting your home!

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of our crews entering the home with clean booties on.

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell does everything possible to prevent the homeowner's property and contents from becoming dirty, dusty, or damaged during the demolition/ mitigation process. We understand how traumatic the demolition and mitigation process can be, so it is important to us to take the proper precautions for damaging your home any further. Here are a few of the ways we work to keep your home clean and protected from further damage: 

• Covering furniture and contents completely with plastic. 
• Isolating the area with a containment barrier before the demolition begins to help prevent dust and debris from getting into the cracks and the crevices.
• Our technicians wear foot protection to prevent them from tracking dirt into the home. 
• To protect flooring, we place a path of cardboard, plastic or cloth is placed over the unaffected areas that lead from the work area to the exit door. This keeps other areas of your home cleaner and prevents the tracking of dust and debris throughout the home.
• When carpets are cleaned, corner guards are used to protect the walls and block/ pads are placed under the furniture to ensure there is no damage to the furniture

What to Expect When Calling SERVPRO

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo, prior to a customer calling SERVPRO

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Hoarding Situations in Livingston County

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a local home in need of extreme cleaning.

SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell is dedicated to helping in a time of crisis. We will go above and beyond to help our community in a time of need.  Our crews are highly trained, efficient, and have the top equipment in the industry to work on every particular situation. We have specialized products to clean any surface that may be affected. All of our products are safe to use, and each crew member knows exactly what product will do the best on each job. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can handle: 

• General cleaning
• Hoarder cleaning
• Heavy smoke and nicotine
• Post construction cleans
• Cleaning after an animal infestation,
• Long term neglect of a home 

Our crews are trained to handle all types of "Minor" to "Extreme Situations". We can handle all arrangements including dumpster drop off and removal, POD drop off and removal, full pack-out and pack-back services. Our franchise offers a full warehouse located in Brighton to make sure your belongings are kept safe while your home is worked on. SERVPRO offers not only structure but also, content cleaning before items are carefully wrapped and packed away. 

Big or small, we are there to help Livingston County in any way we can! 

Be Prepared!

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of 3 ft of water sitting in a basement! Make sure you are prepared!

This spring, Michigan has had many rainstorms, and with Summer on its way it’s important for our customers to be prepared. At SERVPRO in Brighton/Howell we like to remind our insurance agents and potential customers that the cost to dry out a basement after a sump pump failure or drain back-up can range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more depending on how elaborate their client’s basement is. This price does not include repair to the structure, replacement of destroyed content or repair/replacement to mechanical that may have sustained damage as well. Going through a loss is hard enough without the added stress of finding out there is little or no insurance coverage. It’s important to know YOUR coverage, and make sure you are covered properly in the case of a disaster.

Livingston County Fire Clean Up Source

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a local fire in Howell, prior to our crews coming out.

When a fire occurs, often the first instinct is to put on a pair of gloves and start cleaning the mess. Clean-up of fire damage is not the job for a do-it-yourself property owner, the process can be overwhelming and is very complex.  It's important to remember that while the physical damage is obvious, the odor and soot cleanup is difficult.  Different fire sources require different cleaning procedures to return a residential or commercial property to its pre loss condition. Our staff has been certified and trained with industry standards on how to properly care for the items damaged by a fire. 

Our experienced technicians have been trained and are certified in how to properly remove soot and smoke from every surface, and SERVPRO has specialized products that aid in the cleaning.  Our franchise works with a network of local contractors, that can restore damaged pictures, clothing, electronics, documents and furniture. 

Once the affected areas are cleaned, other techniques such as Ozone and Fogging with odor reducing products can be used to rid the structure of the odor that is associated with all fires.  Call your fire specialists at SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell. Let us, help you!

Livingston County Kitchen Fire

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a local Brighton kitchen fire. Remember our tips to avoid this danger!

