As fall slowly ends and winter takes over, leaves can block water drains, causing water damage and the need for water restoration assistance. This is a common problem among homeowners and businesses where leaves fell on rooftops and in drains. If these leaves are not removed, they can freeze in gutters and on yard drains, blocking water from its intended path – leading to pooled water, intrusions into buildings, wet carpets, and flooded basements.
Prevent the need for water restoration by making sure to check the exterior of your house and business for all possible drain systems that can be clogged with leaves. Do this frequently, even during the winter months. Many water losses are entirely preventable, and this is one of the most common water damage annoyances in the winter.
Remember also that flooding can occur in the winter, with the EPA saying that Missouri is often affected by winter flood damage. Aside from frozen leaves, several additional factors leading to winter water damage in buildings includes fast snowmelt, ice jams, and heavy rainstorms.
Should you experience water damage and need assistance with a water restoration project, call Woodard at 314-961-9102. Our water restoration experts can assist you 24/7 no matter how big or small the job. We come fully equipped with the best restoration techniques and equipment to restore your home into a clean, warm, safe place during even the coldest days of winter.
Providing St. Charles with Earth Friendly Carpet Cleaning
Woodard has long been recognized for our commitment to the environment. In fact, Woodard was the first carpet cleaning company in St. Charles and the St. Louis region to offer “green” methods of carpet cleaning, using an EPA-approved biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaning solution. As part of our Cleaner, Greener, Drier SM carpet cleaning approach, we also encourage homeowners to find nature-friendly cleaning solutions in their other daily household cleaning needs.
Here are some ways to make your own “green cleaning in St. Charles” solutions:
● Lemon can serve as a stain remover on clothing. Instead of bleach, add a cup of lemon juice to the laundry wash cycle. You can also pour it on a stain, rub it with salt, and let it dry in the sun for stain removal. Test on an inconspicuous area first for color-fastness.
● For clothes that are really dirty from mud or dirt, instead of washing it several times, try adding ½ cup of baking soda in the washer, along with detergent. This will help get your clothes cleaner while using less soap, and hot water than multiple loads.
● For counter-top stains, try using lemon juice and baking soda. Mix the lemon juice and baking soda first, then apply it to the stain and let it sit for several hours. Do not use lemon juice on marble surfaces, as the acid can affect marble.
● To create your own window and glass-cleaning solution, combine vinegar and water in spray bottle, and clean as you would normally with glass cleaner.
● For furniture polish, try mixing 1 cup of vegetable oil with a half cup of lemon juice. Apply with a white rag.
● Use toothpaste (not gel) for cleaning chrome.
Test these Earth friendly cleaning remedies in an inconspicuous area to ensure the color-fastness of the item. Remember, when you call Woodard for your rug, furniture and carpet cleaning needs, you get the best service in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas, and also an earth-friendly cleaning!
Cleaning Fire Damaged Contents With An Ultrasonic Cleaner
Smoke and fire damage restoration is a critically important part of getting people’s lives back in order after they have experienced a house fire. Many people don’t know that careful content restoration can often save most fire damaged items. This content restoration process not only saves and returns the treasured belongings to their owners, but it also reduces the insurance cost of the loss, as the restoration process often costs only about 30% of the replacement value.
At the site of the fire, Woodard’s technicians carefully inventory and pack the items, bringing them to our state-of-the-art fire damage restoration facility, the ContentCare Centersm to be deodorized, cleaned and restored to their earlier condition. The items we rescue vary, ranging from important documents and photos, to memorabilia, furniture, appliances, and electronics.
On the surface, other fire restoration companies appear to offer similar cleaning services, yet they often clean with outdated techniques, using just compressed air, solvents, rags and brushes. This “one size fits all” approach to cleaning everything from TVs to kitchen appliances fails to recognize how each item would respond best to the content restoration process.
For Woodard, this old-school practice is simply not acceptable. Instead, we have developed many different cleaning methods that are specific to the type of item we are restoring from fire or smoke damage.
Some smoke damage is addressed through a deodorizing process, then many items are given a thorough cleaning at a large ultrasonic cleaning station, which removes soot and grime. These items are carefully dried and repacked until they are set out for viewing with the owner and their insurance carrier.
Electronics are quickly taken to a dedicated cleaning area, where electronic restoration specialists disassemble, clean, dry and reassemble each item. At Woodard you can feel secure leaving your electronics in the hands of our experts, who are using the same strict smoke damage and fire restoration methods and equipment as the U.S. Department of Defense.
But it doesn’t stop there. Woodard has some of the best upholstery restoration experts. They analyze the upholstery to determine if a wet or dry cleaning would be most appropriate, then they clean it accordingly. We also dry and help protect documents and photographs by placing them in a controlled drying room that circulates warm dry air to completely dry the items. Not only that, but document reprocessing is also offered on-site.
If you experience smoke or fire damage, ask yourself if you want a “size fits all” cleaning approach, or customized care. Woodard’s restoration efforts cost no more than the old-school approaches, yet our restoration efforts save more original items, reducing the cost of the insurance claim, while returning more items to their owners. Woodard is a preferred provider for insurance carriers, and our surveys show that our customers are incredibly satisfied with our approach.
