Equipped for Excellence: SERVPRO's Mold Remediation Across the Orlando, FL Region

11/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team in PPE

In the captivating region surrounding Orlando, Florida, where the allure of magic meets the challenges of a subtropical climate, mold growth is a concern that demands a dynamic solution. At SERVPRO, our commitment to safety and excellence extends beyond city limits, covering all areas around Orlando. Let's explore how our expert team, armed with specialized equipment, is prepared to tackle any mold remediation job, providing tailored solutions for the unique needs of the entire Orlando region.

Navigating the Mold Challenge Across Orlando's Landscape:

• Mold's potential impact is not confined to city borders; it spans the enchanting areas surrounding Orlando. As residents of this diverse region, we recognize the need for a mold remediation process adaptable to the varying conditions of each locale.

SERVPRO's Extensive Mold Remediation Arsenal:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Safety is paramount, and our technicians come equipped with specialized PPE tailored for the unique challenges of each area. This includes:
  • Respirators: Ensuring protection against inhaling mold spores.
  • Protective Suits: Full-body coverage to prevent skin contact with contaminants.
  • Gloves and Eye Protection: Heavy-duty gear to ensure safety during remediation across diverse landscapes.

2. Containment Strategies:

• Whether addressing mold in urban settings, suburban homes, or rural properties, our team establishes robust containment barriers. This proactive measure protects both our team and the property from cross-contamination, ensuring effective mold remediation in any setting.

3. Adaptable Air Filtration Devices:

• The equipment we deploy includes advanced air filtration, with HEPA filters suitable for various environments. These devices capture microscopic mold spores, providing a safe environment during and after remediation across the entire Orlando region.

4. Customized Cleaning Products:

• Recognizing the unique challenges presented by different landscapes, we utilize EPA-registered antimicrobial and antifungal cleaning agents tailored for diverse environments. These products effectively eliminate existing mold while inhibiting future growth.

5. Versatile Moisture Detection Tools:

• In a region with varied climates, addressing the source of moisture is crucial. Our technicians employ state-of-the-art moisture detection tools adaptable to different landscapes. These tools identify and eliminate hidden water sources contributing to mold growth, ensuring thorough remediation.

6. Mobile High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Vacuums:

• Our team is equipped with mobile HEPA vacuums suitable for any setting. Designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, these vacuums ensure thorough cleaning during the remediation process, tailored to the unique conditions of each area around Orlando.

7. Comprehensive Documentation:

• Transparency is key, and our documentation practices provide detailed records of the entire procedure. This commitment to accountability offers peace of mind and valuable documentation for insurance claims or property transactions, applicable across the diverse Orlando region.

SERVPRO's Regional Expertise:

• Beyond city limits, SERVPRO understands the regional nuances of the Orlando area. Our commitment to safety, expertise, and utilizing the right equipment makes us the go-to choice for mold remediation across the entire region.

Contact SERVPRO Across the Orlando Region Today:

• If you're dealing with mold issues in your home or business anywhere around Orlando, contact SERVPRO. Our expert team, equipped with the right tools and regional expertise, is ready to provide comprehensive mold remediation solutions tailored to the specific needs of your locale. Let's work together to keep homes and businesses safe, healthy, and resilient across the diverse landscape surrounding Orlando, Florida.

Reclaiming Sunshine State Splendor: SERVPRO's Orlando, FL Water Damage Expertise

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water destroys buildings and property

In the heart of Orlando, Florida, where the enchantment of theme parks meets the unpredictability of weather, water damage can pose a challenge for homeowners. Whether it's a sudden downpour, a plumbing mishap, or a roof leak, the impact of water damage can be truly disheartening. Fortunately, Orlando has a dedicated team ready to help, no matter the size of the job – SERVPRO.

Local Insight and Expertise:

• In Orlando, local insight is invaluable. Our SERVPRO team knows the city's unique landscape. We understand the local climate, common sources of water damage, and the most effective strategies to address them. We're not just a restoration team; we're your neighbors who understand the magic and challenges of Orlando.

Skilled Professionals Rooted in Orlando:

• Orlando's dynamic environment requires specialized expertise. Our team consists of skilled professionals who call Orlando home. They're trained and certified to serve our city effectively, ensuring that we can handle any size job with precision and care.

Advanced Equipment for Every Orlando Challenge:

• Orlando's diverse weather patterns demand adaptability. We're equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including advanced moisture meters and powerful dehumidifiers, to address water damage effectively, regardless of the challenge.

Initial Assessment for Tailored Solutions:

• Understanding Orlando's unique climate and potential sources of water damage, we begin with a comprehensive assessment. We evaluate the extent of the damage, whether it's caused by a local storm, flooding, or internal issues.

