Flood and Fire Interrelationships

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Read FEMA policies and guidelines in order to protect your property in the event of a natural disaster.

Interactions Between Floods and Fires

Many homeowners don’t know that their typical home insurance policy doesn’t cover flooding. Read on to understand how FEMA NFIP policies and guidelines can protect your property in the event of a natural disaster.

1. Why Be Concerned?

Wildfire damage isn’t just a huge economic burden in its own right—it also exacerbates local flooding problems. This is because the natural equilibrium is disrupted after vegetation burns. Since this first line of defense against erosion no longer exists, water continues to move through the landscape. Instead of being wicked into the soil and the trees, the water flows to lower elevations and carries ash and mud along with it.

2. What Can I Do?

FEMA NFIP, which is a National Flood Insurance Program, advises that most homeowners purchase an additional flood insurance policy if they are in any kind of wildfire zone, even if they are otherwise at low risk of flooding damage. Since most policies do not go into effect until around a month after the initial purchase, planning ahead is a necessity. Allow yourself the extra time to guarantee that you’re getting a good deal.

3. Are There Other Precautions?

Emergency services cannot always make it to the scene of a flood or fire immediately. If you suspect severe fires or storms are incoming, be sure that you have food and water on hand to last for a few days. It may also be helpful to devise an evacuation plan. Seal important documents away in a fire- and flood-proof safe, and take an inventory of any critical or valuable belongings so that insurance adjusters can assess your claim after the disaster.

With the appropriate forethought and know-how, homeowners in Virginia Gardens, FL, can protect themselves against the ravages of the elements, even in fire-prone areas. Just remember to follow FEMA NFIP guidelines and have the contact information of a qualified fire and flood cleanup professional at the ready.

3 Things To Do Before Buying a Home in a Flood Zone

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your dream home is in a flood zone, you don't have to give up. Consider the risk and potential additional costs when deciding whether to bid.

Three Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Home In A Flood Zone

Buying a home is an exciting process. You see so many and finally find your dream home in Virginia Gardens, FL. The realtor said it's in an area prone to floods. Before you write it off as a no-go, here are three things to do before buying a home in a flood zone.

1. Understand Your Flood Zone Risk

There are different categories of flood risk. Do some research on your own to understand the different zones and associated risks for the home you hope to buy. Once you know that, consider some options. Could you mitigate the flood risk by landscaping differently, installing drainage systems, or constructing flood barriers? Is the flood risk the same now as when the home was built? What future factors could change your risk? After answering these questions, decide if you are comfortable with that degree of risk before making an offer on the home.

2. Buy Insurance

When flooding is a significant risk factor, your insurance company may require a flood insurance rider on your homeowner's policy. In a low-risk area, however, you may not need it. As a precaution, purchase flood insurance if your home is in any type of flood-prone area. Your risk can change over time. It's better to be prepared than to wish you were.

3. Estimate Acceptable Repair Costs

If you've determined that the flood risk is reasonable and can add a rider to your insurance, the last step is to estimate repair costs. Imagine a storm came through Virginia Gardens, FL, and caused a historic flood. Contact a water damage restoration company and ask for an estimate of repairs to the basement or main living area. Find out how much would be covered by insurance and how much you would pay out of pocket. If the amount is acceptable, it's time to make an offer.

When your dream home is in a flood zone, you don't have to leave disappointed. Instead, consider the risk and potential extra costs when deciding to make an offer on the home.

Commercial Fire Restoration Tips

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Fire preparedness will lessen the impact of the event, and business interruption insurance will help you stay in business during the process.

Tips For Commercial Fire Restoration

Restoring your business after a fire is a devastating ordeal. You not only must deal with rebuilding and renovating the property, but you also need to consider the disruption to your operations.

Prepare in Advance for a Business Interruption

Interruptions to your daily business dealings can result in serious financial harm to your company if you aren't prepared. There are many ideas to consider ahead of time to lessen the impact:

• Interruption Insurance - Talk with your insurance agent about insurance that protects against business fire interruptions. This coverage can include the costs of temporarily moving to a new location, maintaining payroll during renovations and recovering lost revenue. 
• Disaster Preparedness Training - Make sure your employees are aware of the potential fire risks inherent in their jobs. Production employees face greater risks than office personnel, but all employees should be made aware of fire safety in the workplace. Conducting periodic fire drills and disaster preparedness testing will ensure that employees will know what to do in an emergency.
• Restoration Options Research - In advance of a potential business interruption in Doral, FL, it's critical to find a reputable fire restoration company. Make sure you choose one that has several years of experience handling emergencies.

Selecting a company with 24-hour service will greatly reduce the impact of possible interruptions.

Become Familiar With Restoration Techniques

Your fire restoration company will first assess the damage and present the best course of action. They will then remove damaged furniture and equipment. Destroyed flooring, drywall and other structures are safely removed as well.

Smoke and soot is lifted from all remaining surfaces. Once that is completed, fire cleaning and sanitizing can take place. 

After a devastating fire, it's important to act fast. Fire preparedness will reduce the impact of the event, and business interruption insurance will help keep you in business during the process.

4 Things That Make a Business Fire Cleanup Difficult

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning up smoke damage and other fire effects is a job for professionals. SERVPRO has the experience and equipment to help you restore your business

Four Factors Contributing To Difficulty In Business Fire Cleanup. 

A business fire is one of the most difficult things a company can experience. Complicating the matter is that the cleanup process requires a high level of technical knowledge and specialized equipment, especially if there is extensive smoke damage.

Not all restoration companies meet these requirements, which is why it is important to choose a capable professional fire mitigation service in Miami, FL. Several factors make cleanup after a fire among the most challenging jobs in the restoration field.

1. Soot Damage Calls for Advanced Methods

Most fires generate soot that is likely to coat surfaces from ceilings and walls to furniture and light fixtures. Hard surfaces such as metals and ceramics can be cleaned with washing and powerful cleaning agents. Porous surfaces such as fabrics and personal items might require immersive cleaning methods to remove stubborn soot.

2. Water Damage Is Often Present

Due to firefighting efforts as well as fire prevention equipment such as sprinklers, water damage needs to be addressed in many situations. This includes the removal of water with pumps and vacuums as well as the drying out of materials.

3. Smoke Damage Requires Sophisticated Equipment

Getting out smoke smells after a fire is not an easy task. Even a thorough cleaning often just masks odors and they return after a couple of days. Smoke technicians use several methods at their disposal for effective smoke cleaning, including the use of ozone machines and industrial scrubbing equipment.

4. Structures Often Need Extensive Restoration

Flames have the power to destroy many structures. They can burn down wood supports and even melt some of the most durable materials. The restoration process often involves the rebuilding of many of these structures to bring a building back to the way it was before the fire.

Cleaning up smoke damage and other impacts from a fire is a job for professionals. It requires the experience and training of an experienced restoration company.

3 Steps to Prevent a Lint Fire

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning your dryer and having it serviced by a professional can keep your house safe from fire damage.

3 Steps To Avoiding A Lint Fire

Many homeowners in Doral,FL, are unaware that lint accumulates poses a dangerous fire hazard. Each time the dryer is used, it releases clothes particles that accumulate inside and around the dryer. When its accumulation is neglected, all it takes is a spark to begin a lint fire. Lint is highly combustible and is made up of:

• Cotton
  
• Wool
• Synthetic fibers from dryer sheets

Here are three steps you can take to prevent a dryer fire.

1. Clean the Dryer Vent and Ensure Proper Ventilation

The hose connection on your dryer leads most of the lint through a pipe to the outside air. When the vent is covered by a mesh screen, the lint will accumulate, forming a combustible blockage. To ensure proper ventilation, make sure the damper is not covered by a mesh screen and that it is opening properly.

2. Check Behind the Dryer for Lint

It is easy to miss the lint behind the dryer because of how well hidden it can be. Often, this is a sign that the hose and vent are clogged. Using a vacuum to clean lint behind the dryer could prevent a lint fire. When this begins to happen, it is recommended to hire a professional service to clean your dryer vents.

3. Clean the Lint Filter Housing

Along with cleaning the lint filter after each use, clean its housing regularly to prevent lint inside of the dryer. One of the most common causes of dryer fires is lint trapped in the filter housing and the hidden corners of the dryer. Use a small brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove the hidden lint.

You can prevent a house fire by taking precautionary measures with flammable substances. Cleaning your dryer and having it serviced by a professional can keep your house safe from fire damage. If you have experienced a lint fire in your home, call a professional fire damage restoration service to clean and restore your property.

4 Times Homeowners Insurance Covers a Flooded Basement

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

These are just some of the types of water damage that your insurance will cover.

A Flooded Basement Is Covered By Homeowners Insurance 4 Times

There are many reasons a basement flood could occur in your home in Miami, FL. If you experience any of the following, your insurance coverage should take care of the damage.

1. Broken Appliances

If your washing machine, HVAC unit, or refrigerator causes a sudden basement flood, your insurance will typically cover the damage. Any time your appliance malfunctions, you'll probably find yourself getting reimbursed. Just keep in mind that your insurance will only cover the damage, such as the cost to hire a water remediation company.

You are responsible for replacing the faulty appliance. However, sometimes the damage was due to poor maintenance on your part. If your insurance adjuster finds evidence that you haven't maintained your appliances properly, your claim can be denied.

2. Leaking Water Heaters

Just like a malfunctioning appliance, your insurance will generally cover water heater incidents. Again, keep in mind that the insurance company will inspect whether the source was sudden or caused by neglect. If your adjuster finds evidence of poor maintenance, they can deny your claim.

3. Freezing Pipes

If the temperature drops really low overnight, any pipes that burst due to freezing will be covered. This includes pipes leading to your HVAC unit, sprinklers, and appliances. The only restriction is that you must be living in your home at the time of the burst. Otherwise, you have to prove that you had the heat turned on in the building.

4. Overflowing Tubs, Pools, and Sinks

You may be surprised to find that your insurance will cover a basement flood caused by an overflowing pool, tub, sink, or other fixture. These incidents fit under your policy's sudden and accidental clause, so the damage you caused is covered. In other words, when your toddlers think it is a good idea to stuff the basement toilet with their toys and flush, all is well on the insurance front.

These are just some of the types of water damage that your insurance will cover. There are plenty of other times when your insurance covers the damage in your flooded basement.

Can Commercial Tenants Get Flood Insurance?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Renters policies for commercial structures tend to cut out damage caused by flooding.

Is It possible For commercial Tenants To Obtain Flood Insurance?

Renter’s insurance covers the contents of a space rented by a commercial tenant. A lessee can obtain insurance coverage that specifically applies to damage caused by flooding, which is often excluded from general commercial renters policies. The availability of National Flood Insurance Program policies varies based on the location of rented property in Miami, FL.

Renters Policies May Exclude Flood Damage
Renters policies for commercial structures tend to cut out damage caused by flooding. Exposure to contaminated water can damage or destroy any of the following high-value contents:

• Appliances and devices
• Fixtures
• Inventory

While a property owner and lessor is responsible for restoring a structure damaged by flooding, a tenant or lessee is responsible for replacing damaged contents. For this reason, it can be helpful to seek out dedicated flood coverage for commercial renters.

The NFIP Offers Renters Insurance

The NFIP is administered by FEMA. While this program does offer renter's insurance, a tenant must see whether the NFIP is available in the area in which a property is located. In general, the NFIP is more likely to be an option in designated flood zones.

Private Insurers Provide Flood Policies

If the NFIP does not offer policies that cover a rented commercial space, a business owner may want to obtain a flood policy through a private company. Check the limits and terms of any policy to ensure that it covers the costs of replacing ruined commercial contents. It may be possible to obtain a rider on a general commercial property insurance policy for rented premises or a business may have to obtain a separate policy.

Flood insurance coverage may be available through the NFIP for business owners who rent property located in a flood zone in Miami, FL. If an NFIP policy is not available, a private insurer may offer renter’s insurance for flooding in addition to general commercial insurance.

What’s a Flood Cut and Is It Always Required?

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

If the water has any sewage in it, they’ll have to tear out the portions below the flood cut, regardless of whether it got behind the walls.

What Is A Flood Cut, And Is It Always Necessary?

Flooding is always a disaster. Every porous item it touches is going to be damaged or destroyed – even if it’s a clean water line break. Even worse, if it’s a large flood, such as one covering multiple properties, the water should be considered dangerous. Floodwater can have a variety of hazards, including: 

• Sewage
• Chemicals
• Dangerous floating debris

Flood damage restoration experts in Virginia Gardens,FL, will determine the degree of damage to commercial buildings and decide what can be saved. The goal is to restore everything possible and replace when required. Tearing out walls is always a last resort, which is where a flood cut may come in.

What Is a Flood Cut?

Flood water can be nasty. If there is water contamination, everything it touches needs to be replaced. To achieve this, restoration technicians will cut out the drywall that’s been impacted by it.
To save time and money, they’ll leave the untouched drywall that's higher than the flood line in place, leaving a sharp line about 12 to 18 inches above the flood line to expose everything behind the wall below the cut. This is known as a flood cut.

When Is It Necessary?

Three factors are considered when examining wall damage caused by flooding:

• Is the water clean?
• Did it get behind the walls?
• Is there insulation behind the walls?

If the water has any sewage in it, they’ll have to tear out the portions below the flood cut, regardless of whether it got behind the walls. If the water is clean and did not get behind the wall, they may be able to fix the damage without a cut.
CLean water that gets behind the walls may sometimes be extracted without a flood cut. This depends largely on whether there’s insulation behind the wall. If there is, you’ll probably have to get a flood cut.

Flooding doesn’t have to be the end of your commercial property. Restoration technicians in Virginia Gardens,FL, can often return the property to its previous condition without replacing everything, and a flood cut is often part of the process.

3 Ways To Determine if There Is Mold in Your Business

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Mold infestations cause a lot of damage and can be very expensive to remediate. Call SERVPRO as quickly as possible when noticing signs of mold damage

3 Methods For Determining Mold In Your Business

Mold isn't always easy to find. Fortunately, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate your business in Doral,FL, has a fungus issue. These range from mycotoxin odors to visual signs. If you notice any of these, it is time to call a mold remediation company.

1. Is There a Musty Smell?

A lot of people don't realize mold smells at all or what it actually smells like. The fungus typically has a musty odor. This can include earthy, damp, and tangy tones, often described as somewhere between rotten wood and dirty socks. These smells comes from the mycotoxin released as mold grows. If you notice a new unpleasant smell in your business, it is time to start searching for mold.

2. Are There Signs of Water Damage?

Condensation, elevated moisture levels, and other water issues are likely to cause mold growth. The most common signs of water damage include discoloration and stains on walls, ceilings, and flooring. Additionally, water can cause bubbling, peeling, and cracking in paint and wallpaper. These signs are usually accompanied by a colony of spores inside the materials. If you know about a past or current water issue, you should have the space inspected.

3. Do You See Mold?

Seeing mold is a much more obvious sign that you have a problem than sniffing for mycotoxin. Green or black areas, slimy residue, and mildew are all common visual indicators of mold. However, mold spores can also hide as dirt. Therefore, people may easily overlook the visual signs.

Whenever mold is present, it is time for mold remediation. Signs of past or present water damage at your business can mean mold is growing, and look for visual indications as well as new odors that can easily go overlooked. Once you notice an issue, take action to get rid of the problem quickly before the mold does damage to your building.

Why Insurance Adjusters Like You Choose SERVPRO

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is one of the companies that strives to make your job easier to the point where you might even smile when a client chooses to work with them.

Why Do Insurance Adjusters Choose SERVPRO?

Your job as an insurance adjuster in Miami, FL, keeps you busy. You have a dual responsibility — support your clients through the claims process while ensuring that the cost is reasonable for your company. Sometimes the most challenging part of your day is navigating issues with service providers. You know which vendors are great to work with and those that make you anxious when you see their name in your inbox. SERVPRO is one of the companies that strives to make your job easier to the point where you might even smile when a client chooses to work with them.

1. Electronic Claims Information

Paperwork is your life. For every insurance claim there is a huge folder of documents to keep track of. Electronic documentation is the best thing to ever happen to your industry, so working with a vendor that understands the value of organization and swift communication is ideal. SERVPRO ensures that you get a complete job file that gets updated with every pending job, photograph, and cost breakdown analysis.

2. Pretesting for Every Job

Pretesting may seem like overkill to your clients, but it's incredibly important. Without pretesting, it's difficult to provide a reliable estimate. When the job ultimately ends up being more expensive than the original quote, no one is happy, especially you, the insurance adjuster, who has the responsibility of keeping costs down. A commitment to pretesting for every job helps to keep those cost estimates reliable.

3. Vendor Professionalism

The last thing you want to do is chase a vendor for signatures or paperwork after a job is supposed to be finished. Companies with corporate backing have the bandwidth to provide you support when you need it. Because they also have national standards of professionalism, you can be reasonably sure that working with any associated franchise will be a positive experience.

SERVPRO values you, the insurance adjuster, as much as the client that they are working with directly, evidenced by their commitment to reliable communication and professionalism at every step of the project.

5 Methods to Avoid Urban Flooding

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

If you are having flooding issues and suspect storm or water damage, give SERVPRO a call on our 24-hour service line.

5 Ways To Prevent Flooding In Cities

Flooding is an all too common form of natural disaster faced by cities around the country, including Miami, FL. While humans are unable to stop Mother Nature, taking proactive measures toward flood prevention can help towns and communities avoid some of the major damage and cleanup. Here are five tactics that urban areas can employ to prevent catastrophic flooding.

1. Renovate Drainage Systems

Many cities have combined sewer systems, where rainwater and wastewater travel a single pipe to the sewage treatment area. This means that excessive water from torrential rains or storms can cause an overflow. Revamping this system to include a second pipe can remedy this issue. While this can be an expensive endeavor, the money saved from avoiding flood cleaning and repairs can make it worthwhile.

2. Maintain Sewer Systems

Sewer systems can easily be compromised by debris, waste and tree roots. Rust and corrosion are also common culprits in causing issues. Regular cleaning and routine maintenance can prevent problems that may ultimately contribute to flooding.

3. Preventative Structures

Seawalls, levees, dams and floodwalls are designed to hold back or retain floodwaters. These barriers can be very effective forms of flood prevention in those cities that are located near a body of water.

4. Permeable Pavement

Most cities and towns have concrete or asphalt sidewalks and streets. These materials are not absorbent, and rainwater can easily overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding. A number of porous surfaces can be used instead to allow water to infiltrate, eliminating runoff and controlling water from storms.

5. Increase Vegetation

There are many natural defenses against flooding, and vegetation is a highly effective one. Trees can hold water in leaves and bark, and their canopies can slow the flow of water until it evaporates or is absorbed by the soil. Grass and shrubs combat erosion and reduce the force of floodwaters.

Flood prevention strategies can help towns and communities dodge some of the damage caused by water, but when disaster strikes, emergency restoration specialists are available to assist in cleanup and rebuilding.

2 Methods Professionals Use To Handle Your Wet Building Materials

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you’ve sustained water damage to your kitchen cabinets, your living room floor or elsewhere, SERVPRO is here to help you, call us!

Professionals Use Two Methods To Handle Wet Building Materials

Water damage in your Doral, FL, home can lead to extensive issues with the building materials in your living space. Anything from swelling wood to deteriorating insulation can occur as a result of a supply line leak or a pipe burst within your walls or under the floorboards. Therefore, it’s important to not only seek professional help for water pipe repair but to ensure that your property’s structural work is safe and intact. Here’s how the professionals can handle your building materials if they’ve been compromised by water damage.

1. They replace the swollen wood from any affected areas.

Whether you’ve sustained water damage to your kitchen cabinets, your living room floor or elsewhere, trained technicians are likely to replace any wood that has swelled to prevent any structural issues in the future. If the leak was bad enough and the spread of damage carried on for some time, tearing apart your carpets or floorboards to reach and replace the subfloor could be a necessity. Thankfully, for situations that aren’t dire, any drywall or real wood materials can often simply be dried and saved, preventing you from receiving a larger bill down the road.

2. They remove any wet insulation in the walls.

While swelling wood is a problem in itself, having untreated wet insulation in the home can become an even bigger problem. Therefore, water damage professionals will often remove damp areas of insulation to determine any stud damage that may be hiding behind the wet material or to simply replace the insulation altogether to prevent disintegration or mold growth.

When water damage has occurred to your Doral, FL, home’s building materials and you need water pipe repair, it’s important to call upon the help of trained technicians. With their help, your residence can be cleared of any swelling wood or other hazardous materials or waste, and you can gain peace of mind knowing your home is safe again for you and your family.

4 Essential Things All Business Owners Should Protect From Flooding

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

As water and flood damage specialists, we are prepared and ready to serve you at a moment's notice. Call us when you need it!

4 Things Every Business Owner Should Protect Against Flooding

Flooding can have a deep economic impact on businesses in Virginia Gardens, FL, both from lost information and time spent recovering from the aftermath of storms. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize damage. Here are four areas to focus on:

1. Your Employees

One of the most important considerations when preparing for floods is safeguarding the people behind your business. Take good care of employees before, during and after disasters:

• Before: Establish a clear emergency plan that indicates where employees should go in case of flooding. Additionally, prepare designated shelters and emergency provisions.
  
• During: In the case of flash floods, immediately turn off building power and do not allow workers to attempt to swim, drive or walk through the rushing floodwaters.
  
• After: Do not require employees to return to work immediately. Contact specialists to ensure your property is clean and secure first.

2. Vital Information

While insurance may cover inventory losses, economic effects due to lost data can be far more difficult to recover from. Take these steps in advance to keep essential information safe:

• Regularly back up financial data to a cloud-based platform.
  
• Keep tax data safe in more than one location.
  
• Safely secure client contact data and unfulfilled purchase orders.

3. Building Surfaces

In Virginia Gardens, FL, it’s imperative to keep your building’s insurance policy up-to-date, including flood damage provisions. If building elevation increases water damage risks, structural changes, such as fitting water pipes with non-return valves, may help.

