Utah Flood Cleanup Blog

How to recognize the signs of mold - Utah Flood Cleanup

How to Recognize the Signs of Mold in a Commercial Building

Mold spores exist everywhere in our environment and having mold in your commercial building is a fairly common occurrence. However, it is important to recognize the symptoms of mold growth that may indicate you have a mold problem that needs to be addressed.

How To Recognize The Signs Of Mold
Signs of a Mold Problem
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Mold Inspection and Quote

You may think that since you do not see mold, there is no problem, unfortunately, high levels of mold can be present and can begin causing health issues before you discover evidence of its growth. That is why it is important that if you have symptoms of mold growth, you have them evaluated immediately to not only minimize the damage but protect your employees’ health as well.

Mold Remediation - 03/05/2017

Ways to Identify Dangerous Mold

here is always mold in our houses. However, it is usually at such low levels that it is of no consequence. Here are some tips on the types of mold found in homes and how to indentify them.

Mold Remediation - 01/20/2017

Flooded home photo - How to start a flooded house cleanup

How to Start Your Flooded House Clean Up

You don’t have to be near major water sources to experience flood damage. Besides the damage caused by ground water, you can also experience flood damage from extreme weather, appliance malfunctions or busted pipes.

Flood Damage / Water Damage Repair - 11/11/2016

Smoke Detector and smoke - Fire Prevention Week Utah 2016

Fire Prevention Week, Utah: October 9-15, 2016

Every October, Fire Prevention Week reminds us to assess our risks and make our homes safer. Schools, fire departments, and community organizations promote fire awareness and prevention during Fire Prevention Week. It is also a great time for families to take stock of their fire safety, prevention and escape plan. October is the perfect time to focus on home fire awareness. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, most home fires are caused by heating, electrical, cooking or candle mishaps. The cooler temperatures and longer nights result in staying inside more and using more appliances.

Fire Damage - 10/07/2016

How to Identify Mold in Your Home

After entering a flooded or water damaged basement you can already start to sense that musty smell usually associated with dark, damp basements. That smell may actually be mold growing in just the right conditions. Having a moldy basement can be a major health concern, and can lead to sinus infections and asthma attacks. If you suspect mold growing in your basement, it is a good idea to call the professionals at Utah Flood Cleanup to evaluate the situation and suggest the appropriate course of action.

Mold Remediation - 09/09/2016

Stay Safe Around the Campfire This Summer

One of the best parts of summer is camping in the outdoors, and the experience wouldn't be complete without a campfire. Just that smoky smell can bring back cheerful memories of roasting marshmallows, singing, and bonding with family and friends. Knowing the basics of fire safety is important to ensure that you and your family can enjoy these happy moments.

According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, “Campfires are the nation’s leading cause of children’s camping injuries, and the primary catalyst for damaging forest fires.” In the state of Utah, there have been almost 400 human-caused forest fires in the year 2016 alone. Knowing this, we at Utah Flood Cleanup want to help you know what to do to prevent and manage any fire-related emergencies. If one should happen to you, our experts can help get your life back to normal.

Fire Safety and Prevention Tips

In many Utah counties this summer, conditions are so dry that any open fires except campfires are prohibited. It’s important to make sure your campfire is in a permitted area and that it is set up correctly.

Clear an 8 to 10-foot radius around your fire.Things you should make sure are not in this radius include: power lines, buildings, automobiles, equipment, shrubs, low-hanging branches, rotten stumps, steep slopes, chairs, food, garbage, and any other flammable objects. Keep in mind that the heat from your fire can rise much higher than the flames you can see.
Prepare a proper fire pit. If there is no pre-existing pit, dig a hole about a foot deep. If you don’t do this, the fire can spread through roots underground. Then, place rocks around the edge of your pit to create a barrier. Use dry leaves or grass as tinder, then start the fire with small sticks for kindling. Place logs in a teepee shape around that. Add larger, drier pieces as the fire grows.
Prevent the fire from causing harm. Avoid using flammable liquids to start your fire. If you use a match, make sure it is cold before throwing it in. Have water, dirt, or a shovel close by at all times so you can put out the fire at any moment. Never leave the fire unattended, and always monitor children and pets.
Put it out correctly.Always put out the fire before going to bed. Stir the embers and make sure the coals are cold. If using water, pour it on the embers until the sizzling noise stops. If it's too hot to touch, then you shouldn’t leave it alone.

