Calling The Steam Team for Smoke and Fire Damage

When disaster strikes, who do you turn to? The professionals, we hope! We also hope that you never have to face a house fire, but in the instance that you do, know that you can rely on The Steam Team to get your home up and running in as little time as possible. House fires typically involve fire, smoke, and water damage. You’re going to need someone to help with cleanup and drying everything out. Let’s discuss the process and get you up to speed with exactly how we can help! 

The Start of Fire Damage Cleanup

What’s important here is time, friends. A professional needs to be contacted immediately after the fire damage has occurred. Contacting a professional 24-48 hours afterward can make a huge difference when it comes to structural damage, and the overall ease of the cleanup and restoration process. 

After you’ve made contact, we’ll come out and perform a Fire Damage Assessment. This will help discern how much will go into the cleanup process and where we’ll need to begin. Then, if necessary, we’ll offer a board up and roof tarp service. 

Water and Smoke Damage

Water is used to put out fire, of course, so naturally, water damage can occur in situations like these. If water damage is present, we’ll move in on it quickly. We’ll make sure everything is dried out (you can help in the meantime by setting up box fans, opening windows, etc). We’ll also begin to remove smoke and soot from all surfaces! We’ll restore your home to its previous condition: a healthy environment for you and your family to live in. 

House fires are a serious issue. But who better to have by your side than The Steam Team? The Steam Team has been at this for over a decade and we know exactly what to do when disaster strikes. So don’t hesitate; give us a call ASAP!

The Top 3 Dangers of Plumbing Overflow

Every homeowner will experience plumbing overflow of one kind or another at some point in their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to understand plumbing overflow and the potential dangers that come along with it, as well as understanding how to avoid them, and how to combat them when they’ve already happened. Hopefully with this information form The Steam Team, you’ll have a better understanding of what can happen when your plumbing gets out of control.

Mold Growth

One of the possible dangers of any kind of plumbing overflow is mold growing in the home. All that mold needs to start growing is a wet, dark area in the home. As the plumbing overflow sinks through the floors, into the walls, or any other secluded place, it provides the perfect home for mold growth. Left unchecked, the mold will only continue to grow and cause a host of health problems for everyone in the home, especially those who already have allergy problems or respiratory issues.

Damaged Floors

If excessive amounts of water start to build up on any floor due to plumbing overflow, the water will sink into the floor and cause damage to the subfloor, which will then have to be removed. If water sinks into a second story floor, it could leak all the way through and drip down, causing even more damage to your home.

Safety Hazards

Possibly the most alarming threats of plumbing overflow are the immediate safety hazards it can create. Many surfaces will become slippery when wet, and you have to be careful when walking on them or they could cause you to slip and become seriously injured. If water leaks onto any electrical appliance, it could cause electrocution.

How The Steam Team Can Help

With all of this in mind, you can see how dangerous plumbing overflow can really be, and handling it by yourself is certainly not the best option. That’s why we offer plumbing overflow cleanup and water damage restoration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information,

3 Tips to Maintain Your Flooring Through the Winter

Water And Fire Damage 

The holidays are a hectic time of year for most people! We’re exhausted from working long hours, tying up the year. We’re frazzled, running on fumes, and full of doubts like “Does Timmy already have this set of Legos? Are gift cards still a ‘thing?’” In the middle of preparing for family gatherings and a season spent indoors, it’s difficult to keep up with cleaning routines! But with the right amount of focus in the correct areas of your home, you can keep your flooring in great condition throughout the winter.

1. Prepare for Increased Foot Traffic

During the winter time, it’s likely that our pets will be spending more time indoors, cuddling up next to us on the couch or beside the fireplace. Wherever their spot is, they’re bound to leave a mess behind.

Having more people in our homes means more foot traffic, and thus more dust and dirt to clean up at the end of the day! Keep the necessary supplies on hand for your convenience, or add a couple of area rugs to your living room.

1. Vacuum, Instead of Dust Mopping/Sweeping

Dust mopping and sweeping both have a way of merely pushing dust and dirt around the room, instead of collecting it. Vacuums are more effective, efficient, and will save you frustration this winter as you’ll be cleaning up more frequently.

1. Have Your Carpet, Tile, or Hardwood Flooring Regularly Cleaned by a Professional Steam Cleaning Company

Having a professional tend to your flooring is a wonderful way to optimize its condition. Whether you have carpet, tile, hardwood, or concrete flooring, a professional cleaning and restoration company has the right equipment to get the job done.

For professional results, you’ll need a professional’s experience and expertise. Give The Steam Team a call today; we’ll have your flooring looking like new, just in time for the holidays!

When the Pipes Break: Cleaning Up After Water Damage

Cleaners Austin

Water damage can be caused by anything from an old pipe breaking, to leaky appliances, to a tragic house fire. But whatever its cause may be, water damage always seems to strike us at the wrong time. It can destroy our furniture, parts of our home, and empty our wallets. We know it’s not easy, but we encourage you to take the cleaning and restoration process one step at a time, and allow us to help you get off to the right start.

1. Dry Out All Affected Areas

After the damage has been discovered, it’s imperative that you act as quickly as possible to thoroughly dry out all areas affected by the water. Water has a way of seeping into everything and if you’re not careful, you could have a mold infestation to deal with in the near future. Use towels, sponges, anything that is absorbent. Using a dehumidifier will help extract any remaining moisture from the room.