4. Yourself and Your Family Members

Don’t rush back to your business as soon as floodwaters have subsided. This may expose you to health dangers from black water or weakened structures. To stay safe, contact a trustworthy storm damage restoration company that can clean up any harmful residuals completely.

By taking steps ahead of time to prevent damage from flooding, and by calling cleanup experts immediately afterwards, you can adapt to disasters and resume business operations as quickly as possible.

THE SILENT INVADER IN YOUR HOME…

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Corner Room with Microbial growth

Mold is a living organism that belongs to the Fungi family. You are likely to find mold in areas which may be dark and moist such as basements, ceiling tiles, carpet, under sinks and around plumbing pipes. It can cause structural damage to your house when left untreated and undetected.

There are multiple types of mold that can grow in the same areas, some of them are not easy to detect visually without testing being done.
The most common types of mold are Aspergillus; it is usually allergenic mold that can be found on foods and in home air conditioning systems. Cladosporium can be a black or green substance that may grow for example, on the back of toilets, painted surfaces and fiberglass air ducts. And Stachybotrys, or also known as black mold, can be found in wet basements, attics and crawl spaces or any place that has a high moisture level.

Mold can cause health effects....

How to determine that you have mold in your house?
One of the simplest ways to determine that you have mold in your house is if you can see it. Another significant sign is the smell, if you notice that your home has a bit of a moldy smell or if it is an odor that is not common in your home, it might indicate that there may be a mold issue and should be investigated by a hygienist.

How to keep mold out of buildings and homes?
You can correct conditions causing mold by controlling humidity levels such as using your air conditioner, actively using your exhaust/ventilation fans, promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, ventilating the bathrooms, laundry and cooking areas. Remember to always call a remediation company/hygienist if the affected area is 10 SF or larger. Please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Doral at (305) 594 2956 for guidance regarding any questions or concerns you may have.

Because your business matters....

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians doing Covid-19 cleaning

Our current situation requires us to take precautions and keep ourselves and coworkers healthy. In order to do so this requires the implementation of protocols such as cleaning and disinfecting our businesses and building. Nowadays, we have enough knowledge to implement the most efficient and effective measures to keep our daily routine going, especially at work.

Here at SERVPRO of Doral, we are trained, qualified and ready to manage any facility large or small such as headquarters, businesses that may have been affected by COVID-19. We use EPA approved products and follow the CDC guidelines for Cleanup practices. 

How do we do it?

Fogging and wiping down is the best and most effective way when it comes to disinfecting. Fogging uses disinfectant sprayed from a fogging machine creating what looks like fog within the room. This method disinfects high level of horizontal surfaces and confined spaces. Cleaning and wiping down is essential as well for those hard to reach places and things used most such as door handles, desks and keyboards.

The main benefit of fogging and wiping down your office or building is keeping the business open. We at SERVPRO of Doral are committed to the health and safety of every business. Everyone has a plan when there in an emergency to get out of the building. Let SERVPRO of Doral be the answer to get back into your business safely and as soon as possible.

What you need to Know...

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

What you need to Know...

At SERVPRO of Doral the safety of our team and community is our top priority. With Covid-19 cases going up and business having to shut down for a few days, we here at SERVPRO want to share with you a few tips to help keeping everyone safe and healthy.

1. Wash your hands. Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, soap and friction help lift dirt, grease and microbes from skin so they can then be rinsed off of hands but it must be done properly with soap and water for 20 seconds to kill germs effectively.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. SARS-CoV-2 is found in high amounts in the nose and mouth means it can be carried by air droplets to other people and also land on hard surfaces.
3. Wear a mask. Masks is an effective way to help prevent spread of this coronavirus also protects people around you who may have not had their COVID-19 vaccines or who might have a health condition that makes them vulnerable to severe coronavirus infection.
4. Improve ventilation and purify air. Improving ventilation can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air and good ventilation can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19.
5. Clean and disinfect. In most situations, cleaning and disinfecting remove nearly all virus particles on surface all also reduce transmission of COVID-19 at home.

Here at SERVPRO of Doral we are committed on keeping everyone safe and taking care of the health of your family and love ones. If the need should ever arise you can always count on us.

Workplace Emergencies: Preparing an Evacuation Route

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you are unsure of the best way to design evacuation routes, you can reach out to your local fire department or a fire remediation specialist.

Prepare An Evacuation Route In The Event Of A Workplace Emergency

While everyone, including business owners, has had to go through at least one fire drill in their lives, it is different when you have to design one. Business owners are required by law to have designated exit routes for their employees, and they are supposed to practice these routes to help employees prepare for an emergency. Therefore, in developing and designing your emergency exits, it is important to keep a few traits of a good plan in the forefront of your mind.

1. Ensure Proper Lighting

Every exit should be well-lit and designated. You can mount light-up exit signs throughout your property that can help guide employees and clients safely outside. Also, you can install battery powered lighting that is triggered in the event of an outage, ensuring that everyone can see where they are going.

2. Find Exits With Appropriate Space

A fire drill is an excellent way to determine if all your planning has paid off. Your employees should have no problem working their way toward an exit. If you notice that there is too much congestion because a hallway is too narrow or there are obstacles in the way, then you will have to change the route or clear the obstructions.

3. Place Drawings Throughout the Facility

Beyond practicing escape routes, you should place evacuation maps throughout your building. These maps can be placed near fire extinguishers and other high-traffic areas to ensure they are easily spotted.

4. Seek Guidance and Feedback

It never hurts to ask for help. If you are unsure of the best way to design evacuation routes, you can reach out to your local fire department or a fire remediation specialist in the Miami, FL, area for guidance and feedback on your plan.

Every employer is required by federal regulations to develop and provide adequate evacuation plans to their employees. Also, it is suggested that businesses conduct at least one fire drill annually to ensure employees are familiar with those routes.

5 Ways Water Damage Can Hurt You and Your Home

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Oftentimes, water damage is caused by a broken water pipe that gushes freely and requires an immediate repair.

Water Damage Can Harm You And Your Home In 5 Ways

When you hear about a neighbor in Doral, FL, that had a pipe burst or washing machine overflow, you may shake your head and imagine cleaning up the water with dozens of towels and a wet/dry vacuum. What you probably did not think about is all the other problems that a simple water line break can cause. Here are five ways water damage can hurt you and your home:

1. Voracious Molds

One of the most problematic issues that flooding water can bring about is mold. Since mold spores are everywhere in the air, it is easy to see that mold can quickly grow once water is introduced to a floor or wall. Mold can be a voracious eater of almost everything it lands on, and it can quickly weaken your home’s structural integrity if left unchecked.

2. Damaged Floors

Water may spread around on flooring from a pipe burst, but it doesn’t stay on top. Instead, it can seep into any cracks and crevices of your home’s wood, linoleum, and tile. Once there, the integrity of your floor has probably been compromised. Calling in a water restoration team for an assessment may be your best line of defense.

3. Spongy Walls

Floodwaters from a broken pipe can soak into the walls of your home in minutes. Once inside the walls, the sheetrock, insulation, and wood are prime targets for mold, bugs, and swelling. Water can also weaken the ability of the walls to stand once they become spongy with water, and they often must be replaced with a new product at least a foot above the water line.

4. Broken Electronics

Electronic game systems, televisions, and fans are only a few of the many electronics that can be damaged by flood waters. Although many people often assume the water is clean, that is simply not the case. Once the water hits the ground, it is considered contaminated with household particles. If the particles collect inside the electronic unit, it could become damaged.

A pipe burst can hurt you and your home. It is often best to seek professional help as quickly as possible to remedy the situation.

Business Insurance: Is Flood Insurance Necessary?

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial insurance does not typically cover external flood damage, meaning flooding that occurs because of storms and other surges.

Is Flood Insurance Required For Your Business?

Flood insurance is not necessary for every part of the country. The fact is that certain areas are considered high-risk zones, which indicate a higher than average probability of a flood occurring. If your business operates in one of these areas, it may be beneficial to purchase the extended coverages offered by flood policies. However, this always brings up questions of coverages and comparisons between commercial and flood policies that require some explaining.

1. Commercial Policies

Commercial insurance does not typically cover external flood damage, meaning flooding that occurs because of storms and other surges. These policies will only cover damage done by broken pipes or blockages that are directly related to your property.

2. Flood Policies

Flood coverage is typically offered through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. However, some other companies may provide riders to an existing policy, but these are rare for businesses. Flood coverage will only cover the damage done to the building due to flooding; it will likely not include landscaping, vehicles or business interruptions, these are typically only covered partially under the comprehensive option.

3. Requirements

Some businesses will likely be required to have flood insurance, but that is dependent on your zoning and your mortgage lender. Firms in a high-risk flood area are required to have flood coverage, especially when the mortgage is through an insured or federally regulated lender.

4. Coverages

Flood coverage will likely cover all damage within your property that was caused by the flood; for example, flooring, walls, plumbing and electrical outlets. However, a flood remediation specialist in the Virginia Gardens, FL, area or your insurance provider can offer more assistance and information on possible coverages.

Flood insurance is not necessarily a requirement for your commercial property, but it may still be a wise purchase. While it is often required in high-risk areas, other areas can still flood, and coverage ensures protection.

Smoke Alarms: Maintaining Performance

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is one of the worst fears of many homeowners because of the risk to their property and the potential loss of life.

Maintaining The Effectiveness Of Smoke Detectors

A smoke alarm may be the last defense you have to ensure that you and your family are safe in a disaster. Therefore, it is vital that all your alarms are correctly installed and regularly tested. If you are not confident in your ability to install these items, you can call a fire remediation specialist in the Virginia Gardens, FL, area who may be able to assist you. Beyond installation, you will want to ensure that you are maintaining you alarms appropriately. Depending on your chosen detectors, the maintenance schedule can vary.

1. Nine-Volt Battery Powered Detectors

As an affordable smoke detector option, nine-volt powered detectors will require monthly inspections and tests, you should make sure that the alarm is clean and free of debris, and you should test the signal by pressing the test button. Also, you should replace the batteries annually to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, it is recommended that you replace these alarms every 10 years.

2. Long-Life Alarms

A long-life smoke alarm typically refers to detectors that use a 10-year lithium battery. As these batteries should not be replaced, it is recommended that the entire unit is replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, you should test the alarm and ensure it is free of cobwebs and dust at least once per month.

3. Hardwired Fire Signals

Hardwired fire signals are connected directly into your homes electrical system, which provides an added sense of security because the units can communicate with each other, sounding alarms throughout the residence. This type of alarm should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Additionally, the battery backup should be replaced annually.

Fire damage is one of the worst fears of many homeowners because of the risk to their property and the potential loss of life. A smoke alarm provides reassurance because it can alert and thereby protect a home’s inhabitants. However, depending on the type of alarm, each signal requires a certain amount of upkeep to maintain performance.

3 Steps To Take After a Pipe Breaks

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your business, you can count on SERVPRO, we offer our cleanup and restoration services around the clock, 7 days a week

After A Pipe Bursts, There Are Three Things You Should Do.

When your commercial property has water damage, you want to get it repaired as soon as possible. Bursting pipes and flooding can wreak havoc on your building’s structure, and if the problem goes unresolved for too long, it can lead to secondary damage such as mold growth. To prevent as much damage as possible, swift action is needed.

1. Block the Water Source

When pipes break, they can spew many gallons of water into the surrounding area very quickly. To minimize the damage to your building, turn off the water main that supplies the broken pipe. The smaller the amount of water that has to be removed before repairs can begin, the better. Cutting off the water at the source can help you prevent some damage.

2. Call for Help

At the first sign of bursting pipes, you need to make a few phone calls. Rather than try to complete the repairs yourself, hire experts who are trained and certified. You need to contact a plumber to fix a broken pipe. You will probably also need water mitigation experts who specialize in water damage in Miami, FL, to replace the parts of the structure that are destroyed and restore your building to the way it was before the flooding. You also need to place a call to your insurance agent to find a way to pay for all the repairs.

3. Enact Your Continuity Plan

It will probably not take more than a few days to clean up the water and the damage it causes. Rather than shut down during that time, however, you can maintain your productivity by following your business continuity plan. Don’t fall behind just because your building floods. As an added bonus, the short time frame allows you a real-world test of your plan with minimal risks.

Bursting pipes require immediate attention. Shut off the water source and call professionals who can help you get your building back in working order.

How To Respond to Contaminated Water

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Oftentimes, water damage is caused by a broken water pipe that gushes freely and requires immediate repair.

What Should You Do If Your Water Is Contaminated?

Is it safe for you to clean up sewage water that overflowed from your toilet? The Environmental Protection Agency, otherwise known as the EPA, defines contaminated water as containing anything other than water molecules. Contaminants may come in several forms.

• Physical, such as dirt
• Chemical, including chlorine
• Biological, examples include bacteria and viruses
• Radiological, or chemical elements with unbalanced protons and neutrons

When it comes to the water in your home, the level of contamination is defined by three categories.

• Category 1: Relatively clean water
• Category 2: Significantly contaminated
• Category 3: Resulting from sewer or outside floods

Categories 2 and 3 are also known as "grey water" and "black water."

Category 1 Water

This category refers to water that is basically clean. It doesn't pose health threats to humans, but you may not want to drink it. This water may come from a broken water supply line or an overflowing bathtub. You can feel comfortable mopping this up with cleaning equipment you have at home.

Category 2 Water

Water in this category has a significant amount of contamination. When humans drink this water or are exposed to it, they may become uncomfortably sick. Contaminated water with this designation may come from a toilet with urine, but no feces, or come as discharge from a washing machine.

Category 3 Water

Black water is the most dangerous. It generally contains high levels of contamination. Many types of bacteria and fungi could leave humans with severe illnesses. The water in this category may come from sewage, ground surface water, backed-up toilets, or flooding from rivers, lakes, or oceans.

The way you respond to contaminated water in your home could affect your well-being and that of your home. If you experience a sewer backup or flooding from external sources, you should always contact a sewage cleanup and restoration professional. These trained technicians have the equipment and education to safely clean away harmful contaminants from Doral, FL, homes.

Fire Recovery: Initial Assessment and Property Safety

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Is better to hire a company to assess the fire damage and restore the property quickly, allowing you to focus on the management of a business.

Initial Assessment And Property Protection In The Event Of A Fire

Fires cause extensive damage, and for businesses, fire damage extends beyond property, impacting a company’s bottom line through property loss and business interruption. While it may not be possible to salvage everything, there are steps you can take to prevent further damage and reduce the disruption.

1. Receive an Expert’s Assessment

The first step you should take after a fire is to call in an expert to assess both the safety of the building and any structural damage that was sustained. This initial assessment will tell you whether it is safe to enter the building and perform any necessary cleanup.

2. Secure the Building

Fire damage can include broken windows, collapsed walls and busted-out doorways, all of which can leave your business vulnerable to looting and lawsuits. The best way to prevent unwanted foot traffic is to secure your building, and the easiest way to do that is with plywood and other barricades.

3. Clean the Affected Area

Once your property has been cleared as safe and you have secured any vulnerable access points, it is time to start the fire cleanup. You will want to address any water issues first by thoroughly drying the areas. You can follow this up by removing any debris or property loss. All of this initial cleanup should be documented for insurance claims.

4. Bring in the Specialists

While it may be tempting to clean up your building yourself, keep in mind that you will have other things to focus on, like employee safety, insurance claims and continued business operations. Hiring an emergency restoration service in the Miami, FL, area may be the most beneficial option for you. These companies offer expertise that you likely do not have, and they can expedite the work faster than you can alone.

Fire damage is hard on a business. Besides property loss and possible physical injury, the damage can interrupt business operations for a long time. That is why it is better to hire a company to assess the damage and restore the property quickly, allowing you to focus on the management of a business in crisis.

How To Deal With Sewage Damage

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is a huge problem. Fortunately, SERVPRO is here! we use equipment such as this to help restore your home efficiently

What Should You Do If You Have Sewage Damage?

Residential floods in Virginia Gardens, FL, can create a wide range of problems for homeowners. One common issue is sewage backup. When this happens, you need to undertake proper steps for sewer cleanup. The best way to make sure your home gets restored properly is to work with a residential water cleanup crew. You can also use these tips to help you deal with damage caused by dirty water.

Identify the Source

Before you can start cleaning up, you need to know where the sewage water entered your home and why. Common sources for this type of flooding include the following:

• Clogged pipe
• Flooded toilet
• Broken line

Once you know what caused your unpleasant flooding, you and your professional team will be better prepared to create a repair plan that includes fixing the source of the leakage. Your cleanup crew may be able to inspect your home to help you find the source. Otherwise, you may have to hire a plumber.

Use Disinfecting Techniques

A sewer backup poses unique risks to your home. Because sewage is often full of contaminants, such as fecal matter and urine, you need to make sure any surfaces touched by the flooding are thoroughly cleaned. In some cases, you may have to replace porous building materials to completely remove the sewage from your house.

Turn to Specialized Equipment

Sewer cleanup requires different machines than a normal flood cleanup. This is because your standing water may include sludge from the sewage lines. You should talk with your remediation team about using a trash vac to help speed up the water-removal process. This specialized equipment can suck up water and some sludge. Don't forget anyone working in the area should also use personal protective equipment, including gloves and goggles, to protect themselves from the sewage.

Sewer cleanup often requires a bit more time than other forms of water damage restoration. You need to remove the water and disinfect your home before you can start with the remediation.

What To Do When You Smell Natural Gas

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Stopping the flow of gas can reduce the risk of a gas fire.

When You Smell Natural Gas, What Should You Do?

When you smell natural gas in your home, you should try to identify the source of the leak. The following measures may lower the risk of a gas fire or gas explosion.

Check Your Stove and Furnace

A gas stove burner that has accidently been left on without flame is one of the easiest sources of gas to fix. It may be a good idea to take these steps when you smell the gas.

• Turn off the burner
• Ventilate the area
• Avoid turning on the flame, lights, or electronics

In the event of a gas line leak from a stove or furnace, shut off the gas valve near the appliance and contact a repair service.

Shut Off the Main Gas Supply

If you are not sure where the leak originates, contact the gas company to determine whether it is safe to turn off the main gas valve. If it is, this is how you can turn it off:

• Locate your gas meter and bring a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench
• Turn the valve on the pipe that runs from the meter into the ground a quarter-turn counterclockwise
• The valve will be cross-wise when the gas is off

Stopping the flow of gas can reduce the risk of a gas fire.

Don't Turn On Lights or Electronics

Wired lights or devices may spark. Use a cell phone or battery-powered flashlight to locate the source of a leak.

Ventilate and Evacuate Your Home

Remove natural gas by opening windows and turning on fans. There may still be a fire or explosion risk until the concentration of gass drops to a safe level. Additionally, whether you successfully address the source of a gas leak or not, it may be a good idea to evacuate the premises. Be sure to shut off the gas and start the ventilation process before you leave.

Contact your insurance company if a gas fire or gas explosion occurs. A residential damage restoration company can remove rubble and restore your home in West Miami, FL.

Tips To Help Your Business Prevent Winter Storm Damage

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Doral's team is here to help 24/7, 365. If your home or business is damaged by a storm, don't hesitate to give us a call.

Tips For Keeping Your Business Safe During Winter Storms

Whether you live in Miami, FL, or Bangor, Maine, you have probably experienced winter storm damage to your business at some point in the past decade. As excessive extreme weather assaults become more commonplace, preparation for property damage becomes even more important. Here are some tips to help you prevent harsh weather destruction to your property.

Ascertain Risks

While checking weather conditions may help you prepare for an approaching storm, it is often too late to prevent potential storm damage such as a pipe break or water in the basement. Here are some property areas to check to avoid problems prior to bad weather arrival.

• Gutters – Make sure clogs are removed so water can flow freely, and check that connections are secure with no corner leaks.
• Landscaping – Trim trees away from roofing and clear parking lot of objects that can become airborne and break windows.
• Roofing and windows – Leaking sealants around windows, skylights, doors, and siding can allow water damage during a storm.
• Utilities – Surge protectors and portable generators help keep data safe and employees warm during even the worst storm.

Mitigate Damage

Power outages often come with huge winter storms. When that happens, your business may be without heat for days. As snow and ice build up on roof tops and frozen pipes burst, the potential for damage can become catastrophic. For this reason, consider calling a professional at the first sign trouble. A restoration team may know just how to handle even the worst winter conditions before severe damage occurs to your building’s structure.

Prevent Destruction

By being aware of the condition of your building and considering repairs to areas of concern before storms occur you can help prevent property destruction. Sometimes Mother Nature can win in Miami, FL, but by being aware of weather conditions and preparing for possible damage, you and your employees can stay safe and warm during even the worst winter storm.

Beginner's Guide to Cleaning Up Electronics After a Fire

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can cause a lot of damage to your commercial building, but fortunately, SERVPRO is always here, ready to help you!

Cleaning Electronics After A Fire: A Guide For Beginners

When an electrical fire breaks out in your Miami, FL, business, you may wonder if your electronics can be salvaged. A fire cleanup professional may be able to add to the information found in this guide.

Considering the Damage

Before you can have a computer cleanup done on your device, you need to figure out what kind of damage was done. During a fire, your electronics could be susceptible to multiple kinds of damage:

• Acidity Buildup: Smoke is often made up of soot, which can have a high acidity level. The acidity buildup can start to destroy your devices unless cleaned up promptly.
• Char: If the flames of the electrical fire engulf your computer, it may become charred. It may be hard to repair electronic devices that have this type of damage.
• Magnetic Charge: Depending on the fuel of the fire, smoke can also have a magnetic charge that can cause electronic devices to short circuit. Cleaning out the interior of the device may be enough to fix this issue.
• Soot Layer: Smoke can also leave a black film with insulating properties on the interior parts of electronics. Because of the added insulation, your equipment may start to overheat, so a thorough cleaning is often needed.

