How To Protect Your Commercial Roof From Storm Damage

3/24/2023 (Permalink)

Leaking roof in Saint Cloud, FL

If you’re expecting a storm to hit your area in Saint Cloud, FL, you need to be prepared for any type of harm that may affect your business. From strong winds to hail damage, there are many risk factors to watch out for as you work to prepare your business for the storm. Here are some of the steps you can take to minimize as much roof damage as possible and keep your business running after the bad weather passes.

Inspect Your Roof

Before you attempt to shield your roof from the storm, it’s important to closely examine it and identify any problems. Check to see if there are signs of:

• Leaking
• Debris
• Loose materials
• Cracks or holes
  
  

If you come across anything that needs to be repaired or replaced, make sure you take care of it as soon as possible. Leaving any damaged parts of your roof untreated can make them vulnerable to adverse weather.

Check AC Unit

If you have an air conditioning unit mounted on your roof, take the time to inspect it as well. Make sure that the system is functioning properly so you can address any issues early on. In addition, pay close attention to the state of the unit itself. Ensure that the AC unit and its metal panels are properly secured onto the roof to prevent any roof damage from occurring.

Examine Perimeter Flashing

Your perimeter flashing is an important aspect of your commercial roof. When inspecting the roof, be sure to check for any pieces of flashing that don’t fit properly or are missing completely. It’s particularly crucial to examine your perimeter flashing before a storm, as any loose pieces can cause water damage and ruin your roof cover.
Any kind of harm that you notice on your roof in the aftermath of a storm should be addressed immediately. Don’t wait to call a professional if something seems to be out of place. No matter what type of roof damage you’re facing, emergency restoration experts can guide you through the recovery process.

Cleaning Up Smoke and Soot After a Fire

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

What type of smoke are you dealing with?

A fire in your Deer Park, FL, home will likely cause smoke damage. With everything else you have going on after a fire, you might want to wait to address this problem, but it is important to take care of it sooner rather than later.

What Type of Smoke Are You Dealing With?

It is helpful to know what kind of smoke is damaging your home because different types of smoke respond better to different cleaning methods. Three common types of smoke are the following:

Wet smoke comes from slow burning fires — low-heat fires, often from plastic and rubber.
Dry smoke comes from fast burning fires — high-heat fires, often from wood and paper.
Protein residue, created when food or other organic material evaporates in a fire, is not technically smoke but is still a problem because of the foul odor it produces.

What Happens if You Wait?

Because smoke damage and soot damage are corrosive, the longer they go untreated the more damage they cause. Additionally, movement in the area can cause the smoke and soot to become further embedded in upholstery, carpets, etc. This makes it more difficult, if not impossible, for the items to be fully cleaned and restored.

What Are Your Options?

There are a variety of smoke cleaning options currently available, including air scrubbing, thermal fogging and ozone treatments. Air scrubbers trap smoke particles in their filters. A commercial device can usually filter out more of the smoke than one designed for typical residential use. Thermal fogging works by heating up the surfaces in your home, causing them to expand. This allows the deodorization solution to penetrate further than it could in a room-temperature area. Ozone treatments are also an effective way to deodorize a home because the ozone oxidizes the smoke particles, destroying the unpleasant odors. For soot damage, ultrasonic cleaning is particularly effective. It uses a cleaning solution and ultrasound waves to thoroughly clean contaminated objects.
Regardless of the type of smoke damage you are dealing with, a professional restoration team can choose the best method to get your home and belongings back to normal.

3 Ways To Lower Your Business Interruption Claim

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Beauty Salon flooded in Osceola County, FL

Ways to Lower Your Business Interruption Claim

Flooding can cause your business in Osceola County, FL, to temporarily shut its doors while the process of restoration begins. Though it's often necessary for a business to temporarily shut down after a flood, the loss of business can take its toll. However, there are several ways you can lower your business interruption claim.

1. Stop the Flow of Water if Possible

When a natural disaster causes a flood, it's rarely possible to stop the flow of water. However, you can often stop water from continuing to enter your building if a flood is caused by a broken pipe or malfunctioning appliance. If a burst pipe or broken appliance is causing your building to flood, quickly shutting off the water in your building can be a useful way to stop the flow of the floodwater and can decrease the likelihood of major damage occurring.