Managing a Fire Emergency

It’s always best to prevent a fire emergency, but it is also good to have some ideas about what to do should one occur.

Use stop, drop, and roll if your clothing catches fire.
If a fire is spreading, move furniture, flammable objects, and especially any children out of the way.
Use a soaked towel or tarp to smother the flames. Throw water at the edges.
If anyone sustains any burns, make sure the injuries are cooled and covered to prevent infection.
Most important of all, make sure to call the authorities if the fire gets out of control or if anyone is seriously injured.

Fire Remediation from Utah Flood Cleanup

At Utah Flood Cleanup our experts can restore your fire-damaged property from any odor, soot, stains, or structural damage. We can also help you with any damage caused by flooding, mold, sewage backup, and more. Contact us here, or call 801-876-5225 today for a free consultation.

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Fire Damage - 08/03/2016

Avoid Air Conditioning Fires This Summer

AC-Unit It’s summer again, which means more stress on your air conditioner than any other time during the year. This is the season that many home owners wish they kept up with regular HVAC maintenance as malfunctions can cause their cooling systems to fail. What’s worse is that, in some cases, air conditioning units are prone to catastrophic failure, even to the point of causing a fire. The experts at Utah Flood Cleanup are trained in smoke and fire cleanup, and we know how devastating an air conditioner fire can be.

Air Conditioning Risk Factors

In the heat of summer, air conditioners suffer heavy use and are pushed to their limit. On warmer days, the unit may run for the entire day, rarely catching a break. Outdoor units as well as in-window units are essentially boxes of friction and electricity, and therefore serious fires do happen from time to time.

There are a few things to consider in determining whether your home and family are at risk of an air-conditioner fire.

Is your unit installed properly?

HVAC specialists do not come cheap, and there’s a reason for that. Your air conditioner is what protects your family from the heat of summer. Since it endures heavy use in the summer months, it is important that the unit be installed properly.

Approximately one third of all AC fires are caused not by the unit itself, but by the electrical wires and cables. Wiring installation is extremely delicate and, if not done by a trained and licensed specialist, you run a higher risk of a fire. Electrical work should never be attempted by an amateur.

Is your air conditioner being maintained regularly?

While air conditioners do generate cool air, the unit itself also generates heat. When the two mix, condensation occurs. There are many recorded cases of condensation buildup puddling around electrical wires or short-circuiting the unit itself. Water and electricity are a recipe for an AC fire. Regular visits from HVAC specialists can check for these kinds of problems, thereby eliminating a major cause of AC fires.

Reduce the Risk of AC Unit Fires

There are a few things that you can do as a homeowner to ensure your risk of fire is as low as possible, and you don’t need to be a trained HVAC specialist to do these simple checks.

Check for dripping water

As mentioned earlier, AC units are prone to dripping and water accumulation. Besides being a hotbed for bacteria and bugs, dripping water can penetrate your other electrical appliances to cause short circuits and potentially create a fire hazard.

Check for exposed wires

Since a third of all AC fires are caused by wiring, it’s a good idea to check wires regularly to ensure they are properly insulated. This is a simple check that is more relevant if you are using an older unit.

Use your nose

Friction fires caused by the rotation of the unit’s internal fan will create a strong, metallic odor before they ignite. Poor lubrication and tight or worn motor bearings are usually the culprit, especially in an older or overworked unit. If your air conditioner is experiencing excessive friction, contact a specialist right away.