Kitchen Fires: There is a fire every single day in Livingston County. You might not always hear about them, but the majority of fires are small kitchen fires. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it is no surprise that cooking fires are one of the most common types of home fires. Kitchen fires typically happen when the stove is left unattended, this can occur at any time of the year. If a fire starts in a pot or pan on the stove, these are some things to remember:

• Most fires can be prevented by never leaving food cooking unattended.
• Water should never be used to try to extinguish a grease fire - This can result in an explosive reaction that could quickly spread the fire throughout the home. 
• A method used to extinguish a cooking fire is to keep a lid for the pot or pan nearby. If the contents ignite, quickly cover the pot or pan with the lid and turn off the stove. This takes away the heat and oxygen needed to sustain the fire. 

With SERVPRO's knowledge of the mitigation and reconstruction industry you can rest assured that SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell can bring your home back to preloss condition.

Soot Damage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an example of a wall tested for soot damage. As you can see, this needed additional cleaning.

With house fires, it's important to remove all of the soot which leaves the smell of smoke behind. Our technicians always start by testing a small area on a wall to find the best way to remove the soot off the walls. In this photo, it shows the small area tested. There are many ways for our SERVPRO technicians to clean the walls, but it is important to test and recognize the best way to properly clean without damaging paint, or wallpaper. 

It’s always important for SERVPRO to take the best possible care of our customers belongs. Whether it's a child's toy, a family heirloom, or an old dresser. At SERVPRO Brighton/Howell we care, and work to make sure your items are cared for in the best manor. 

Fire Clean Up

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

This fire occurred locally while the homeowner was out of town. Luckily SERVPRO was there to board up the home until the owner got home.

With any size fire it is our goal at SERVPRO Brighton/Howell to turn a fire damaged home into a safe, clean living environment. Making as if, "it never even happened!" 

To do this, we require our crews to be properly trained, which is why every member on our crews is IICRC Certified! Each crew member attends multiple classes throughout the year, which provides three days of training and testing. It’s important that we take excellent care of your home, making sure that each personal item is cared for and treated properly. Each home is different which makes it important that our crews have the best knowledge for every situation they are put in. 

You can trust and rely on SERVPRO Brighton/Howell. We are here to help you! 

24 Hour Services

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Call us ASAP when it comes to water damage!

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it is the cornerstone of our business. Our community can trust that our team is going to provide excellent service, a quick turnaround time, and that we truly care!

Fire Damage

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can happen to anyone, at any time. Sometimes our customers are able to identify how the fire got started, other times it is unknown. The was fire depicted is one that SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell was called out to help with. It is believed that the fire started in the garage, however, the cause and origin was unable to determined.

The house and its contents sustained heavy soot and smoke damage, and the family lost their car as well.  Our crew spent several weeks on site helping the family sort through their belongings and helping them restore the items that could be saved. No matter how big, or how the fire is started SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is here to help you and your home! 

Fire Specialists

11/3/2019 (Permalink)

Cleanup of fire damage is not the job for a do-it-yourself property owner. The entire process can be very overwhelming for a homeowner, and SERVPRO is here to help! Its important to remember that while physical damage is obvious, the odor and soot clean up is difficult. Different fire sources require different cleaning procedures to return a residential or commercial property to its preloss condition. Restoration of a property can be very complex and proper smoke and odor removal are tasks that require experienced technicians that are certified in these specific areas. All of our technicians are IICRC certified and have studied the best techniques to restore your home! Don't wait or try to handle this damage on your own, call your fire specials at SERVPRO! 

Livingston County Garage Fire Clean-up

11/3/2019 (Permalink)

Every year SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is called out to address fires in our county. Many of these fires start in the garage. Most of the fires are caused by electrical shortage/malfunctions or by improperly stored flammable liquids. Its important to stay safe! Follow this simple tips to keep your friends and home safe from possible fires: 

• Store oil, gasoline paints, propane and varnishes in a shed away from the home. 
• Keep items that can burn on shelves away from appliances 
• Plug only one charging appliance into an outlet at a time. Don't use an extension cord when charging an appliance. 

If you experience a garage fire let SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell help you! Our team is certified, trained and prepared to bring your home back to like, "it never even happened!" 

Michigan Rain and Floods

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of flooding after a Michigan storm.