Before you can fix damage done to your electronics, you need to know what kind of damage to look for.

Doing the Repairs

As you get ready to do your computer cleanup, you may start to realize that you don't know what you're doing. Even if you know there is an acidity buildup, how do you get rid of it? It's often best to get professional help when cleaning up after a fire. Experts know not to give the computers power until the cleaning is done. They also know what kind of cleaners can be used on every surface of the electronics.

An electrical fire can cause a lot of damage to your commercial building. In some cases, your electronics may be salvageable.

Quick Guide Safety Gear Used During Mold Remediation

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is an important part of our environment, but it does NOT belong inside your home! Call SERVPRO of Doral to have your home inspected for mold.

Mold Remediation Safety Equipment: A Quick Guide

If you have found mold in your Virginia Gardens, FL, home, you may be wondering what your next move should be. Calling a professional mold remediation team should be your first step. You may be tempted to take care of the issue yourself, but there are a lot of rules you need to follow. For example, you need to get rid of the entire problem and not just wipe away the surface mold. Experts in mold damage know exactly how to address fungus-related problems. Professionals also have access to the safety gear needed to tackle this big project. What type of protective equipment do most experts use and why do they use it?

• Face Masks: Safety masks play a major role in mold cleanup. These devices help keep mold spores from entering a person's lungs. Depending on the job at hand, remediation teams may use full-face or half-face respirators.

• Gloves: Mold can cling to the hands of those who touch it. Workers need to wear gloves to ensure they do not spread the spores to other areas of your home or other customer's homes.

• Eye Protection: This protective equipment is only needed if the crew uses face masks that don't cover the eyes. Goggles can protect the eyes from debris related to mold removal.

• Coveralls: Fungus can also cling to clothing, which is how it travels from location to location. Many professionals choose to use special coveralls that are washed after each job to limit the spread of mold.

• Shoe Coverings: Some coveralls may come with attached boots, but when this is not the case shoe coverings are needed. This equipment acts as a barrier between the workers and the rest of your home because they are removed before leaving the infested area.

Protective equipment, like face masks and body coverings, are used to not only protect the person handling the mold but also to protect the rest of your home. If you want mold removed properly, you need to work with a team that uses proper safety gear.

Top 3 Things You Should Know About Water Damage

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Get in touch with SERVPRO to learn more about the water damage and its respective cleanup.

Water Damage: The Top 3 Things to Know

Flooding and the subsequent water damage can be a major pain for Miami, FL, homeowners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with a residential water damage specialist to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.

Why It Happens

Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:

• A pipe burst or other plumbing issues
  
• Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
• Natural disasters
• Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
• Sewer backups

Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.

How To Clean Up

The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the cause of the water. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.

What To Know About Restoration

After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.

Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.

Does Your Home Have Mold?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Doral to have your home inspected for mold.

Is Mold Growing in Your House?

If your home has recently experienced water damage, you should keep an eye out for mold. There are several ways to find out whether mold is growing. You can take simple investigative steps yourself, particularly if mold growth is visible. If you smell a mildew odor but do not see any evidence of mold, you should contact an indoor environmental specialist to schedule a mold test as soon as possible.

Follow these three steps to find out whether your home has mold:

1. Visually inspect areas where water damage has occurred for signs of mold. Mold is most likely to develop in areas with high humidity or moisture levels. Examine places where water damage has occurred for any evidence of mold growth and avoid disturbing any colonies you find, as this may expose you to mold or cause spores to spread.
2. If you smell a powerful moldy odor but see no visible signs of mold, contact an indoor environmental specialist. Do not attempt to search for hidden mold on your own. This is especially the case if your search would require you to peel back wallpaper or make a hole in the wall. Leave invasive search methods to certified mold remediation experts to protect yourself and prevent the problem from getting worse.
3. Have a mold test performed by certified professionals. Professional testing is the best way to find out what (if any) type of mold is present and the right combination of containment, removal, cleaning, and disinfection necessary to eliminate the issue. If a hygienist or environmental specialist finds mold, they can perform visual analysis or culturing to determine the type, genus, or subspecies of the mold.

If you discover mold in your home, detailed information can help you determine the best options for remediation. Contact an indoor environmental specialist in Doral, FL, to find out about mold cleanup options.

When and Why to Use Flood Cuts

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you immediately in any flooding emergencies. Our licensed technicians have the complete trained to assist you

When And Why Should Flood Cuts Be Used?

If your business property in Doral, FL, floods, chances are that the floors are not the only part of the building that will be affected. Walls with water damage from flooding can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, and it can compromise the structural integrity of the building. A flood cut marks the spot 12 inches above the water damage to tell water damage restoration specialists where to begin when they tear out damaged walls.

Is a Flood Cut Necessary?

While flood cuts are common when businesses have taken on water damage, in certain circumstances, replacing the wall can be avoided. The walls may be salvageable if the following conditions exist:

• The water that caused the flooding is clean water.
• The walls are not insulated.
• There is no sign of mold spreading into the wall.

If all these conditions are met, it is possible that technicians can drill small holes in the wall and use industrial dryers to prevent further damage. If, however, the water in question holds the possibility of contamination, everything it touches must be removed and replaced. As insulation cannot be dried and used effectively after it has been wet, it must be replaced as well.

How Does a Flood Cut Help?

Measuring a whole foot above where the visible damage lies might seem like overkill at first. However, when it comes to flood damage and the potential complications it poses, you will probably agree that it is better to be safe than sorry. Humidity does not have the courtesy to stop at the flood line. To ensure that every inch of your business is protected from mold growth and contamination, restoration professionals remove any drywall and insulation that might have been affected.

Flooding can seem like a disaster, but it does not have to turn into an ongoing devastation. With the help of a flood cut, technicians can replace the drywall and keep your building in Doral,FL, and all its inhabitants safe from further issues.

How Can Sediment Affect Your Water Heater?

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Because you rely on your water heater, you need to make sure to take care of it properly.

What Effect Does Sediment Have On Your Water Heater?

The water heater in your West Miami, FL, home plays a major role in your comfort. This appliance provides warm water you can use to shower, wash clothes and do the dishes. Without a working heater, you may have a harder time doing day-to-day activities. Use this guide to help you understand why sediment may build up in your machine, how it can affect you and what you can do to combat the buildup.

Understanding the Buildup

Over time, minerals and sand may build up within the appliance. As the water heats up, the particles separate from the water. Sediment buildup usually depends on where you live. For example, if your home is in town, you may have less buildup because your water runs through city filters. If you have your own well and need to use a softener, you may have more minerals naturally occurring in your water.

Understanding the Effects

Sediment buildup becomes a problem for your water heater when it appears in great quantities. This buildup may impact your heater in a variety of ways.

" Reduces amount of hot water available
" Clogs drain valve
" Reduces efficiency of appliance
" Creates strange noises

If you know you live in an area with high mineral content in the water, you may want to work with a cleaning service to help you take care of the appliance.

Understanding the Solution

While you cannot stop sediment from gathering in your heater, you can reduce the troubles it causes. Doing a regular water heater flush can help clean out the system. A flush simply drains the water and accompanying sediments from the heater so you can start over. In some more serious cases, you may need to have some repairs done before refilling the tank.

Because you rely on your water heater, you need to make sure to take care of it properly. Sand, minerals and other particles can build up in the tank and cause problems if not taken care of properly.

Quick Guide to Cleaning Mildew From Grout

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

If you detect a strong mildew odor or mold growth, call SERVPRO of Doral's professionals right away!

A Step-by-Step Guide To Getting Mildew Out Of Grout

Bathroom mildew can appear in your showers seemingly overnight. The dark-colored fungus thrives in the bathroom space because of the repeated humidity introduced by the shower. There is no easy solution to getting it out of your grout line. Chances are it's either going to take a lot of work on your part or on the part of a residential cleaning service. No matter how you look at it, removing this mildew will require three basic steps:

1. Applying a cleaning product
2. Scrubbing the affected area
3. Rinsing the cleaning product away

With the steps being so simple, what do you really need to know about cleaning mildew from shower grout?

Choose a Cleaner

Most mildew cleaning companies use products known to remove the dark-colored fungus from your bathroom crevices. However, some may let you pick the type of cleaner you want to use. You can either choose a natural product or commercial product. Some cleaners bought from the store have harsh chemicals, while others use mild detergents to rid your shower space of the unsightly growth. The cleaning method used on your grout line will depend on the cleaner chosen. For example, some natural options may have to soak overnight to really allow the ingredients to get to work on the mildew.

Manage Humidity

Once your bathroom mildew has been cleaned up, you likely want to stop its reappearance. However, this can be a difficult task. The first thing you have to do is manage a recurring humidity problem. You may need to install a new ceiling fan, take cooler showers or wipe down the shower surface after each use. Your cleaning service provider may be able to give you more tips on how to stop the growth of this particular mildew.

Seeing mold in your Doral, FL, house is never a fun thing. However, bathroom mildew is one of the most common types of mold problems people can have. Learning a proper cleaning and preventing technique may help you see less of this fungus.

What To Expect After Major Storm Flooding

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm causes residential damage in Virginia Gardens, FL.

What to Expect After a Flooding Storm

When you experience the devastation of a big storm in Virginia Gardens, FL, you need some guidance on what to expect in the cleanup process. It’s a huge undertaking to recover from water damage and bring your home back to pre-storm conditions, but experts bring you some peace of mind in their experience and thorough the tear-out and remediation procedures. Here is what you can expect during the restoration process:

1. Water extraction. Powerful pumps and vacuums may be used to remove standing water immediately. A quick response to water removal is key to prevent consequential damage of long-term exposure to flood water.

2. Tear out. Personal belongings and ruined building materials are removed. Mostly porous, absorbent materials will be in this category, like carpet padding, drywall or plaster,

3. Clean personal belonging

4. Dry completely. Air movers and additional venting may be used. Experts monitor moisture levels to ensure complete drying. Many materials may look or seem dry, but professionals rely on specialized instruments to make sure they are.

5. Repairs. Finally, when all other steps are complete, repairs can begin.

Start Right Away

The job seems impossible, but you need to start right away. The longer materials are exposed to flood water, the more damage is done. Initial storm damage may just be structural and messy, but water damage that is left too long is subject to damage from mold growth. Mold starts to grow colonies in as little as 48 hours, so timing is critical to prevent further damage.

Finding the Right Company

Finding the right company is key to managing this critical process. When looking for experts for your storm restoration, make sure you choose a company with experience responding to major disasters and floods. The right team will respond quickly, have professional and technical training, and will have access to resources like powerful pumps, air movers, and monitoring equipment. They will help you understand what materials they must tear out and what they can save. The right company will also be capable of managing all aspects of your cleanup from the beginning water extraction to the finishing repairs.

Keep Your Candles Without Causing a Fire

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Although candles are a bit of a fire hazard, you don’t necessarily have to stop using them.

Safety Tips When Using Candles In Your Home

Although you probably know candles are a potential fire hazard, you may not be willing to stop using them in your home. There is something therapeutic and genuinely enjoyable about lighting a candle and breathing in that amazing scent of choice. The good news is that there are ways to use these products without causing a candle fire in Miami, FL. Consider following these three steps in your home.

1. Don’t put your candle too close to the curtains. The worst decision to make when using candles of any size is to put them next to curtains in your home. Even if you think there is enough space between the two items, a quick draft of air could easily cause the flame to spread over to the curtain, causing a candle fire that could’ve been avoided.

2. Don’t sleep without blowing them out. Even if you’re only planning to take a nap, make sure you blow the candle out and cover it with a lid if it came with one. You could end up sleeping for much longer than you anticipated, and something could happen during that time that ultimately leads to a serious candle fire.

3. Keep your pets away from the candles. You may think you can trust your pets to steer clear from anything with a flame attached to it, but that isn’t always the case. A curious cat or dog could sneak over to the candle and end up knocking it over unintentionally. If that were to happen, you could end up dealing with the fire and smoke cleanup as well as the possibility of losing some of your valuable possessions.

Although candles are a bit of a fire hazard, you don’t necessarily have to stop using them. However, many people have made minor mistakes with candles in their homes that caused them to require the services of fire restoration experts. You can avoid those mistakes by following these important safety tips in Miami, FL.

Important Mitigation Steps To Avoid Mold After a Flood

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water led to mold damage in a Doral, FL building.

Mitigation Steps

Storm waters may put your commercial building in Doral, FL, at a higher risk of developing mold growth. This type of flooding usually comes from overrunning rivers, sewage backups and other unclean sources. This means the water could contain bacteria, spores and other contaminants that increase the chances of fungus growth. Your commercial storm remediation team can help you mitigate the damage done to your building to stop mold from setting up a colony on your property.

1. Remove Standing Water

Quickly draining any standing water from your space can help reduce the chances of mold spores finding a home. Water left for 24 to 48 hours will likely introduce mold spores to your property even if the flood started from a clean source. The sooner you start to drain the flood the better.

2. Start Drying Out the Space

Once the flood has been drained, you need to start sucking out excess moisture too. Getting a handle on high humidity levels can make the restoration process easier. You won't want to start making repairs until the building is completely dry. If you aren't able to properly dry out your rooms, you may end up with mold growth sometime in the future. Mold doesn't need floods to grow. It simply requires excess moisture in the air.

3. Add Protection

If your standing water was caused by a hole in the roof or a flooded basement, you need to try to stop this flood from happening again. Cover up any holes in your building to stop the weather elements from negatively affecting your building. You can use tarps and boards on the roof and walls to help you achieve this goal. Install a sump pump to keep water from building up in the lower levels of your property.

Starting the cleanup process soon after a flood can help you avoid the hassle of mold growth. Mitigation is a quick form of cleaning that addresses major problems, though restoration may be needed to help get your building back to its pre-flood status.

How To Keep Your Business Secure After a Fire

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Secure your building by boarding it up.

After a Fire, Here's How to Keep Your Business Safe

After a fire occurs in a business in Doral, FL business owners often focus on fire damage. Though it can be easy to overlook the security of your business, there are several ways you can protect your property after a fire.

1. Board-Up and Tarp Services
Before fire cleanup can begin, it's often best to first secure your building. Fires can cause damage to a building's roof, windows and doors, which can cause your business to have openings that could allow debris and water inside. Openings in your building could also make your property vulnerable to looting. By placing boards over broken windows or doors and putting a tarp over your damaged roof, you can improve the security of your building.

2. Ensure Another Fire Does Not Occur
After a fire affects your business, it's often wise to take steps to prevent another fire from occurring. Electrical hazards, damaged equipment or other issues could potentially cause another fire in your business. Once the fire is extinguished, turning off the electricity in your business can help to prevent another fire from starting. Additionally, fire damage mitigation and restoration experts can often help you to mitigate the damage and eliminate hazards, making another fire less likely to occur.

3. Install Cameras Near Your Business and Frequently Check Your Property
Since it's often not possible to use any items that require electricity in your business immediately after a fire, using an electronic security system may not be an option. However, there are other measurements you can take to ensure your business remains secure after a fire. In order to monitor your business from afar, you can install security cameras near your business while mitigation and restoration occur. It can also be wise to visit your building frequently in order to check that nothing is out of place.

When your business has sustained fire damage, your property may become vulnerable to further damage if it's not secure. Using board-up and tarp services, taking steps to prevent another fire, and installing cameras nearby and frequently checking your building are all useful ways to secure your business after a fire has occurred.

3 Things to Throw Away After a House Fire

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure to inspect your medicine cabinet after a house fire.

Items You Should Throw Away After A House Fire

House fires in West Miami,FL are devastating events, not only because of the damage to a home, but because of the valuable belongings contained inside. Fire restoration experts can bring much of your home and possessions back to pre-fire condition, but there are a few things that should almost always be thrown away, no matter what. Read on to learn more.

1. Food

One of the biggest concerns after a fire is food safety. Smoke, soot and firefighting chemicals can permeate many containers, and even heat alone can damage food.

Get rid of anything that is stored in an already opened container, as well as anything kept in plastic, cardboard or cloth packaging. In addition, toss any items in glass jars or metal cans that were exposed to high heat, which can support bacteria growth.

Perishable foods in a freezer or refrigerator might be salvageable, but it depends on how long they went without power. Food is usually safe is a properly sealed refrigerator for around four hours. Take a look inside of the refrigerator and closely assess the items. If the fridge smells smoky or contains soot, or the food has an odd smell, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Cosmetics and Medicine

Be sure to inspect your medicine cabinet after a house fire. If you see any soot, firefighting chemicals or heat damage, throw away the items. Damage includes any warping to the containers, which means they were exposed to high levels of heat.

3. Clothing

Clothing can be dry-cleaned if the only damage is soot or smoke, but if you notice any charring, toss it. This is especially important for children and babies.

House fires are devastating, but most items are replaceable. If you are not sure about what is salvageable and what you need to throw away, there are experts who can help you begin the fire damage cleanup process.

What To Do After a Flood in Your Home

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage insurance claims

What Do You Need To Clean Up After a Flood

Your Doral, FL, home has been affected by some type of water problem. Maybe a leaky faucet went unchecked for too long and caused water to pool in your walls. Maybe torrential rain left two feet of standing water in your basement. No matter what caused the water issues, you need to know how to address the problem. Most homeowners want to make an insurance claim to help alleviate the financial burden. Follow these steps if you're ever in this situation:

1. Call Your Provider: One of the first things you want to do after a pipe burst is call your insurance provider. This will allow you to start the claims process as soon as possible. The agent may also be able to go over the details of your coverage to help you better understand what your policy will do for you.

2. Document the Damage: Chances are you're going to have to start the repair before your claim is finished. You can easily document the amount of damage that was done to your home by the flood by taking pictures and keeping receipts of any work you have done. You may also need to fill out lots of paperwork. Remember to make copies of everything for yourself before you send in the documentation.

3. Start the Repairs: Part of your insurance claim is going to be getting your home restored. You may want to work with a water damage restoration professional trusted by your insurance company. Try to work with a team that can help you through the claims process to make the entire situation easier.

When your home is damaged by water, you want to start an insurance claim as quickly as possible. Even though some companies may take a while to get a claim filed, you should start the repairs as quickly as possible to ensure the damage done to your home does not get worse.

Where Mold Collects in Buildings

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold doesn't belong on your property.

Where Mold Collects in Buildings

There are lots of commercial buildings in Virginia Gardens, FL, and all over the country, and maintaining them presents a challenge to owners and managers alike. Inspecting a building for mold growth on a regular basis can head off the need for costly and time-consuming mold remediation. Professionals know the usual areas where mold can grow because it is a remarkably predictable organism with a few simple needs: darkness, moisture, nutrients and a surface on which to grow.

Prime Areas for Mold

Mold can grow in a wide range of temperatures and can thrive in the dark on dirt, dust, and even certain building materials.

• Paper that is subject to moisture, even in the form of high humidity, can harbor mold.
• Carpet, and the padding and floor underneath, can trap moisture from floods, leaks and spills.
• Ceiling tiles subject to excessive humidity or leaks can invite mold growth.
• Wallboard and the cavities between walls can offer optimal conditions for mold colonies.
• Masonry surfaces and grout are mold-friendly surfaces.
• Wood surfaces out of direct light offer nutrients for mold to digest.
  
  

Damp Areas That Invite Mold

Besides building materials, HVAC systems, including ductwork, offer many hard-to-see spots that can be a bonanza for a mold colony. Bathrooms in a commercial building are also susceptible due to ever-present water and inevitable leaks and spills. Since water heaters are often located in basements or closets, mold can gain traction in these locations as well. And lastly, even after a water damage event such as an obvious flood has been detected and cleaned up, a surprisingly small amount of dampness coupled with the kind of organic nutrients common in most buildings can produce a new challenge in the form of mold to be remediated.

While it is true that mold growth is not the end of the world in a commercial building, it can produce significant inconvenience. Knowing and monitoring common areas susceptible to mold can help prevent significant problems.

The Importance of Having a Fire Escape Plan

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure to have fire detectors in every room of your property.

What Is A Fire Escape Plan?

It's important to be prepared in case of an emergency. This is especially true regarding emergencies that can cause serious injury or death. House fires occur most often during the dinner hours, but they can happen anytime. Whether it's due to a malfunctioning kitchen appliance or a candle that was left unattended, fires can spread rapidly. For this reason, it's important to have a fire escape plan that everyone in the family is aware of.

Different Situations
Because a home fire can happen at any time day or night, you should have plans for different situations. This may include a plan for when the family is:

• Together in a main living area
• Doing different activities throughout the house
• Sleeping in the middle of the night
  
  

Not only do you need to make a plan, but you also need to rehearse so everyone is adequately prepared.

Smoke Alarms
In addition to fire preparation, make sure you have enough smoke detectors, and that they are functioning. You should have one in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test them monthly, and promptly replace the batteries if needed. Most smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years.

Making a Plan
When you make a fire escape plan, you should have at least two escape paths, as one may be inaccessible during a house fire. Write out your plan, and practice it regularly. Have some drills when your children are not expecting it, so you can see how they might respond when they are caught off guard. Have a safe meeting spot outside that everyone can meet up at. Make sure it isn't too close to the house. Keep the pathways to the exits of your home clear to ensure an easy escape route for everyone.

Having a fire escape plan is important for keeping your family safe in case of a fire emergency. If you are unfortunate enough to experience a home fire, let your fire restoration company help you with cleaning up the damage.

Disaster Preparedness for Your Business

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Contact a professional storm damage company to have your business back and safe as possible.

4 Steps To Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan

The weather in West Miami, FL, can change in a blink. While surprises can be fun for birthday parties or movie cameos, you don’t want to be caught off guard by severe weather at your commercial property. Here are four steps for creating a disaster preparedness plan.

1. Identify Risks
The first step in implementing an emergency plan is identifying what the most likely threats are to your business. While this can depend on geographical location to an extent, it is a good idea to have a plan in place for every kind of weather. Fires, floods and tornadoes can strike anywhere at any time.

