Blog

No Loss Is The Same

Jul 11, 2018
In the disaster world, we are reminded day in and day out that no one loss is the same.  Each flood, fire, or mold clean up takes the experience and insight of a restoration professional who can quickly determine factors effecting the situation.  By trusting a restoration professional with your water loss, you can rest assured knowing that your cleanup is being handled quickly and carefully.

Water losses are some of the most common disasters to effect a home, whether a burst pipe, flood, or snow destruction – it’s not just the cleanup. The job extends to drying and repairing the substructures that have accumulated moisture you may not be able to see.  Moisture damage can lead to crumbling dry wall and plaster, weakening structural material, rusting metal surfaces and more.  The longer moisture sits, the longer that water can cause damage. Quickly calling in a restoration professional will be able to save you time, belongings and money.

According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification classifies three distinct types of water based on the source and cleanliness of the water.

  • Category 1: This liquid is clean from a sanitary source, such as a faucet, toilet tank, drinking fountain, ect. This type of water starts out clean but can quickly degrade to Category 2.
  • Category 2: This liquid is described as grey water and contains high levels of contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort.  Sources include dishwasher or washing mashing overflows, flush from sink drains, or toilet overflow.
  • Category 3: This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary.  This water could cause severe illness or death if ingested.  Category 3 is sometimes called Black Water. The source could be a sewer backup, flood from rivers of streams, toilet overflow with feces or stagnant liquid that supports bacterial growth.




ServiceMaster technicians are trained in IICRC cleaning methods for all types of categories and classes. Using extensive experience and training plus the proper tools we are able to salvage even the more dire situations.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com
www.ServiceMasterAbsolute.com

Air Pollutants In Your Home

May 14, 2018


Do you know what the common Air Pollutants are in your home?

* Mold & Mildew
* Dust & Dust Mites
* Bacteria & Viruses
* Pet Dander
* Carbon Dioxide & Carbon Monoxide
* Yard - Pollen, dust and pesticides ( These enter your home when you open windows, pets and you  from being outside)

Common Symptom's to Poor Indoor Air Quality

* Dryness & Irritation of Eyes, Nose, Throat and Skin
* Headache
* Shortness of Breath
* Hypersensitivity & Allergies
* Sinus Congestion
* Coughing & Sneezing

We all breath an average of 3,000 Gallons of air each day.

The Air in your home is provided by your Furnace for Heat and Central Air.

Is your Family Breathing Clean Air?

When was the Last time your Furnace & Air Ducts Cleaned?

Service Master is NADCA Certified and We can help you breath clean air again in your home.

Give us a call today to schedule your Furnace and Air Duct Cleaning so that you and your family can breath clean air again in your home.

Service Master Absolute
210 State ST
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-1626




Apr 17, 2018
Emergencies are stressful - How to handle water damage

At ServiceMaster, we understand that any home emergency can be stressful.  Imagine, you walk downstairs to switch the laundry (ughh already) and you found your feet and ankles submerged in 3 inches of water (ut oh!). What do you do?



First things first, damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours, call a restoration professional for help and your insurance agent to start the claims process. 

The first step is to remove as much water as possible through mopping and blotting.  Next remove wet area rugs or floor coverings that are not permanently attached - don't start removing your wall - to - wall carper just yet.  Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.  Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs. 

Careful with your books! Don't remove them from the shelves. Rather, pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin the specialized drying. Open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.



Be careful:

  • Don't enter a room with standing water until the electricity has been shut off
  • Do not use a regular household vaccuum to remove water
  • Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help
  • Do not use electronical appliances whil on the wet carpet or floor
  • Do not distrub visible mold
There simple tips can make a huge differnece when dealing with water damage.  Remember to act fast and call ServiceMaster, your local restoration team.


Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com
www.servicemasterabsolute.com

Spring Time - Mold Awreness

Apr 11, 2018

Mold can be found virtually anywhere indoors and outdoors – the only requirements are a damp environment and organize material to feed in order to grow.  While mold has some redeeming qualities, including helping to product antibiotics, foods and beverages as well as breaking down dead plants and trees.  Mold can also be dangerous; certain strains can cause serious health problems including allergies, asthma, respiratory problems or weakened immune system.
·         Penicillium – Green or bluish, this mold most is commonly found on moist, dead organic matter, such as food or damp wood. Its airborne spores can cause serious allergic reactions and consuming food contaminated with Penicillium may lead to severe gastric problems.
·         Cladosporium – Often black, dark brown or olive-colored, this mold can be found indoors in any dark, damp, non-porous area – such as the inside of a refrigerator, on walls, or along the water line of a toilet. While it’s non-toxic, it can cause severe allergic reactions in people with mold allergies.
·         Aspergillus – Black or tan-colored, it’s one of the most dangerous molds, often found on decaying organic matter and things like wood, paper, soil and food. It’s commonly found in basements after water damage or flooding. Aspergillus can be hazardous to people with severe allergies or asthma, or weakened immune system.
·         Alternaria – Green, black or gray, it’s often found indoors in showers, on wallpaper, window frames, fruits and vegetables, carpets and clothing. It can cause severe allergic reactions and chronic respiratory problems