Safety as a Community Priority:

• Safety is paramount in our city. Whether we're tackling a small residential issue or a significant job, we immediately shut off electricity and gas to protect our team and our neighbors.

Efficient Water Extraction for Orlando Residents:

• Orlando residents can trust us to swiftly remove standing water. We understand the importance of quick action, especially during stormy seasons, no matter the size of the water intrusion.

Thorough Moisture Detection:

• Orlando's humid climate can create hidden moisture pockets. We employ advanced moisture detection equipment to ensure every corner is covered, regardless of the job's size.

Respect for Your Belongings in Orlando:

• We treat furniture, cherished items, and valuables with care, regardless of the size of the job. Orlando's rich cultural heritage deserves nothing less.

Community-Based Mold Prevention:

• Orlando's warm and humid climate makes mold prevention vital. We take all necessary steps to control humidity and ensure thorough drying, no matter the scale of the water damage.

Dehumidification and Structural Drying in Orlando:

• In a city that values its vibrant communities, we use dehumidifiers and specialized drying equipment to reduce moisture levels and restore building materials, regardless of the challenge.

Cleanliness and Sanitization in Orlando: - Orlando residents can count on our commitment to cleanliness. Whether it's a small residential issue or a larger commercial challenge, we disinfect all affected areas, preventing mold and bacteria growth and maintaining a healthy living environment.

Preservation and Restoration in Orlando: - Orlando's rich history and architectural heritage deserve preservation. Whether it's a small residential issue or a significant commercial crisis, our restoration process ensures damaged structures and materials are repaired or replaced, preserving the city's unique character.

A Focus on Community in Orlando: - In Orlando, we're not just a service provider; we're your neighbors. Our commitment to our vibrant community means we maintain open lines of communication with property owners, ensuring that clients are informed about our progress, any adjustments, and what to expect, regardless of the job's size.

Final Inspection in the Spirit of Orlando: - We complete our work with a final inspection to ensure that all water damage has been addressed, and our community is safe and habitable, no matter the size of the challenge.

Serving Orlando, we understand the unique spirit of the city. Whether it's a minor residential issue or a significant community crisis, our SERVPRO team feels deeply connected to Orlando and is committed to preserving its enchanting magic and vibrant life. We're not just a restoration team; we're part of your community, your friends, and your support system. In Orlando, we're here to ensure that your city remains a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

Sewage Backup: The Damage It Causes And What Items Are Salvageable.

10/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician on site after being called out to sewage damage site.

What items are salvageable from Sewage Back up?

A sewage loss in your home can be detrimental. There are many items in the home that should be discarded. In the world of water damage we call a sewage loss a Category 3. Category 3's can happen anywhere this one just so happen to be in Winter Garden. This type of water damage is very dangerous if not cleaned up correctly. The list of contaminates in a sewage back-up is long. One of them is Hepatitis B. Hep B can live out of the body for 50 days. This is why the cleaning process is so important.

There are many items that can be cleaned by a professional from a sewage loss. Here is a Short list of what cannot be saved:

Some Electronics – Depending on the type and how far the contamination went down into the item will come into play. You cannot wipe off just the outside and say it is good to go. If sewage comes in contact with a power cord or a small transfer box it should be replaced. If the item is not replaced the contamination will fester inside and could cause a major fire hazard. This is a very serious issue that should be handled by a professional.

Soft Goods/Certain Textiles – Some can be cleaned depending on the material make, age and contamination level. Certain items like pillows or stuffed animals will need to be dissembled, filling removed, exterior cleaned and put back together with clean materials.

Engineered Wood/ Press wood - Any wood item that has been modified where contamination has come in contact with an unfinished surface cannot be cleaned. This is due to the many cavities that pressboard and engineered wood have. Natural/Solid wood can be treated and sanded to remove the affected areas, then re-stained to match existing colors.

Carpet/Pad – If at any time there was sewage that soaked through to the carpet or pad, the area must be removed! There is no way to guarantee that the carpet and pad are fully decontaminated.

If there are any questions, Please call our SERVPRO experts, and we will help.

Water Damage Restoration Technicians: The Key Players In Your Emergency Service

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration tech on site at commercial water loss.

A water restoration technician has an extremely important job when a home is affected by excess moisture. Certified professionals in the industry can quickly reverse the extensive damage that a flood or sewage backflow can cause, and save as many items as possible in the process. And when dealing with contaminated water, especially when it has pooled in the home, only certified professionals should be allowed to manage the cleanup. Attempting to perform cleanup efforts without expert assistance can lead to injury or illness, both of which can be severe.