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  At any time during a storm our customers struggle with sump pump failure. We have customers that face wind damage which can effect their home. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Livingston County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Coming home to Mold

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a local home with major mold damage.

Mold can happen in any home at any time! This picture is of some of the mold that was found in a summer home. When the homeowners winterized their home, they didn't think that a radiant heat line would split. This caused a large amount of water damage resulting in extreme mold throughout the property. The homeowner called SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell to come in. Our technicians removed all the affected flooring and drywall and encapsulated the structure so the reconstruction can begin. The homeowners were thankful for our crews, and gad we were able to help speed up the reconstruction process. 

When you leave your home for long periods of time it's important to properly prepare the home, but to also have a trustworthy family member to check on the home as well. 

Business to Business Relationships

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Let us help your business!

SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell would like to help bridge the gap from your business to ours! We can do this through greater involvement that ultimately ensures that when disaster strikes, you will be able to take the right action at the right time. Thatis why SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is always offering our commercial clients and fellow businesses Tips and Advice, High Visibility Water and Gas Shut-Off Tags and Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP) for your commercial buildings. We want to help local companies by providing them with most up to date information, most useful tips and tools that can help ultimately help your business. We are always available to answer questions, offer quotes or give advice within our field. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is here to help our fellow businesses!

Commercial Property

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell is available to help you and your business in the case of an emergency. We have seen it all, whether its a fire to a retail store, water damage in a factory, graffiti on a building, a bio hazard clean up, or even storm damage! We can essentially help with any sort of disaster that may interrupt your day to day work. 

Here at SERVPRO Brighton/ Howell, we know the importance of keeping a business open and getting things back to normal, that is why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have the ability to work on your property when your business is closed! If you ever run into a problem and you don't know who to call, always remember your local SERVPRO in Livingston County is here for you! 

ERP's and Being Prepared!

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Here is an example of the ERP!

At SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell we try to encourage all of our commercial customers to have an Emergency Ready Profile completed by our team. As we all know, preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it's a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood.  The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.  Have one of our SERVPRO team members come out to your business to walk through the steps in case of any emergency. We will tag your gas and water shut off, and take notes on locations of alarms, generators, and water systems. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.  Now is the time to ask yourself, "Are you ready for whatever could happen?" 

Commercial Fire Damage

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Here is an example of a local fire!

Commercial Building Fire: Coping with the aftermath of a fire can be chaotic for anyone, but for a business owner it can be even more stressful.  First instinct is to clean up and get back to the daily operations of running a business. Unfortunately, fire damage clean up can be an involved and complex process, many are overwhelmed and wonder “Where do I start?”.  SERVPRO helps businesses get back to the normal day to day operations by efficiently and quickly cleaning affected structure of the building and processing the fire damaged items. 

SERVPRO's fire clean services include: Pack out, cleaning and storage of affected contents in SERVPRO's warehouse until fire clean up is completed. Structural cleaning of business or residence including soot removal, deodorization, ozone, cleaning walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures, air ducts and hard/soft surfaces. 

SERVPRO recognizes all of our client's needs: Employees are cross trained to have the ability to "pitch in" wherever needed.  Stephanie, in our marketing department, is pictured here in the training process!

Storm Damage

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a customers storm damage!

Storms in Michigan can cause a lot of damage. Flooded basements, ice damns, down power lines and more. One major risk during a storm are the trees in our yards.  We often underestimate how tall or heavy they are until they fall during a storm.  Falling trees during bad weather can result in down power lines and costly damage to homes, fences and outbuildings.  It's important to inform homeowners that have any dead or damaged branches or diseased trees to remove them. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can help you avoid this danger by coming out to your home remove any branches or limbs that could be a potential danger when high winds occur. 

Have you recently had a branch or limb fall causing damage to your home or garage? Remember SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Ice Damage

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of an ice dam created from an ice storm.