While less of a problem in the colder months, mold growth picks up in the spring when the temperatures begin to climb, and because it often grows in dark, damp places (like a basement) it can often go undetected for a long period of time.
For more information: www.Servicemasterabsolute.com
Contact the Office at 517-676-1626
Service Master Absolute
210 State ST
Mason, MI 48854

Keep Your Bathroom Mold-free

Sep 30, 2016

Bathroom inspections are essential because bathrooms are such a high trafficked water area, this can be a dangerous place for the growth of mold. These simple tips will keep your bathroom clean, fresh and mold free:

  • Make sure faucets and toilets are attached properly and sealed securely
  • Check the toilet bowl to make sure it is properly caulked and there are no leaks
  • Check shower walls (with water running) to see if moisture gathers
  • Make sure to leave the exhaust fan running before and after hot showers


If you come across mold, it’s very tempting to clean but because mold can contain very dangerous health ramifications. Make sure to trust a professional with a mold clean up of any size.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com


Types Of Hoarding

Sep 23, 2016

We never intend to let things get out of control. It starts with just one pile, I’ll sort it out later. Just one side of the garage, I never park there anyway. That one drawer that is too stuffed to close, I could probably get rid of some of those shirts.

Hoarding is not marked by laziness or craziness. Hoarding is the excessive acquiring of possessions with the inability to discard possessions. It’s that mental switch when your collection goes from part of your life to your whole life.

People hoard for many different reason and can hoard many different types of materials. Here are a few categories of Hoard we clean day in and day out at ServiceMaster:
  • Animal Hoarding: Animals give nonstop affection no matter how messy the house is, this easy love can be as addicting as the compulsion to collect
  • Information Hoarding: These are the books, newspapers and paper scrapped stacked floor to ceiling, just in case they need to access that information
  • Shopaholic: Doesn’t matter what it is, if there is a deal it’s impossible to resist. Many of the items and packages remained unopened, stacked in the clutter
  • Do-It-Yourelf-er: You never know when you can reuse an old nail or screw or piece of wood. That’s why our Do- it-Yourselfer has trouble letting go of these useful tools
  • Memory Keeper: Tubs of photos, stacks of scrapbooks. Many hoarders are dealing with loneliness and past traumas. Memories may feel like the only escape to better times.
  • Food collector: This type of hoarding is linked with Great Depression babies who went without food. This is one of the toughest hoarding categories to break because of the survival instincts.



No matter what they may be collecting, it’s never about the stuff. There is always a reason. The goal is to never loose your temper, always use the utmost compassion. At ServiceMaster, our goal is to empower the homeowner to make healthy lifestyle decisions to choose a better life.


Keep Your Kitchen Safe From Fire

Sep 16, 2016

Fire can be incredibly dangerous and unpredictable, these tips are designed to help avoid simple sources of fire to make your kitchen and your home a more safe place.  Keep these tips handy:

  • Make sure all kitchen outlets are up to code, any near water must be GFC
  • Keep cooking areas free from towels, hot pads, food wrappers and all other flammable material
  • Keep burning surfaces clear and clean
  • Clean vents and screens on a regular bases per manufacturers description
  • Properly plug in electronics and unplug electronics when not in use
  • Keep matches well out of reach
  • Have a fire extinguisher charged and ready for use
  • Make sure batteries in your smoke detector are working properly

No one wants to experience a loss in the home, especially something as devastating and traumatic as a house fire. Utilize these simple tips and  keep your family safe. If you ever experience a fire, trust the company with over 85 years of experience.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com

What Are The Stages Of Hoarding?

Sep 9, 2016

To be honest, we all deal with Hoarding to some degree. Most everyone has a drawer full of clothes that no longer fit or a trunk of photos they hope to one day go through. Hoarding is broken down into five distinct stages that effect the home and the mind. In our materialistic culture, most of us operate within a Stage 1 hoard. As time passes and contents continue to gather, it can be simple and scary to find yourself in a far worse situation than you imagined.