A certified water restoration technician is on call around the clock. When an entire community has been affected a major disaster we can call in multiple teams to assist. As soon as a professional is on site, they will assess the situation and determine what items need immediate rescuing. If water has pooled in areas around the home, then pumps will be used to remove it.

The home will be dried using a configuration of heavy duty air movers and dehumidifiers, and while it dries, the firm will move through the building and look for any evidence of mold or pathogen contamination. If pathogens or mold are present, they will be eliminated using special procedures. This will ensure the home is safe to return to, and with concerted drying efforts, the building will as good as new once professionals have completed their work.

Water Damage Restoration Technicians: The Key Players In Your Emergency Service

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration tech on site at commercial water loss.

A water restoration technician has an extremely important job when a home is affected by excess moisture. Certified professionals in the industry can quickly reverse the extensive damage that a flood or sewage backflow can cause, and save as many items as possible in the process. And when dealing with contaminated water, especially when it has pooled in the home, only certified professionals should be allowed to manage the cleanup. Attempting to perform cleanup efforts without expert assistance can lead to injury or illness, both of which can be severe.

A certified water restoration technician is on call around the clock. When an entire community has been affected a major disaster we can call in multiple teams to assist. As soon as a professional is on site, they will assess the situation and determine what items need immediate rescuing. If water has pooled in areas around the home, then pumps will be used to remove it.

The home will be dried using a configuration of heavy duty air movers and dehumidifiers, and while it dries, the firm will move through the building and look for any evidence of mold or pathogen contamination. If pathogens or mold are present, they will be eliminated using special procedures. This will ensure the home is safe to return to, and with concerted drying efforts, the building will as good as new once professionals have completed their work.

Water Damage Restoration Equipment Used by the Pros, and Why You Need to Call Them

9/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration equipment loaded in warehouse.

You just called SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva. A disaster has struck you and your home or office. The experts from our team are on their way to mitigate the disaster. They show up in the big green trucks and in moments are assessing the damage to your property. Popping open the back of the truck they start to unload equipment, but what are they unloading? Why is it important? Here’s a list of the usual things you’ll see brought into a property once the team starts to work.

• Air Mover and/or Axial Fan: Professional grade air movers and axial fans produce more air movement than a standard household fan. The higher volume of air being moved increases the rate of evaporation, helping to dry the structure as quickly as possible.
• Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier removes water vapor from the air by condensing it out against refrigerated fins. The water is stored and then periodically purged from the machine by use of plastic tubing. The tubing will generally be run so that it dumps water down a drain, such as a bath tub or sink, or sometimes out a window or door. Professional dehumidifiers pull much more vapor from the air than a household dehumidifier. In this way they are generally more efficient.
• Air Scrubber: An air scrubber might be used if your loss is a result of water classified as grey or black, which means that it came from a contaminated source or through building materials. These machines remove airborne particulates by trapping them in HEPA filters. Air Scrubbers are also used in cases where a customer has a health condition that requires the air quality be monitored.
• Specialty Drying Equipment: There are a variety of different tools available to our technicians for use in specialty circumstances. For instance, a floor drying mat system allows the technician to create a vacuum system for removing moisture from hardwood floors, in order to try to dry them in place. This helps the floor dry faster, and generally gives us a better chance of saving the hardwood flooring.

There are of course many other tools you may well see if the situation requires them. The onsite SERVPRO technicians can and will explain any of the tools they use for the job. So when in doubt ask them!

What to do When Water Damage Occurs: Simple Steps Laid Out by SERVPRO Experts

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

After experiencing water damage, experts arrive to assess the damage.

Water damage can wreak havoc on our homes and properties, causing immense destruction and financial burden. It is imperative to have a clear understanding of water damage and how to mitigate its effects. This essay aims to highlight a few essential tips for dealing with water damage effectively.

Firstly, the most crucial step in water damage prevention is to identify and fix any leaks or plumbing issues promptly. Regularly inspecting your plumbing system and ensuring proper maintenance can help prevent water damage before it even occurs. Additionally, properly insulating pipes in colder climates can prevent them from freezing and bursting, a common cause of water damage.

Secondly, it is essential to be aware of potential warning signs of water damage. Stains on walls or ceilings, a musty odor, or warped flooring are all indicators that water damage may be present. By recognizing these signs early on, one can take immediate action to minimize further damage.

In the case of water damage occurring, acting promptly is crucial. The first step is to turn off the main water source to prevent further flooding. Additionally, shutting off electricity in affected areas is essential for safety reasons. Contacting SERVPRO water damage experts immediately, to assess the situation and initiate the necessary cleanup and repairs, is always the best protocol. 

