4 Areas of a Business That Might Harbor Mold Growth

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning vents and other areas of the system require thorough attention in a property

With These Tips, You Can Say Goodbye to Cigarette Smoke in Your Home.

Not much is worse than the smell of lingering cigarette smoke in a home or building. If you recently purchased a home that is contaminated by the smell of nicotine, or if you have recently quit smoking and want to free your home from the odors of your past habit for good, there are a few home deodorization tips you need to know. Before you get started, however, there are a few supplies you need to gather:

• Baking soda
• A gallon of vinegar
• Clean towel
• A bucket
• A strainer
• An ozone machine (in extreme cases)

Wash Fabrics With Vinegar

If you’ve ever been to a bonfire or spent even an hour in a smoke-infested environment, you know how badly cigarette smoke can affect fabrics. The first step toward freeing your home of the odors of nicotine is to wash any easily removable fabrics, such as drapes, blankets and bedding, in warm water and vinegar.

Clean the Carpets

While your linens are in the wash, sprinkle generous amounts of baking soda over your home’s carpet and upholstered furniture. The best way to do this is to dump baking soda into a strainer and sprinkle it throughout your home. Let the baking soda sit for 30 to 60 minutes, and then vacuum it up.

Wash the Walls and Hard Surfaces

While you’re waiting for your carpets and upholstery to absorb the baking soda, move on to the next phase of home deodorization: cleaning the hard surfaces. Mix 75 percent vinegar with 25 percent warm water and scrub the solution on all of your home’s hard surfaces. Only file one-third to one-half of your bucket at a time, as the water will get dirty. You don’t need to be meticulous in this step, as even a light layer of vinegar removes the smoke odor.

Though these steps are effective in milder cases, in more severe cases, you may need to call in professionals. A Doral, FL, smoke remediation team can use an ozone machine to rid your home of the worst of the smell, and a local contractor can seal your home deodorization efforts with a fresh coat of pain.

4 Areas of a Business That Might Harbor Mold Growth

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning vents and other areas of the system require thorough attention in a property

4 Areas of a Business That Might Harbor Mold Growth

Mold likes to grow in warm and humid conditions; it is commonly found in bathrooms, basements, and attics. If a property contains a high moisture content, the fungus can spread easily into other parts of the company. This can necessitate HVAC cleaning and other advanced measures. The good news is that a professional mold mitigation franchise in Miami, FL, can handle the cleaning of air ducts and other tricky spaces. These areas of a business call for some precision and finesse to treat mold growth.

1. Paper Product Mitigation. Even in the digital age, a company still keeps important paper records. In areas of high humidity, this paper becomes susceptible to mold growth over time. Technicians have a number of advanced cleaning methods that can treat documents impacted by fungus growth.

2. HVAC Cleaning. The heating and cooling system of a company provide a productive environment for mold growth. AC evaporator coils and drip pans contain enough moisture to encourage mold to grow. Cleaning vents and other areas of the system require thorough attention in a property with an infestation. If left untreated, the mold spores will circulate throughout the building and colonize new areas of the property.

3. Electrical System Remediation. In a bad outbreak, mold can even enter a company's electrical system. In addition to treating the moisture source and killing the fungus, special attention should be paid to safety during the cleanup process.

4. Upholstery Cleaning. Porous surfaces infected with mold growth require special cleaning methods. An upholstery and fabric cleaning technician has been trained in the best practices for getting mold out of furniture and fabrics. A technician can determine if an item can be saved or if it will need to be thrown away.

A mold outbreak often calls for a thorough HVAC cleaning to prevent the fungus from spreading throughout a building. Mold remediation experts have the training to tackle the toughest jobs.

3 Things To Know About Mold in Your Home

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Doral, FL

Here Are Three Facts To Be Aware Of During This Process

When it comes to mold cleaning in your Doral, FL, home, there is crucial knowledge to make sure the fungus is completely removed and keep it gone.

1. Mold Can Be Hidden

One important thing about mold damage is that mold spores are microscopic to the human eye. What we see as visible mold on the material is actually a colony of growing spores. This means mold may be present without being visible. Additionally, mold can grow in hidden spaces such as between walls or beneath the flooring. Fortunately, there are ways to locate and identify if these fungi are a problem in your home.

2. A Professional Can Help

Mold cleaning can be done by a local mold remediation service. Working with these professionals is highly recommended for homeowners, as they have the tools and training needed to identify mold problems, test for mold type, remove the mold, and make repairs to your home. They can even help determine if mold is present when it cannot be seen.

3. The Source Should Be Addressed

During the mold remediation process, the restoration team should be able to locate any source problems in the home that contributed to the mold’s growth. If there is an issue such as water damage, then it’s important to make the appropriate repairs to a dripping pipe or a roof leak. Addressing the source of moisture or other growth factors helps prevent mold from returning in the future.