2. Determine a Course of Action
Once you have identified the possible risks to your business, the next step in business preparedness is picking a course of action. This plan should be tailored to each type of emergency. For example, you should shelter in place for a tornado but evacuate quickly for a fire. Identify the safest areas in which to take shelter and plot escape routes for every room in the building. Do practice drills for both.

3. Keep Communication Lines Open
After a disaster event, regular communication such as cell phones may not be an option due to lack of signal or overloaded towers. It's always a good idea to have a backup system for checking in. This can mean including walkie-talkies in your emergency kit or establishing a meeting point as part of your disaster preparedness plan.

4. Plan Ahead for a Smoother Recovery
The aftermath of severe weather and similar events can be just as overwhelming as the disaster itself. To make your road to recovery smoother, keep up-to-date photos of your assets for insurance claims. Enlist the help of a professional storm damage restoration crew to have your business back and thriving as quickly and safely as possible.
Disaster preparedness is integral to the success of any business. Creating and practicing a contingency plan is the best way to protect your property, your assets and — most importantly — your workforce.

3 Tips for an Effective Office Fire Escape Plan

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Soot damage in Virginia Gardens, FL.

Help Prepare Your Office In The Event Of A Fire

Planning for an office fire in Virginia Gardens, FL may be overwhelming, but an effective fire escape plan is an essential part of maintaining a safe office environment. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 3,000 office fires occurred annually, on average, from 2007-2011. Staying abreast of prevention and mitigation techniques helps prepare your office in the event of a fire.

1. Regularly Check Fire Alarms and Sprinklers
One of the simplest ways to safeguard your office is to keep fire detection equipment up to date. Ensure that your office has the proper number of smoke detectors required in Virginia Gardens, FL, and test them monthly. If your office has a sprinkler system, regularly check this as well. The best fire escape plan is to avoid serious fires altogether.

2. Educate All Staff About Exits, Including Emergency Exits
All staff members should be familiar with the office’s emergency escape plan. Hold an orientation to carefully go over the plan and offer regular updates. Running fire drills twice a year is an effective tactic to protect your staff. If your office has doors, stairwells, or windows that will be usable in the event of a fire, make sure that all staff are knowledgeable about and ready to utilize these escape routes.

3. Be Ready for the Aftermath
It is best to be prepared for the aftermath before a fire ever occurs. After such a disaster, the first order of business is to ensure all personnel are safe and secure. If emergency services have not already been alerted, they should be contacted. It is also helpful to have the phone number for fire restoration services that can immediately assist with remediating flame, smoke, or water damage.
A well-designed fire escape plan is an essential requirement for a safe office environment. The more prepared you are, the better your business is able to deal with the consequences of a fire if one does occur.

The Top 3 Commercial Flood Preparation Tips

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flood cuts performed in Doral, FL.

Flood Preparation Tips

Owners or occupants of commercial buildings prone to flooding should take measures to prepare properties in Doral, FL. Planning ahead for flood damage can be beneficial, as it is more difficult to make good decisions when time is limited. Here are three of the most effective flood preparation tips.

1. Make a Flood Level Checklist
The critical utilities in a building should be installed above the Base Flood Elevation level. Any portable items used below this level should be listed and elevated above the level at which they are likely to be exposed to black water prior to flooding. Electric appliances used in office settings are likely to be ruined by exposure to any type of water, and grossly contaminated water can destroy many other types of contents.

2. Get Commercial Flood Insurance
Most commercial general property policies exclude flood damage. For this reason, commercial property owners may want to obtain a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. The NFIP General Property Form can insure building property up to $500,000 and personal property up to the same amount.

3. Consider Interruption Insurance
Neither a general commercial property or a NFIP Commercial policy will offset financial losses that result from the inability of a business to operate for days or weeks due to damage. Business owners can calculate ongoing expenses during a shutdown and take out an interruption insurance policy with a high enough limit to offset these losses during the typical time frame for storm damage restoration.
When flooding is expected to occur in Doral, FL, property owners or commercial tenants can use a checklist to remember to elevate delicate or important contents and take important safety measures. Maintaining business interruption or commercial flood insurance can also give a building or business owner more peace of mind in the event of a flood.

Can Smoke-Damaged Items Be Cleaned and Restored?

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage in Miami, FL.

One of the major things you have to deal with in the aftermath of a fire is restoration of your smoke-damaged items. Besides fire and water damage, smoke and soot affects not just the structure but the belongings of your home in Miami, FL. You may assume that impacted objects are irreparably damaged, but according to experts in fire damage assessment, there are a number of specialized types of content cleaning, including dry-cleaning that can bring impacted elements back to pre-damage conditions.
Consider a fire restoration process that not only accounts for water and fire cleanup but offers smoke and soot removal that can reduce costs associated with replacement.

Walking Through Fire Restoration

A complete fire restoration process is typically extensive and is best left in the hands of a professional restoration provider experienced in and equipped for remediation. The process generally involves multiple steps:

• Evaluate the degree of destruction due to fire, water and smoke or soot.
  
• Contain impacted areas and items to avoid further damage to other parts of your home.
  
• Remove water and dry impacted items and parts of the residence with special equipment.
  
• Clean items that are smoke-damaged with content cleaning methods.
  
• Employ best practices and item-specific cleanup approaches, such as dry-cleaning.
  
• Repair structural damage as necessary to restore your house and its contents.
  
  

Understanding the Professional Approach
Professional remediation and restoration services take a comprehensive look at repairing and removing all damage. The goal is to minimize the interruption to your living situation using every method available, including temporary content storage. Prioritizing repair over replacement is another objective to help save money.
Insurance companies generally prefer to work with a professional remediation provider when it comes to fire damage cleanup. They know that these providers are vetted and equipped to perform advanced techniques, including dry-cleaning, to bring your home back to a pre-fire condition as quickly as possible.

3 Pertinent Facts About Water Damage Every Homeowner Should Know

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a West Miami, FL residence.

Water Damage Facts

Whether it is the result of a home malfunction like a pipe burst or leaky water line or a natural disaster like flooding, anything involving a sudden vast influx of fluid into your lodgings has the potential to cause a great deal of trouble. Consulting a professional restoration company in West Miami, FL, is generally a good idea, depending on the extent of the harm. As you ponder whether or not you wish to, there are some important facts that you should know about water damage.

1. Insurance Doesn't Always Cover It
Homeowners insurance may not pay for any services or repairs needed if the issue is due to your negligence or normal wear and tear. Usually, it will take care of a pipe burst, other accidental occurrence or problem you could not reasonably have anticipated and kept from happening. This includes:

• Other plumbing issues
  
• Leaking roofs
  
• Toilet overflows
  
• Vandalism
  
  

In some instances, your policy may cover the consequences of the water, but not the reason it is saturating your home. For example, your provider probably won't shell out to fix the holes in your roof. It may, however, do so for the cleanup of the liquid that has soaked into your floors. Flooding normally falls under a separate kind of indemnity.

2. Mold Growth Is a Possibility
It is vital to remove as much moisture as possible from impacted areas as soon as you can. It takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for mold colonies to begin growing on damp spots. Taking fast action to dry saturated items and rooms can help ward this off.

3. There Exist Preventative Measures
While there is no precaution that can guarantee a water-related incident will not happen, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chances of one transpiring. Cleaning out gutters and downspouts regularly can stave off clogs leading to overflow. Maintaining your pipes and any appliances connected to your water supply can head off a lot of potential complications as well.
A pipe burst or other water problem can be difficult to handle. In many cases, contacting a professional may be the best move.

The 4 Components of a Damage Assessment

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water restoration services in Virginia Gardens, FL.

The 4 Components of a Damage Assessment

If your business in Virginia Gardens, FL, suffers water damage, seek a capable cleanup and restoration company to get your property back in shape. During the initial inspection, known as pretesting, the company associate assesses the damage done to the property to determine what can be restored. This reduces the cost of your insurance claim by preventing the unnecessary replacement of repairable damage. You should expect the assessment to consist of these four steps.

1. Inspection of Damage
The associate assesses how much damage the water has caused, inspecting the affected areas to determine whether restoration or replacement will be needed. Additionally, the professional will check for any dangers in the area, such as lead, asbestos and unsafe electrical outlets.

2. Addressing Ongoing Leaks
If there is still water leaking on the property, it is necessary to identify the source and stop its flow. The associate should check for any sources of contamination of the water as well.

3. Testing the Water
Pretesting involves classifying the water contamination into one of three categories:

1. White Water – Water with no substantial contaminants
   
2. Gray Water – Water containing microorganisms, as found in septic water
   
3. Black Water – Water containing dangerous bacteria or fungi
   
   

If the water is coming from an overflowing sink or broken supply line, it is most likely to be white water. Gray and black water can be the result of contamination from standing water, sea and river water, or sewage.

4. Preparing the Area for Water Removal
Before moving forward in the restoration process, the area needs to be cleared of any furniture or carpets in the way and subject to water damage.
Once the pretesting has been done, your property is ready for the next steps of restoration. It’s a good idea to discuss the process with your insurance agent so that you can be prepared in the unfortunate event of water damage.

How To Contain Mold Spores During Cleanup

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold containment in a Miami, FL building

Ways That Mold Can Be Contained

Despite your efforts to keep it at bay, you've discovered mold growing at your business in Miami, FL. In the best interest of your staff, building, and clients, you've hired a professional mold remediation specialist to handle the mold cleanup. You're wondering: is it safe to continue running my business as usual while cleaning happens, or do I need to come up with a different plan? During cleanup, professionals will use containment strategies to prevent the spread of mold. However, the impact to your business practices will depend on the size of the containment area. 

Limited Containment

For smaller areas of mold contamination, a single layer of plastic sheeting will be hung to contain the mold spores that will be released into the air during cleanup. The sheeting is attached to the floor and ceiling with duct tape, or a metal frame may be used for larger spaces. The area is kept under negative pressure, which prevents the spread of spores to non-contaminated areas of the building. If the mold is not in your main work area, it is possible that you can continue to run your business. Always follow the direction of the remediation specialist when determining your business plan.

Full Containment

In a larger area, in situations where there is massive mold growth, or in spaces that are harder to contain, a double layer of plastic sheeting will be erected, and airlock chambers will be utilized for entrance to and exit from the mold cleanup area. In both limited and full containment projects, all air vents, fans, doors, and stairs will be sealed off to further protect the building's occupants.

General Prevention

Your mold remediation team will wear personal protective equipment that they will keep in a contained area in order further prevent the spread of mold spores to the rest of the building.
Proper mold cleanup can be an involved process, so deciding how to run your business while cleaning occurs is a decision that you should make under the advisement of a remediation professional.

What To Do When a Pipe Bursts

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

More water damages are caused by broken pipes.

Bursting pipes aren't always located out in the open; sometimes, they are situated behind the walls where they are out of sight and hard to recognize. Within minutes, your commercial property could experience a lot of damage because of a broken or leaking pipe behind the walls. Sadly, broken pipes are some of the most common causes of water damage in Doral, FL, and in many of these cases, a burst or leaking pipe could go unnoticed until serious damage has occurred.

Take Quick Action

As soon as you notice that your property has suffered water damage in Doral, FL, you should take some quick steps to prevent further damage:

• Turn off the water at the water main.
  
• Open one or more faucets to decrease the water pressure in the pipes.
  
• Remove water as quickly and thoroughly as you can.
  
• Contact professionals to fix the broken pipe and provide further cleanup and repair services.
  
  

Your quick actions could mean the difference between containing the damage and experiencing extensive, widespread trouble.

Recognize the Potential for Trouble
There are many pipes throughout your property that could cause a lot of damage. Bursting pipes often happen when plumbing and other systems are installed along the exterior of the home without enough insulation to protect them from freezing. Aging pipes can develop leaks or cracks if they are exposed to pests or unusual amounts of water pressure. If the original installation of the pipes wasn't handled correctly, slow leaks could cause damage for a long time before you notice them.

Get Help Quickly
Once any damage has happened, it's important to contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals to correct the situation. In addition to putting your business back into a safe working condition, the technicians may also help you recognize other areas of weakness and concern. It's definitely better to avoid damage altogether when it's possible to take preventative action.
You may not always recognize water damage when it first occurs, but when you do notice the damage, take quick action. It doesn't take long for bursting pipes and running water to cause a lot of harm.

The Effects of Lightning Strikes on Homes

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Lightning strike in Doral, FL area

There are many causes of home fires, both natural and man-made. A lightning fire is one of the most destructive and deadly you could encounter in Doral, FL. As a homeowner, it’s helpful to be aware of how these occur, what you can do to prevent them and what the effects can be on the structure and your own safety.

How and When They Occur

Unlike other types of fires that could start in your home, it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict when a lightning strike will hit a structure. However, there are certain conditions and situations where there is a greater likelihood for a house fire due to this weather phenomenon:

• Strikes occur frequently during the summer months
• Strikes occur mostly in the late afternoon or evening
• Strikes vary depending on regions
• Weather patterns affect where and when strikes occur
  
  

Damage

A lightning fire can often be more devastating than other types of fires. In many cases, these blazes result in fatalities and widespread damage. Fires from strikes can result in structural losses, electrical failure and loss of other property and belongings. The results can be sudden although some of these fires may start small and gradually increase in strength.

Safety Measures

During an electrical storm, you should turn off all electronics, including televisions, stereos and phones. Do not bathe or do dishes when there is lightning nearby. You should stay away from windows but remain inside during these situations. The only time you should leave your home during such a storm would be if your house caught on fire. Otherwise, remain indoors until 30 minutes have passed since the last flash.
If lightning does hit your dwelling and cause a fire, evacuate and get to a low place outside. Call 911 and do not try to reenter the house. After crews extinguish the lightning fire, get in touch with a professional fire restoration team to clean up and rebuild your home.

Why Protecting Your Roof Is So Important

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Roof mitigation services in West Miami, FL

Your roof system offers vital protection to your home in West Miami, FL, whenever a storm sweeps into your neighborhood. It can work perfectly for many years, even a decade or two, but eventually, the roofing materials will begin to wear out. This is the moment when a roof repair can save you time and money. If you miss this opportunity, the time may come when a powerful storm breaches the protective layers of your roof, allowing water to stream into your attic. Once this happens to you, you will likely spend more time appreciating the importance of having a quality roof over your head.

Watching for Roof Damage

If your roof is old, it is important to inspect its condition once or twice a year, or more often if your locality has experienced any recent storms. A few telltale signs can alert you to the imminent need for a roof repair:

• Ripped or torn shingles
  
• Discolored marks on the roof
  
• Displaced flashing materials
  
• Crumbled masonry around chimneys
  
• Covered shingles from moss growth
  
  

While there are many obvious signs of roof wear, others are more subtle. A trusted roofing contractor can perform an annual inspection and spot signs of storm or wind damage that you might miss. This is your first line of defense against major water damage to your home.

Hiring Restoration Services
If water does come streaming into your home, you will definitely want to minimize your damage. One of your first steps is to call a storm mitigation company. A crew of experienced technicians will arrive at your home and take quick action to stop the influx of water. They will work on a roof repair to prevent any additional damage. The next step will be to work on removing the water. Then they will dry out materials such as attic insulation and anything else impacted by the storm.

What Should You Do if Your Basement Floods?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

A basement flood is a serious event

What Should You Do if Your Basement Floods?

A basement flood is a serious event for homeowners in Virginia Gardens, FL. Depending on the severity, it can cause damage to many parts of a house:

• Walls
• Flooring
• Foundation undermining
• Personal items

Reacting quickly to the flood is essential to save money and facilitate restoration. Here’s how to deal with this disaster.

What Should You Do First?
Is the basement flood a result of widespread flooding, or is it localized to your immediate area? A major flood disaster means water is likely to keep coming in until the areal flood dissipates.
If your home is flooded with water surrounding your home, you must consider it contaminated. It may have a fecal matter or other substances in it. Don’t try to remove this blackwater yourself! Call a local professional water damage restoration company to react as quickly as possible.
If the water is from a broken supply pipe, it can be considered clean. You need to immediately turn off the water in this case. Locate the shut-off valve nearest to the leak. If you don’t know where that is, shut off water to your entire house right away. That gives you time to either locate a closer shut-off point or call a professional.

What About Insurance Coverage?
What is covered is usually dependent on the cause of the damage. Virtually no homeowner’s insurance policies cover a flood. You need a special policy offered by the nonprofit National Flood Insurance Program to receive any help from insurance.
However, a broken pipe or sewer line usually is covered, as long as you react within a reasonable time. If you’re away on vacation and come home to a broken pipe, that should still normally be covered, as you had no way to know about the problem. That being said, if you ignore an ongoing leak, your insurance company can deny your coverage.
Act quickly in the case of water in your home. If the basement flood is found right away and the accumulated water immediately removed, the damage can be negligible.

How Does a Fire Damage Service Clean Smoke Odors at Your Business?

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

A thermal fogger absorbs the odor-causing molecules and removes the smoke odor for good

How Does a Fire Damage Service Clean Smoke Odors at Your Business?

After a fire at your Virginia Gardens, FL business, you may not know where to turn for help. Fire damage comes in many forms, including smoke odors that can be difficult to erase. Calling in a professional smoke cleaning service can provide you with a variety of ways to clear the air in the aftermath of a business fire.

Air Purifiers
Fires often leave a smoky odor behind that can be quite powerful. Even smaller fires can cause these lingering odors, which are often bitter and unpleasant. Your fire mitigation service may use air purification systems to clean the air itself. This is usually more effective than other tactics, including:

• Ceiling fans
  
• Air fresheners
  
• Plug-in scent systems
  
  

Professional-grade air purifiers remove odor-causing molecules from the air and leave it odor-free, something your employees and customers are likely to appreciate.

Thermal Foggers
Smoke damage is often difficult to remedy because of the way the smells tend to remain long after the fire is put out. This happens because these smells get into places that air fresheners and other scented products cannot reach. Thermal foggers can be useful in this instance because of the thickness of the cleansing fog. Once released into a room, the fog absorbs the odor-causing molecules and removes the smoke odor for good.

Ozone Machines
Your fire damage and restoration service may use ozone machines for smoke cleaning, as these devices add extra oxygen to the air and oxidize the smoke molecules that cause unpleasant odors left behind after a fire. Your technicians will likely explain the process and give you additional details about this process, such as how long it might and if you need to empty the building before they can start the process.
Recovering from a fire at your Virginia Gardens, FL business can be a difficult process, especially when it comes to smoke cleaning. Working with a company experienced in the use of air cleaning systems may help you get back on your feet faster.

4 Tips for Maintaining the Pipes in Your Rental Unit

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Plumbing issues in a Miami, FL home

Save Your Units From Water Damage

Plumbing is something you should be familiar with if you own properties for rent. The key is to maintain them. Whether it is tenants who decide to flush diapers down the toilet or those polybutylene pipes you wish weren't in that one home, the best thing you can do for your rental home is to give your plumbing proper maintenance. Make sure you know what basic things you should be doing and how to tell when it is time to call a professional remediation company.

1. Have a Plumbing Lease Clause
The first key to ensuring your plumbing's safety is to have a plumbing lease clause. This limits your responsibility for plumbing maintenance in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to only tasks beyond your tenant's control, such as replacing polybutylene pipes. The basic maintenance your tenants should perform includes limiting what they put in their garbage disposal, cleaning the laundry filters regularly, removing hair from sink and shower drains, and refraining from flushing anything extra down the toilet.

2. Provide a Plunger
To encourage your tenants to solve any plumbing issues themselves, you should give them plungers. There are two types you should supply them with. A dome plunger is for kitchen tasks; a bell plunger is for bathroom issues. It is important to give them two plungers for hygiene and ease of use.

3. Provide a Snake
When a plunger isn't working, a snake often can. Sink snakes are necessary for any unit. They are great for removing clogs of hair and can also be used for clogs in showers.

4. Call a Professional
No matter how good your tenants are about maintenance, fragile polybutylene pipes could still be in danger of bursting. When this happens, there is only so much you can do. Any major problems to the plumbing in your unit in Miami, FL, should be handled by a professional plumber.
There are several steps you can take to save your units from water damage due to plumbing issues. Encouraging your tenants to perform their own maintenance and providing support when needed helps everyone.

How to Keep Your Dryer Safe and Clean

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

You need to clean the lint trap after every use to prevent a dryer fire

How to Keep Your Dryer Safe and Clean

If you have a dryer, you probably already know that you have to regularly clean the lint trap and the vent. What you might not know is why. If you don't keep them clean, you might wind up with a lint fire. Fortunately, routine maintenance can prevent this from happening.

The Lint Trap
You need to clean the lint trap after every use to prevent a dryer fire. You also need to know the warning signs that something is wrong with your dryer. They are:

• Your clothes take too long to dry
  
• Your clothes are very hot coming out
  
• The outside of the dryer heats up unreasonably
  
• You smell a burnt smell
  
• The vent does not push air out properly
  
  

All of these are serious warning signs that there is something very wrong, and you should check for lint build-up on the screen.

The Dryer Housing and Space
The dryer housing and space where the dryer sits need to be clean as well. Cleaning behind, around and under your dryer is also very important. Lint can build up in these areas, causing a lint fire. It is better to clean the dryer than risk a fire and fire cleanup.
In the event of a fire, you will need to hire a professional cleaning company in Doral, FL. A fire started by lint spreads quickly and burns hot. It is better to prevent the fire by cleaning up the lint before there is a problem.

Clean the Dryer Vent
Several times per year, you will need to snake out the dryer vent. Lint can easily get trapped inside, and a clogged dryer vent can easily cause a fire. You can do this by either reaching into the vent if your vent is short or hiring a company to come out and clean it for you.
A lint fire is very dangerous but easily preventable with routine cleaning and maintenance. You should clean lint out often and check your vents several times a year to keep a fire from starting.