Finally, homeowners should consider obtaining insurance coverage for water damage. This will provide financial protection in the event of a water-related disaster, ensuring that the costs of repairs and restoration are mitigated.

In conclusion, being proactive in preventing water damage, staying vigilant for warning signs, acting promptly in case of water damage, and having appropriate insurance coverage are essential tips for dealing effectively with water damage. By following these tips, individuals can minimize the impact of water damage on their properties, both financially and structurally.

We hope that our communities stay safe this hurricane season, but if you need us we are Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Water Damage Experts Share Insight on the Equipment Used on Site

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage equipment being inventoried and organized for upcoming emergency calls.

You just called SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva. A disaster has struck you and your home or office. The crews from SERVPRO are on their way to mitigate the disaster. They show up in the big green trucks and in moments are assessing the damage to your property. Popping open the back of the truck they start to unload equipment, but what are they unloading? Why is it important? Here’s a list of the usual things you’ll see brought into a property once the team starts to work.

• Air Mover and/or Axial Fan: Professional grade air movers and axial fans produce more air movement than a standard household fan. The higher volume of air being moved increases the rate of evaporation, helping to dry the structure as quickly as possible.
• Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier removes water vapor from the air by condensing it out against refrigerated fins. The water is stored and then periodically purged from the machine by use of plastic tubing. The tubing will generally be run so that it dumps water down a drain, such as a bath tub or sink, or sometimes out a window or door. Professional dehumidifiers pull much more vapor from the air than a household dehumidifier. In this way they are generally more efficient.
• Air Scrubber: An air scrubber might be used if your loss is a result of water classified as grey or black, which means that it came from a contaminated source or through building materials. These machines remove airborne particulates by trapping them in HEPA filters. Air Scrubbers are also used in cases where a customer has a health condition that requires the air quality be monitored.
• Specialty Drying Equipment: There are a variety of different tools available to our technicians for use in specialty circumstances. For instance, a floor drying mat system allows the technician to create a vacuum system for removing moisture from hardwood floors, in order to try to dry them in place. This helps the floor dry faster, and generally gives us a better chance of saving the hardwood flooring.

There are of course many other tools you may well see if the situation requires them. The onsite SERVPRO technicians can and will explain any of the tools they use for the job. So when in doubt ask them!

Storm Damage Prevention: Tips From SERVPRO Experts

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm damage crews are dispatched to assess multiple, affected homes after storms roll through in Orlando.

Being told that you have a major storm coming your way is hard enough, but now you have to figure out the best way to try and keep both your residential or commercial building from any sort of damage or loss. Our team has a saying, “you can never plan for a storm, but you can plan to be ready for it.” Let’s say that there is going to be a storm tomorrow. Are you prepared for whatever may happen? If your answer is no, then it is better that you don’t wait until you hear that the hurricane or thunderstorm of the century is coming, because by then it may be too late. Here are some things to make sure you check off of your checklist for your home:

• Remove any branches or trees adjacent to your building that could potentially fall and damage it.
• Sandbag any area that is subject to flooding
• Relocate any valuable or fragile possessions
• Secure all utilities including water heaters, gas tanks, and heaters and if necessary, raise them to higher locations to avoid water damage
• Invest in and install shutters or plywood in order to protect windows and doors from wind-born debris
• Have the roof of your building or home evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm
• Turn off propane tanks
• Ensure a water supply for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Preparing your business is a little different, but these tips can help:

• Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
• Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
• Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible. Can you run your business from a different location or from your home? Can you develop a relationship with other local businesses to use their facilities if a disaster makes your location unusable?

We know that storms and the damage that comes with them are inevitable at times. You can rest assured that SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva will be available to assist you with your home or business in the event of any size disaster.

Fire Damgage in Florida: Prevention and Restoration From the Experts

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Orlando causes homeowner to reach out to SERVPRO team for restoration.

Fire damage has increasingly become a major concern for residents in Florida. The state's tropical climate and vast natural areas make it susceptible to wildfires, which can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and other structures. The effects of fire damage can be devastating, with long-term implications on the affected individuals and communities.

The aftermath of fire damage in Florida can be overwhelming both emotionally and financially. The destruction of property, homes, and other structures means the loss of personal belongings, memories, and even lives. The economic impact of fire damage on businesses and the community at large can be devastating. The total cost of fire damage in Florida can run into millions of dollars, and the financial burden cannot be underestimated.

Wildfires can have a significant impact on the environment and wildlife in Florida. Forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfires. The loss of vegetation can lead to soil erosion and the degradation of water quality, leading to long-term environmental effects just as damaging as the initial fire.