1. Disinfect

Once everything has dried out (including walls and carpet padding) it’s important to disinfect the affected area to protect against bacteria. Your walls, counters, floors, and other surfaces will likely need professional treatment to prevent odors and stains.

1. Stop the Spread of Mold

As we’ve warned you many times before, mold only needs twenty four hours to grow and begin the horrific process of taking over your home, so stop it in its tracks! As soon as you notice a mold issue, follow the previous steps and call a professional cleaning and restoration company to thoroughly inspect and treat your home.

1. Call Your Local Cleaning & Restoration Company

Professional cleaning and restoration companies, like The Steam Team, have all of the expertise and equipment needed to tackle your water-damaged property. Don’t wait! Call The Steam Team today! No matter the severity of the damage, we can make any home look brand new again!

Indoor vs Outdoor Air: Which is More Polluted?

Steam Team Marketing Team at Trade Show

It may be difficult to believe that the air you breathe indoors may be more polluted than the air you’d encounter outdoors. This fact is absurd, and only grows more unsettling as we consider that the amount of time we spend indoors versus outdoors is only increasing. All of this may leave us wondering where we can escape to, or at least what can be done to increase air quality. But first, let’s take a glance at a handful of causes to these indoor air pollutants!

What’s Polluting Indoor Air?

1. Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke is a major pollutant, and its second hand smoke lingers in the air far longer, only to settle onto every surface present.  

2. Mold

Mold grows in lickity split and spreads even more rapidly. If you notice a mold issue in your home you’ll need to act quickly! It’s a good idea to call in a professional cleaning and restoration service to ensure that your home is thoroughly treated.

3. Poor Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation is one of the most common causes of indoor pollution. This also explains why you may feel worse in humid climates, or in the winter when the air conditioning isn’t running as frequently. Be sure to properly ventilate your home by utilizing kitchen fans or other exhaust fans, air conditioning units, ceiling fans, etc.

What Can Be Done?

Indoor pollutants can put our health at risk by causing irritated mucous membranes in our eyes, nose, or throat, and an array of other medical conditions. Symptoms are often masked by colds, flus, and other illnesses.  The best thing you can do for indoor pollutants is to eliminate the source(s), and thoroughly ventilate your home.

For a professional touch, consider hiring The Steam Team to thoroughly clean your home and reduce indoor air pollutants!. In no time at all, we’ll have your home looking and feeling pristine and, most importantly, healthy.

Cleaning Up Fire Damage: The Best Way

Water & Fire Damage

House fires are the worst nightmares of many homeowners. When your home catches fire, the experience is devastating, and the aftermath is equally as draining. It’s both difficult and dangerous to begin the cleanup process by yourself, which is why we encourage you to all The Steam Team for help with fire damage restoration. Because we’re sensitive to the toll a fire can take on you and your family, we want to help you bring your home back to life.

1. Make the Call

As quickly as possible, make the first step toward restoration by making a simple phone call. Contact The Steam Team immediately after the event, as prolonging this step may result in further damage to your home. Once you’ve given us a call, we’ll be able to speak with you about details of the event, and determine an appropriate response.

1. Survey the Damage

When our fire or water damage restoration technicians arrive at your home, they will first begin surveying the damage. Afterward, we’ll begin the restoration process by making sure your home is protected from further damage. Often times damage occurs to the roofing and windows in a home. During this step we may lay tarps over sections of your roof, or board up windows.

1. Removal, Cleaning, Disinfecting

We’ll immediately remove standing water and moisture by using air movers, dryers, and dehumidifiers. This will help to prevent mold growth, bacteria, etc. Smoke and soot will be removed from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. And finally, with expert cleaning techniques, our team will work to clean and sanitize all restorable items. We’ll work to remove germs, bacteria, and foul odors from your home.

The Steam Team understands how devastating a house fire can be to you and your family. We strive to restore your home to its previous condition using our many years of experience, and expert restoration techniques. Let us handle this burden for you, and call The Steam Team today!

Causes and Effects of Water Damage

Water Damage Clean Up

When it comes to water damage, the degree of its severity can vary from water spots and spills, to catastrophic flooding. We think it’s important to know the causes and effects of water damage so that you can better protect and repair your home, in the event of a nasty leak, or even a natural disaster. And while the cleanup and restoration process can be daunting keep in mind that there are always professionals to help you along the way. The Steam Team is made up of professionals who are trained to tactfully and expertly handle these specific situations!

Common Causes of Water Damage

Let’s take a glance at the common causes of water damage. Most of the time, leaky appliances are to blame (broken dishwashers, refrigerators, or washing machines). Broken, decaying water pipes are dangerous as well. Leaky roofs or even cracked foundations are things to watch out for. Keep an eye out for these issues and repair them as soon as possible.

Common Effects of Water Damage

Water damage doesn’t play around! Remember that mold grows and spreads easiest near moisture and humidity. An increase in mold growth can affect your family’s wellness by aggravating allergy and asthma symptoms, causing respiratory diseases, and other issues. Take the safest route, and seek professional advice and treatment if mold begins to grow inside your home. The last thing you need on top of a water damage crisis, is a growing, strengthening mold problem.

Unfortunately, water damage can take its toll on our flooring, furniture, and other important possessions. Insurance policies may or may not cover damage costs. It can be devastating to lose property from water damage, or have to bear the cost of repairs in and around your home. Never let the size of this task overwhelm you. Don’t hesitate to call us, The Steam Team! We can help you through any water damage crisis!