3 Helpful Facts About Mold Removal

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Mold removal, or remediation, is best performed by professionals

There Are Some Facts You Should Understand First

Mold is a plague to many business owners, taking advantage of any moisture to expand. Few building materials are immune to its spread. Mold growth may take place on paint, wood, dust, drywall, insulation, fabric, carpet, wallpaper and more. Though not immediately or immensely destructive, the fungus may degrade parts of your commercial property. There is the potential for collapsed ceilings and walls and caved-in floors if it is left to its own devices for a prolonged period of time.
Mold removal by a professional cleanup and restoration company in Miami, FL, is a solution to these issues. However, there are some facts you should understand about it first.

1. Completely Removing Mold Is Impossible
Mold is ubiquitous. Every building has some trace of it, even if there is no visible evidence of its presence. Because mold spores are always in the air inside and outside, it is impossible to eradicate fully. Only mold growth can be removed through deep cleaning, making mold remediation a more accurate term.

2. There Are Steps You Can Take To Keep Mold From Coming Back
After mold removal, there are things you can do to keep the population of black mold and other funguses down:

• Have leaks repaired as soon as possible
• Clean up moisture quickly
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to lower humidity
• Ventilate rooms by opening windows and doors

3. The Amount of Time and Money Removal Costs Varies
How much you will have to shell out and how much time the process will take are dependent on the extent and location of the infestation, as well as the material it is attached to. Larger patches of growth naturally come with longer cleanup times and higher prices. Some areas, like inside air conditioners, require special treatment, also correlating to a rise in costs. In general, the procedure takes from one to seven days.
Mold removal, or remediation, is best performed by professionals as soon as the contamination is discovered. The longer you leave it alone, the longer it can take to handle it.

How To Prevent Flooding in Your Commercial Building

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded building in Miami, FL

A flood can have a devastating impact on your Miami, FL, business. One major storm can carry away your entire building. Even if the water just rises a foot, properties can sustain severe damage. That is why you need to implement flood prevention strategies.

What Are Floods?

Floods do not just occur inside buildings. An entire community or city can suffer flood damage when submerged by water. There are several different causes of floods:

• Hurricanes
  
• Ice or snowmelt
  
• Dam breaking
  
• Rain
  
• River overflow
  
  

How Can You Prevent Floods?
Floods are weather events that humans cannot stop. However, people do take steps to limit the impact of the floods.
If you are worried about rising water affecting your property, see if you can get a retention pond or reservoir constructed that will hold excess water during a flood. You can also ask your local government about building a flood prevention gate or sea wall near the coastline.
Before you construct a new building on your commercial property, you should also talk to your town representatives. They will make sure the property does not block any drainage systems.
Indeed, clogged drains and heavy rains are a dangerous combination. Your employees must keep any nearby drainage systems free of debris or litter.
Finally, you can add some color to the premises and protect it from flooding by planting some grass, trees or shrubs. Vegetation can help reduce the power of the flowing water during the flood.
Even if you put all of these flood prevention measures in place, your building could still sustain damage during a storm. That is why you should prepare for the worst-case scenario. Have an emergency action/evacuation plan in place before the rain comes.
You should store the phone numbers for your insurance provider and your local flood cleaning company in an easy-to-access location, as well. The insurer can work with the restoration professionals to repair any damage to the property.

How Can Insurance Help After a Business Fire?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

It is so important to have business insurance that protects you in the event of a fire.

Importance Of Having Business Insurance

A fire at your business can be devastating. Not only is your inventory, office, and equipment destroyed, it takes a while to recover after a business fire. You have to hire a fire cleaning company at the very least and, at most, rebuild your location, which takes time. You may not be able to reopen right away, which costs money. This is why it is so important to have business insurance that protects you in the event of a fire.

It Covers Costs While You Rebuild
Your insurance policy should have business interruption insurance. Check with your carrier but most business interruption insurance covers:

• Lost wages
  
• Lost income
  
• Rent or lease payments while your business is not operating
  
• Utility and other payments
  
• Vendor payments
  
  

This insurance is not only for fires. It can cover storm damage, pandemics, or any other disaster that interrupts your regular business operation. Not all policies have this insurance. If yours does not, be sure to add it.

It Covers Cleanup
Cleaning up after a business fire is extremely difficult. Not only does the fire damage your building and equipment, but firefighters also use water to put out the fire and have to open doors, walls, and sometimes break windows to help fight the fire. The damage, even with a small fire, could be extreme. Fortunately, fire insurance usually covers the cost of a fire restoration company in West Miami, FL.

It Covers Inventory and Equipment
Most business fire insurance also covers your inventory and equipment. It gives you money to replace the inventory and equipment lost in the fire and the stuff that was lost when the fire department put out the fire. When you go to begin replacing things, check with your insurance agent to make sure that they are covered.
Check your policy to make sure that you have business interruption, cleanup, and fire insurance. These three types can make a business fire a lot less devastating.

How to Fix a Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

A continuously flushing toilet can drive your water bill up

Many toilets in commercial buildings are controlled by a device known as a flushometer. While these devices usually work quite well, they are still prone to malfunctioning. This can cause toilets to engage in a never-ending flush cycle, ultimately driving up your water bill and resulting in damage from toilet overflow. If your building in West Miami, FL, is suffering from this affliction, consult the following guide.

Step-by-Step Toilet Repair Guide

Repairing a toilet is a relatively simple process, even if you have very little plumbing experience. Follow this guide to stop a toilet flood:

• Use a flat screwdriver to shut off the water. There should be a slot on either side of the flushometer, depending on which direction it's facing.
  
• Use a wrench to loosen the flushometer's top lid. After this, you should be able to unscrew the lid using your hands.
  
• Carefully remove the flange cover to expose the gasket. You may experience some water spray while performing this step.
  
• Remove the gasket and clean out any built up sediment. It's a good idea to thoroughly rinse the gasket as well. Use a small, thin object to clean out the weep hole as well.
  
• Replace the gasket after you finish cleaning it and reverse steps 1 through 4 to reassemble the flushometer.
  
  

If the above steps do not resolve your toilet overflow problem, you may have to replace the gasket completely. If your toilet still isn't working properly, you may have to contact professional plumbers to assist you with the issue.
A continuously flushing toilet can drive your water bill up, as well as annoy your employees and drive customers away. It's imperative that you resolve any toilet overflow issues as soon as possible so that you can resume business as usual. If your commercial bathroom has suffered any type of water damage as a result of the toilet flood, you need to contact flood remediation experts to help resolve the problem.

How To Obtain Government Flood Assistance

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Money from FEMA is only given if you reside within a federally confirmed flood plane

If flooding compromises your home and you are unable to pay for repairs, you may be able to obtain federal assistance in place of private flood insurance. Homeowners who lack conventional coverage can take advantage of two unique government-backed options.

Flood Facts

Those harboring doubts concerning the risk floods present should consider the following realities:

• Out of all natural disasters, floods are the most common and costly.
  
• Approximately only 15% of homeowners own flood policies.
  
• Nearly half of all homeowners incorrectly believe their homeowner’s insurance covers flooding.
  
  

The fact remains that floods present great peril, both to people’s safety and their bank accounts. Before a storm strikes Virginia Gardens, FL, and triggers damage that requires the expertise of a water restoration specialist, become familiar with the following financial flood protection avenues.

Flood Relief
Your first flood insurance option is a loan provided by the Small Business Administration. The second is a disaster grant endorsed by FEMA.
SBA disaster loan repayment terms can extend for up to 30 years. Individuals unable to obtain cash elsewhere face a maximum interest rate of 4%. For those who do possess the ability to acquire outside backing, it rises to 8%. Around half of all applicants receive approval, with low credit scores being the explanation for most rejections.
Money from FEMA is only given if you reside within a federally confirmed flood plane. Unlike with the above, these funds do not need to be repaid if you lack coverage. The limit is $33,000, although the average payout amounts to $5,000. Those with insurance can even access this funding to help with expenses excluded by their policy.
Both selections present eligibility requirements. For instance, you may be required to prove that the area in which you reside has been declared a federal disaster zone.
It is highly recommended that you obtain private flood insurance if you live inside a vulnerable territory. However, know that alternatives exist even under circumstances where you lack a traditional monetary safeguard.

The 4 Main Principles of Mold Containment

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning mold in a Miami, FL home

Four Ways To Keep Mold In Check

Mold exists nearly everywhere. It can be found in the air, in the ground and in homes and other structures. In most situations, it is not a problem, but mold contamination sometimes visits residential properties and expands into troublesome colonies. When this happens, the fungus can create problems such as unhealthy air quality, unsightly markings and harmful impacts on walls and ceilings.
A local mold remediation franchise in Miami, FL, tackles the problem with a variety of methods. Mold containment prevents the spread of microscopic mold spores. Here are four main ways technicians keep mold in check.

1. Water Prevention. Moisture is often what allows mold to grow into harmful colonies. A team of professionals often looks for a water source such as a leaky roof, a plumbing leak or a dripping water line. The first step to controlling mold contamination is to eliminate the source of excess water in a home.

2. Physical Confinement. Certified technicians often put up barriers to keep the mold in one part of the home. This allows for more efficient cleanup. It is easier to capture the mold particles when they are in a confined space such as a bathroom or attic.

3. Advanced Containment. Professionals often utilize negative air chambers and other techniques to segregate the mold and stop it from circulating and expanding from one room to another. Negative air pressure and switching off heating and cooling systems and fans also limit mold proliferation.

4. Filtration Methods. Remediation teams use specially designed devices such as air scrubbers and vacuums with HEPA filters to minimize the spread of mold while the cleanup process is underway. The lightweight mold spores can easily drift on the slightest breeze and move through a home during the cleanup process if proper air filtration measures are not employed.
Mold contamination cleanup requires specialized skills and equipment. A trained team can bring troublesome levels of mold growth down to acceptable levels in a matter of days.

Can My Carpet Be Saved?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water damaged carpet in Doral, FL

Water Damaged Carpeting?

Water is the enemy of your prized carpet — period. It can quickly cause mildew and mold, often within just a few days. It can also be dangerous in today's high-tech homes where wiring or HVAC systems are installed under raised floors. When it comes to water restoration, the faster you dry out the damaged floor covering, the better.
The critical question is the water source. Is it "clean" water from a pipe break or bathtub? Or is it water from a backed-up toilet or sewer system? If sewage has contaminated your carpeting, immediately contact water cleanup experts who have the training, equipment, and techniques to safely restore it if possible. Otherwise, here are a few tips to reclaim water-damaged carpeting. Most equipment you need can easily be rented in Doral, FL. Just remember, time is of the essence.

1. Dry It Out ASAP
To lessen the chance of mold, use fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry vacuums to make sure the rug is thoroughly dried. Take all furniture or other items off the floor covering. Dye from the furniture can soak into the carpeting, or water from the carpet can damage your furniture. Remove and dispose of wet padding.

2. Clean the Carpeting
To ensure sanitization after a pipe break or overflow incident, shampoo or steam clean the rug, either by doing it yourself or calling in a cleaning service that specializes in floor coverings.

3. Stay Off Until Dry
Make sure no one, including animals, walks on the carpeting while you're drying and cleaning it. It could cause the carpet's adhesive backing to separate from the fibers.

4. Still Not Confident?
To verify that your carpeting is properly cleaned, dried, and mold-free, set up an inspection visit by a professional water damage restoration service.
A pipe break or other water emergency need not be a rug-ruining event. By taking quick action, your prized carpet can be saved.

What To Do Before Turning Sprinklers On

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Don't risk breaking a water line or flooding your lawn.

Irrigation Maintenance Steps

Once the last freeze of winter has thawed, the sprinkler system on your commercial property in Doral, Florida needs to be readied for spring. If you turn the sprinklers on without making sure they're ready, you risk breaking your water lines or flooding your lawn. Here are a few irrigation maintenance steps to check off your list before you run the sprinklers for the first time.

Inspect Sprinkler Heads
One busted sprinkler head can cause major water issues. Take the time to inspect them properly by completing the following tasks:

• Clean each nozzle with a toothbrush.
• Check each head for damage.
• Make sure every valve except the on farthest from the source is closed.
  
  

Sprinkler flooding is easy to avoid; it just takes time. By checking each sprinkler head, you can be confident that they will work once the system is turned on.

Switch on Control Panel
You won't know if your irrigation maintenance plan is successful until you test it by turning on the control panel. After cleaning it off and making sure the backup battery is new, switch it on so that you can set the correct date and time.

Open the Main Valve
Once the control panel is activated, you can open the water valve. Start slowly so that if anything is wrong, you won't have a big mess on your hands that only water remediation specialists can fix. Allow the water to flow into each branch and slowly open the valve more until it is fully functional.

Check Zones
You should be able to control which zones get water at which time intervals through your control panel. Alternate zones so that you can see that the system is actually doing what you are telling it to do.
Once you have completed this checklist, you are ready to set your automatic watering times. Performing regular irrigation maintenance throughout the season helps you make sure that it is continuing to work as it should.

3 Things You Must Have To Protect Your Family From a House Fire

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

You should always have a fire escape plan

A Successful Fire Escape Is Your First Priority

Fires can start unpredictably and spread quickly. Often, fires are the result of neglected appliances or outdoor conditions that are unknown to the occupants of a building. This is why you and your family should always have a fire escape plan and appropriate safety devices.

1. A Detailed Escape Plan
Because a home fire can create smoke and heat that removes potential avenues of escape for inhabitants, it is essential that you discuss primary and alternative exits with every member of your family. If there are infants, older adults or small children in your family, assign the responsibility of ensuring their safety to an able-bodied person and one additional backup person. You should have your family practice an escape plan with regular fire drills, which will give you a chance to modify elements of the plan that are not working.

2. Working Smoke Detectors
Perhaps the most critical element of home fire preparation is the ability to detect a fire while it is in its early stages. Every room in your house should have a working smoke detector. Because detectors occasionally run out of batteries or fail outright, it is important that you check them on a rigid schedule.

3. Ladders and Other Escape Devices
While most modern homes are designed with fire escape in mind, buildings with multiple stories can be more difficult to exit than others. During a fire, descending a staircase is not always a viable means of escape. Ladders and ramps allow occupants of upper floors to escape without endangering themselves.
If you have had a fire in West Miami, FL, a successful fire escape is your first priority. You will, however, want to restore your property to the best of your ability once all of the smoke has cleared. As soon as possible, you should contact a knowledgeable fire restoration professional who can bring your home back to working order.

Avoid Water Damage During Construction

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid water damage during construction

Building an addition or an entirely new building for your Doral, FL, business is an exciting time. It also means ensuring that water damage doesn’t happen during the construction process. While most trusted builders mitigate against water issues, it is important to communicate and know they have done so prior to, during, and after construction to avoid having to instantly complete a water pipe repair, correct improper drainage or require the need of a water restoration specialist.

How Damage Happens

Whether it’s Mother Nature, the sewer line or plumbing system, the potential for water loss exists before and after a building is constructed. During the discussion with the builder regarding mitigation, ensure that the following common causes for damage are ready to be addressed.

Material Storage – Some materials aren’t affected by rain, such as concrete, but others could result in major issues down the road, such as drywall. Ensure that materials not resistant to water will be properly stored and protected until needed.
Openings – Ensure doors and windows will be secured and waterproofed, as well as any roof openings. This should include elevator shafts, stairwells, tower-crane openings and mechanical openings.
Drainage – No matter the type of structure, water needs to drain away from it.
Foundation – This vital and integral structure holds everything up. Any cracks, fissures or improper seals will mean potentially costly issues down the road.
Plumbing – When the system is installed, ensure a certified plumber is doing the work. An undetected broken pipe will quickly lead to extensive problems.

Proper Testing
As each element is constructed, testing should be a top priority. Instead of having to deal with a flooded area after the fact, checking that everything was done right in the first place can relieve many headaches down the road. From verifying proper installation of the roof to checking plumbing fixtures for proper connections, every step needs checked to ensure your building will run like it should when done.
Instead of having to deal with a water pipe repair from the get-go, communicate a waterproofing plan during construction, and ensure every system or structural element is tested.

Maintaining the Roof on Your Commercial Building

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial roof inspection in Virginia Gardens, FL

Tips On Extending The Life Of Your Commercial Roof

Because severe weather can strike at any time in Virginia Gardens, FL, your roof is continually prone to damage caused by high winds and torrential rains. Maintaining the roof of your commercial building can lessen the severity of potential roof damage. Follow these tips on extending the life of your commercial roof.

Preventative Maintenance
Your roof should be inspected at least a couple of times a year. Whether the inspector is you or a maintenance crew, a thorough visual inspection can catch any potential problem areas before they become severe.

Keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Broken or cracked shingles or tiles
• Clogged drainage systems
• Peeling edges
• Flashing that needs to be replaced or repaired
• Overhanging branches from surrounding trees
  

Roof damage caused by wind can include lost roofing material and fallen trees. Making sure your roof is clear and maintained is your best line of defense when high winds occur.

Repairing Your Roof
If you find damage to your roof, don't delay in getting it repaired. Moisture seeping in can cause further damage to the structure of your building.
A good investment is waterproofing your roof. There are numerous products that can seal your roofing materials to prevent damage caused by rain and high winds. These products can also stop cracking caused by the sun.
If you experience massive roof damage during a storm, make sure the building remains unoccupied and call your insurance company and storm restoration specialists to assess the damage and perform any cleanup that is necessary. They can also inform you if a complete roof rebuild will be necessary to maintain the safety of your property.
By familiarizing yourself with your roof and your building's surroundings, you'll be able to spot signs of potential hazards of wind damage sooner. You'll also feel secure in the knowledge that your roof can withstand severe weather. Regular roof maintenance not only protects the occupants of your building, but it also protects your investment.

5 Steps To Take if Your Plumbing Backs Up

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

It may be best to temporarily shut off water to the house to prevent flooding

The Following Steps Can Help You Limit The Damage

A sewer backup can cause many problems for your West Miami, FL, home. If the water backs up too much into your bathtubs, sinks, or toilets, it can start to overflow. If this happens, the following steps can help you limit the damage.

1. Turn Off the Water
If there is any water in use in the house, it might be contributing to the overflow. Turn off any appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines. In some cases, it may be best to temporarily shut off water to the house to prevent flooding.

2. Relocate Items From the Area
In order to keep them from becoming too damaged, you should remove any items that you can from the area. Move belongings to a dry location and set aside anything that has already been affected as they may be able to be salvaged.

3. Remove Excess Water
When it is left to sit, water can cause a number of different problems. It can weaken building materials and cause wood to warp. It can often cause mold to grow as well. For this reason, water should be removed as quickly as possible.

4. Clean and Sanitize
The water involved in a sewer backup is often category 3 or black water. This means that it carries a large number of bacteria and contaminants. Anything that comes into contact with this water will need to be thoroughly cleaned. If this is not possible, it will need to be replaced.

5. Address the Underlying Issue
If you don’t figure out the cause, you might continue to have a sink, toilet, or bathtub backup. In some cases, this can be as simple as a clogged pipe. In others, there may be more significant damage to the plumbing system. It is often best to hire a professional to determine the problem.
Because the problem can be difficult to fix on your own and the water is often unsafe to handle without the proper gear, you should have a professional cleanup and restoration company take care of a sewer backup. They can locate the source of the problem and return your home to its previous condition.

Personal Protection Basics for Mold Remediation

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remedaition in Virginia Gardens, FL

Personale Protective Equipment for Mold Remediation

When you have a mold problem in your home in Virginia Gardens, FL, you need to hire certified mold remediation experts to take care of it. These specialists have the necessary training and experience to get rid of the mold damage for good. They also know exactly the kind of face masks and other personal protective equipment they need to protect themselves and prevent the spread of mold into other areas of your home.

Masks
A plain cloth mask is not enough to deter mold spores. When technicians suit up to mitigate the mold damage in your home, they needs masks that meet certain requirements:

• Filter out particles such as mold spores
  
• Fit well to ensure a proper seal
  
• Allow enough air to ensure proper breathing
  
  

Most mitigation technicians wear N-95 face masks when they are working near a concentrated mold growth. These masks allow them to breathe through a filter so that any spores that enter are trapped and prevented from entering their air passages.

Goggles
It's not enough for technicians to protect their lungs from mold. Spores can also get in their eyes if they aren't careful. This is why you will usually see specialists don goggles before they walk into the contaminated area.

Gloves
Anything that gets on the technicians' hands can easily be spread to anything they touch. While they are working on getting rid of the mold damage in your home, they wear gloves to handle anything the fungus touches.

Coveralls
If the mold growth covers a large area, you may see technicians wearing coveralls as part of their protective equipment. This allows them the convenience of removing their outer garments before leaving the work site so that any mold they have picked up isn't transferred anywhere else.
Wearing face masks and other personal protective equipment is a necessary part of mold mitigation. By protecting themselves, technicians also protect the rest of your home.

Why Your Business Can't Forgo Fire Insurance

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Insurance that includes fire coverage is one of the best preventive measures you can take

Why Your Business Can't Forgo Fire Insurance

If you own or lease a building for business purposes in Doral, FL, you need commercial property insurance that includes fire insurance coverage. Even the best fire evacuation plans do not make businesses immune from the following fire causes:

• Human error
  
• Vandalism
  
• Faulty electrical equipment
  
• Unattended heating equipment
  
  

Cleaning and rebuilding after a fire can permanently shut down a business that doesn't have the right insurance.

Cleaning
When a fire occurs, it is vital to prevent it from spreading. Firefighters use volumes of water and chemicals to extinguish flames. This water causes floods and soaks carpets and upholstery, making them susceptible to mold. Burning objects create soot that can contaminate air, furnishings, and walls.
It is often necessary to consult with a fire restoration company that can handle water, soot, and smoke cleanup. A fire insurance policy can cover the cost of this extensive work so that you are not liable to pay for it out of pocket.