Prevention is the most effective way to mitigate the negative impacts of fire damage in Florida. It is essential to follow fire prevention guidelines, such as observing burn bans and restrictions, using caution when lighting fires outdoors, and ensuring that homes and structures are adequately protected. Early detection and prompt response to fire outbreaks are crucial in minimizing the spread and damage done by wildfires.

In conclusion, fire damage has a considerable impact on individuals, businesses, and the environment in Florida. It is essential to undertake measures and precautions to prevent wildfires and address outbreaks promptly. Furthermore, the public should be continually educated on fire safety, and the government should invest in funding research on fire prevention, detection, and response to preserve the state's natural heritage and reduce loss and damage to the citizenry.

Our fire damage restoration experts are trained in fire aftermath and prevention. We are a total solution company-meaning we are always prepared to take you from A to Z..

Water Removal and Extraction Pulls Water Out When Storms Push Water into Your Orlando Home

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Restoration experts dry out water damage after heavy rain in Orlando home.

After a storm, some homeowners in Orlando notice that their floors are damp or contain puddles near doorways. Property owners need to remove this water as quickly as possible. Even small amounts of water can cause decay in floorboards and make them excessively weak. Homeowners can often clean these small messes up without help.  

When rain pushes larger volumes of water into your Orlando area home, water removal and extraction teams get things dry again quickly and efficiently. Because rainwater can enter through any vulnerable area of your home, it is essential to know that SERVPRO's equipment can access any area of your home.  

A small section of roof with loosened shingles can let the water come in and soak your home from top to bottom. Gutters that contain clogged areas can direct water up against your home where it slowly seeps inside. Downspouts can cause water to flow up against your slab foundation instead of away from your house.  

When drains outside of your home do not let water flow through them quickly enough, stormwater can back up into your home. Water from this location can contain high levels of contamination. SERVPRO technicians arrive ready to handle such disasters and make your home safe again. We use personal protective equipment (PPE) during such work to prevent exposure to things that can cause health effects.  

We pull the water that invaded your home out with either a pump on our truck in our Green Fleet or with smaller extraction units. These quickly pull water up and out of flooring, including wooden floors. When some floors have tighter installations, we pull some of the planks up so our Injectidry mats can more easily function. These units direct heat down, so evaporation rates significantly increase while the extraction components pull moisture out of the air.  

Water can flow smoothly into spaces between walls and then remain there. Because there is no pressure behind this water, it does not drain away on its own. SERVPRO technicians drill minor holes in the walls behind baseboards to allow this water to flow out and then replace the baseboard. We are cautious when doing this and use rubber mats to eliminate any marring of the wall's surface during handling. We then use another type of Injectidry tubing to air out the interior of the wall.

Regardless of how stormy weather drenches the interior of your Forest City, Eatonville, or Tangerine home, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva can get things dry and “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (407) 788-3124 whenever you need water removal and extraction services to protect your residence.

Click here for information about Gatorland.

Water Damage Solutions for Your Home and Business

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage call for SERVPRO experts to come in and dry out structure.

Businesses throughout the Orlando area are constantly affected by the environments around them. The elements can wreak havoc on the interior of businesses under the best circumstances. Plumbing malfunctions, damage to the structure, or the risk of fire can put a dent in your business plans for the day and cost you a lot of money. Then there are the lingering hazards that now can grow from these damages.

Let’s talk about carpet. Standing water and carpets just do not mix. The fabric can be destroyed, it can accelerate the growth of mold and fungi and it can trap hazards within the fibers as the water evaporates or recedes. If carpets are left untreated you may have to replace all the carpet, and not to mention what it will do to the floor below. Water in the floor, depending on the type of floor can warp, weaken, or allow for a collapse to occur more frequently.

Water in or on walls can knock sections of the building out of commission. If water happens to settle in the walls it will damage the fibers of the wall and create a breeding ground for microbial growth. Mold and fungi love warm, dark, wet environments to breed in. Opening up the walls and getting a dehumidifier near the areas to help dry the water keeps the problem from spreading.

Furniture and chairs are usually multi problem areas. Desks often made of wood soak up water. Desks are usually covered in papers and important items which water often destroys if left untreated. SERVPRO can salvage your papers using a freeze dry method of extracting water. Placing fans and dehumidifiers near water soaked desks can keep you from replacing them. Desk chairs which are often fiber based exterior with soft cushion material inside soak up water and anything in the water. Again all these normal office pieces of furniture can be salvaged if time and skill are used to the utmost.

