Water Cleanup and Restoration: Reviving Buildings from the Brink

restoration contractor austin

Water, a life-giving force, can also become a destructive element, wreaking havoc on homes and buildings when it infiltrates spaces where it shouldn't. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a natural disaster, or a leaky roof, water damage poses significant challenges. However, amidst the chaos and despair, there is hope in the form of water cleanup and restoration services. These professionals, armed with expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, embark on a vital mission: not only to remove the water but also to breathe life back into buildings. In this exploration, we delve into the intricate process of water cleanup and restoration, examining the complexities involved, the techniques employed, and the transformative impact it has on the structures and the lives they shelter.

1. Understanding the Scope of Water Damage: Water damage is notorious for its ability to penetrate every nook and cranny of a building, causing structural weakening, fostering mold growth, and compromising the safety of the occupants. Effective cleanup and restoration begin with a meticulous assessment. Trained professionals evaluate the extent of the damage, categorizing it based on severity. This evaluation is crucial as it guides the restoration process, ensuring that no hidden pockets of moisture are left untreated, which could lead to long-term problems.

2. Swift Action: The Key to Minimizing Damage: Time is of the essence in water cleanup and restoration. The longer water sits, the more it seeps into materials, causing irreversible damage. Swift action, often within the first 48 hours, is essential. Restoration professionals prioritize rapid water extraction, deploying powerful pumps and vacuums to remove standing water swiftly. This initial step significantly minimizes the damage and sets the stage for thorough drying and restoration efforts.

3. Drying and Dehumidification: The Science of Restoration: After the visible water is removed, the battle against moisture continues. Drying and dehumidification are critical components of the restoration process. Specialized drying equipment, such as industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers, are strategically placed to promote efficient drying. Professionals monitor moisture levels using advanced meters and sensors, ensuring that every trace of moisture is eradicated. This meticulous drying process prevents the growth of mold and preserves the structural integrity of the building.

4. Mold Remediation: A Preventative Measure: One of the most significant threats following water damage is the growth of mold. Mold spores thrive in damp environments and can rapidly infest a building if not addressed promptly. Restoration professionals take proactive measures to prevent mold growth. This includes thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and applying antimicrobial treatments to affected areas. If mold has already begun to colonize, mold remediation techniques are employed, ensuring complete removal and preventing future infestations.

5. Salvaging and Restoration: Breathes New Life into the Old: Water damage doesn't just affect the structure; it damages personal belongings, furniture, and cherished items. Skilled restoration professionals assess these items, determining what can be salvaged through meticulous cleaning, drying, and restoration processes. This attention to detail often saves valuable possessions, preserving not just their monetary value but also the sentimental attachments they hold. Skilled craftsmen repair damaged structures, replacing drywall, flooring, and other materials, ensuring that the building is restored to its pre-damage condition.

6. Odor Removal: Clearing the Air: Water damage often leaves behind musty odors, a reminder of the disaster that occurred. Restoration professionals employ advanced techniques to neutralize these odors. This can involve thermal fogging, ozone treatments, or specialized deodorization methods. By removing these lingering smells, the space is not only physically restored but also made habitable and comfortable once more.

7. Restoring Comfort and Normalcy: The Human Element: Beyond the physical restoration, there's a profound emotional impact on the inhabitants of a restored building. Whether it's a home or a business, the restoration process is not just about fixing structures; it's about restoring lives. It's about families returning to their homes, businesses reopening their doors, and communities regaining a sense of normalcy. This emotional restoration is a testament to the dedication of restoration professionals, who understand the significance of their work in the lives of the people they serve.

8. Environmental Considerations: Sustainable Restoration: In the modern era, environmental consciousness plays a crucial role in restoration efforts. Many restoration companies adhere to eco-friendly practices, using environmentally safe cleaning agents and sustainable materials. Responsible disposal of damaged items and recycling efforts are also integral parts of the restoration process. Sustainable restoration not only benefits the environment but also reflects the restoration industry's commitment to ethical practices.

9. The Role of Technology: Innovation in Restoration: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the restoration industry. Cutting-edge equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters, allows professionals to detect hidden moisture and assess the extent of damage accurately. Moreover, digital documentation and communication tools facilitate seamless coordination between restoration teams, insurance companies, and clients. These technological innovations enhance the efficiency and precision of the restoration process, ensuring a faster and more effective restoration experience.