Rebuilding
After a fire, it may take a long time before you and your employees can return to your business's physical space. If any of your property is salvageable, you can rely on insurance to pay for temporary accommodations during the cleanup. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may never be possible to return, and you may need financial assistance to relocate permanently.
For most businesses that have gone through a fire, cash flow can become a problem. A fire insurance policy may cover your expenses during income interruptions, allowing you to continue paying incoming bills and salaries. Otherwise, without income, your business may not survive.
Insurance that includes fire coverage is one of the best preventive measures you can take to ensure your business's future. Many companies feel that their insurance premiums are high. Still, given how costly fire restoration and recovery can be, companies in Doral, FL, can't afford to forego this necessity.

Three Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Smart Smoke Alarm

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are an invaluable fire safety tool

Consider These Three Factors When Making Your Decision

Most people have probably been using the same sort of smoke alarm that has been used to protect homes for decades. However, the advent of smart home technology has made the smart detector a new option for technologically savvy homeowners. Is a smart smoke detector a smart addition to your home? Consider these three factors when making your decision.

1. No Guarantee of Better Smoke Detection
Most smart detectors use the same smoke sensing technology as regular detectors. Even the smart detectors that claim to utilize an advanced form of smoke detecting technology are not substantially better at detecting smoke than high tech versions of regular detectors.

2. Remote Notifications Can Be Helpful
One useful thing a smart smoke alarm can do that a regular alarm can not is alert you when an alarm goes off when you are not at home. Smart detectors accomplish this by sending an alert to your cell phone. This can be a very useful feature if you are concerned about family members or pets that may be in your home while you are gone, or need to monitor your home while you are away on business or vacation.

3. Convenience Features
Most smart detectors come with a set of features that can make life easier or make your alarm more customizable. Many models allow you to silence a false alarm remotely or wirelessly interconnect the alarms so that if one goes off, they all go off. Additionally, you may be able to test your smart device from your phone, rather than getting up on a ladder to push a button on the detector.
In most cases, a smart smoke alarm will not be significantly better at detecting smoke than a regular alarm; however, some homeowners may find the remote notifications and convenience features worth the price. Smoke detectors are an invaluable fire safety tool, but if a fire does occur, fire damage cleanup professionals are ready to assist you in Miami, FL.

What Makes SERVPRO an Industry Leader?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water and mold remediation

Whether you are a business owner or an insurance professional, you know that choosing a restoration service after a disaster is a major decision. Your local Virginia Gardens, FL, SERVPRO franchise can provide industry-leading restoration services as well as friendly professionalism to help with all your needs.

Certification

SERVPRO wants every franchise to provide the same quality restoration and mitigation known around the country. That's why franchise owners are trained in the following areas:

• Mold mitigation
  
• Fire restoration
  
• Water restoration
  
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
  
  

Continuing education is provided for owners and employees so that franchises have the most up-to-date knowledge available. The SERVPRO training school is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This means that trainees are taught current best practices and industry-leading standards, so you know your building and contents are in good hands.

Response
Although each SERVPRO franchise is locally owned and may be small, there are specialized Disaster Recovery Teams located throughout the country to respond to large losses, such as hurricanes and wildfires. This means that no matter the scale of the disaster, SERVPRO has a team to fit your needs. Additionally, there are teams available 24/7 to ensure the fastest response time possible. A quick response is especially important when dealing with fire or water damage to prevent further problems, including mold growth and irreversible corrosion.

Communication
SERVPRO has a specialized Claims Information Center that provides detailed information for each job. A loss inventory, photographs, estimates and other important information can all be accessed easily and quickly. This information helps businesses and insurance companies make the best decisions and stay informed through the entire restoration process.
The disaster restoration process can be overwhelming for even the most experienced business owners. That's why every SERVPRO franchise has the skills, experience and resources available to make the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

What Is the Best Way To Deal With Water in a Light Fixture?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

While no homeowner wants to find water in light fixtures, it happens

Follow These Four Step Process

You may need a water mitigation company in West Miami, FL, to help you repair leaks causing water in light fixtures, but sometimes you can fix the damage yourself. However, keep in mind that water and electricity create a dangerous combination, so when attempting a DIY repair, follow this four-step process.

1. Turn off the power
   
2. Shut off the water
   
3. Expose the ceiling
   
4. Repair damage and restore the property
   
   

Turn Off the Power
If possible, shut off the power only to the affected area. However, if you do not know how many light fixtures are affected, turn off the power to the entire home. Turning off the electricity protects you against electric shock, but it also limits damage to your home's electrical system.

Shut Off the Water
To avoid any unnecessary ceiling damage, turn off the water supply to the area. Sometimes, it is not apparent where the water leak is, so you may need to shut off the water main to your home, limiting further hazards.

Expose the Ceiling
Remove all the water in light fixtures, but before returning them to the ceiling, expose the ceiling structure to locate the water damage and source of the leak. If you cannot find the leak, consider calling in a professional, and explain your situation.

Repair Damage and Restore the Property
With the ceiling open, repair all plumbing issues. Once you fix the pipes, you can check the wiring for damage and repair what is necessary. Finally, you can restore the ceiling and reinstall the light fixtures. However, before closing the ceiling, make sure and test your plumbing and electrical repairs.
While no homeowner wants to find water in light fixtures, it happens. The sight is shocking, but you can repair the damage. However, if you are not confident in your DIY abilities, or the job is too complicated, consider hiring a restoration company for the repairs.

How To Repair a Toilet That Won’t Stop Flushing

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Toilets in most commercial buildings utilize a flushometer system

Toilets in most commercial buildings utilize a flushometer system. The flushometer toilet uses pressure from the water supply to flush the toilet. When these toilets work the way they were designed, they provide much better performance than toilets with tanks. If they aren’t working properly, however, they can keep flushing continuously or cause a toilet overflow.
In most instances, it is easy to stop a toilet from flushing constantly. There are two types of flushometer toilets, so let’s take a look at the instructions for fixing each type.

How To Fix a Manual Flushometer

The first step is to turn off the water supply to eliminate the risk of a toilet flood and, subsequently, the need for water restoration services. Locate the flat screwdriver slot on either the right or left side of the toilet, and turn off the water flow.
With a wrench, unscrew the lid of the flushometer. Take off the flange cover to reveal the gasket. Remove the gasket, and thoroughly clean off the sediment. Wash out the weeping hole as well.
Reassemble the parts and turn the water back on. If the toilet is still not operating correctly, you will need to replace the gasket.

How To Repair an Automatic Flushometer

Follow the instructions above to turn off the water supply. This will avert a potential toilet overflow.
Hold down the button used for manually flushing the toilet. While holding it down, if you hear two separate clicks timed a couple seconds apart, this indicates that the kit needs to either be cleaned or replaced.
Take the lid off the toilet, and inspect the kit. If it is damaged, have it replaced. If the kit isn’t damaged, clean it thoroughly.
If you’ve never had the solenoid serviced, you should do so.
Reassemble the parts, and turn on the water.

If you follow these simple steps, you can help to prevent a toilet overflow in your building in Virginia Gardens,FL.

How To Detect If Your Place Has Mold

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Check under sinks or near appliances

How To Detect If Your Place Has Mold

Does something seem amiss? When you walk into your establishment, are you hit by a strange, musty aroma? Are you sensing that the air quality simply isn't good anymore? If so, you may have mold issues. While there are a few things you can do to find it on your own, it's not always easy to see or locate. A mold restoration company could investigate your business in West Miami, FL, allowing their indoor environmental specialist to determine whether fungus has started to grow. Here are three things you can do to see if you need aid.

1. Check Your Plumbing
Spores reproduce when they have the right catalyst. For them, it's organic matter and water. With that in mind, they are often developing where leaks or drips have started. Check under sinks or near appliances. Anything with a water line is suspect. Because this could happen within the walls, it's not always so simple. A mold test includes cutting small openings. The expert can use tools to reach inside the drywall, inspecting, and identifying any problems.

2. Look for Visual Abnormalities
Find the room that seems overly humid or slightly off. Then, start evaluating the walls and flooring for irregularities. It could be peeling, chipped paint or odd formations that have occurred. Take a few minutes and glance downward. Are tiles cracking? Are floorboard warped? If so, these could be signs that there's trouble lurking. An indoor environmental specialist could go into the surfaces and check it out.

3. Assess the Roof
Branches and high winds can knock into shingles, creating a disturbance on the roof. It's good to survey the ceiling. Are there any rings forming? When those become visible mold growth is likely as the water has permeated through the roof and is lingering with the attic or crawl space.
An indoor environmental specialist can observe and test for fungus in many places that business owners can't reach. This professional can search your walls, flooring, and ceiling, hunting down growths in seemingly difficult-to-get-to spots.

Add Sump Pump Maintenance to Annual To-Do List

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

A sump pump is only as good as its maintenance

Add Sump Pump Maintenance to Annual To-Do List

For many homes in Doral, FL, when stormwaters rise, they rely on the sump pump for protection against flooding. Typically installed in the lowest portion of a house, if it is working correctly and activates to drain water above set levels, homeowners won’t even notice it hard at work. As with any other part of a house, the pump is only as good as its maintenance.

Annual Inspection

Luckily, pump maintenance is easy, as long as it is done. Below are annual maintenance steps to ensure a sump pump will work when it needs to:

• Verify the power source is plugged in and connected to a GFCI outlet.
  
• Inspect the cord for tears, wear, or other damage.
  
• Ensure the pump maintains an upright, level position.
  
• Test the pump by filling the basin with water.
  
• Remove the pump from the basin to clean potential debris from the grate.
  
• Examine pipes and joints, ensuring they are tightly connected and properly drain.
  
• Check that the discharge pipe is debris-free.
  
  

Extra Protection
For homeowners who have experienced flooding and required the services of water remediation experts, they know how important a properly functioning sump pump is. For those who haven’t had a flooded basement, if the pump is old, it might be time for a basement inspection.
Along with maintenance and verifying that the pump works and is not impaired, there are simple steps to keep water from infiltrating your home. While there are more complex and costly ways to waterproof lower levels, tasks, such as regular cleaning and maintain gutters and downspouts, can go a long way to keep water at bay. Additional yard grade and landscaping can also help keep your home more secure.
For many people, a sump pump is something that can easily be forgotten. If maintenance isn’t already on your to-do list, adding it can provide peace of mind and keep your investment running longer.

3 Ways Your Business Can Experience Water Damage After a Fire

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler

3 Ways Your Business Can Experience Water Damage After a Fire

In addition to fire damage a Miami, FL, business fire can lead to water damage as well. There are a number of ways this can happen. Here are the three most common that may occur.

1. From a Fire Hose

One of the most common sources of water caused damage after a fire comes from the use of a fire hose to suppress the flames. A fire department hose can pump between 300 and 800 gallons of water per minute, which can put out any flames but leave the space flooded. Fortunately, a local damage restoration service can help with the cleaning and repairs that may be necessary afterward.

2. From the Weather

Because fire damage can leave the space more vulnerable to the outside elements, there’s a chance that weather such as rain, hail or snow may be able to get into the building. These weather types can leave water behind which can cause damage. This is one reason why you may see the restoration crew working on the property cover over areas with boards or tarps until repairs can be finished.

3. From Overhead Sprinklers

Another way water damage can occur is when the fire suppressant from the overhead sprinkler system puddles in the affected area. A fire can leave the space more vulnerable to water, meaning that while sprinklers put out much less water than a hose, there is still a chance that any left over puddles can cause some damage.

It’s important to note that fire damage can lead to water damage in a number of ways. The water from a fire hose can cause flooding, while structural damage from a fire may leave the building open to the weather. It’s also possible for overhead sprinkler systems to leave water puddles as well. Remember, if this occurs at your business a restoration service may be able to help.

Understanding Contamination Levels for Commercial Water Damage

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

If the water originated from a broken water supply line, you have very little toxicity

Understanding Contamination Levels for Commercial Water Damage

If your business sustains water damage, it’s smart to begin the cleanup process swiftly. Water damage is affected by the level of hazardous material present in the water. Flood water, for instance, is more toxic than a dishwasher leak. This overview of water toxicity levels may help you assess the damage and begin the restoration process.

Category 1

This level, also known as clean water, reflects the least toxic category. If the water originated from the following supply-line sources, you have very little toxicity:

• Broken water supply line
• Overflowing bathtub or sink
• Leaking ice maker
• Rain entering a damaged roof
• Leaking water heater
  

Low-toxicity water can still cause damage, so it is smart to contact your insurance agent to confirm the damage will be covered by your conventional insurance policy.

Category 2

This level of contamination, known as gray water, describes a moderate degree of chemical, biological, or physical toxicity. Less hazardous than flood water, Category 2 water may contain food, dirt, or grease. Water leaking from under your sink or a shower drain would fit in this category. Your commercial insurance will generally cover this level of cleanup and restoration.

Category 3

This high-level contamination is referred to as black water. It includes water from any source that could possibly contain seawater, sewage, chemicals, or flood water. This unsanitary water can be toxic to pets and humans. Category 3 contamination should be cleaned up by a water remediation specialist as soon as possible.

If your water damage is caused by flood water, it would not be covered by your conventional insurance policy. You would need to have had a government-issued flood policy in place at the time of your damage to obtain coverage. It’s important to contact your agent for help assessing which type of insurance you need.
When your West Miami, FL, business sustains storm damage or any type of water damage, it presents a disruptive and unsettling time for your company. Once you have evaluated your contamination level, you are equipped to implement the best cleanup strategy and return your operation to business as usual.

What To Know About Mold Removal

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

If you have mold in your home contact a local mold remediation service

What To Know About Mold Removal

If you have a potential black mold problem in your Virginia Gardens, FL, home, it’s important to contact a restoration service as quickly as possible. This is also true of any other mold problem. Here’s why.

1. Mold Will Continue To Spread

The first thing to understand about mold is that if left untreated it will continue to spread. Mold is a fungus meaning it reproduces by sporing. These spores can travel in a number of ways including airflow or being carried by a person or animal until they settle in a new space and form a new colony. Having a professional remediation service perform a mold cleanup can help prevent this problem, as well as remove any mold currently in the home.

2. A Professional Should Be Called

In the event you believe you have mold in the home, especially black mold, it’s important to contact a local mold remediation service to help with cleanup. They have the tools and training needed to test for any mold that may be present, to contain the mold to prevent spreading, and to remove the mold from the affected space. If you have any questions these professionals should be able to help.

3. Take Mitigation Steps

If possible you should also take mitigation steps to protect your home. I may help to start by identifying if the residence has a moisture problem and having any issues fixed. You can also take steps such as ensuring your home has proper drainage, that roof gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, installing a sump pump, and using landscaping to direct water away from the home. It’s also a good idea to fix any roof leaks as soon as possible.

When facing a mold problem, such as black mold, in your home it’s important to call a mold remediation service. Mold will only continue to spread if left untreated, and these services have the tools needed for mold removal. They can also offer advice on future mitigation steps.

Steps To Making a Fire Escape Plan

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Designating a meeting place can be the mailbox of your neighbor

In the event of a fire in your Miami, FL, home, every second is precious. To avoid serious injury or death, you and your family members need to exit as quickly as possible. You don't expect this situation to ever happen to you, but you need to be prepared just in case. You can't afford to panic or be flustered when it's time to get out. You can have peace of mind if you and your family will create a fire escape plan today.

Do a Walk-Through

You may think you know the layout and features of your home perfectly, but would you know how and from where to escape in the of a home fire? You need to become familiar with the following:

• Where your smoke alarms are and how to change the batteries
  
• Where the nearest exit it to every room in the house
  
• Any obstacles that may be in the way of getting out
  
• How to open windows and how to safely escape that way
  
  

Designate a Meeting Place

Knowing where everyone will gather is an essential part of fire preparation. Choose a spot that everyone knows, but make sure it is far enough away from your home that you will all be safe. This might be at a park around the corner, across the street in front of the neighbor's house, in the adjacent cul-de-sac.

Assign Roles

Everyone in the family should have a job in a fire escape plan. Choose someone to be in charge of helping younger children out of the house. Pick a family member to retrieve pets. Someone else should take care of calling 911. Another person should run through the house to make sure everybody is accounted for.

Practice

You can rely on firefighters to put out the blaze and professional fire remediation teams to clean up. Still, you must do your part. Practice escaping from your home at least once a year.
Once you've got your fire escape plan down, you can feel much better about dealing with this emergency. Never neglect this critical responsibility.

Caring for Wet Items After a House Flood

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Paper and water don't mix well

You probably shudder to think about coming home to a flood. Water in home can be disastrous. Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to prevent flooding in every circumstance. The good news is that you can find experienced water removal technicians in your area to clean up the damage. The crews won't only remove water from the premises, but they can salvage many items and materials from your home.

Commonly Affected Areas

Whether a flood starts in your home because of a broken pipe, a backed-up toilet or a leaky roof, you need quick, decisive action to mitigate the mess. Flooring is one of the first places where you'll notice the damage. Other areas and items that water can damage include:

• Drywall
  
• Furniture
  
• Books and other documents
  
• Electronics
  
• Clothes
  
  

Saving Your Carpet
If you and cleanup teams get on the job fast enough, you might be able to salvage your carpet. Crews will start by tearing it out and getting it away from the water source or standing water. Using dry cleaning methods and equipment, the technicians will extract all the water. Next, the crews will use high-powered blowers to dry the carpet. Lastly, there will be a disinfecting process to make sure there is no mold growth.

Documents
Paper and water don't mix well. This doesn't mean the cleanup team in West Miami, FL, can't repair wet books, pictures, maps or documents if there is water in home. You should start by carefully taking the documents away from the water and laying them out to dry. You can also place wet paper between dry towels or cloths. Technicians will use freeze-drying to thoroughly remove all moisture. This will also keep the paper from crinkling.
You can feel good about the work professional cleanup teams can do in your home. Even badly damaged possessions stand a chance when you get the right people involved.

How To Avoid Plumbing Problems in Your Office Building

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems can affect just about anyone

When you're at work, one of the last things you want to worry about is dealing with plumbing problems. From Flooding to costly repairs and other issues, failing systems and malfunctioning pipes can leave quite a mess for you and your co-workers. Some of these problems are sudden and widespread, while others happen gradually. In either case, proactive attention on your part can usually prevent serious consequences.

Do it Right the First Time

When it's time to construct or remodel your office building in Virginia Gardens, FL, make sure you start on the right foot with the plumbing system. Cutting corners with sloppy work will only lead to big concerns down the road such as a broken pipe. Here are some tips to the plumbing installation process:

• Hire a certified, competent professional to do the work.
  
• Make sure the plumber uses high-quality materials.
  
• Make sure you understand the warranty.
  
  

Proper Maintenance

In your daily work, you probably don't sit around and think about potential plumbing problems that could arise. However, it's critical that you commit to the upkeep and maintenance of the plumbing system. At least annually, have a professional inspect all the pipes and other components of the system. Make necessary updates as appropriate.

Fix Issues Right Away

Even the most well-built system will eventually run into problems. As you notice parts failing or components not working efficiently, have a plumber make the required repairs immediately. If you put off fixing a water main or pipes, severe flooding could occur. You're much better off spending some time and money now than waiting until it's too late and a flood has started in the building. Before you have to call a professional sewage cleanup team, do your part and pay attention to your plumbing system.
Plumbing problems can affect just about anyone. Prepare yourself for the inconvenience and headaches of these issues and diligently follow these steps.

Working With a Fire Recovery and Restoration Team: What To Expect for Your Business

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Soot damage in a Doral, FL building

Fire can strike your Doral, FL, business without warning and leave behind massive damage from flames, heat, and soot. When you first view the aftermath, it may be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to cleanup; however, working with a fire restoration team can give you the confidence to recover from this type of disaster, and knowing what to expect may make the process simpler for you and your employees.

The Initial Assessment

When your recovery team first arrives and the building has been deemed safe to enter, the technicians will likely perform a walkthrough to gauge how many areas and floors have been damaged. They may look for issues that require immediate remediation:

• Damaged electrical systems that may spark a secondary fire
  
• The removal of floodwater from fire hoses
  
• Exits blocked by debris or heat damage
  
  

Once the walkthrough is complete, your fire rebuild team will likely create a list of issues that require attention right away before discussing restoration options.

Creating a Cleanup Plan

Next, your fire restoration technicians may create a plan for cleanup that addresses issues such as soot damage, smoke odors, and scorched building materials. If there is any major fire hose flooding, the techs might also include mold remediation and removal as a part of the cleanup process. Severe issues will likely be dealt with first to ensure the soundness of your building’s structure and prevent any further damage.

The Rebuilding Process

A fire recovery team that also offers rebuilding services can be useful in completing the restoration process. They can assist with the tear out of damaged material, replacement of drywall and carpeting and the removal of foul odors that may linger due to smoke and mold growth. When one team handles all of your restoration needs, you may be able to reopen your business sooner than expected.
A fire can devastate your Doral, FL, business and leave you uncertain about how to begin the cleanup process. Working with a fire restoration service may help guide you down the path to recovery and help you face the future with confidence.

3 Ways a Storm Recovery Service Like SERVPRO Can Help You Service Insurance Clients

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

As an insurance agent in Doral, FL you may deal with multiple claims when winter storms strike one area.

After strong weather strikes Doral, FL your insurance clients will likely file claims and require storm restoration. Flooding, wind, snow and hail damage and the destruction of building materials are all possible. Working with SERVPRO can help you assist your customers with streamlining their claims and getting them the help they need in the aftermath of a winter storm.

1. Local Franchises Mean a Faster Response
Because SERVPRO is a franchise, a local provider can be at the scene of a storm-damaged business and assist an insured client with the cleanup process right away. Without the issue of a long wait time, business owners may be able to get back up and running much sooner. Reduced downtime means a reduced loss of revenue, which can be important for small business owners in particular.

2. Corporate Support
When storms strike one area, you will likely be dealing with multiple claims from a variety of customers who need storm response and support after they have experienced flood damage at their businesses. Being able to reach out for corporate support while working with a local SERVPRO franchise can help you resolve issues across multiple claims without having to contact more than one company. This type of assistance may result in faster service for your insured customers.