Keep in mind, time plus water equals money. The longer you wait, the longer the water soaks in and does damage, the more it costs you in the end.

Fire Damage Restoration Starts with SERVPRO

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration experts are called in to service a residential home.

SERVPRO is the leading professional cleaning and restoration company in the United State. We that specializes in handling fire damage- following a systematic process to clean and restore properties affected by fire damage. Here's an overview of our fire damage process:

1. 24-Hour Emergency Contact: Our experts offer a 24/7 emergency response service to enable quick action in the unfortunate event of a fire. Prompt response is crucial to minimizing damage and starting the recovery process as soon as possible. Once contacted, we will ask a series of questions to understand the scope of the damage and determine the required resources.

2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment: Our team will arrive at the site to assess the extent of the fire damage. This step allows them to formulate an action plan tailored to your property's specific needs, including determining the type and extent of cleaning, restoration, and odor removal required.

3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service: To secure the property and prevent further damage, SERVPRO can provide board-up services for damaged windows, doors, or walls, as well as tarp services for damaged roofs.

4. Water Removal and Drying (if necessary): If water damage is present from firefighting efforts, our restoration experts will remove the excess water and employ a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the affected areas thoroughly.

5. Removal of Smoke and Soot: Fire damage often results in pervasive smoke and soot. Our professionals use specialized cleaning methods, equipment, and products to remove smoke and soot residue from various surfaces, materials, and belongings, minimizing the risk of further damage.

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing: The SERVPRO team will clean, sanitize, and disinfect all affected personal belongings and property to remove any lingering odors, smoke residues, or other contaminants. Our expertise in odor removal techniques and air purification processes is essential to restore the property to a pre-fire condition.

7. Restoration: This final step in the process involves restoring the property to its pre-fire condition. This may include minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or more significant renovations, such as reconstructing entire areas of the property.

SERVPRO’s comprehensive fire damage process is designed to help property owners recover from the devastating effects of a fire quickly and efficiently. By using their expertise, specialized equipment, and advanced cleaning techniques, we help restore properties to a pre-fire condition, allowing owners to resume their normal lives.

What You Need to Know About Power Supply After a Water Damage Emergency.

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage serviced after a call came in to SERVPRO water damage restoration experts.

We know how much power it takes for your Orlando water clean up.

Small water cleanup projects may require one or two air movers and a single dehumidifier. Larger projects may require several water extractors, many air movers and at least one dehumidifier in each room in addition to running the air conditioning in the home. The power requirements for multiple pieces of equipment often exceeds the power capabilities of local electrical circuits in the home or commercial space.

SERVPRO in Orlando provides water cleanup services for all types of situations and is often confronted with insufficient electrical power. Either the existing circuits cannot provide sufficient power or the electrical power may even be shut off to the job site. Unless there is external power available to run various pieces of equipment, drying cannot take place, and mold growth can set in.

How Much Power is Needed, and What Is the Cost?

One of the tasks of the crew chief is to calculate how much electrical power is needed and who can provide electrical power. Before making a decision, the crew chief evaluates how many air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to dry the space properly. Calculations can quickly be completed to determine the total power requirements and the best solution to provide sufficient electrical power. The crew chief can also quickly calculate the cost.

Providing External Power

Depending on the situation, SERVPRO may provide additional extension cords to connect to other electrical circuits in unaffected areas of the job. Alternately the crew chief may contact the local utility to make arrangements to provide temporary power to the job location. The team may also decide that portable generators should be brought in to provide power. These generators provide power to run all of the equipment needed to remove moisture and lower the humidity after a water leak of some kind.

We also are licensed (General Contractor License #: CBC1258985, Mold Remediation #: MRSR868) to provide restoration services for full structural damage repair and rebuild, "Like it never even happened." We can provide complete services for water cleanup jobs in the Orlando and surrounding area.

Call SERVPRO of Apopka - Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve University Park, Lockhart, Forest City, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Orlando, click here.

From Carpets to Catastrophes We are Here to Help

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

There are so many decisions to be made when you are a home or business owner. Some are more critical than others, like what to do when disaster strikes. Most people know that SERVPRO offers 24 hour emergency service for water and fire damage, but we also offer many other services you may find helpful.

Here is a short list of services you can call us for:

• Carpet, Hard Floor and Upholstery Cleaning
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Stain Removal
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism
• Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration

We know that time is a precious commodity when you need help so our team is available 24 hours a day. You can reach us at 407-788-3124. From Carpets to Catastrophes SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Not Everything You Read Online is Helpful!

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to knowing how to handle an unexpected occurrence like a water damage at your home, how do you know who to trust to help you and give you accurate information? There is a plethora of information online, but that doesn’t mean it is all GOOD information.