Many homeowners may think they will seldom (if ever) need a water mitigation specialist in their house. It seems flooding hits other parts of Missouri, the east coast, the west coast and the Gulf Coast, but not us.
However, studies show Missouri homeowners are prone to suffer water damage in their home at least once every 50 years. Fifty years may seem like a long time, yet flooding is unpredictable and it often surprises us. As a water mitigation specialist, I have seen how daily life can be quickly changed by the sudden rise of waters, or structural malfunctions in a home or business water system.
This year alone, Woodard has helped with water mitigation in several cities throughout the country, such as Metropolis (IL), Chicago, North St. Louis, and recently New Jersey in the aftermath of hurricane Irene. When we talk to homeowners, we usually hear the same phrase, “We cannot believe this happened to us.”
Due to the surge in flooding this year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published an online book with instructions and tips on what to do in case of a flood. Here are a few of the tips (go to www.fema.gov for the full list), and remember to call Woodard for any of your water mitigation needs…
- Turn off your electricity when you return home. Also realize that some appliances, such as televisions, store energy and can shock you even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been checked out by a professional.
- Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken glass and other sharp objects. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
- Be alert for gas leaks. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
- Only use a generator and other gasoline-powered machines outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly; only cook with charcoal outdoors. Carbon monoxide kills.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food and flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.
By Jim Feltz, Operations Manager, Water Restoration
As a storm damage restoration expert, I have been on the site of the aftermath of floods, tornadoes, hurricane and other natural disasters. When a storm or other natural disaster hits, personal safety is our first priority, and this often means that nature has its way with our beloved possessions.
Storm damage restoration can be a grueling process. Woodard’s storm damage restoration crews give 110 percent when called to the job of any storm incident. Often times, when we talk to the residents of a damaged area, we find that those people are in a vulnerable state of shock where everything they knew has been lost within a few hours — sometimes minutes or seconds.
Small, beloved possessions such as pictures, diplomas, letters and other documents can have a significant impact when they can be restored and returned to the owner. It is a small piece of the life they once knew. These “treasures” can truly help a person get through the rest of the restoration process. This explains why Woodard’s storm damage restoration experts take the utmost care of small details.
At Woodard, we can help with restoring some of these objects, however, if a storm hits your home, here are some steps from our storm damage restoration specialists on how to protect those small precious possessions:
Protect yourself: A storm’s aftermath can include mold, bacteria, chemicals, or other harmful substances. Make sure to wear gloves and other protective gear when trying to rescue items from a home or business.
Mold is the enemy: Be sure to clean, dry and disinfect the objects as soon as possible to prevent mold from spreading throughout your precious objects. Remember mold can form and spread in less than 48 hours.
Use gentle air: Many people will use hair dryers, ovens or other heat sources to quickly dry objects that have been soaked in water. The heat, even from the sun, can damage pictures, paintings, documents and other items. It is better to let less extreme air from an indoor fan do the job.
Be careful: Most objects become very fragile after storm damage. Make sure to carfully separate damp items so they don’t stick together, for example, get pictures out of a wet photo album, remove paintings and documents from their frames and place paper towels between the pages of wet books. Avoid rubbing your objects harshly when cleaning, rather use soft brushes to remove dust and dirt.
Rinse and hang: Rinse photos gently with water and hang them on a line like your mom used to with your clothes.
Saving what matters: Remember that in a disaster situation, not everything can be saved. That is why it is important to prioritize those objects that have the most value to you.
Frozen in time: If you can’t get photos, papers, books, and textiles dry within 48 hours before mold begins to grow, try to freeze these objects. When you are ready to dry them, take them out and do some of the steps already mentioned.
By John Sadl, Operations Manager, Water Restoration
As Woodard’s water restoration operations manager, I am extremely excited about two new pieces of equipment we recently purchased, to provide legendary service in our water restoration efforts.
The Airsled and the Kett saw are some of the most innovative pieces of equipment which Woodard will now be bringing to the site of water restoration jobs.
The Airsled helps the Woodard crews lift and move heavy items, like furniture or appliances, with little effort. The Airsled basically works as an upside-down air-hockey table, shooting high-pressure air on the floor, creating a cushion of air that helps “levitate” the item. This helps prevent scratching floors, or causing other possible damage that could come from moving heavy equipment at water restoration jobs.
The Kett saw is a type of saw that penetrates walls without creating debris, thanks to a powerful attached vacuum that captures airborne dust as the machine cuts drywall. Not only that, but the Kett saw can also be programmed to a particular depth, eliminating the chance of a worker accidentally cutting into an electrical line or pipe.
Through constantly researching and testing innovative, new water restoration equipment, Woodard will continue to remain true our core value of “continuous improvement.”
By Jim Feltz, Water Restoration, Operations Manager
Every year, our fire restoration crews set out to the scene of disastrous house fires. In the best-case scenario, only a few valuables are damaged by heat and smoke, while in many cases, extensive damage is found. A leading cause of these fires is the mishandling of fireplaces and other heating units.