2. Make a Claim in a Timely Manner

Making a large water damage claim soon after flooding affects your building is often helpful. Different insurance policies will provide varying coverage, and knowing what costs your policy will cover can help you to prepare for restoration. You can talk to someone at your insurance company if you have specific questions about your policy, but it's generally beneficial to make a claim as soon as possible so you can begin restoration and can start to mitigate the damage.

3. Begin Restoration Quickly

Starting restoration quickly is often wise after a disaster occurs. Waiting to begin the restoration process can cause additional damage, such as mold growth, to your building. To ensure your restoration is as effective and cost-efficient as possible, it can be helpful to employ emergency restoration services. By starting the restoration process as soon as possible, it is likely that you will be able to reopen your business sooner rather than later.

Having your business interrupted after flooding can be costly. However, reducing the cost of your business interruption claim often can allow you to begin restoration quickly and can make it easier to reopen your business in a timely manner.

5 Essential Sewage Cleanup Procedures

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture meter verifying the sanitized zone is indeed moisture- free.

5 Essential Sewage Cleanup Procedures

A flooded toilet or extensive sewer backup is an unsightly and unsanitary problem that every business in Celebration, FL, hopes to avoid. Because a sewer cleanup can be extremely daunting, it’s often best to consult a professional cleanup and restoration service to help address the situation. Understanding key remediation procedures can help every business owner anticipate what to expect during the process.

1. Wearing Protective Gear

Because of the extremely unhygienic nature of sewage water, the cleanup crew should wear several articles of protective gear. Necessary equipment typically includes rubber gloves, splash goggles and boots. For additional protection, personnel may also wear protective suits and HEPA respirators.

2. Disposing of Contaminated Objects

Some objects within the contaminated zone may be sanitized and salvaged. However, wet building materials, including carpet, drywall and insulation, should be promptly removed and discarded.

3. Avoiding Contamination of Unaffected Areas

An efficient sewer cleanup process should incorporate effective strategies to help prevent contaminating unaffected areas of your building. Your cleanup provider may erect plastic barriers around the soiled area to help minimize exposure. They should also utilize heavy duty plastic bags that are resilient against leakage to remove unsalvageable items from the site.

4. Sanitizing the Affected Area

After sewer backup debris is cleared away, the next essential step is sanitizing the affected space. This process may include utilizing a variety of solutions designed to kill both harmful bacteria and mold spores.

5. Ensuring Site Is Thoroughly Dry

To help minimize the risk of subsequent mold contamination, it’s essential that the cleanup team ensures the area is thoroughly dry before replacing drywall, insulation and carpeting. They can use fans and dehumidifiers to help expedite the drying process and employ a moisture meter to verify the sanitized zone is indeed moisture-free.

When sewage seepage occurs, a timely response is crucial. Abiding by these five essential strategies helps the sewer cleanup crew complete the restoration process in a safe and efficient manner that safeguards your building from subsequent damage.

Certifications and Professional Teams

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

When hiring Professionals who are properly trained in the task they are given.

If you’re in need of disaster repair the SERVPRO of Osceola County, team is here to help. Each and every one of our professionals are highly trained in property restoration to better serve our community. From initial and ongoing corporate training to regular e-training and continuing education classes, you can trust that your SERVPRO Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle your disaster, no matter the size.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the governing body that sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. All members of the SERVPRO team study IICRC standards and best practices to know how to restore damaged properties correctly. The certifications include:

Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): This course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform the proper procedures in the field to keep all workers and occupants safe.

Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD): Through this training, technicians learn how to dry water-damaged structures safely and efficiently.

Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT): This course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT): Through this training, technicians learn about smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, odor concepts, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings.

Odor Control Technician (OCT): This course covers odor control, odor causes, and deodorization techniques.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT): Throughout this training, technicians go over fiber identifications and upholstery cleaning methods.

Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT): During this course, trainees learn about the concepts of water damage, its effects in different settings, and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination.