For example, when searching “how do I clean up water damaged carpet” there was a recommendation to sprinkle baking soda on it and vacuum it up with a shop vac, and then call a carpet cleaning company to clean the carpet. This may work for a small spill, say from a glass of water, but this would not be recommended for any substantial water damage.

If you have experienced a water damage in your home or business-from a burst pipe, leaking roof, faulty appliance, or anything else-you would want to look for a qualified professional to assist you in properly drying things out. Start by looking for a business that is well known. Do they have a long standing relationship in the community? Do they have online reviews? Is their staff IICRC Certified? How long have they been in business?

Here at SERVPRO we pride ourselves on serving our community. Feel free to give us a call anytime with questions related to your water damage needs.

How Do I Choose a Company to Clean Up Water Damage?

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO brings decades of experience and the latest in restoration techniques to local Apopka Area properties in need

It seems the most inconvenient times are when hot water tanks fail, toilets back up, pipes burst, or that leak in the roof happens. When you need water cleanup in your Apopka home, the key is to begin as soon as possible with the extraction and drying. Some of the key elements to look for when choosing a local restoration services company are: 

• Ask about water-restoration related certifications
• Find out about the equipment that gets used
• Will the company work with your insurance carrier?
• Is there a policy to inhibit out-of-pocket charges by working within the scope of coverage?
• Does the company have access to professional-grade cleaning agents, antimicrobials, and antibacterial solutions?

Can Water Damage Restoration Companies Do Repairs As Well As Cleanup? 

When choosing among local water restoration companies in the Orlando Area, you already know the necessary information to ask about. Getting repairs done after the water removal and drying of the structure makes the whole process seamless. With their general contractor license #CBC1258985, SERVPRO technicians can handle any needed repairs or reconstruction to every part of your home. Commonly needed repairs the technicians provide include: 

• Replacement of sheetrock on walls and ceilings
• Installation of tile
• Refinishing or replacement of hardwood floorboards
• Painting and other cosmetic services

The technicians work to save homeowners the cost of repairs and replacement whenever possible. The use of equipment such as an infrared camera to identify water location assists in assuring that no moisture gets left behind. Other sensitive moisture detectors and hygrometers help the techs measure the amounts of moisture saturation throughout the home. Once they pinpoint all the locations, they can use their powerful extraction equipment to remove the majority of the water. Even if the water in the home is several inches deep, they have the equipment to handle it.

Special Water Damage Situations 

When the water contains sewage, chemicals, or other harmful elements, the techs have training and experience handling biohazard-level cleanup jobs. The job entails wearing protective gear, and most importantly, respiration equipment aspirating water vapor can prove harmful. There are different types of containment, such as simple barriers made from heavy gauge plastic sheeting or setting up negative air chambers, both methods work to inhibit the potential for cross-contamination.

Floodwater from heavy storms or hurricanes is part of living in this part of the state, and it is crucial to work with a restoration services company that has the experience of dealing with this type of damage. This type of water intrusion event frequently needs controlled demolition. Sheetrock deteriorates rapidly and sagging ceilings or buckling walls can present safety hazards and require removal. The techs remove only the damaged portion and leave the rest of the structure intact to limit the amount of rebuilding needed to restore the home.

We Can Help With That Funky Smell!

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO qualified technicians will help address your odor issues in your home or business!

Bad odors are caused by various sources and are known to be associated with fire and water damage. Smoke and soot leave behind powerful odors that cling to everything: furniture, clothes, bedding, carpets, throw pillows, and other porous materials. Water damage causes many odors: sewage backups have their own pungent odor, and water leaks can also introduce a variety of musty smells including mildew.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva has odor removal down to a science, and our technicians have the training, experience, and equipment necessary to identify and eliminate offensive odors in your Apopka home. Here is a list of some of the most common household odors:

• Stinky dishwasher
• Dirty garbage disposal
• Dirty refrigerator
• Stinky, dirty carpet
• Soiled upholstery
• Dirty dog odor
• Dirty cat box odor
• Rodents in the attic
• Old cigarette smell
• Cooked food smell
• New furniture (VOC smell)
• Smelly clothes closet
• Musty mildew
• Gross bathroom smell
• Stinky front-loading washing machine
• Stinky mud room

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business needs odor removal assistance, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is Here to Help. ® Call us at 407-788-3124. We’ll identify and eliminate your awful odor problem in Orlando, “Like it never even happened.”