It’s getting chilly outside, and homeowners will soon begin filling the air with the smell of wood burning in their fireplaces. As a fire restoration expert, I urge you to take all necessary precautions to enjoy a toasty home.
According to the United States Fire Administration, more than one third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves, and other fuel-fired appliances as a source of heat in their homes. Heating fires, the administration says, account for 36 percent of residential home fires every year. Our fire restoration crews can often attest to this fact.
Chimney fires occur when carbon deposits and smoke residues accumulate on the walls of the chimney. This chimney build up is called creosote, and it can be ignited easily by fire sparks.
As a fire restoration expert, there are some tips I’d like to share with homeowners to prevent future fires.
- First, make sure to inspect and clean your chimney and other heating sources often. The National Safety Council recommends that frequently-used chimneys be swept thoroughly at least twice a year. Remove buildup from smoke, and call a chimney-cleaning specialist who can clean hard-to-get places.
- While burning a fire, open glass doors to make sure the fire receives enough air to for the fire to combust completely. This keeps creosote from building up in the chimney. Once the fire is out, make sure to close the glass doors.
- Do not just throw anything into the fire. Some people will use any wood found outside in the yard to start a fire. Use only seasoned hardwood. Moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
- Fire logs should always be stored away from the house, so they do not become a fire hazard. Store the firewood at least 30 feet away from home.
- Many fires start at the roof. Make sure to clear the area near the chimney on the roof any debris.
- Of course, install smoke alarms on every level of the house, test the batteries and make sure the alarms work, at least once or twice a year.
As a fire restoration expert, I hope these tips help you enjoy your fireplace without the problems often associated with the season.
By Ray Ramos, Operations Manager, Fire Restoration Services
Woodard’s disaster mitigation and reconstruction services were called to New Jersey last month to help with clean-up efforts after hurricane Irene.
Hurricane Irene caused heavy rain and floods in many parts of the state, causing more flood damage than traditional wind-damage from hurricanes. Our disaster and reconstruction services crews extracted water from buildings, cleaning, sanitizing and drying residences and businesses, helping with the rebuilding process.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection had sent engineers to nearby dams and reservoirs where flood waters have reached a level of 19 feet, a record high since 1984 when the water level reached 18 feet. Woodard’s disaster mitigation and reconstruction service technicians have talked to local residents who say they are surprised by the amount of water they are experiencing. Many of them braced prepared for wind damage, and did not expect to be faced with one of the worst floods in the history of the area.
When on-site at disasters, we stress that our disaster mitigation and reconstruction service employees should build connections with the local residents, talking with them and understanding their wants, needs, and pains as they progress through a very difficult situation in their lives. We also attempt to secure restoration material locally, assisting local economies.
Woodard responded to the New Jersey flooding within 24 hours of the first call and thanks to the effectiveness and speediness of the planning stage, our disaster mitigation and reconstruction service team was able to get equipment and people on site working right away.
In spite of being hundreds of miles away, Woodard’s mitigation and reconstruction service crews were called on the scene in New Jersey because of our well-known reputation as one of the best in the industry in mitigation and reconstruction services. As the water-level receded, we continued to provide a legendary service to those in need, with care, compassion and effectiveness.
Woodard Wraps Up Hurricane Irene Assistance in NY and NJ Area. Yes, that's Lady Liberty in the background!
Woodard is finishing up several water mitigation jobs in the New York and New Jersey areas (from Hurricane Irene), and is getting ready to head back to the heartland!
We’re proud of our technicians and how they’ve helped these people in need!
The changing of the season from summer to fall brings forth a rush of allergens – unless the season change is greeted with a quality commercial carpet cleaning.
With summer nearing an end, fall winds and seasonal plant allergens create high levels of discomfort for many people. Sickness due to allergies can lead to missed days of work or lost productivity, as even the slightest allergy can cause a person to become drowsy and uncomfortable while working.
Woodard Cleaning & Restoration specializes in commercial carpet cleaning, and we recommend that businesses regularly clean their carpets to help reduce seasonal allergens. Carpets and all other upholstered materials act as filters, capturing airborne contaminants. While this helps keep those allergens from floating into the breathing zone, it is also a great reason for regular cleanings.
As Woodard’s operations manager, I have seen how bad it can get when commercial carpets are not well maintained – in fact, I’ve seen cases where soil has filled the depth of the fibers, from the carpet backing all the way up to the face fibers. Businesses with a lot of foot-traffic, such as restaurants or retail shops can collect a high amount of dust and soil. The longer it goes without cleaning, the more the soil sinks in through the carpet fibers.
At Woodard, we want to provide the legendary service that has earned us rave reviews as the “best commercial carpet cleaner in St. Louis.” Woodard crews will not only clean the carpet, but also provide carpet care advice to the business owner. It is this attention to detail and customer service that sets us apart in commercial carpet cleaning.
As a standard practice, I recommend for businesses to vacuum their carpets on a daily basis with a quality vacuum cleaner. When the bag gets more than half full, replace it, as the vacuum suction suffers as the bag fills. Once that soil gets down into the carpet, these particles actually cut the fibers of the carpet, which creates a “dirty” appearance (in fact, the carpet is just reflecting light differently, due to the abrasions on the fibers).