Michigan winters can often put our homes at risk for severe damage. With the freezing cold temperatures, inches of snow, and high winds, preparing your home is a must! Homeowners could experience an ice dam. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on a roof and prevents melting snow/ice (water) from draining off the roof. With nowhere else to go, and with freezing at night and melting during the day, the water will eventually back up behind the dam. Ultimately the water will leak into the home causing severe damage to roof shingles, ceilings, walls, insulation, and more. If damage from an ice dam goes unnoticed in an attic, there is also a potential for mold/mildew to form. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can effectively mitigate the resulting damages from both the water and mold.

Mold Issues

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a customers basement infested with mold prior to SERVPRO removal.

Mold in homes can happen under many different circumstances. It could be an outside water intrusion, a flood, or sewer leak. It also could be from a bat, bird infestation, a decaying animal or rodent. As soon as you are aware of mold in the home its important to call someone for proper removal to make sure there are no effects your you heath or your loved ones.

There are thousands of types of mold and depending on your location, temperature (inside and outside) will determine how to handle the home. First, its important to figure out where the source of mold is coming from and start the removal process.

Call SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell to help you out! We can walk you through the process, and get your home back to the safe environment it should be!

Coming Home from Vacation to Mold in the Home

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of mold that was found in a customers home after being out of State for a few weeks.

Mold can happen in any home at any time! This picture is of some of the mold that was found in a summer home. When the homeowners winterized their home, they didn't think that a radiant heat line would split. This caused a large amount of water damage resulting in extreme mold throughout the property. The homeowner called SERVPRO of Greater Highland/White Lake to come in. Our technicians removed all the affected flooring and drywall and encapsulated the structure so the reconstruction can begin. The homeowners were thankful for our crews, and gad we were able to help speed up the reconstruction process.

When you leave your home for long periods of time its important to properly prepare the home, but to also have a trustworthy family member to check on the home as well.

Drying Techniques

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Usage of Inject-dry Floor Drying System in drying:

Inject-dry floor drying system is used to dry hardwood and ceramic tile flooring.  It directs airflow down along the floor, drying floors faster.  With proper placement of the mats it easily adapts to any floor plan. Placing a containment or "tenting" the affected area is sometimes used in conjunction with the inject-dry floor drying system.  

Usage of Air Movers in drying:

Evaporation will occur when the water is moved from a liquid state to a vapor state in the air.  This is achieved by rapid and direct air flow.  Evaporation does not remove the moisture,  it just moves it from the materials to the surrounding air.  

Usage of Dehumidifier in drying:

Dehumidification is the removal of moisture in the air. In some cases a containment is placed over an affected ceiling to concentrate the dehumidification specifically on this area. This maximizes the efficiency of the dehumidifier to reduce the specific humidity and moisture content levels in the materials in that area lower than the levels of the unaffected areas around the contained area.  

Mold Safety

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Make sure to call the professionals to help with your mold troubles!

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 810-220-3711 

Mold in Your Home?

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of mold found in an attic, prior to SERVPRO coming in!

Mold in homes can happen under many different circumstances. It could be an outside water intrusion, a flood, or sewer leak. It also could be from a bat, bird infestation, a decaying animal or rodent. As soon as you are aware of mold in the home its important to call someone for proper removal to make sure there are no effects your you heath or your loved ones. 

There are thousands of types of mold and depending on your location, temperature (inside and outside) will determine how to handle the home. First, its important to figure out where the source of mold is coming from and start the removal process. 

Call SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell to help you out! We can walk you through the process, and get your home back to the safe environment it should be! 

Importance of Knowing Your Sump Pump Coverage

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

You never know what you could walk into, make sure you are prepared!

At SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell, we like to remind our insurance agents that the cost to dry out a basement after a sump pump failure or drain back-up can range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more depending on how elaborate their clients basement is.  This price does not include repair to the structure, replacement of unsalvageable content or repair/replacement to the mechanical's that may have sustained damage as well.

Going through a loss is hard enough without the added stress of finding out there is little or no insurance coverage. Call your insurance agent today to make sure you are properly covered. They will be able to help you look further into your coverage and make sure you are properly insured for any emergency water loss! 