Contact Utah Flood Cleanup for Your Fire Remediation Needs

If your home has been damaged by an AC unit fire, Utah Flood Cleanup can help restore it back to its original condition. We are experts at disaster cleanup and all of our work comes with a five-year guarantee. For the best disaster cleanup in Utah, call 801-876-5225 or contact us here to set up your appointment today.

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Air Duct Cleaning / Fire Damage - 07/20/2016

The Do's & Dont's of Fire Damage

If your home has been damaged by fire, it is important that you know the right steps to take and which ones to avoid. Taking the correct steps following fire damage to your home, including hiring a fire restoration company, can help prevent more long-term and costly damage to your property. Make sure to contact us as soon as possible if your home has suffered damage from a fire, flood, mold or any other disaster. We are available to assist you 24/7.

Fire Damage Do’s

Safety is the top priority: Never enter your home until you have been given permission by fire safety authorities. Once you have been given permission, always take the appropriate safety measures, which include wearing gloves and respiratory protection. As the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) explains, soot residue from fires can lead to respiratory problems and other serious medical issues.
Keep movements in your home to a minimum: This is for safety reasons and to prevent airborne soot particles from getting into upholstery and carpets. Always wear a respirator if you have to be inside your home.
Open windows and put in fans. For ventilation, open the windows and put in box fans. This will help push out contaminated air and dust, while limiting more extensive smoke damage and the risk of injury.
Vacuum loose soot from upholstery and carpets with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter. High efficiency vacuums with effective filtration systems work to stop soot from being pushed back into cleaned spaces. Make sure to change the filter on a frequent basis.
Bedding, clothing and other materials should be washed or laundered. An alkaline cleaner can be used on washable materials; it works by neutralizing the acid in the soot. Finer materials should be sent to a professional dry-cleaner who has restoration cleaning experience with smoke-damaged clothing. Make sure the dry-cleaner cleaner knows the proper methods for removing soot and smoke odor and has the required equipment.

Fire Damage Dont's

Don't use electrical appliances, including TVs, stereos and ceiling fans until they have been properly cleaned and checked.
Don’t eat canned goods or packaged foods. These items may have become contaminated, due to intense heat, smoke and soot exposure.
Don't toss out damaged goods immediately. Make sure to take a full inventory first that includes all items before discarding anything.
Don't wash surfaces, including walls and ceilings, before first getting advice from a professional, who knows the proper methods for removing soot.
Don't send smoke-damaged articles to a regular dry-cleaner. The wrong cleaning methods on smoke-damaged clothing can worsen the smoke odor and make it more permanent.

Don't wait to hire a fire restoration company. The longer you put off the cleaning and restoration process, the higher the costs and extent of damage to your home and property.

Fire Damage Restoration from Utah Flood Cleanup

In addition to providing fire damage restoration services, Utah Flood Cleanup offers water damage repair and mold remediation services. We are an experienced damage restoration company and our restoration experts are certified by the IICRC. We will carry out a comprehensive damage restoration program that allows you to return safely to your property. Our solutions include emergency board up, cleaning for carpets and upholstery, sewage cleanup, air duct cleaning and more.

For reliable and efficient cleanup and restoration assistance, contact Utah Flood Cleanup. Call us at 801-416-2666 for a free phone consultation. We offer emergency assistance 24/7. We also offer a free inspection on water damage covered by insurance, affordable financing options and a 2-Year Guarantee on our work. Since 1992, we have been serving Ogden, Utah, and the surrounding areas.

Download a PDF of these Do's & Dont's Here

Fire Damage - 07/13/2016

How To Avoid 4th of July Fires

The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with friends and family, enjoy some good food and fireworks, and celebrate our great nation. Unfortunately, it's also the one day out of the year when the most fires are reported, according to the NFPA. With 2 out of 5 of every reported fires being firework related, it's important to know a few firework safety tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday, and know who to call and what to do in the event that a fire is started on your property.

Avoiding Fire and Injury

Pay Attention to the Wind

Before lighting fireworks, make sure that the wind is blowing away from onlookers. If there is too much wind, or too many direction changes, stop using fireworks immediately.