At SERVPRO, we understand that having the knowledge and training to handle an array of damages and disasters is crucial to meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers when the restoration is required. Our extensive SERVPRO training program includes the following:

IICRC Training
Employee Certification Training: This voluntary, self-paced program allows our professionals to learn more about crew training, fire restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and mold mitigation.
Initial Franchise Training: This 15-day hands-on course at our training facility allows new franchise owners to master topics such as fire restoration and mold mitigation.
e-Learnings: Through this web-based training, team members can stay up-to-date on industry standards and professional quality.
Continuing Education Classes: These programs are designed for insurance agents, adjusters, real estate professionals, and franchise staff to learn more about emergency mitigation.

As your Kissimmee disaster repair professionals, you can trust that we have the equipment and personnel to handle your cleanup and restoration needs. Often people will try to tackle their flood, mold, or fire issues without realizing that they will most likely do more harm than good without the appropriate technology and safety procedures. When you work with SERVPRO, you can trust that our services will restore your damaged property, while also keeping you, your family, and your belongings safe. Regardless of the cause or source, our team can handle any sized disaster.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been changing the restoration and mitigation industry. To better serve our customers, SERVPRO created the National Training Center in 1992 to teach restoration and mitigation skills to franchise owners and insurance industry employees. Through professional training, our team is uniquely positioned and qualified to help when disaster strikes. Not only is our team trained in the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry, but we're also the ones who created them.

As a homeowner, having a certified team completing your damage restoration ensures that your home is safe and sound for you and your family. From your carpet to your ceiling and everywhere in between, our team has the expertise and tools so that you don’t have to worry about safety when playing with the kids on your living room carpet or preparing dinner on your kitchen counters. Whether it’s mold or fire that affects your home, our team will restore each and every piece to its pre-damage glory.

To learn more about our services, training, certifications, or processes, contact your Kissimmee disaster restoration professionals today!

#certifiedmoldremoval #professionalrestoration #certifiedinsuranceapprovedwaterremoval #SERVPROofOsceolaCounty

SERVPRO of Osceola County Fire Services

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

Our Professionals are available 24/7 to all of Osceola County, Florida.

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster SERVPRO of Osceola County, professionals arrive on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results - including lower claim costs. SERVPRO of Osceola County professionals can be on-site quickly to help ensure a fire damage is handled properly by utilizing the following services:

Structural Cleaning

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. We will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found within the structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. Additionally, all of the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO professionals can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items for agents and their policyholders.

Deodorization

SERVPRO professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

If your home or business is in need of fire or smoke related services, call SERVPRO of Osceola County at (407) 933-0707.

The Top 5 Storm Preparation Tips

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Have your emergency kit ready in your Celebration,FL property.

Preparing for a storm may reduce the amount of wind or water damage sustained by a commercial property in Celebration, FL. Property owners or maintenance supervisors should follow these five steps to prepare for a storm, keep flood water out, or deal with a flooded building.

1. Develop a Storm Response Plan

In the event of a storm, there should be no confusion regarding responsibilities. A building owner or maintenance supervisor can delegate tasks such as boarding up or taping windows, making and placing sandbags to keep out flood water, or storing loose external objects such as antennas or trash containers.

2. Keep Drainage Systems Clear

Functional drainage systems prevent rainwater from accumulating and causing leaks from the roof or around the foundation of a building. An owner or maintenance supervisor should schedule drainage cleaning and maintenance at least twice a year. Reduce the amount of debris and the risk of storm damage by having overhanging tree branches pruned.

3. Assemble an Emergency Kit

A storm emergency kit should include supplies for personnel as well as property. Gather first aid materials, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio. Keep sandbag materials or alternatives, plywood, duct tape or masking tape, and hand tools on site.

4. Acquire and Maintain a Generator

Property owners may want to obtain a commercial standby generator. This device can provide almost uninterrupted power to critical systems with an automatic transfer switch. Store enough fuel to power the generator for several days.

5. Keep Track of Important Numbers

Ensure that important phone numbers are easily accessible. An owner or maintenance supervisor may need to contact an electricity or gas company or notify a business insurance provider of damage after a storm.

These tips can help owners and maintenance supervisors prepare for severe storms in Celebration, FL. If flood water breaches a building, contact storm and water damage mitigation specialists.