10. The Resilience of Communities: Water cleanup and restoration are not just technical processes; they are manifestations of resilience within communities. In the face of adversity, communities come together, supporting each other and rebuilding what was lost. Restoration professionals become beacons of hope, guiding communities through the restoration journey. The restored building becomes a symbol of strength, reflecting the unwavering spirit of the community and its ability to overcome challenges together.

In conclusion, water cleanup and restoration are transformative processes that extend far beyond the physical aspects of a building. They represent a blend of technical expertise, human compassion, and community resilience. These restoration efforts not only repair structures but also mend lives, offering a fresh start and a renewed sense of hope. In the face of water damage, restoration professionals play a vital role in bringing buildings back to life, instilling a sense of normalcy, and helping communities emerge stronger from the ordeal. Through their dedication and expertise, they restore far more than just bricks and mortar; they restore the very essence of home and community.

Who Cleans Up After Construction and Water Damage In Your Home?

Commercial Water Damage in Austin, Texas

After any major construction or remodeling in your home, there’s probably a big mess that needs cleaning. Luckily, our Steam Team Professionals have the right experience and equipment to clean any post-construction water damage mess. Here’s our team’s process:

Detailed Surface Cleaning

Construction is a messy process after flooding, and your home or business may have been left covered with layers of dust and debris after a water damage. Dust knocked off of certain surfaces, pieces of wood, sawdust and chipped paint may be covering your counters or shelves. Our technicians will clean all windows, cabinets, shelves and countertops by hand until all debris is removed. Floors and walls will be sanitized with steam cleaners, vacuumed or mopped as needed to remove debris. Furniture will be cleaned according to its specific material. Our technicians won’t quit until the surfaces of your home or business are spotless!

Finishing Touches

After thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and furniture, our technicians will move on to the more detailed areas. If any debris of any kind remains in the ventilation system after construction, it could enter the air of the property and cause problems for anyone breathing inside the building. All vents will be cleaned and dusted to make sure this doesn't happen. Then our team will move on to things like electronics, small appliances, light fixtures, small decorative items and ceiling fans. At the end of the process, your home will be even cleaner than it was before the construction or remodeling took place!

More From The Steam Team

We do a whole lot more than just clean up after construction or remodeling! Here at The Steam Team, we provide a wide range of cleaning and restoration services including tile and grout cleaning, pet odor elimination, marble polishing and many, many more. For more information about our many services, visit The Steam Team website.

What's Better: Mopping or Steam Cleaning?

Cleaning in Austin, Texas

People have been mopping their floors clean for centuries, and it's a very simple and mostly effective way to clean your floors. But in more recent years, more and more people are using steam cleaners. If you’re still on the fence, let’s discuss what makes steam cleaning different, and then you can decide for yourself whether you want to stick with the mop.

More Possibilities

One of the things that makes steam cleaning more popular than mopping is that it doesn’t require any chemicals. Whereas mopping usually involves mixing some kind of chemical cleaner with the water, steam cleaning is just water and heat, but achieves an even better clean! This also means that steam cleaners can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, even things like upholstery and curtains. They’re also great for getting rid of fat and grease, cleaning tiled floors and walls, and even cleaning the inside of your car!

Better Against Mold

One of the most significant benefits of using a steam cleaner over a mop is how effective they are against mold. Many people use bleach to get rid of mold, but in fact, bleach only turns the mold white so that it blends in with the surface. The high temperature of steam cleaning kills the mold while the bristles help remove it from those hard to reach places.

Safe For The Home

Because only water and heat are used in steam cleaning, your home or place of business will remain free from the chemical residue or pollution that some cleaners may leave behind. This will make the environment much safer for you and those around you.

Allergies

Steam cleaning significantly benefits people with allergies and asthma, since it uses all natural steam to remove dirt and grime from all surfaces. Therefore, it won’t aggravate any allergies or cause respiratory issues.

Professional Steam Cleaning

It should be clear by now that steam cleaning has mops and other chemical cleaning methods beat. However, steam cleaners are expensive, and you may not want to go through the work of buying one and doing the cleaning yourself. But don’t worry, that’s why The Steam Team is here. Our professional technicians will use top-of-the-line steam cleaners and other methods to rejuvenate your home. For more information on the services we offer, visit The Steam Team website.