Don't Drink and Light Fireworks

There are many things that alcohol should not be mixed with, and lighting fireworks is definitely one of them. Mixing these two increases your chances at handling fireworks inappropriately, causing harm to yourself, people, and property around you.

Only Light One at a Time

Some fireworks, when lit together, cause a large and uncontrollable flare. This is the case with fireworks such as sparklers. It's always better to be safe than sorry and just light one at a time.

Do Not Allow Children to Handle Fireworks

Fireworks may be a ton of fun, but they still pose risks and should be left to adults who are responsible and sober. Never allow children to handle fireworks-they can enjoy the show from the sidelines.

Keep Water Close By

Keeping a hose, bucket, or fire extinguisher nearby is extremely important when lighting fireworks. There should also be a designated person in your group to act as the fireman, whose job is to keep a careful eye out for any fires and be able to respond immediately with water or an extinguisher.

Fireworks Are Not Weapons

Be smart with fireworks and don't use them as weapons. Make sure you never point fireworks at any person, animal, or property.

Use Common Sense

Many accidents can be prevented if good judgment and common sense are used when lighting fireworks. Make sure to read all labels, warnings and directions,
and follow all of the laws in your area to prevent harm. In addition, never light fireworks that require a license unless you have the proper licensing to do so.

What to Do if There is a Fireworks-Related Fire

In the event that your property is damaged due to a fire, it's important to call Utah Flood Cleanup right away to help remedy fire and smoke damage. While you wait for our arrival, you should avoid the area that the fire occurred in. If you can safely do so, make sure to unplug any and all electrical devices in the home. Finally, if the fire was damaging enough that you can't stay on your property, gather a few important belongings and find a place to stay until cleanup is complete.

Once we arrive, we use powerful air fresheners to rid your home of any lingering smoke odors. Suction tools are then employed to get rid of any soot on the walls and furniture and we have various tools to make sure that any soot is removed from the area without further damage. Finally, a sealant to protect surfaces damaged by fire will be applied.

The damage left behind after a fire is devastating. It can damage the structure of your home, leave soot behind, and contaminate your entire home with overpowering smoke odor. Calling a professional company who has experience in cleaning up these kinds of serious messes is important to protecting your home and assessing any further damage.

Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration in Utah

We provide quality smoke and fire cleanup services which include damage assessment, help with insurance information, and deciding which contents of your home can be restored or need to be thrown away. We also provide additional services, such as water damage repair, mold removal, air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and more. If you plan on lighting fireworks this year, please do so safely and responsibly. If the worst should happen, please don’t hesitate to contact us here, or call 801-416-2666 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and let us help you restore your home.

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Fire Damage - 06/16/2016

5 Potential Fire-Starters In Your Home

No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your home is hiding a fire hazard, possibly even in plain sight. For the safety of yourself and everyone else that resides in your home, we hope that this list will prompt you to take a closer look at some of these potentially dangerous situations that can become more serious when left untreated.

Dryer Vent Cleaning / Fire Damage - 06/13/2016

I was corrected and they are still in business. Talked to Daryl and he’s a great guy. Would definitely send work his way if I ever need it.

Robert Mixon

22:36 07 Mar 23

We had a leak in our roof while we were out of town. Daryl was so helpful and responded quickly so we were able to get our wood floor dried out to avoid damage to the floor. He was very professional and knew exactly what needed to be done.

Gary Hatch

22:52 07 Jun 22

I contact Daryl about wanting to have a mold inspection done in my crawl space. He was incredibly nice and immediately booked at time with me. When he arrived at the house, he carefully did his work, showed me the results of the tests. Thankfully there was no mold. But, even better, he took the time to show me and explain a few areas of concern for the future. Really incredible service. I wish everyone was so professional. I couldn't recommend someone more highly. 5 star!

rhayesparton

23:22 13 May 22

Daryl with Utah Flood Clean Up, came to inspect a previous roof leak that had left some moisture in our walls. He was very honest about his findings and detailed with the information for removing it! I am a General Contractor and I won’t use anyone else!