6 Entrances to Seal from Water Leaks

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small leak in your home can cause major water damage. For this reason, it’s important to seal all entrances where water can enter the home. These leaks can occur in several places in your home and may not even be noticeable until it’s too late. That’s why you need to be vigilant and take preventative steps to stop these leaks before they start.

While one type of material used in a house in usually very weather resistant, houses are made up of many different types of materials. Most of the leaks in homes come from where these different materials meet. Sealant fills the gaps in these materials in order to create a waterproof barrier. These are six places where you need sealant to prevent water leaks.

Window

Due to their access to the outside, windows are common causes of water leaks into a home. To prevent these potentially dangerous leaks from occurring, sealant should be applied to the entire perimeter of the window, both inside and outside. The sealant will keep the water on the outside from sneaking its way in and, if any water does gets in, it will keep it from getting all the way in where it can do damage. If the window has trim, the bottom of that trim shouldn’t be caulked as it allows the water to trickle down and outside.

Door Frame

Door frames are a common entrance point for moisture to creep into the home. Sealant should be applied around the frame and threshold everywhere that’s flush, which is to say anywhere that there are two perfectly even adjoining surfaces. Sealant should also be applied to where the door frame and the trim or siding meet. Remember that there are several different layers that make up the door frame and you want to make sure that you seal all of them so water can’t get through.

Soffits and Fascia Boards

Soffits are the underside of a roof overhang while fascia are the front boards that gutters are typically attached to. Being outside and on the roof of the house, soffits and fascia are constantly around water making their protection of the utmost importance in order to protect the home from potential water leaks and eventual damage. The application of sealant behind these boards will not only ensure that water doesn’t leak through them and into the home but will allow them to last longer.

Where Deck Attaches to the House

It doesn’t matter what type of deck you have, a roof deck or a self-supporting deck, whenever two types of materials come together, there’s a chance that water can get through. Applying sealant to these areas is key to ensuring that water doesn’t get into your house causing damage. Another spot to be aware of is where the railing attaches to the house. Again, these are two different types of materials that come together which provides opportunity for water to sneak into the home.

Cracks and Gaps Along Concrete or Masonry

Any cracks or gaps that may appear along masonry should be sealed using transparent caulk to ensure that water doesn’t enter into the house. If there are any cracks or gaps in concrete, you should use gray caulking which is specially made for use on concrete. While filling in cracks or gaps in concrete should be done regardless of where it is, special attention should be paid to where the concrete meets with other materials which is susceptible to water leaks.

Flashing

The purpose of flashing is to bridge any gaps where two materials come together like where the roof and chimney connect or where a deck connects with the house. This strip has its own seams where two different materials come together making it susceptible to potential water damage. Wherever flashing is in your house, sealant should be applied. And while you’re at it, check to see if any of the flashing needs to be replaced.

The smallest of water leaks has the potential to create major water damage in your home. Applying sealant on these six vulnerable areas on the house will help to prevent any potential leaks from occurring. If water damage does occur in your home, contact the professionals at SERVPRO to correct the situation.

What To Do When You Don't Have Flood Insurance

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has been affected by storm flooding you can apply through FEMA agency for some help

What To Do When You Don't Have Flood Insurance

When storms flood waters rushing into your home, there's not much time to do anything other than pack up your belongings and your family and move to a safe area. Eventually, however, you'll have to confront the costs of repairs. If you don't have flood insurance, you may feel at a loss regarding how to recover. If you live in an area where there's potential for flooding, you should consider getting a policy that covers:

• Contents of your home
• Repairs, reconstruction, or replacement of your home
• Temporary housing
  
  

Make sure you discuss the many things that insurance won't cover, such as items in the basement and swimming pools. If you don't have insurance, however, there are some steps you can take.

Financial Assistance

When your home and possessions have been affected by storm-related flooding, you can apply through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for some help. You may qualify for small grants or low-cost loans. This help through FEMA is only available for your first home, not a second residence. The type of assistance you receive may be influenced by whether the president has declared the floodplain or your state to be a major disaster area. Your specific county must be named to qualify for individual assistance.