How To Make Your Hardwood Floor Look Brand New

If you happen to have a hardwood floor in your home or business, you probably do everything in your power to keep it clean and in great shape. But are you prepared for a hardwood floor disaster? What if certain spots of the floor become severely discolored? What if you have a pet or a child, and you end up with a bunch of little scratches on the floor? Or what if the gorgeous hardwood turns dull and grey? If you don’t know what to do about these issues, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the Steam Team advice on how to fix a hardwood floor with any of the issues mentioned above.

What To Do

If you’ve noticed any of the above problems with your hardwood floor, it means you need to have it refinished as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long, or the damage to your floor could get worse without a proper refinishing, and you might end up needing the entire floor replaced. If you give The Steam Team a call, our highly trained technicians will be with you ASAP to assess and refinish your floor. First they’ll give the floor a thorough inspection, determining the most troubling areas of the floor and informing you of the process before they start. Then they’ll repair damaged areas like cracks or splits in the wood itself, before moving on to a full cleaning. Then it’ll be ready for refinishing.

Our technicians will apply two separate coats of sealer to the floor, give them time to dry, and then your hardwood will be cleaner and brighter than ever! And once the proper refinishing is complete, your floor will be strengthened for years to come.

The Steam Team Difference

Our highly trained technicians have years of experience, and they use only the most high-powered, quality equipment in the industry. For more information on how The Steam Team can help you with hardwood floor refinishing or any other cleaning, carpet cleaning or restoration service in your home or business, visit The Steam Team website.

Possible Covid Infection In Your Home or Business? Call The Steam Team

water damage austin texas since 1983

We’ve all learned the importance of keeping our home and business clean through the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have frequent guests you’ve probably been even more conscious of the cleanliness in your space. Here at The Steam Team, we want to help protect your home or business from all bacteria and viruses, which is why we’re offering a covid-19 cleanup service, both pre-treatment and post-treatment cleanup of your home or business.

Contact Steam Team

If you’re interested in our Covid cleanup service, feel free to give us a call today for a free consultation, where you’ll get to discuss exactly how you’d like your home or business cleaned. Call us at 512-451-8326 or email customerservice@thesteamteam.com and we’ll be in touch with you for a free consultation. We can clean all types of Coronaviruses! 

Thorough Covid Cleanup

Safety always comes first with The Steam Team, and as soon as our technicians arrive, they’ll have all the OSHA-certified personal protective equipment they need to get the job done. During the cleaning process, all surfaces in the home or business office will be disinfected using EPA-approved products only. Our technicians will get every detail, disinfecting door knobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, faucets, sinks and many other frequently touched areas. This is the perfect cleaning process if someone in your home or business has had covid-19 recently, and you’re wanting to ensure the virus is removed from all possible surfaces.

After the initial cleaning is finished, we’ll protect your surfaces to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, fungi etc., by applying the long-lasting antimicrobial Bioshield 75. This powerful antimicrobial, when used in conjunction with other cleaning products, will protect your surfaces and keep them cleaner for even longer than just the standard disinfectant! It’ll reduce the growth of bacteria and other substances for a period of 90 days.

To receive this complete Coronavirus cleanup, be sure to contact us at 512-451-8326 or email us at customerservice@thesteamteam.com.

The Steam Team's Cleaning Guarantee

The Steam Team Marketing Team

If you’re looking for a good company to help clean and restore your home or business, you need to find a company that can guarantee you quality service the first time, without any exceptions or hassles. You need to look for a company with highly trained technicians that have several years of experience with cleaning and restoration services, and the right equipment to get the job done. If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s talk about what kind of service we can guarantee if you choose The Steam Team.

Customer Testimonials

Exceeding expectations is how The Steam Team has managed in a highly competitive industry to become one of the fastest-growing companies in Austin. But don’t just take it from us, we have plenty of customer testimonials to back it up! As one customer put it; “The Steam Team cleaned my carpet today and brought a 15+ year old carpet back to great condition. I highly recommend this company!”

If you’re interested in seeing what other people have to say about us, be sure to check out the testimonials page on our website! We hope to be able to add a quote from you into our testimonials as soon as you see our cleaning and restoration services in action.

Quality Technicians and Services

Like we mentioned before, we always like to get the job done right the first time, especially since we know how busy most of our customers are. Our highly trained technicians will always inform you of exactly what needs to be done for a job and how much it will cost. Our technicians will never surprise you with an unexpected cleaning method or an unexpected cost. In case of natural disasters or fire recovery, we have a team of customer service professionals who will help you deal with the insurance company.