Garry Naccarato

14:11 23 Apr 22

My experience with this company is that they are honest and great to work with. Very refreshing to have someone you can trust.

Trevor Heaton

19:44 06 May 20

Called for some detailed information about mold/removal. Daryl was busy, but called back just a few minutes later and spent time answering ALL my questions. He was very knowledgable and patient. Thank you Daryl.

Diane G

18:00 17 Apr 20

Sadly, I've had to use Utah Flood Cleanup 4 times in the last year! I really appreciate how quickly they responded to each casualty. They were there right away! Daryl, the owner, gave me a price that was half of the other quote I got, and his men are professionals... not kids who don't have a clue. Plus, he included more "fixes" in his quote for less money. He is very knowledgeable and I felt very confident in his recommendations. He also worked directly with our insurance adjuster so that I didn't have to! I highly recommend this company.

Ashton Carrington

16:09 16 Apr 20

I called Utah Flood Cleanup when I had a leak in the kitchen that drained down into the basement. Daryl came out shortly after speaking to me on the phone! He was friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. He quickly and thoroughly assessed the situation, explaining everything he did as he went along. I was very impressed with how thorough he was in his examination of the damage. He let me know up front what I was looking at and I felt he was very honest and reasonable. I've had other companies out who seem to know very little and just want to start ripping everything out at once! Daryl explained and showed me why he recommended what he did and I felt very comfortable and confident in his recommendations. I highly recommend this company!! You won't be sorry.

Jo Carrington

03:09 08 Jun 19

Call these guys for the best knowledge and serve for water damage or mold.

Daryl Olsen

18:58 26 Jan 19

We wanted our house checked for mold due to a moderately high mold count in the air sample. They were very thorough and found only one small spot in the bathroom that needed attention. They advised on our options for dealing with it and did not propose expensive and unnecessary repairs.

Heather Steed

02:09 16 Aug 18

We absolutely love Utah Flood Cleanup, they come in and take all the problems over. The headache of insurance companies, they pack your items up, the clean up and restoration, and they even move all the items back in. All of there staff are professional and very knowledgeable, they layout a reasonable budget and fight against the insurance to get your house to the best finished state. All of there sub contractors are fast and experts in their fields, this company only uses professional tradesman. We really appreciate all that the Utah Flood Cleanup guys have done for us.

Kit Cc

03:27 15 Aug 16

Josh and Sam came to inspect the mold we found. They were on time, considerate and knowledgeable about our situation. They presented our options and recommendations to treat the issue. I will recommend Utah Disaster to my friends and family.

Connie Pinnell

18:16 08 Jun 16

Jaxon came and assessed water damage in our basement. They were very helpful and went out of their way to make the experience as painless as possible. Very responsive when questions came up and they were never pushy, which I appreciate.

Aimee Hollingsworth

19:48 01 Jun 16

Jaxon was great, he answered his phone at 6:30 am and was out in an hour and got my basement cleaned up

neil norton

14:55 31 May 16

Within the last year we had a major flood in the basement, and just today had another water issue that flooded a smaller portion of the basement. I called The Flood Company immediately and they were on-site within an hour or so. I'm extremely pleased with The Flood Co. The professionalism and expertise demonstrate by Jackson and Sam put my mind at ease, knowing we would be taken care of well. I would recommend The Flood Company to anyone in need of these services. They get a five star rating from us!

William Hansen

03:03 26 May 16

My main water line broke and our crawl space was flooding. I called my insurance company and they recommended these guys. Sam and Jesus showed up and got things taken care of. They stopped the water line and put fans to dry the area. The insurance process was super smooth I'm glad I called them!