3. A Variety of Services
A storm restoration vendor that offers a large array of services can allow you to send out services to a wide number of clients, even if they have different needs. For example, if one client is experiencing flooding and another needs restoration as a result of hail damage, you can send the franchise’s technicians to both locations. This can eliminate the need to communicate with multiple vendors and keep your claims simplified.

SERVPRO can assist your clients with water and storm restoration and flood remediation while allowing you to serve their needs quickly and efficiently.

The 5 Steps to Mold Remediation

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Miami, FL

Consider the Five Steps in the Mold Remediation Process

Many commercial property owners are surprised to find out that mold removal in Miami, FL, can take between three to seven business days, depending on the level of damage and infestation. However, when thinking about that timeline, you must consider the five steps in the mold remediation process.

1. Repair cause
   
2. Seal affected area
   
3. Suppress dust and remove materials
   
4. Clean the space
   
5. Test and restore the area
   
   

Repair Cause

A significant amount of time can go into merely repairing the cause of the mold growth. For example, while a small roof leak may be easy to fix, a broken pipe within a wall cavity will be significantly more challenging and time-consuming.

Seal Affected Area

Next, the remediation crew will need to seal off the affected area, especially if dealing with black mold or other toxic varieties. While containment may not sound too involved, the team will have to ensure the space is completely sealed to minimize the risk of spreading mold.

Suppress Dust and Remove Materials

Next, to ensure that mold spores remain with the rest of the contamination, the crew will need to wet down the space to suppress the spread of dust while performing the mold removal and discarding of materials. The removal of materials is likely the longest part of the process, next to rebuilding the area.

Clean the Space

Once all contaminants have been removed, the specialists will probably take the better part of a day cleaning the space. They will use commercial cleaners and specialty equipment to scrub the hard surfaces, ensuring that every non-porous area is clean.

Test and Restore the Area

Last, before restoring your building, the company will test the air and surfaces once more to ensure they got every part of the infestation out. If the tests come back clean, then they will begin the restoration process. However, if the tests result still indicate mold, then the crew will perform the cleaning and scrubbing of the area again.
It is difficult to pin down a specific timeline for mold removal. However, three to seven days seems reasonable, especially considering the removal process.

The Importance of Having a Fire Plan

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Create a fire plan for your home in Doral,FL

The Importance of Having a Fire Plan

Ideally, your home in Doral, FL, will never catch fire. It's crucial to have a fire escape plan in place, however, just in case it does. Everyone who lives with you needs to know how to recognize that there's a fire, how to get out and where to go once they are out of the house. There are several key points your plan needs to include.

Smoke Alarms

When it comes to fire safety, one smoke alarm won't do. Every home needs an alarm in various locations around the house:

• One on each level
  
• One in every sleeping area
  
• One outside every sleeping area (i.e., in the hallway)
  
  

You also need to make sure that each smoke detector is kept in good working order. Get children involved when you test them so that they know what the alarm sounds like. Replace the batteries every six months or as needed.

Escape Routes

The crux of your emergency escape plan is a map of the different potential escape routes. The American Red Cross recommends that you map at least two ways to get out of every room. Have drills where family members get to practice escaping from various rooms. The more often you practice, the better chance you have of getting to safety in the event of a fire.

Meetup Location

Once family members escape from the burning house, they need to know where to go from there. Establish a meeting place as part of your fire escape plan. Discuss how you will contact one another if you get separated or if the planned location is compromised itself. Once you are safe, you can call 911, your insurance company, and fire restoration experts.
It's important that everyone in your home understands the basics of fire safety. While you hope you never have to use it, having a fire escape plan can greatly increase the chances that your family stays safe during a house fire.

Facts to Know After a Business Fire

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage in West Miami, FL

Most business owners don’t want to think about the extreme damage that could occur after a fire in their business. The losses are often catastrophic and starting over again simply seems impossible. It’s helpful to be educated about what should be done after a fire. Fire damage can be minimized if proper steps are taken by business owners.

Contact Your Insurance

After a fire at your West Miami, FL, business, it’s hard to know where to begin. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests contacting your insurance agent first. This is because they can help with the following items:

• Contacting a fire restoration company – fire specialists are available to help mitigate the damage caused by fire, smoke and water.
  
• Understanding financial coverage – your insurance company can help you understand your financial responsibilities.
  
• Provide an advance – you’ll likely need money to safely board up your business and relocate to a temporary or replacement location.
  
  
  

Take Care of Your Employees

The safety of your employees should be your number one concern. Make sure all employees understand that it’s not okay to re-enter the building until the fire department says it’s safe. Even if the fire is extinguished, soot, smoke, and dirty water can be harmful to their health. Fire damage can be extensive and walls, roofs and other structures may not be secure. Before employees leave, make sure they have a safe place to go and that someone is available to care for them if needed.

Work With a Fire Restoration Company

There are many benefits to working with a fire restoration company. Fire specialists will conduct an assessment of your building and board up your building if needed. If water damage is present due to the fire hose used by firefighters, specialists can provide water removal and drying. Once the water has been removed, steps can be taken to remove smoke and soot.
Understanding what needs to be done after a fire can alleviate some stress as a business owner. Fire damage can also be minimized by working with a professional.

What To Know About Flooding and Black Water

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded parking lot in Virginia Gardens, FL

What To Know About Flooding and Black Water

After a storm in Virginia Gardens, FL, you may find flood water in your place of business. While the flooding itself can come from several sources, it’s important to remember that water from flooding falls into the black category. This can mean some additional restoration steps may be necessary. Here’s what you should know.

1. Why it’s Black Water
In many cases storm damage can result in flooding which can create a number of problems of its own. One of the most important things to remember is that storm water and flooding are classified as black water because there is a high chance it may have come in contact with fecal matter. This means that the affected area will need to be sanitized after the water has been removed.

2. Where Contaminants Come From
Contaminants in flood water can come from a number of sources. The most common reason is that heavy storms can cause sewage overflow. Another possibility is that the water often runs through fields and other outdoor areas where livestock, dogs, or other animals may have been. Because it is so difficult to determine the flow path rain runoff and other flood sources have taken, all storm water is generally classified as black.

3. How To Clean It Up
If you have flooding in your place of business it’s highly recommended to contact a flood damage restoration service. These professionals have the tools needed to deal with a variety of storm damage types and should be able to restore your company property back to working order. You will see them remove the water and dry the area thoroughly before the repairs begin.
If you have flood water in your place of business it’s important to remember that this water is considered to be contaminated and should be cleaned up carefully. It’s highly recommended to contact a local restoration service for the job. If you have any questions they should be able to help.

How To Minimize Secondary Damage

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call in the experts as soon as you become aware of the problem so that they can start the remediation process quickly

Ways You Can Minimize the Damage Caused By Excess Water in Your Home

There are many reasons to respond quickly when your home in Doral,FL, floods. Quick attention from water restoration specialists can help you avoid problems such as black mold, compromised beams and ruined floorboards. Here are some ways you can minimize the damage caused by excess water in your home.

Professional Mitigation

Some homeowners try to clean up a significant flooding issue by themselves to save money. Trying to do the work yourself can be problematic, though. There are several benefits to hiring mitigation specialists:

• Proper training and certification
  
• Remediation experience
  
• Insurance coverage
  
  

Trying to handle a large cleanup job by yourself may actually cost you more money in the long run. Even if you are able to remove excess water, you are likely to miss hidden problems that lead to secondary damage. This makes the remediation process more costly overall. Call in the experts as soon as you become aware of the problem so that they can start the remediation process quickly.

Additional Airflow

Once the excess water has been removed from your home, technicians may employ methods to increase the airflow through the affected areas. This can speed up the drying process and help prevent black mold growth. Mold needs both water and organic material to grow, so the faster your home dries, the less likely you are to have a fungus problem.

Decreased Humidity

Standing water tends to lead to high humidity in your home. You can dry all the surfaces, but if the air itself is more saturated than usual, your home is still at risk for additional damage. Use a dehumidifier to maintain a humidity level between 40-50% in every room of your house. Lowering the humidity helps dry your home and keep it dry.
When your home floods, you need expert help to dry everything out and avoid black mold growth. Timely, thorough remediation is the key to avoiding secondary damage.

Preventing Mold Growth When Using a Swamp Cooler

12/1/2019 (Permalink)

Protection in the fight against mold development caused by your swamp cooler.

While it is common knowledge that a leaking swamp cooler can lead to mold growth, many homeowners who purchase these evaporative coolers might not realize the increased risk of mold growth overall. While these devices help to keep individuals cool at a fraction of the cost it takes to operate an air conditioning unity, they do work by manipulating the moisture content in the air. Therefore, to ensure that you remain cool during those warm summer months; follow three tips to protect your home. 

Regulate Moisture Levels
Change the Cooling Pad
Call a Professional

Regulate Moisture Levels

The most important thing you can do to prevent mold is to regulate moisture levels in the home. Since evaporative coolers can contribute to these levels, it is necessary to take every precaution. Therefore, if the weather is unusually humid, then you might want to crack a few windows to improve airflow in the home. Also, if the high-humidity persists for more than a few days, it is likely best to forego using the cooler and instead use fans.

Change the Cooling Pad

While a leaking swamp cooler can lead to mold, so can the cooling pad if it has endured several humid days. Evaporative coolers are best used in dry climates where humidity levels are consistently low because excessive humidity can lead to mold development within the machine, which is then spread through the home as the air is forced out of the device. Therefore, if you have experienced several humid days, check your cooler's pad to ensure it is still clean and safe.

Call a Professional

Depending on the type of cooler you have, you might want a professional to service and clean the machine. A mold restoration company in Doral, FL might know of a few expert services that you can contact, especially if the mold problem is significant.

You do not have to have a leaking swamp cooler to experience mold while using the machine. High humidity or a contaminated pad are also likely culprits for mold. Therefore, if you suspect a mold problem, then contact a professional for assistance.

Reduce the Risk of Kitchen Fires With Microwave Maintenance

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Many manufacturers recommend cleaning out the grease filter every month.

For the best efficiency, any appliance requires regular maintenance and general upkeep, including your microwave. Although there are many appliances that don't pose regular fire risks, any misuse, damages, and malfunctions can lead to serious trouble in the kitchen:


Even a tiny bit of metal in this oven can lead to sparking and fire.

A lot of grease and other food buildup on the inside of the appliance can lead to smoke smell and flames.

Damaged appliances may begin to smoke or flame up at the back where the fire isn't spotted until it has spread to cabinets and countertops.


Avoid these risks and many other inconveniences by consistently cleaning and maintaining the appliance.

Replace Filters and Lightbulbs

There are some parts of microwave ovens that should be replaced, such as charcoal filters. These filters are usually installed on an over-the-range hood that circulates air and should be replaced every six months. The interior light and a bulb over the countertop may need to be replaced once in a while. These quick tasks shouldn't take very long.

Clean Grease Filters and Grills

It is recommended to clean out the grease filter every month, but you may need to do so more often if you use the oven heavily or if you notice an unpleasant smoke smell. This step can be accomplished by soaking the filter in mild detergent and hot water. Scrub the filter lightly to get rid of debris. Don't forget to clean out the vent grill.

Wipe Out the Inside

Of course, the appliance should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis. When food particles coat the inside cavity, the oven loses efficiency and may begin to smell bad. You can wipe out the oven each time you use it or use a bit of vinegar water to steam-clean the oven. Simply heat a bowl of vinegar and water inside the oven and then wipe away the food.

With the right care, your microwave may last for several years. If your Doral, FL kitchen has been affected by an oven fire or a lingering smoke smell, contact fire damage and remediation professionals to help you recover.

How To Landscape For Flood Protection

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Proper rain drainage is important

How To Landscape For Flood Protection

From unexpected downpours to nationally anticipated hurricanes, severe storms can take a toll on your home and yard. As storms grow more intense, it's important to take proper measures to protect your property. You don't want to risk damaging flood water working its way into your home. Here are some ways you can use landscaping as a protective layer against outside flooding.

1. Get Creative in the Garden

Rain gardens are a beautiful and efficient way to lessen the potential damage of a heavy rain storm. Even a small rain garden filled with native plants can help absorb water more efficiently into the ground. Another option is to use heavy mulch in place of lighter pine options. Heavier mulches stay in place better and thus keep soil and rainwater in place better, too.

2. Divert Your Rain Spouts

To help guide water away from your home, proper rain drainage is important. Downspout diverters are effective for moving the water to lower ground and keeping your home safe from outside flooding. You can also consider installing rain barrels, which keep water from entering the ground to begin with. Another benefit of rain barrels is that they provide free water for your gardens during dry spells.

3. Build More Drainage

Harsh storms can greatly damage properties that feature a lot of impervious surfaces. There are many ways to divert water from within and around these areas. In addition to the above tips, you can add drainage alongside, or even within, your driveway and sidewalks. Channel drains move water away from paved areas well. You can also consider using gravel or grass in place of pavement.
When it comes to your Miami, FL, home, consider these steps when thinking about landscape options. If needed, consult professional storm damage restoration experts to help. Diligence in preventing outside flooding from entering your home will help keep it safe and dry.

How To Deal With Residential Water Damage

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

It's tough cleanup job for most people so calling in a professional water mitigation team is a smart move.

Your home is full of many wonderful labor-saving devices and appliances, and for the most part they work exceptionally well. Eventually, though, even the best dishwasher, washing machine and plumbing system gets old and breaks down. When that happens in Doral, FL you are likely to have water damage in your home. A leaking water heater is a good example of something that can go amiss in your home. When the water heater fails it often results in a large pool of water spreading throughout one floor of the home. This could impact everything from carpeting, walls, furniture, electrical equipment and clothing. 

Cleaning After a Failed Water Heater
The steps to getting water and moisture out of a home rapidly are pretty straightforward. Once you have called the company to your home, an orderly process of clean up begins with these procedures:

A damage inspection and assessment
Water removal and extraction
Drying and dehumidifying
Cleaning and sanitizing
Restoration of damaged materials

Knowledge and specialized equipment are often needed to get a home back to its original state after a leaking water heater. Some of the equipment used includes moisture detectors, infrared cameras, submersible pumps and extraction units for water removal. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers are effective in preventing swelling and warping of floors and walls and other secondary water damage caused by a broken water heater.

Cleaning and Sanitizing
An important step is making sure ll surfaces are cleaned and sanitized. This is a thorough process that utilizes a full arsenal of professional cleaning techniques. A complete cleaning often salvages items that might otherwise need to be discarded and can even rescue items of sentimental value. When handled quickly and efficiently, a leaking water heater can just be a temporary bump in the road.

3 Things To Know About Flooding

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

For any questions it's best to consult a restoration expert.

After a storm your Doral, FL business may experience water damage from flooding. Understanding this type of damage can be one step toward taking the right restoration measures for your company. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Flood Water is Considered Black Water
Because storm water often touches unknown sources it's placed in the black water category. This is any water that could have come in contact with bacteria or fecal matter, such as from a sewage system, a pasture where livestock may have been, and other undetermined locations. There are certain safety procedures that must be followed when cleaning up after a flood where water falls under this category. Thus it’s best to contact a water damage restoration service to make any needed repairs on your company property.

2. Sanitation May Be Required
Any water damage repairs conducted after flooding will need to include a sanitation process. This is to help prevent contamination from any bacteria, as well as the growth of mold as a result. This process is part of the guidelines that many professional restoration companies follow, and are designed to help keep you and your staff safe.

3. Office Contents May Be Salvageable
After a storm caused flood many of the contents of the business may be damaged. Fortunately, restoration experts have a variety of methods they can use to restore these items. The exact method used may depend on the amount of damage and what type of item needs to be restored. For example, upholstery may need to be dry cleaned, while solid furniture can be washed with the cleaning solution.

It's important to understand that water damage from flooding is often categorized as black or contaminated water. This means that sanitation will have to occur as part of the restoration process. Fortunately, many of your office contents may still be salvageable. 

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Purchase flood insurance to protect your business from this kind of damage

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

If you are expecting flooding during a storm in West Miami,FL, you should take steps to prepare your business. Because it is possible that your building could be affected, you should do what you can to minimize the damage. Be sure to consider the safety of yourself and your employees as well. The following are a few things you can do.

1. Check For Existing Damage

Existing damage, such as cracks or deterioration, can become worse with flood damage. To prevent this from happening, you should inspect the building before severe weather. You should remember to perform regular maintenance as well.

2. Back Up Important Information

If there is flooding and the water enters the building, it could potentially affect your electronics and equipment. If you have important files and data on your computers, you should create a backup in case they are damaged. You can make a physical backup with a USB drive or external hard drive, or you can create a digital backup by uploading your files to cloud storage.

3. Purchase Flood Insurance

Because flood damage is not usually covered under a basic commercial insurance policy, you may want to purchase an additional flood policy to protect your business from this kind of damage. Although it may seem like an unnecessary extra expense, it can save your company money if your building is affected during a storm.

4. Have an Emergency Plan

Along with damaging your building, flooding can be dangerous to your employees. Create a plan for emergency evacuation as well as a severe weather policy. Make sure that everyone knows what is expected during this kind of situation.
During a flood, black water can cause a lot of damage to your building. This water is highly contaminated, so instead of trying to remove it yourself, hire a cleanup and restoration company to do it for you. They can sanitize your building and perform any necessary repairs. They will be able to restore many damaged belongings as well.

What To Do When There Is Sewage Backup in Your Building

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Always take precautions when dealing with a sewage backup on your property.

A major hurricane or storm in Doral, FL can cause severe flood damage to your commercial building. Specifically, the contaminated floodwaters or sewage backup could end up in your office. This black water may contain microbes or harmful chemicals.

If you do suspect that there is a sewage backup in your building, you can take steps to limit the destruction. These precautions include:

Evacuating vulnerable individuals, namely seniors and children, from the area
Removing uncontaminated items
Opening windows to increase ventilation
Adding bleach to standing water to limit the spread of bacteria

Obviously, you do not want your workers exposed to these toxins. However, you do not have to completely shut down your office for the entirety of the flood cleanup. Once the affected areas are demolished or disinfected, employees can come back to work while the building is restored.

Small Sewage Spills
If the backup is fairly recent and confined to a small area, you may be able to handle the problem yourself. Make sure to wear proper gear, including masks, gloves and boots, so your skin does not contact the black water.

Any saturated paneling, carpets, floors and baseboards should be disposed of immediately. Then wash and disinfect the entire area with an antibacterial cleaner. Portable items should be allowed to dry outside in the sun.

When To Call the Experts
If the sewage backup is more than 24 hours old or has spread to multiple rooms of the property, you will need to contact a commercial building restoration company. Professionals will keep your employees safe and limit the spread of mold during the storm cleanup.

Employers or property managers may be able to handle small sewage backups on their own. However, a major black water contamination requires the assistance of professionals. Even if you do have to call in experts, your employees can return to the office while the storm damage restoration occurs.

4 Options for Working During a Power Outage

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Along with a power outage, storms can cause a variety of other issues.

If there is a power outage in your building during a storm in Doral, FL you could just call it a day and send everyone home. However, this is likely not ideal as you can lose valuable time and profits. Instead, consider one of the following alternatives.

1. Use a Generator
If you want to continue working for a bit after the power goes out, a portable generator can be a great solution. It can give you enough time to finish up important tasks and shut down your computers safely to avoid damaging them or losing any of your data. However, these are generally only designed to be used for a few hours at a time.

2. Move to Another Location
If you need internet access to continue your work, then you might consider moving to a public space like a library or a coffee shop for part of the day. Many of these offer free wi-fi, so it can be a convenient solution for a short period.

3. Work From Home
Another option is to simply have everyone work from home. If your employees have internet access at home or have work to do that does not require them to be online, then this can be a good time to complete some individual work.

4. Do Tasks That Don’t Require Electricity
While a power outage can be a big inconvenience, it doesn’t have to be the end of your work day. If there are things that need to be done that you don’t need electricity for, then take this time to work on those instead. You can leave other tasks for when the power comes back on.

Storms can cause a variety of issues including damage to your building. If this happens, you can contact a professional cleanup and restoration service. They can remove any water damage, perform repairs and salvage affected belongings.

5 Steps for Flushing Your Water Heater

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of water damage in your Virginia Gardens, FL home

5 Steps for Flushing Your Water Heater

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of water damage that can result in costly water cleanup and restoration. To prevent problems with your heater, you need to flush out the sediment that builds up on the inside. While you could hire a plumber to perform the routine flush, you can also do it yourself by following these steps.

1. Gather Supplies

What makes this a fairly simple DIY job is that it only requires things you probably already own. You just need a screwdriver and a garden hose. It's also a good idea to identify a safe place to drain the water.

2. Take Safety Precautions

You want to make sure you perform the water heater flush safely. Turn off its power source, whether it is the breaker or the gas, before you begin. Be sure to wear thick work gloves so you don't get burned.

3. Drain the Heater

Put one end of the garden hose on the drain valve on the water heater and the other end of the hose in the area where you want the water to go. Open the valve and let the water flow. To speed up the draining process, turn on a hot water faucet in the house. Cut off the water supply valve, and then turn it on again once the water flow stops for an extra flush.

4. Refill the Tank

To fill the heater back up, close the valves and turn on the water supply. The hot water faucet you left on may sputter for a while as air in the line escapes. The tank is full when water flows out of the faucet normally.

5. Restore Power

After the tank is full, it is safe to turn the power back on. This allows the water in the tank to heat.
To prevent flooding to your home in Virginia Gardens,FL, you need to flush out your water heater regularly. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

What Should You Do with Water Damaged Electronics in Your Business?

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Electronic damage is not always visible, and so it's often safest to avoid touching or moving electronic items.