On top of these guarantees, we also guarantee high quality carpet cleaning (meaning our technicians won’t stop until you think the job is done right). For both carpet and tile cleaning, we have a ten day written guarantee. Any time within ten days of the original cleaning, if any spots or stains show up again, our technicians will come right back to fix it for no additional cost.

With great testimonials and guarantees of high quality service, what’s not to love about The Steam Team?

Eliminating Mold Growth Following Water Damage

According to studies around the United States, 7 out of 10 homes suffer from water damage and mold issues, alone. After water damage, inevitably comes mold growth. Water damage unfortunately creates the perfect environment for mold spores, leaving homeowners health at risk. On today’s blog, we’re going over the risks of this mold growth and how we can help eliminate this risk for you and your family. 

The Risks of Mold Growth

If mold begins to grow in your home, it can cause some serious health risks- particularly for those who already have frequent lung or sinus issues. Living or working in a building with mold growth in the vents or nearby at all can cause eye irritation, throat irritation, allergies, cough, nasal irritation and plenty of other symptoms. If you already experience these in your daily life, there may be mold hidden somewhere in your home or workplace. With all of this in mind, it's important to have your home or business inspected for mold, and to have that mold eliminated if it’s found.

Our Mold Experts

When you call in The Steam Team, our technicians will get to work right away, inspecting the property and identifying the damaged areas. To begin our professional mold remediation process, they’ll extract all the water and seal off the area to prevent the mold from spreading. All affected materials will be disposed of, eliminating the mold at its source. Then the HVAC and AC systems will be fully inspected and have mold removed from them as well. A powerful disinfectant will be applied before the final step of repair and restoration. By the time our experts are finished, there won’t be any signs that you had mold to begin with, and you’ll be able to breathe freely again.

For more information on our mold remediation process, as well as our many other services, visit The Steam Team website.

The Steam Team's 24 Hour Fire & Water Damage Service

Unfortunately, fire and water damage related emergencies are extremely common and extremely costly for many home and business owners. Millions of these catastrophes occur in the United States every year and you always want to be sure that you’re placing the care of your home into the right hands. It’s important to find a company with the right equipment and technicians for the repair job, as well as finding a company that is available 24 hours a day, so that you can get the help you need right away.

Introducing our team of experienced technicians here at The Steam Team.

Our Commitment

We try to foster an attitude of care and commitment to our local Austin residents and to anyone we come in contact with. Our love for our community is what drives us to leave every resident we serve feeling satisfied with the job we’ve accomplished, and it’s also why we offer our water and fire damage repair services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We want to be certain that when disaster strikes, we are there to help our community, no matter what time or day. No matter the extent of the flooding, water damage, mold or fire and smoke damage, our technicians will be on top of it.

Our Technicians

Our professional and highly trained technicians are the reason we were voted best water damage company in Austin by the Austin Monthly. They always remain professional, courteous and efficient when it comes to assisting home and business owners with whatever the issue may be.

When our technicians arrive, they’ll start with a thorough inspection of all the damages and determine how to best treat the issue and give you a good estimate of costs. Then they’ll get to work, whether its water extraction, mold remediation, full reconstruction, providing emergency power, structure cleaning, or whatever else is needed to get your home back in shape. For more information on fire and water damage repair and restoration, visit The Steam Team website.

Can You Use A Steam Cleaner On More Than Just Carpet?

When it comes to cleaning carpet, no other tool or method accomplishes the task quite like a steam cleaner. That’s why here at The Steam Team we’ve been using them for years to service our customers and help their carpets look better than ever before. But does a steam cleaner work just as effectively on other flooring options?

Ceramic Tile and Grout

Many people spend hours scrubbing tile and digging a toothbrush or other small brush into each grout line to get the perfect clean. With steam cleaning, you can achieve that same clean in a fraction of the time! The high pressure steam will easily remove all dirt and debris, and even rid the floor of any leftover chemicals from other cleaners, which may be harmful for children or pets. Just make sure to do a thorough sweep of the floor to remove larger pieces of dirt and debris before using the steam cleaner.

Hardwood Floors

When using a steam cleaner on hardwood floor, you’ll want to be a little more careful. If you’re purchasing or renting your own steam cleaner, make sure that its advertised to be used on hardwood, otherwise it may do damage to the floor. You’ll also want to make sure your floor is properly sealed. Of course, if you call The Steam Team to have your floors cleaned you won't have to worry about that, since our technicians will come prepared with the right equipment.