Building/Business Fires

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Coping with the aftermath of a fire can be chaotic for anyone, but for a business owner it can be even more stressful. The first instinct is to clean up and get back to the daily operations of running a business. Unfortunately fire damage clean up can be a very involved, and complex process. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell helps businesses get back to the normal day to day operations by efficiently and quickly cleaning affected structure of the building and processing the fire damaged materials. 

SERVPRO's fire clean services include: Pack out, cleaning and storage of affected contents in our warehouse until the fire clean out is complete. Structural cleaning of business including soot removal, deodorization, ozone, cleaning walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures, air ducts, and hard/soft surfaces. 

Building Repairs

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a local business after a leak repair SERVPRO of Brighton took care of!

While running a business, you never know what can happen, or how SERVPRO can help! We also know the importance of speed when a disaster can affect your business.

At SERVPRO Brighton/Howell we are available to help our customers with a variety of services. For this local business we were able to repair a leaking ceiling in no time! Our crews came in to clean the mess, and repair the ceiling tile. The customer was pleased with the professionalism and time around time! 

If you ever find yourself looking for true professionals to help restore, mitigate, and repair SERVPRO Brighton/Howell is here for you! We are available 24/7, to make it, "Like it never even happened." 

Call us at 810-220-3711 

Residential and Commercial Mold Damage

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Here is an example of mold in a commercial building prior SERVPRO coming in!

Mold can occur in any home, and any business at anytime! Its very common for mold to appear when a home in unoccupied for a period of time, or after a water loss. Our goal when working in water damaged homes is to remove the water, properly dry out the home, and do everything in our power to reduce the risk of secondary damage, as known as mold. 

If mold is found in the home it is extremely important to have our certified professionals take care of the problem. Mold cannot just be removed with bleach, it needs to be handled by professionals. 

Our crews at SERVPRO Brighton/Howell are certified in mold removal, by the IICRC Industry Standard. We know how to remove the mold and prevent it from returning. 

Could your home have a mold problem?

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a home with mold growth prior to SERVPRO coming in to remove.

With the heavy rains and warm temperatures we have in Michigan mold can become a problem to many homeowners. Whether its secondary damage from a flood, or found in a crawl space. Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Animal Infestations

7/1/2016 (Permalink)

This is damage from a raccoon infestation.

We all love to see furry creatures in nature, however, when these adorable creatures invade our homes they are not so cute.  These animals can cause large amounts of damage to the structure of our home and belongings. Their excrement can be toxic, and the parasites they carry can be harmful to humans. If you find yourself with animal infestation in your home or business, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can help!

The best way to reduce the cost of clean-up is early detection. Homeowners and business owners can help look for possible entry points around the structure, and listen for noises.  If you suspect there may be an infestation, contact a professional animal removal company and then call SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell for proper clean-up.

Informing Realtors

5/6/2016 (Permalink)

Our informational table display.

Here at SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell and Greater Highland/ White Lake, we are always reaching out to new markets to spread the word about our services.  Realtors are a very important resource, if the home they are trying to sell is vacant, it's not uncommon for them to find that a pipe has broken or if mold is found during a home inspection.

That is why every year we attend the Livingston County Association of Realtors Education Expo to keep the realtors informed about the services we offer and to answer any questions they may have.

Cleaning State Vehicles

3/18/2016 (Permalink)

Police Car Bio-Hazard Clean

Here are SERVPRO of Brighton/ Howell and Greater Highland/ White Lake, we understand that Michigan State owned vehicles can also sustain damages when transporting patients or prisoners to their destinations.  That is why we are registered as a preferred cleaning vendor for police patrol cars, ambulances, buses, fire emergency response vehicles, transport vans and transport cars on your State of Michigan Bio-hazard list.  We can clean any catastrophic issue from bodily fluids to blood borne pathogens.  No vehicle or clean-up is too big or too small, we have the training and know-how to tackle any job.  While you are protecting our safety, let us protect you by using proper personal protection equipment and specially designed cleaning products to tackle the job and get your vehicle back to a safe and clean condition.  We even have special products and techniques to tackle any odor that may be associated with the damages.