  • Stage 1 Hoard
    • In the Home: Normal looking, a few piles, habits are the problem
    • In the Mind: Minor anxiety, plan on correcting
  • State 2 Hoard
    • In the Home: Storage room is full, pet litter box growing full
    • In the Mind: Feeling aware, embarrassed, justifying actions still
  • Stage 3 Hoard
    • In the Home: Entire rooms are becoming inaccessible, pets using restroom inside
    • In the Mind: Performance at work is suffering, Hoarder is sacrificing bathing and eating because of inaccessibility, family knows something is wrong
  • Stage 4 Hoard
    • In the Home: All but one room is full, Hoarder is living in cockpit, structural issues in the house are an issue, major fire hazard
    • In the Mind: Hoarder is fully withdrawn, depressed, not following societal rules, not paying bills or bathing, family is seriously concerned
  • Stage 5 Hoard
    • In the Home: House is completely full and no longer safe, Hoarder may be living in car
    • In the Mind: Entire day revolves around menial tasks like getting food, going to the bathroom or looking for an item, often in complete isolation


As the mess grows, the mental stress associated with the clutter can be overwhelming, causing the Hoarder to retreat further to their hideout. The key is to work with professionals who will use Compassion Based removal skills to help that Hoarder choose a better life.

For more information or help with Hoarding removal
Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com

Keep Mold Out Of Your House

Sep 2, 2016


The world is full of many different types of mold – some not so bad but many can be dangerous. No matter the type of mold, every kind needs some kind of moisture in order to grow. No one wants to deal with the drama of a mold clean up, so use these tips to avoid mold growth in your home.

  • Empty small garbages daily, this can be a massive area of mold growth
  • Use one centralized garbage that is properly sealed
  • Every week, clear out old food from the fridge
  • Make sure to keep cutting boards clean by using vinegar
  • Utilizing the exhaust fan when cooking to avoid moisture build up
  • Check water sources for leaks and drips

As you maintain these habits, you will find your home to be a clean and enjoyable place. If you find mold, remember to have it treated by a professional. Mold can be very dangerous, ServiceMaster is always here to help even the grossest clean outs.


Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com

Save Yourself The Drama

Aug 26, 2016

Doing laundry is a dramatic task already, now add in 4 inches of water puddling around your basement as your washing machine turns into your worst enemy. No one wants to deal with a water loss. Use these quick tips to avoid the drama.

The Laundry area is a source of constant water flow; from washing a dirty soccer uniform to throwing in a load of towels – hundreds of gallons of water are running through every month. By using these safety tips to check your laundry area often, you can avoid massive amount of water leaking into your home.


  • First, know how to turn off the main water
  • Check hoses to make sure connection and condition are right
  • Turn the washing machine on and check for leaks in hoses and connections
  • After running the washer, check below for any leaks or standing water
  • For front loaded washers, make sure the seal around the door is secure

These simple tips can help avoid a water loss in the laundry room or stop the trouble before too much damage is caused.  Always remember, ServiceMaster is a disaster's worst nightmare.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com

Simple Fire Do's And Don'ts

Aug 19, 2016




According to The American Red Cross, after a fire has started in your home, you only have, on average, 2 minutes to escape.   Every year there are more than 350,000 house fires. The quick blaze of a fire can be a fast, scary experience. The best way to proceed is to take proper precautions and make sure those around you know these simple tips.

 These quick fire safety tips can make the difference in surviving a home fire.

  • Fire Do’s
    • Make sure everyone in the house knows two ways to escape each room
    • Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke
    • Plan a meeting spot outside the house
    • Teach kids to crawl outside -  once outside, stay outside!
    • Smoke alarms save lives, install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area
    • Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month
    • Keep one or more working fire extinguishers in your home and know how to use them

  • Fire Don’ts
    • Don’t rely on one exit to escape from your home
    • Don’t forget about levels of your home, consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on second or third floor
    • Never re-enter a burning building, nothing is as valuable in your own life
    • Do not open a door without feeling it first to see if it’s warm. If it’s warm, the fire is nearby and you could cause greater risk of spreading the fire or injuring yourself



If you experience a fire in your home, these specific steps to take and thing to avoid will help you protect  yourself and your belongings.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com

www.ServiceMasterAbsolute.com

Fireplace Tips

Aug 12, 2016

As fall and football start to approach, so does that cool weather. Time to start preparing that beautiful fireplace – here are some quick fireplace do’s and don’ts to keep you, your family and your home safe as the weather starts to change.

Fireplaces and wood stoves are cozy and warm for the winter. In order to keep the air healthy and reduce the risk of fire, you need to be aware of the risks they pose. Here on some tips on staying safe and healthy.

Wood fireplace: Burning wood improperly can produce dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, organic gas and heavy smoke.
  • Burn only seasoned hardwood such as oak, maple and hickory
  • Avoid burning soft wood and never burn newly cur or wet wood
  • Do not burn wood that has been painted, treated or made with glue (such as partical board)
  • Never burn papers that contain bleaches or dyes. The particals can clog air passages in a fireplace and produce corrosive gases.


Chimneys
  • Puff backs are dangerous, an obstructed chimney or flue causes smoke to build up in the house. Blockages can be caused by soot buildup or by bird’s nests
  • Watch for weak chimney draft, this can cause smoke to have trouble escaping
  • Have your chimney inspected or clean at least once a year. This job is best done by a professional.