Marble Floors

Most steam cleaners are too high-temperature to be used on marble floors, as the steam will cause the marble to expand and contract, which may do damage to the stone. However, The Steam Team technicians use more than just steam cleaners to get the job done.

If you give us a call, we’ll be able to clean all the surfaces mentioned here, as well as anywhere else in your home or business that requires cleaning or restoration. For more information, visit The Steam Team website.

Cleaning From The Professionals

If you live in the Austin area and know anything about The Steam Team, then you’re already aware that we provide a long list of cleaning and restoration services to our valued customers. But did you know that we also offer professional drapery cleaning?

The Importance of Cleaning Your Drapes

For many homeowners, drapes are something to be used until they show signs of deterioration and dirtiness, and then thrown out and replaced. The Steam Team wants you to know that your drapery can be salvaged. Depending on various conditions in your home, physical signs of soil will start to appear on your window treatments in two to four years. A good rule of thumb is to have them professionally cleaned every two years, which could triple the life-span of your drapes, and is significantly less expensive than the cost of replacement.

The Pro Methods

There are many different materials used to make various window treatments, and most of them cannot be cleaned in your regular laundry machine or by being taken to the dry-cleaners. This is why a professional cleaning is the preferred method. The Steam Team professional technicians will begin by inspecting your drapes to determine whether to use a low moisture hot water extraction method or a dry cleaning process. They will ensure that even the most delicate fabrics are cleaned properly and safely. A quick call to The Steam Team will have all soil and stains gently lifted out of your furnishings and they will be dry within minutes.

The Steam Team

Now that you understand the importance and methods of drapery cleaning, you might think twice before throwing out that old dirty fabric. If you live in the Austin area, give The Steam Team a call and have them freshened up in no time. For more information on drapery cleaning and our other services like water damage, visit The Steam Team website.

Hardwood Floors: A Cleaning Routine That Works

Do you have hardwood floors in your home? Are you tired of struggling to keep them clean? Well fortunately for you, The Steam Team has the answers! We’re here to tell you all of the secrets to keeping hardwood floors clean clean clean. This cleaning routine truly works, friends. So read on! 

Dust Floors Daily

This is the most important step you can take when it comes to keeping your floors clean! Dust settles all over our flooring and baseboards (especially if you have a ceiling fan that runs constantly!). So it’s highly important to prioritize dusting when it comes to keeping your floors as clean as possible! Use a microfiber dust mop, as the microfiber material attracts more dust and allergens.  

Mop Floors Weekly

It’s time to start mopping your floors weekly! Don’t worry, it isn’t that hard. There are some things to remember though, when it comes to hardwood floors. For example, too much liquid on hard floors is not good. Some cleaners can eat away at the finish, so it’s important to look out for only cleaners that are meant for hardwood. Just keep these things in mind when you’re developing your cleaning routine!

Polish Floors Quarterly

Are your floors looking dull as of late? Are they lacking the shine and luster that you remember? Your hardwood floors should be polished every two to three months, and don’t worry, the professionals can help you out with that! The Steam Team is a team of experts who specialize in caring for all types of flooring, including hardwood. 

When it comes to your hardwood flooring, you want to give it the best care possible. That’s why we’re here. So don’t wait. Put your trust in The Steam Team today! We’ll clean and restore your flooring the right way, using a simple, yet brilliant cleaning routine.

The Steam Team Post-Construction Cleanup

If you’ve just had any large construction, remodeling or renovation job done in a home or business of yours, you should know that the leftover mess can be almost as much of a hassle as the construction itself. But when you call in The Steam Team, we can clean up your newly constructed or renovated property in no time! Here’s how:

Surface and Furniture Cleaning

In the aftermath of construction, it’s likely that all surfaces of the home will need to be thoroughly cleaned. Nobody does this quite like The Steam Team’s professional technicians. We’ll start by sanitizing all hard surfaces, vacuuming with high powered commercial vacuums and/or mopping all floors as needed. All cabinets, windows, countertops and shelving will be cleaned by hand and scrubbed thoroughly to remove all dirt and debris. All furniture will be vacuumed and otherwise cleaned as needed for the specific material.