Remember when doing a mold cleaning at your home that mold spores may be growing in hidden spaces out of sight. Fortunately, a professional can help you locate, identify and clean up this problem. It’s also important that if water damage is the cause, you want to repair these damages as well to mitigate the possibility of future problems.

Why use our services

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Many homeowners in Doral, Florida while having damage on their own have no idea what to do. Many will just leave it alone, until it gets to the point that it has to be fixed. The main thing for homeowners is which restoration company they contact. Contacting SERVPRO of Doral should be a home owners number one priority. 

Why use our services

We provide services to restore water, and fire damage while also being able to remediate mold damage. If a homeowner or property owner needs a service from us it will be done professionally, efficiently, and quickly. 

• Faster to any size disaster
• Like it never even happened
• Our own cleaning products

Faster to any size disaster

Here at SERVPRO of Doral we pride ourselves on getting to our customers as quickly as possible. Call us for a job, we will show up at your door within 3 hours. If you live within 25 miles of our office we promise to be at your door ready to work, within 90 minutes. It is extremely important for us to get to the job as soon as possible to fix what needs to be fixed for our customers. At SERVPRO of Doral our number priority is our customers, if our customers are happy we are happy. 

Like it never even happened

When we show up to a job we make sure it looks just how it was left before. Our workers will make sure to clean up all equipment that was used. 

We make our own Professional Cleaning Products. 

SERVPRO has hired its own Chemist and specialist to create our own products. We make sure that whatever we use to clean your home, your property, or your business it is 100% safe. Anything that we use to benefit a customer we would use in our own home. It is imperative that we develop a team that is focused on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.

Benefits of Hiring a Great Disaster Recovery Corporation

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Doral is equipped to handle any project, large or small.

The Advantages of Hiring a Great Disaster Recovery Company

When a natural disaster strikes in Miami, FL, it can cause millions of dollars of damage to commercial properties in the area. Business owners need a mitigation crew that can mobilize quickly and starts work on their buildings before the problem gets worse. SERVPRO's disaster recovery specialists outshine the competition in several ways.

Efficiency at Every Step of the Process

Contacting the corporate call center is the first step of the cleanup process. Within hours, technicians can be at the building to start the real work:

• Assessment of the storm damage
• Extraction of excess water
• Removal of ruined items and materials
• Disinfection and drying
• Restoration

Business owners don't have to guess which franchise to call. The call center can redirect the call to the branch that is best equipped to handle the problem.

Corporate Support for Local Franchise

One benefit of having local technicians backed by a corporation is that when a job is too big for one franchise to handle alone, the company can send in reinforcements. The Disaster Recovery Teams are located throughout the country, ready to spring into action to assist with extra equipment or tasks that the local specialists need. This is one of the reasons that SERVPRO is considered a preferred vendor by many insurance providers. 

Certified Storm Response Team

The technicians that handle storm cleanup are trained and certified restoration experts. They have experience with natural disaster damage at universities, hospitals, and other large facilities. The initial assessment and itemized list of repairs needed are stored in an online account and updated as needed, providing an excellent resource for property insurance claims. SERVPRO's standard of excellence extends to the local teams that bear the company name.

SERVPRO is at the top of its industry when it comes to disaster recovery. Business owners get the efficiency of a local team with corporate support.

What To Expect During a Fire Restoration Project

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO of Doral 24/7 for your after-hours fire emergencies.

What Should You Expect During a Fire Restoration Project?

When an unexpected fire tears through your commercial space, you are suddenly facing a significant repair project to get the business back up and running. Here is everything you can expect during the fire restoration process in the event your Doral, FL, business is damaged.

1. Damage Assessment

After placing a call to local fire damage restoration specialists, the first step experts will take is evaluating the property. These trained professionals will use their expertise to inspect all corners of the building and get the full scope of the damage. This is an essential first step to develop a fire rebuild plan. 

2. Emergency Boarding

Flames can compromise the building structure, particularly windows and roofs. Therefore, experts will securely board up windows and place a tarp over the roof for optimal safety. 

3. Addressing Water Issues

Water and fire damage often go hand in hand, as buildings emerge soaked after the flames are extinguished. Resolving water-related issues comes next in the process, including the removal of excess water and drying the area. 

4. Smoke Removal

After any water issues have been resolved, lingering smoke and soot damage will be taken care of. Experts will use specialized cleaning techniques to remove smoke and its harmful properties from within the structure. 

5. Sanitizing 

Cleaning will continue following smoke removal with deep disinfecting of surfaces to fully prepare the space for necessary repairs. Deodorization may also occur at this point to remove lingering odors from smoke or water damage. 

6. Fire Restoration

After the space has been assessed, secured, and cleaned, it is now time for rebuilding services to work on repairs. This final step will vary based on the total damage but could range from cosmetic touch-ups to extensive structural repairs. 

If your property is set ablaze, prepare for a six-step fire restoration process involving evaluation, securing the structure, water, and smoke damage removal, sanitizing, and finally repairs. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.