On the Hearth
  • Use proper fireplace equiptment
  • Keep a grate under the fireplace box that allows the fire to breathe
  • When building a fire, place the wood at the back of the fireplace
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
  • Have protective doors or a fire screen in front of the fire
  • Keep all combustables at least 36 inches away form the fire, the further the better



By keeping these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your fireplace remains a nice, cozy treat in the winter. For further fire tips, keep reading our weekly blogs. 

Trauma Cleanup

Aug 5, 2016

A trauma is described as a deeply disturbing or distressing experience. This is not an easy part of the job, but where our dedication to compassion allows us to professionally clean even the most stressful situation.

With 25 years’ experience in hazardous cleanup, ServiceMaster Restore and our staff of IICRC certified technicians will go out to a site, evaluate the situation and restore the contaminated areas quickly, kindly and with extreme care. We have experience in crime scene, graffiti removal and chemical skills.

As first responders after a traumatic situation, we are cautious and compassionate in knowing the loss suffered by the family and friends of a loved one passing.  Our staff is trained in dealing with the emotional side, as well as, the skill and science behind the hazardous waste and chemical cleanup. 
Training is a crucial piece in remediation through the client’s grieving process. Our employees are trained in Biohazard, hoarding and crime scene clean up. Our training allows us to discreetly clean after blood, death and suicide as well as homicide and animal remains.

Despite the unpleasant nature of these events, we are happy to humbly serve you with your cleaning and restoring needs. As a leader in property damage restoration, we have helped to properly decontaminate and dispose of hazardous materials per federal, state and local regulations. 

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com

Jul 29, 2016
In the disaster world, we are reminded day in and day out that no one loss is the same.  Each flood, fire, or mold clean up takes the experience and insight of a restoration professional who can quickly determine factors effecting the situation.  By trusting a restoration professional with your water loss, you can rest assured knowing that your cleanup is being handled quickly and carefully.

Water losses are some of the most common disasters to effect a home, whether a burst pipe, flood, or snow destruction – it’s not just the cleanup. The job extends to drying and repairing the substructures that have accumulated moisture you may not be able to see.  Moisture damage can lead to crumbling dry wall and plaster, weakening structural material, rusting metal surfaces and more.  The longer moisture sits, the longer that water can cause damage. Quickly calling in a restoration professional will be able to save you time, belongings and money.

According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification classifies three distinct types of water based on the source and cleanliness of the water.

  • Category 1: This liquid is clean from a sanitary source, such as a faucet, toilet tank, drinking fountain, ect. This type of water starts out clean but can quickly degrade to Category 2.
  • Category 2: This liquid is described as grey water and contains high levels of contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort.  Sources include dishwasher or washing mashing overflows, flush from sink drains, or toilet overflow.
  • Category 3: This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary.  This water could cause severe illness or death if ingested.  Category 3 is sometimes called Black Water. The source could be a sewer backup, flood from rivers of streams, toilet overflow with feces or stagnant liquid that supports bacterial growth.


ServiceMaster technicians are trained in IICRC cleaning methods for all types of categories and classes. Using extensive experience and training plus the proper tools we are able to salvage even the more dire situations.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com
www.ServiceMasterAbsolute.com



Why Replace What You Can Restore?

Jul 22, 2016

From the warm feeling when you walk into a home, to the reliable creaks embedded in our business- Hardwood floors undoubtedly have a charm and appeal that attracts modern and traditional taste alike.  As time and traffic pass over our beautiful floors, the shiny glow and warm ambiance can turned into a dirty, scuffed mess. But why replace what you can restore?

Maintaining Hardwood floors with ServiceMaster preserves the durability and natural beauty of your investment.  It also enhances your floor’s shine and makes maintenance simple. ServiceMaster uses environmentally friendly, commercial grade products to create extreme durability and eliminate dirt, oil, dust and other contaminants that damage wood floors.

Depending on the severity of damage and depth of necessary cleaning, ServiceMaster can customize a cleaning routine specifically for your set of floors. The benefits of our WoodGlo Cleaning Schedule include:
  • Unbeatable clean and shine
  • Reduced wear on floor surfaces
  • Dust-free polishing
  • Extra slip – resistance
  • Fast dry times
  • Less yellowing
  • Low odor
  • Easy Maintenance


Choosing ServiceMaster to renew your hardwood floors; appearance allows you to avoid the cost and dust of sanding and refinishing.  One of our trained technicians would love to inspect your floors for scratches, discoloration, cracks, ect. in order to help create the right hardwood treatment for you.

Contact us at ServiceMaster in Mason for more details.
Phone: 517-676-1626 Email: ServiceMasterAbsolute@gmail.com
www.servicemasterabsolute.com