Smaller Areas and Finishing Touches

With the majority of the house or business surfaces and furniture cleaned, our technicians will move on to more precise cleaning of every remaining area of the property. All vents will be properly cleaned and dusted to ensure that dust and debris leftover from the construction doesn’t remain in the air, as it could be harmful for anyone to breathe.

Then, our professionals will move on to some of the more overlooked areas of the home like light fixtures, electronics, small appliances, ceiling fans and even small decorative items. When it’s all said and done, the property will likely look even cleaner than it did before the construction!

The Steam Team

If you don’t already know, The Steam Team offers a wide range of cleaning and restoration services. We can do anything from carpet and hardwood floor cleaning to upholstery cleaning, fire and water damage restoration and even pet odor elimination! For more information on our many services, visit The Steam Team website.

3 Reasons to Call The Steam Team After Fire Damage

Damages to a home by fire and smoke can be a catastrophic event, and often lead to the loss of personal items, finances, and in some cases even your entire home. Though it may seem unthinkable, you should always have a plan for fire damage. Here are three reasons that your plan should involve The Steam Team.

Too Dangerous To Do Alone

In the event that a fire does take place in your home, who’s going to take up the job of cleaning and restoration? Maybe you’ll decide to save a buck by doing it all by yourself. Odds are, you wouldn’t have the means to. To do so, you would need the proper safety attire, tarps, industrial strength water pumps, a press extractor, cleaning materials and much more.

Even with all of this, you’re putting yourself at great risk by entering the damaged property. There may still be dangerous burning chemicals, or burned material in the air that would be harmful to breathe. The only way to ensure your safety and the proper care for your home is by hiring a professional team.

Best Restoration In Austin, TX

Luckily, if you live in the Austin area you won’t have to worry about attempting to restore your home yourself. The Steam Team technicians will restore your home for a great price using only professional equipment. Our technicians will start by inspecting the property to assess all fire and smoke damage. This process will allow our technicians to give you a full report on the damage, and an estimate of the costs. Then they’ll board up and tarp the home, and begin restoring and cleaning it thoroughly.

Consultation

After the completion of your fire damage restoration process, our technicians will offer consultation on how to better prepare your home to prevent any future fire damage from occurring. For more information on how we can help with fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, and many other services, visit The Steam Team website.

Do You Live in A High Rise? We've Got the Best Cleaning Solution for You

Do you live in a high rise building, or work in one? We can help you keep it clean and pristine- with ease! Check out these five areas we can effortlessly clean with a steam cleaner! Your high rise is absolutely no problem for us!

Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans in your high rise, you know they need to be cleaned, but they’re often neglected. Ceiling fans trap copious amounts of dust. And the worst part is that while the fan is running, you can’t really see the dust! So do us a favor: stop your fan, and let us dust and steam clean it! It’ll look brand new!

Window Treatments and Blinds

The Steam Team can steam clean your window treatments and blinds without even having to remove them! It’s a super efficient way of cleaning. Not to mention, you won’t have to fuss with the hassle of doing it yourself!

Carpeting

Dirt, dust, debris, crumbs… our carpet can hold it all, and conceal it all very well. Let The Steam Team tackle your carpet today by steam cleaning it down its very core! Using nothing but pressurized steam and hot, hot water, we’ll extract all of the debris from your carpeting and leave it looking as good as new.

Surfaces

Have you wiped down your surfaces yet? Well it’s time to do some spring cleaning in your high rise! The Steam Team can steam clean just about anything- including desk and end table surfaces. Just leave it to us; we’ll get the job done correctly the first time.

Natural Stone Flooring

It’s not just carpeting we steam clean. If your high rise has natural stone flooring or tile, we’ve got it taken care of! No more dirty and unsightly spots. It’ll look like brand new flooring when we’re finished thoroughly cleaning it.

So don’t forget, friends! The Steam Team is always here, waiting to help you out! And we have the best cleaning solutions for you and your high rise this springtime.

How to Handle Leaking Appliances

It’s happened to us all; we’ve woken in the middle of the night to a puddle of water in our kitchen from the dishwasher that was supposed to wash dishes overnight, but instead, went kaput. It’s hard to avoid! Accidents happen all the time, and unfortunately, appliances are no exception to this rule. But with a little help from The Steam Team, we can handle your leaking appliances.