Loans

Low-cost loans can cover some of your costs that flood insurance would have covered. For example, you may qualify for a loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration to make repairs or replacements to the structure of your home. Don't plan to use this money for upgrades or additions. Work with home repair and reconstruction professionals to determine the cost of repairs and rebuilding.

Grants

Grants from the federal government may be available to help you find a place to stay while you can't remain in your home. These grants may also cover at least part of the uninsured damages, belongings, and disaster-related expenses. These expenses may include childcare, medical costs, and funerals. However, grants are only available if you don't qualify for a loan through the SBA or when you need more help that is available through the loans.
When you don't have flood insurance, and sometimes if you do, federal agencies may provide the financial assistance you need to get back into your Lokosee, FL, home. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself upfront and to get further assistance as needed.

Signs of Water Damage

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

It may not seem like it but even the smallest plumbing or roof leak can create major water damage to your home. It can cause damage to your furniture and other possessions, some of which will have to be thrown out.

Often by the time you realize there’s a danger of water damage, it’s too late and the damage has already occurred or is occurring. For these reasons, it’s important to stay alert for any signs of unwanted water accumulating in your house. Here are some tips to help you stay vigilant and detect if any water damage may occur in your home.

Paint

If paint on the walls is blistering, bubbling, and/or flaking, that’s one of the main tell-tale signs that there’s water somewhere you don’t want it. The same goes for loose or peeling wallpaper. In these cases, there is likely water accumulating in the wall and is possibly already eating away at the structural integrity of the home.

If you’re looking around for a new home and you notice that the current owners of the home have recently painted select parts of the house such as just the ceiling or just one wall, they could be attempting to hide signs that there’s water damage.

Kitchen or Bathroom Sink

Probably nothing gives more telling signs that you might have water damage than kitchen or bathroom sinks. If a faucet base is coming loose or the caulking is starting to deteriorate, it could be a sign that you have water damage. This is especially true if the loose faucet or deteriorating caulking is combined with a laminate countertop detaching from its base or if dampness is mysteriously found under the sink cabinet or vanity.

Floors

Floors made of wood such as hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate will show water damage by the planks buckling and sticking up higher than the surrounding planks. Another sign is that they have shifted out of place. In a tile floor, if the tiles are loose or are damp for hours after anyone has used a bathtub or shower, that can be a sign of water damage.

Doors and Windows

If doors or windows gradually become harder and harder to open or close, it could be caused by water absorption causing the wooden frames to swell.

Walls and Ceilings

If any drywall is stained, usually yellow or brown, it’s likely been caused by water damage. It might also have swollen edges and seams. Any wooden wall trim, such as baseboards or crown moldings, that start crumbling could be doing so due to water damage.

Cracked Foundation

Cracks in a house’s foundation are a serious potential result of water damage. For residents of northern states, a cracked foundation could be caused by frost heave, an upward swelling of soil caused by the presence of ice. But if it’s not during the winter or in warmer climates like Florida, a cracked foundation is typically a sign of water damage.

Odors

Sometimes it’s not what you see but what you smell that alerts you to the existence of water damage. If there’s a musty mildew odor apparent in the home, it’s not because every older home eventually gives off the scent. You should find where the odor is coming from because it’s one of the signs of water damage. Another smell that could alert you to water damage is an acrid smell like that of wet diapers.

Sometimes it’s not what you smell but the reaction of your nose that alerts you that there’s water damage in the house. If your nose is itching, dripping, and/or you’re sneezing and allergies are not the cause, it might be because you’ve got water damage.

Sounds

If it sounds like there’s running or dripping in the house and nobody is using the plumbing, that’s a sign that there’s water somewhere you don’t want it to be. In this case, you should find where the sound is coming from so you can find the location of the leak.

Bills

If you’re all of the sudden paying more for your water bill and you’re not using any more water than usual, that means that water is running somewhere in the house. If it’s not a leak from a faucet that’s easily noticeable, you need to find where the water is coming from.

Water damage is one of the worst situations a homeowner will face. It can damage the building’s structure, and can damage your possessions, sometimes irreparably. If you’ve suffered water damage, contact SERVPRO to remediate the problem.