Karla Maquin

04:11 06 May 16

Utah Flood Cleanup is amazing! Josh and Jesus stopped by after their shift and were kind enough to give us a free inspection of our flood problem. Our little 4 year old thought he'd make a sauna in the bathroom. He flipped the shower on and walked away. We never heard the water running and came upstairs to put my daughter to bed. Sure enough, the shower was pointed into the bathroom and flooded the whole thing. Josh and Jesus came out got the whole place inspected, pulled out themal meters and moisture meters and confirmed there was water damage (and old mold growth from previous spills). They grabbed their tools and began demolishing the floor themselves, right then and there so we could get fans on it to prevent future mold growth. I hope I never have another flood but if I do, I'm definitely calling them again! They're the best!!~~~

Jessica Means

01:49 22 Apr 16

These guys are great to work with and really go above and beyond to serve their customers.

Zack Adams

17:36 16 Dec 15

I called in the morning and they came that afternoon. Chris and Jesus came. They were professional, polite, knowledgeable and they quickly got the place all cleaned up and prepped for the repair. Then they recommended some handymen to do the repair. I hired Hank and he was great too. Did the whole job in one day.

Alan Green

20:37 16 Oct 15

You showed up to our house based upon little information. When you got here you went right to work looking to see what was going on. With being a family of 7, it can be a scramble being out of a bathroom and no shower. You were excellent and so kind on letting us know what our options are and what you can do to resolve the problem in our basement bathroom. With being in our new home, not even making a second mortgage payment yet, it is hard to discover there is mold and a water leak through out the basement bathroom and laundry room. I really appreciate the time you took out of your day to come to our house. My brother in law referred us to you, and it was the best referral, so thank you very much.

Ashley Metz

22:39 30 Sep 15

24/7 Emergency Services

Arrive Quickly to Any Size Disaster

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Disaster Cleanup Frequently Asked Questions

What types of damage do you handle?

At Utah Food Cleanup, we offer water damage cleanup, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold removal, and more to the greater Ogden and SLC area.

Are you licensed and certified?

Yes, we are licensed in the state of Utah and we hold many certifications, including:

IICRC Certified (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes, Utah Food Cleanup guarantees all of our work! We offer you a five-year workmanship guarantee on everything we do.

What are the advantages of hiring restoration services vs a general contractor?

There are a number of advantages to hiring restoration services rather than a general contractor.

General contractors basically work at rebuilding; they know how to build your home or office, but restoration professionals can envision what your home or office looked like before the disaster. They know exactly how to bring it back to what it looked like before, without scrapping the entire thing and starting over.

Emergency restoration services professionals are ‘rebuilders’ rather than builders. They will work to recover as much of your damaged space as possible, helping you save time and money. These professionals also know how to work with insurance companies and can help you with your claim.

What areas do you service?

We service Ogden, Utah and the surrounding areas. Everywhere from Bountiful to Park City, to Tooele and West Jordan. Contact us today to see if we service your area.

What type of equipment does Utah Flood Cleanup use?

At we use Utah Food Cleanup, our Ogden Utah damage restoration company uses a variety of equipment. We use pumps, vacuums, and shampooers to remove water, and of course, dryers to help dry it all out. We also use things like ozone machines to remove the smell of smoke from your property and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air. We utilize a wide variety of restoration equipment during the process.

What can I do to help?

In case of a water disaster, you need to make sure you leave the equipment running at all times. You should notify us right away if it shuts off for any reason. For mold and mildew, make sure to open all of your windows, keep your pets and children away from the mold, and most importantly, don’t try to clean it yourself. When it comes to fire and smoke damage, contact us right away for help, whether you need fire damage cleanup for commercial or residential properties. If you have a flooded basement, turn off your utilities, and then call us!

The floodwaters are rising, and I need help RIGHT NOW. Can you come right away?

Yes, we can! Utah Flood cleanup is available 24/7. Call us right away.

Can you bill my insurance company directly?

Our Utah disaster cleanup company will work directly with your insurance company If you have a flood damage insurance claim or a water damage insurance claim, contact us first. We can help you get the most from your insurance company who will do everything they can to not pay your claim. Our damage restoration services will have your property looking like new in no time, and we will take care of water related insurance hassles.

What Our Clients are Saying

Customer Testimonials