Appliance Leak Cleanup

If you have an appliance that continually holds or filters water, it should be monitored regularly to check for leaking or malfunctioning. Even a slow, steady drip can turn into a major flooding problem if given enough time to develop. Fortunately, The Steam Team offers water damage restoration services to the following appliances: water heater, washing machine, AC unit, refrigerator or ice maker, and sink and dishwasher. Don’t stress; just pick up the phone instead!

Plumbing Overflow

Plumbing is no exception when it comes to taking care of water overflow! Too often, our toilets leak, our shower tub stops up, or the sink floods the bathroom! It’s disastrous! Luckily, again, The Steam Team is here to help. We’ll help repair and clean up damage from leaky, broken, burst, or frozen pipes. We’ll also take care of your drain, sink, toilet, or water heater! You can count on us to get the job done right the very first time.

Contact The Steam Team

The Steam Team has been at this for over a decade, friends! We’re not stopping anytime soon, so you might as well give us a call for all of your leaky appliance needs! We’ll inspect the situation, determine what to do, and get to work right away. You won’t need to worry about doing it yourself, dealing with the damage, or even dealing with mold- we’ll take care of everything for you.

If any of your appliances have gone kaput, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re available 24/7 for anything you may need to repair or cleanup. Just contact The Steam Team right away.

5 Ways To Prevent House Fires

You’ve heard the stories from someone you know, or at least seen someone tell their story on tv. It started out of nowhere, then- before they knew it- countless amounts of money in damage, irreplaceable items lost, and sometimes even loved ones gone. House fires are NO JOKE! In fact, there are about 365,500 house fires in the U.S. every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average, 7 people die in U.S. house fires every day. If you want to keep your home and loved ones safe, it is critical that you follow these 5 tips.

Smoke Alarms

This one should be a no-brainer. Smoke alarms are absolutely essential for keeping your home safe. Make sure you install at least one on every level of your home and inside all the bedrooms in the house.

Battery Changes

Having smoke alarms is great, as long as you alway remember to make sure they’re working. Test the smoke alarms once per month, and if the batteries are dead, replace them.

Checking The Home

Be sure to check certain systems in your home regularly. You may even want to hire a professional to ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected. The things you should regularly check include; the condition of your home’s electrical system, the natural gas/LP gas system in your home, and the air conditioning and heating units in your home.

Kitchen Safety

One of the most common causes of house fires is something going wrong in the kitchen. To ensure your safety in the kitchen, follow these practices: When you’re cooking on a stove and need to leave the stove for a minute or two, turn it off rather than letting it cook unattended. Don’t cook while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, or if you’re tired. Also, ensure that no clothes or rags are left on or near a burner.

Safe Use of Wires

Faulty wiring and outlets are one of the top causes of house fires. So make sure your wires and outlets are working properly. Do not attempt to plug or unplug anything if your hands are wet. Also, don’t pinch or cover electrical cords with items like rugs.

If all of the above steps are followed, and the unthinkable fire still occurs, remember that The Steam Team has fire damage restoration experts awaiting your call.

House Fires & Soot: Damage Restoration by the Professionals

When the colder months blow through, many of us begin to light fires in our homes or outdoors. While most of these fires are contained, they can get out of hand sometimes, especially if not built and watched properly. House fires can be costly and devastating to our homes and families- in fact, nearly 15,000 people were injured from fires in 2016 that cost roughly $10.6 billion in property damage. And, not only that, like any natural disaster, fires leave a long lasting effect on our homes. After the fire trucks leave, we return to our homes to find the stench of smoke and water, the visual impact of fire, and of course, soot. Soot everywhere.

Removing soot after a fire is an extremely difficult task- both dry and oily soot cling to the walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces around the home. So what’s the best way to get soot out of your home? Today we’re going to tell you three ways that we, The Steam Team, take care of your home following a fire.

Cleaning the Walls and Ceilings

Taking care of your walls and the structure of your home following a fire is of utmost importance. First and foremost, determining what kind of soot is where will help you to decide the best method of cleaning. With dry soot, you’ll be able to vacuum the areas it covers- but on the other hand, with oily soot, you’ll need to use a degreasing agent in order to fully remove its remnants.

Start with the walls first, working through them one small area at a time and leave the ceilings for last.

Professional Tips for Furniture and Floors

The best way to begin caring for your flooring and furniture after fire damage is with a mild soap, washing the soot away. If you’re dealing with more extensive damage, it’s best to call in the professionals because when soot is left behind it can be harmful.

The Steam Team has been serving the Austin area through thick and thin for several years now. Give us a call any time!