Electronics are often important tools that keep a business operating at its best. Unfortunately, water damage can result in flooded electronics, which can cause your business in Miami, FL, to come to a standstill. However, there are several useful steps you can take after your electronic items have been damaged in a flood.

1. Turn Off the Power

Though you may be tempted to try to see if your electronic items work after water damage has occurred, it's often wise not to touch the items while the power is still on in your building. Electronic damage is not always visible, and so it's often safest to avoid touching or moving electronic items and to instead turn off the power in your property. Turning off the power in your building can help to prevent various issues, such as electrical fires, from occurring.

2. Keep the Building Dry

In order to mitigate the damage to your flooded electronics, keeping your business as dry as possible is generally wise. However, the manner in which you dry out your building is important. Using fans, air conditioning or heaters can actually be detrimental to your damaged electronics, as these items use electricity to function. Instead, it can be helpful to open the windows in your business in order to improve the airflow and dry out your items safely.

3. Contact Professionals

Depending on the item and the extent of the damage, it is sometimes possible for electronic items to be restored. However, it can be hazardous and time-consuming to attempt to restore any of your electronic items on your own. You may find it helpful to contact emergency restoration specialists who can safely remove your items from your business and can attempt restoration.

After a flood, you likely want your business to recover as quickly as possible, and knowing how to handle flooded electronics can help to achieve this goal. By turning off the power in your building, keeping your property as dry as possible and contacting professionals quickly, you can often minimize the damage to your electronics.

Storm Flooding Cleanup vs. Other Flooding Damage

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Pipe burst in Miami,FL

Flood cleanup can be a serious task even for smaller incidents. If water finds its way into your home, you not only have to worry about the integrity of the structure, but you must also consider carpet and hardwood flooring, electronics, documents, furniture and personal items. Depending on the type of flooding, the cleanup effort will require different steps and equipment.

Why Call the Pros

A professional flood cleanup and restoration company should be your first line of defense to take care of flood damage. This isn't a duty you should handle alone or rely solely on friends or neighbors. Professional crews offer many advantages, including:

• Experience handling floods of all sizes and types
  
• The most advanced equipment
  
• Years of training
  
• Proven cleanup methods and safe practices
  
  

Storm Flooding

If water gets into your Miami, FL, home during and after a major storm, the consequences could be hazardous. Often, massive storms will overwhelm an area's drainage system, which could then back up the sewage. This may introduce black water into your home. This is considered Category 3 water damage. It contains harmful materials such as human waste and other hazardous items. Contact with it could cause severe illness or even death. Cleaning Category 3 damage after a storm requires intervention from a certified cleanup team. The crew will not only remove all water from your home but will also thoroughly sanitize if, making it safe once again.

Pipe Burst

Broken pipes and other plumbing issues are also frequent culprits of residential flooding. Though this can also cause damage, there's not the same level of concern because this is a Category 1 situation. This means the water will not contain lethal materials. Still, you should call, a restoration company to remove the water. These teams have the right tools to completely extract the water and dry the area.
Flooding is always a concern, no matter how it starts. It's important to recognize the source of a flood so you can be aware of the danger level.

What To Know About Detecting Mold

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Testing mold in Doral, FL

Methods To Detect Mold

If you believe you may have mold in your Doral,FL, home. It may be best to contact an indoor environmental specialist in order to confirm your suspicions. Fortunately, these professionals have many ways they can detect mold. Some of those methods may include the following.

1. Mold May Give off an Odor

One way to identify the possibility of mold in home it's by the damp or musty smell mold growth make it off. This is because as a fungus most releases mycotoxins as it grows.Disorder is often one of the first things people notice that lead them to believe baby presenting a problem in their residence.

2. Mold Colonies Can Be Seen

Another way many people can identify mold is by its appearance. When grown in a colony mold spores can be seen. Mold patches may range from white, gray, green, brown, and even black in color, and may present a variety of degrees of fuzziness. If you believe you see mold in your home it's best to contact an indoor environmental specialist.

3. Mold Can Be Tested For

If you believe you may have spores in your home a mold test can be conducted by a local mold remediation professional. The test used may vary by the type of mold suspected. In some cases air samples may be taken, while in others a patch of the surface potentially exposed to mold spores will be removed for testing. If mold is found then the remediation process can begin.
Contacting an indoor environmental specialist can be an important part of detecting any mold that may be in your home. These professionals may be able to locate mold based on odor, if any spore colonies can be seen, and any professional testing they may do. If they do find mold, the remediation process should be able to successfully remove any spores from the residence.

4 Action Steps After a Pipe Break

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

At the first sight of water loss, give us a call!

A large water stain on your ceiling or wall is a telltale sign of bursting pipes. You may also notice a spike in your water bill, indicating that you have a significant leak somewhere. When that happens, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Quick response not only minimizes the amount of damage the broken pipe causes to your home in Doral, Florida but also may prevent secondary damage such as mold growth.

1. Call for Help
Until it is mitigated, water damage can continue to grow. Even worse, it can become a breeding ground for fungus. To keep further damage from happening you need to call water mitigation experts as soon as you realize you need their help.

2. Find the Leak
Before you can solve a problem, you have to locate it. Find the bursting pipes where the water is getting out. Pipes may be visible under sinks, but part of your wall may have to be removed if the pipe is behind it.

3. Turn off Water
Before the pipe is repaired, you still want to cut off the flow of the water. It is best to turn it off at the water main until you have a new pipe in place that can keep it contained. It may be inconvenient to be without water for a while, but the time and money you can save by preventing further damage will likely be worth the trouble.

4. Fix the Pipe
To fix the broken pipe, you will probably need the help of a licensed professional. Call the plumber and arrange for a time for the problem pipe to be repaired or replaced. Don't turn the water back on until the repair is complete.

Once you know bursting pipes are causing damage in your home, don't hesitate to take action. The sooner you start the restoration process, the less damage you are likely to have to fix. 

How to Prevent Smoke Damage to Your Electronics

9/2/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke can travel throughout your home carrying soot and contaminants with it

After a fire in your Doral, Florida home there will probably be a lot of obvious damage to take care of. However, there can also be some problems that you have not considered. When you are performing fire cleanup, it is important to include your electronic items, even if they were not directly affected by the flames. Smoke can become trapped inside of appliances and gadgets. Use the following advice to prevent permanent damage to these objects.
1. Wipe Down Surfaces 
During a fire, smoke can cover a much wider area than the flames. It can become trapped inside porous materials and create a layer of soot on hard surfaces. The first thing that you should do to slow the process of smoke damage to your electronics is to remove residue from the exterior of affected items. To do this, use a cloth to carefully wipe the surfaces clean.
2. Do Not Turn Them On
Most electronics have several areas that can allow smoke to enter the inside. Because of this, you should avoid turning them on until they have been examined and fire cleanup has been finished. Doing so will create heat inside the object that causes the smoke and soot to spread over a larger area. The acidic components in the soot can corrode the machine and cause it to stop working.
3. Have Them Professionally Cleaned
If you believe that your electronics have been damaged by smoke, take them to a professional. They will have the necessary tools and knowledge to safely restore the items. If you attempt to do this on your own, you risk breaking the object and losing important data and files.
Call a cleanup and restoration service if you have had a fire in your home. They will be able to perform fire cleanup on both your house and any items that have been damaged. Avoid using affected items until you are sure it is safe to do so.

3 Tips for Preparing for an Upcoming Storm

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

A particularly devastating storm may cause some damage to your building no matter what you do.

"During storm season in Doral, Florida it's important to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at you. You may not be able to avoid all damage to your building, but you can protect the most vulnerable areas and items. There are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of flooding.
1. Make Your Basement Flood Resistant
The lowest level of your building is the most vulnerable to flood damage. Water from heavy rainfall can seep into cracks in the foundation. The sewer lines can get clogged and back up into your building. To increase your basement's resistance, have the exterior of your building inspected and repair any weak spots or potential points of entry that inspectors find. Hire local plumbing professionals to make sure your sewer lines are intact. Have a sump pump installed so that any water that gets in can be pumped right back out.
2. Protect Sensitive Equipment and Important Documents
Electricity and water don't mix. If your building is in danger of flooding, make sure equipment and electrical outlets are raised off the floor and above the flood line. Store documents in files on higher shelves or digitize them, eliminating the need for storage of physical copies. 
3. Build a Barrier Against Floodwaters
Sandbags can protect your building against storm damage. Place them in any area that is particularly vulnerable. If you have enough time, it is wise to places them around the perimeter of your building, where they can work as a makeshift dam. Set up a barrier around doors and windows, as water is more likely to enter your building at these points. The use of sandbags can delay or maybe even stop floodwaters from encroaching on your building. You can prevent flooding during most heavy storms, though, by taking a few key precautions."

3 Steps To Prevent Mold Growth After a Flood

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

How to prevent fungus after a large storm with water loss.

When it floods in Doral, Florida there is a chance that you could end up with a lot of water inside your house. When this happens, it is important to take action quickly to prevent secondary damage like mold growth. Here are a few ways to prevent this fungus from taking over your home.
1. Remove Water From the House
Mold grows easily in moist environments and can begin to spread in as little as a day. To keep this from happening, you need to remove all of the standing water from your home as soon as possible. It is a good idea to contact a water damage remediation service in this situation. They can perform mitigation to prevent further damage as well as repairs for anything that has already been affected.
2. Clean and Sanitize Surfaces and Belongings
Flood waters are considered Category 3 or black water. This water can carry harmful bacteria, sewage and other contaminants like mold spores. For this reason, you should be sure to clean and sanitize anything in your home that has been in contact with the water. Doing so reduces any health risks as well as the spread of mold.
3. Allow Everything To Dry Thoroughly
Once the water has been removed and everything has been cleaned, you need to make sure your home is completely dry. Even small amounts of water can contribute to mold growth, so this step is crucial. Opening windows and using fans to circulate air can be helpful. If you hire a professional service, these workers have the necessary equipment to help this process go more quickly.
Flood waters in your home can result in a lot of damage to your house. Mold growth is a common problem after water damage, but following these steps can help prevent the fungus from spreading. This can save both time and money during repairs.

5 Water Issues Your Business May Encounter

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

If your business does experience water damage a professional can help

When you have a business in Doral, Florida it's important to mitigate water damage and prevent leaking pipes before they leave lasting harm to the property. Here are five issues many companies in this area may expect to encounter.
1. Roof Leak Problems
Inclement weather can lead to leaking problems with the roof. After a storm you may want to check to see if any damage has been done, and to contact a professional to make any necessary repairs.
2. Sewer Line Damage
If your business experiences frequent toilet backup it could be one indication that the sewer line has been damaged. A professional can assess the problem to determine the source and the best course of action.
3. Damage To Water Pipes
another problem many commercial buildings may experience, especially in cold weather, is leaking pipes or a pipe break. Regular inspection of the pipes can help prevent these issues. If you do experience water damage as a result then you may want to contact a water damage restoration service.
4. Foundation Damage
Puddling water can also lead to cracks in the foundation. This can be caused by a pipe leak, or water from the outside pooling against building. A professional assessment is usually needed to determine the best solution for this problem. One potential mitigation step could be installing a sump pump in basement areas.
5. Landscape Drainage
Improperly sloped landscaping can lead to water drainage that puddles around your building's foundation. Fortunately, this potential issue is fairly easy to catch and remedy.
These five issues could present a problem for any business in the Doral, Florida area. These include storm damage to the roof area, sewer line issues, broken or leaking pipes, foundation damage, and damages caused by poor landscaping. Fortunately, knowing where your problem areas are can help you take mitigation steps. 

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

House on Fire

Fire is extremely dangerous even if the after effects are not immediately visible. There are a few things that need to be known before entering the home after you have had a fire.

Always consult a fire marshal and ensure that it is safe to re-enter the home after fire damage. Even though you may want to inspect and see what survived the fire, you need to be safe for obvious reasons. Fire can cause the home to be extremely unstable and dangerous.

Immediately following the fire, call a Fire Damage and Cleaning Restoration Company to help assess the damage in the property and begin the clean-up process.  A fire damage restoration professional can save a lot of money, time and keep your family safe when dealing with fire damage, but here are some things you can do before help arrives:

• Open all windows and doors to ventilate and help get the smoke out as much as possible.
• Cover any clean, unaffected pieces of furniture up with plastic to make sure they are not damaged in the clean-up process.
• Do not try to clean anything yourself. Soot and smoke that has set into the furniture and carpet can be dangerous.
• Don’t plug in any electronics. Call an electrician to inspect for any electrical damage from the fire.
• Throw out any open of possibly exposed foods that make have been contaminated from the fire.

Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your family and your home. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will always treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with great care.

SERVPRO of Doral has the water and fire damage training and expertise to help you through this tough time. Once the fire department leaves, your Miami Lakes home may suffer from water damage caused by firefighting efforts. We have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

How Commercial Cleaning positively Impacts Other Areas of Your Business

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning

Maintaining a clean work environment has numerous benefits for both your employees and your business. However, handling daily cleaning is a time-consuming task. Commercial cleaning providers take on this responsibility to ensure a clean work space and improve your business overall.

These are some of the benefits of regular Commercial Cleaning:

Reduces employee sick days. A clean and healthy work environment is one of the most important ways to prevent your business from dealing with absent staff

Prevents accidents. In a dirty or cluttered workplace it is only a matter of time before a customer or employee is accidentally injured. Avoid the cost and headache of legal troubles by making sure your workplace is clean and safe.

Maintains a professional appearance. The cleanliness of a work space is often viewed as a direct reflection of the business’s professionalism.

Boosts employee morale. Nothing damages employee morale quite like a dirty workplace. Keeping a clean office at all times makes a positive impact on the way your staff feel when they step into work each day.

Protects expensive equipment. A regular cleaning also defends against the damage of dust and dirt on expensive equipment.

When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Doral for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

Going a Little Greener

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth day we have compiled a list of tips to help get a little greener.

1. Audit your energy use. Making sure to turn off lights when you leave a room or hang drying clothes on a clothes line will not only help you save money but it will help the environment as well. 
2. Watch your water consumption. Like your energy use, monitor your water use to see where you can improve. Ensure that the water is not running while you are brushing your teeth, take shorter showers and fix leaky faucets. 
3. Stop using disposable plastic bags. Buy or create your own reusable bags.
4. Wash laundry in cold water to help conserve energy.
5. Recycle. It’s never too late to start recycling. Paper, plastic, glass and aluminum can be recycled. 
6. Grow your own vegetables, herbs and fruits. Plant some local flora. 
7. Buy used before buying new. Check thrift shops and local buy, sell, trades for items you are looking for. 
8. Use green household cleaners. SERVPRO of Doral has several green cleaning products and our corporate lab in Gallatin, TN continues to add more.
9. Purchase a reusable water bottle instead of disposable water bottles. 
10. Ride a bike or walk to the nearby grocery store if you are able to.

There are so many things you can do to help the environment and your wallet. We hope that you can challenge yourself to implement 1 thing on this list to help become a little more ecofriendly. It may seem daunting at first so work on 1 thing at a time until it becomes a habit and go on to the next item on the list.

Happy Earth day!

Water Damage Tips - What to do until Help Arrives

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Never step into a flooded room if the water is high enough to reach electrical outlets, appliances or cords.

You come home to find standing water. What do you do? Here are a few ideas on what to do until help arrives:

1. If you can find the source of water, turn it off to prevent further damage.

2. Safety first – Never step into a flooded room if the water is high enough to reach electrical outlets, appliances or cords. If you are safely able to do so, shut the power off at the breaker box. If you must stand in water to do so, don’t. Contact your electric utility company to shut off the power at the meter.

3. Take photos of everything in place as it was when you first arrived to your home.

4. Act quickly and remove any contents you can safely move that are sitting in water.

5. Contact a restoration company to help dry out the structure.

6. Contact your insurance company to start a claim.

7. If the damage was caused by a sewer line back up, do not touch sewage or grossly contaminated contents. Leave this to the professionals. They have the proper protective gear to handle affected materials.

8. Remove excess water by mopping, blotting or via squeegee.

9. Remove colorful rugs from wet carpet in order to prevent staining.

10. Place plastic or aluminum between furniture legs and wet carpet.

11. Keep out of rooms where the ceilings are sagging.

Being proactive expedites drying and minimizes damage so you can get back to your normal life.

For more information contact SERVPRO of Doral at 305-558-6211

http://www.SERVPROdoral.com

Method and Professional Carpet Cleaning

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

It is very important to clean the carpets regularly, especially in hotels because of the high traffic of people. We must take care of hygiene and presence, and that is why The Provident Hotel has entrusted SERVPRO of Doral.

There are many reasons for professional carpet cleaning, one it will increase the life of your carpets to have them cleaned regularly. The dirt embedded in the carpets rub together to prematurely wear out the carpet fibers. The appearance is better with clean carpets; health is improved with less soil and or dust in the home, office etc.

The method commonly referred to as steam cleaning is better referred to as Hot water Extraction. This is where you apply a pre-spray and use agitation and a hot water rinse to remove the soap and soil. The agitation can come in the form of a machine applying pressure with brushes or simply using the wand which vacuums up the hot water sprayed on to the carpets to rinse out the pre-spray. There are different chemical requirements depending on whether or not the carpet is a synthetic or natural carpet fiber.

Extraction is by far the most important step in this process. Since the hot-water extraction method uses much more water than other methods like bonnet or shampoo cleaning, proper extraction and air flow are critical to avoid drying issues. Drying time may also be decreased by extra use of fans, air conditioning, and/or outdoor ventilation.

Older surfaces, such as double jute-backed carpets and loose rugs with natural foundation yarns, could shrink after a wet treatment. Newer carpets, such as with synthetic backing and foundation yarns, do not shrink, and they smooth easily. The variety in carpet types and situations make a good argument to always use a professional carpet cleaner who has been trained and certified.

About SERVPRO of Doral

SERVPRO ofDoral specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our Crew is highly trained in property damage restoration. SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification. We can be reached at (305) 594-2956.

South East Physician Associates (SEPA)

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

SEPA Meeting

On March 1^st, 2018 SEPA had a grand opening event for one of their medical office practice in Doral at the Firefighter Memorial Building. SEPA objective for this grand opening to ensure firefighters get the proper care they need while they are on the field. There are huge percentage of firefighters do not take the proper follow-up when they have a medical health issue. With this practice, it will be definitely help open doors and emotional support for family members who have their relative in the firefighter field. This is definitely will make things well for all around in the community. This location was brought the firefighters that lost their lives while helping others in the community. It is a beautiful remembrance of such great people.

SEPA’s mission is to help the physician and business partners achieve their success that will eventually turn into high quality healthcare. They sincerely care about the community and always willing to help as much as they can and more. We also had the mayor of Doral at the grand opening, J.C. Bermudez.

We definitely like helping our clients to ensure their happiness is always granted. We always continually want to always have excellent service, fairness and mutual respect. With this special invitation their grand opening and their growth in the company it is great. We appreciate it so much. As well, we thank Doral Chamber of Commerce for us meeting them in a Carnival Victory Cruise Line in making our business relationship prosper.

BOMA TOBY Awards

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO SMRs during dinner ceremony.

We at SERVPRO of Doral participated at the Toby’s Awards 2018 this year. It was a great exciting time for property managers to get together. We even were the platinum sponsor this wonderful event. The theme of Oscar’s Night; it was a night fulfilling, with other SERVPRO in our area. It was nice to get everyone together and celebrate special time. These are the Toby Awards, is known for Outstanding Building of the year is the most prestigious and comprehensive program of its kind in the commercial real estate industry. This event recognized properties that showed superior building quality and management practices.

Being eligible for this event for property managers, it is all of the commercial office and industrial building, but it has to be met with BOMA International’s TOBY Committee. For them, winning these awards meant a lot because it brings a great marketing edge tool to lease/and or even to sell a building. As well, the staff gets a special recognition for the TOBY submission process. A TOBY award enabled to highlight to ownership all the hard work completed on behalf of the building of the property managers working together.

It was so nice to get to have met the people we have done work for in the past. Being part of this nice event; it sure helped us to have showed more emphasis that we are great, valuable company for our client and prospective clients. This will help us grow in large to continue to trust us with the restorative services, and not only that, but also minor cleaning and other things do we to provide to make our franchises grow. We sure cannot wait to continue to help BOMA and their properties whenever there is issues. We are SERVPRO of Miami Lakes/Doral we want to continue to do excellent service, fairness and have mutual respect.

Doral Chamber of Commerce - Power Luncheon

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

Carnival Cruise Victory Dining Salon

As SERVPRO of Doral, we have been active members with our communities, we had an event on January 26^th, 2018 at the Carnival Cruise Line – Doral Chamber Power Luncheon. It was indeed a great experience where we got a chance to meet other business professionals to help each other grow. We had been an active member of Doral Chamber of Commerce, we go to many of their events because we see SERVPRO of Doral as a team to work together in the community.

We had phenomenal food and dancers in the cruise. It felt like a true experience of being in a cruise, but with that exception that we are not sailing away to…Cuba!. That is a joke that Manny Sarmiento, president of the chamber of commerce of Doral,  says when we go to these Carnival Cruise Power Luncheon Meetings that usually happens about three times a year. We had enjoyed our times and we had enjoyed everyone.

We want to make SERVPRO of Doral a continuation of servicing others and sharing this SERVPRO experience to others.

As a main speaker, we had William Talbert III from Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau telling us tourism business did not get affected from Hurricane Irma. We have a bunch events coming up in our way, so we had been growing such a positive way in the business world. He shared the story of the “Funny Socks Club”, as Manny Sarmiento was saying, and “Bill” as they had call him as the co-founder.

Doral Chamber of Commerce had been great part of in our lives, networking and great return of investment. We have definitely enjoy the experience of helping the community.

We also had the Carnival Cruise waiters danced the “Gangnam Style”, song it was great phenomenal experience that other business professionals have to enjoy at least once. We thanked Manny and Carmen Sarmiento, Azahy, and other Doral Chamber of Commerce members for this great luncheon.