How The Steam Team Handles Water Damage Restoration

Flooding can happen in the blink of an eye- one minute water is overflowing and the next you’re surrounded by it. We know how difficult it can be to get every bit of water out of your house, deal with the insurance company, and then have to worry about putting your home back together again- that’s why The Steam Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your restoration needs.

Restoring a home from water damage is not an easy project, we don’t recommend that you try to take it on yourself (especially during such a stressful time). Bringing in the professionals will ensure that everything is taken care of properly and will leave you with ease knowing you’re at no risk for mold.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

After water floods your home, whether it be from a storm, busted pipe, or broken appliance- the first thing to do is to remove any and all water from the house (if possible). We know that the biggest hassle for homeowner’s is often dealing with their insurance companies throughout this process, so we actually take that off of your shoulders and work with them directly.

Then, we’ll focus on your belongings and other surfaces around the home. We’ll clean and sanitize the area to ensure the health and safety of you and your family. The fans come next to begin drying everything out, from the flooring to the furniture. We’ll ensure that there isn’t any structural damage and check around for any signs of mold spores and growth. When it comes to restoration and remediation, we’ve got the experts!

So next time you find yourself facing a tragedy like water damage, don’t hesitate to call The Steam Team- even if it’s the middle of the night, our emergency crews are available!

Fire, Smoke, and Ash: Eliminating Any Dangers in Austin Texas

House fires are more common than you might think, they’re actually pretty easy to start. No matter where they occur or how they occur, the damage left behind is always devastating and difficult to deal with. We completely understand how stressful and emotionally draining these situations are; that’s why we’re here to help! The Steam Team is specially trained and equipped to handle fire damage restoration and help families restore their homes to their original condition. Visit out Austin, Texas store at 9901 Burnet Road. 

The scariest part about fire damage is how dangerous smoke and ash can be to your health if left behind after clean up. That’s also the number one reason you should call the professionals and wear protective gear before re-entering your house.

Ventilation

Ventilation is extremely important after fire damage to ensure that all of the smoke exits the house. If anything is left behind, you could be dealing with smoke inhalation and the health dangers that follow -- don’t take the risk! Opening all windows, doors, and even running fans around the house could work wonders in moving the smoke outside.

Call in The Professionals

You’ll need a professional cleaning and restoration company to help you remedy the situation, and The Steam Team is perfect for the job! Our team of trained professionals will assess the damage and begin cleanup immediately. We’ll also inspect your property for structural damage, as well as smoke and ash damage just in case.

Where there’s fire or water damage involved, it can be a dangerous situation for those who don’t take the proper safety precautions. It’s always recommended to call in professionals to ensure that everyone is properly taken care of. When it comes to disastrous situations, The Steam Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency service situations!

Water Damage In Austin

The Steam Team Office In Austin, Texas

Pets make loyal, loveable additions to the family, but they’re not the most considerate of companions… especially when it comes to the carpet. For starters, our pets don’t think twice about tracking mud around, and housetraining is a battle in itself.

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you implement a system that protects your carpet from day-to-day damage.

Keep an Enzymatic Cleaner On hand

It’s important to use an enzymatic cleaner on urine—it’s the only product that contains enzymes that break down the non-water-soluble components in urine, such as uric acid. Use as directed on the bottle. If the stain persists, you can try your trusty commercial carpet cleaner, or mix your own solution, using water and dish detergent, or water, baking soda, and white vinegar. As we always suggest... Remember not to scrub the stain. Instead, blot the area with a clean cloth.

Set Up a Paw-Wiping Station

After romping around the muddy backyard, Fido hurries inside, leaving filthy paw prints in his path! Do yourself (and your flooring) a favor and set up a paw-wiping station near the entryway.

Spread out a towel (or doormat) at the backdoor, suitable for your pet to step on as they enter. You can layer this towel with a damp, smaller towel to help wipe away mud. Set a spray bottle and soft bristle brush nearby, if necessary.

Conceal High-Traffic Areas with Decorative Rugs

An area rug is easier to replace than carpet! A smaller pattern will be more forgiving of dust, dirt, and fur. Be sure to include your area rugs in your normal vacuuming routine.

Hire the Professionals

How often should you have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned? Well, this will depend on how much foot traffic/wear and tear your carpet has endured. Contact The Steam Team if you notice any staining, discoloration, or if your home needs a professional’s magic touch!