How Can Homeowners Salvage Wet Carpet?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how careful Apopka residents are with their fixtures, accidents happen. A bathtub overflow can quickly saturate flooring and drywall in your bathroom, as well as hallway carpet. Without fast action, this moisture can delaminate bathroom flooring, damage your drywall, and create unpleasant odors from mold that can be costly to remediate.

SERVPRO is prepared to provide water cleanup for Apopka & Wekiva residents that restores their property and contents to a preloss condition. This team’s cleanup services also include structural restoration for components like carpet, drywall, and subfloors that have been compromised by water damage and microbial growth.
What Prepares SERVPRO Techs to Render Cleanup Services?

Certification and training. SERVPRO staff, franchise owners, and technicians alike undergo extensive, hands-on training, as well as self-paced online learning modules to further hone cleanup and restoration knowledge.

Restoration industry accreditation. Your local SERVPRO and the professionals therein are Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified, meaning that they can consistently meet the standards put forth for the restoration industry at large.

Additional credit and non-credit courses. These courses are targeted at SERVPRO staff as well as real estate and insurance professionals who wish to expand their knowledge regarding disaster cleanup and restoration. Available classes include:
    •    Water Damage Restoration
    •    Fire Damage Restoration
    •    Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
    •    Restorative Drying for Loss Control
    •    A non-credit Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar

How Does SERVPRO Restore Water-Damaged Carpet?
SERVPRO technicians focus on careful extraction for carpeting to prevent it from separating from the pad when possible. Extraction can be performed with wands, wet/dry vacuums, and heavy-duty rover vacuums. Techs can tent carpet and erect polyethylene drying chambers to ensure that it is thoroughly dried before reinstallation.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is prepared to keep your home looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (407) 788-3124 for rapid-response emergency mitigation services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Do's & Don'ts After a Water Damage

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

“I have a water damage in my home. Can you help me?” No homeowner wants to make that call, but it unfortunately happens to many. Once you’ve made the call to SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva, what can you do?

Thankfully our staff is trained to walk you through the job process and offer some tips you can use to help mitigate your loss while you wait on our crews to arrive. Here is a list of some of do’s and don’ts that might also help.

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the source of water.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shocks hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TV’s or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Rest assured these tips will help you begin to mitigate your loss while our team of IICRC certified technicians is on the way. Please feel free to call us anytime at 407-788-3124.

Storm Season is Upon Us!

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Storm season is upon us! We are well aware of the dangers that each storm season can bring upon us here in Central Florida. Each year we all go through the necessary steps to prepare. Have you refreshed the batteries in your flashlights and storm radios? What about your plywood and supplies needed for board up? You’ve probably done these items as well as restocked your non-perishable food items, gathered water, and necessary medical items for your family.

Do you have an emergency plan for AFTER the storm passes though? What can you do to make sure that you get help with your home or business right away? It is a good idea to do a walk around and walk thru video of your home or business at the start of each storm season. You will then have an accurate representation of just what is lost if a storm hits. You also need to know who to call. Once you have secured your family and property to the best of your ability you can call us! SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is on stand-by to help as soon as it is safe to be on the roads. When you call us we will get your information and we will ask some questions that will help us determine what we need to bring to help you. At that point we will let you know what our timeframe for arrival is and we may offer some suggestions to help you until we arrive. Rest assured, our team of experienced professionals is on the way!

Preparation is Key-What Should You Do to Prepare for Commercial Fire Damage

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings have come a long way in fire safety in recent years. Thankfully many are equipped with sprinkler systems or other fire suppressant systems. Most also have multiple fire extinguishers on hand as well as fire exit plans posted. But do your employees know how these systems work? Here are a few tips to help ensure that your equipment is working correctly and that your staff knows what to do in case of fire emergency.

1. Fire Alarms. Fire Alarms should be checked regularly to confirm they are functioning properly. This is the first line of defense in an emergency. This alerts your staff and customers that they need to quickly exit the building.
2. Fire Extinguishers. Do you have enough fire extinguishers on hand? No employee should have to travel more than 75 feet to reach one. Do you your employees know where they are or how to use one? These are important safety measures to go over.
3. Emergency Exit Lights. Confirm that all of your emergency exit lights are correctly placed and are functioning. They should illuminate when main power is off. This helps people to find the exit quickly in the case of emergency when tensions are high and visibility may be lost. Exit signs should have a test button that you can use to regularly ensure that they are functioning correctly.
4. Fire Suppression Systems. Many commercial buildings have fire suppression systems in place. It is important that these be inspected regularly by a licensed inspector. Be sure that your staff understands how they work.

It is important to have a plan in place to prevent commercial fires, but it is equally important to have a plan in place in case something does happen. Here at SERVPRO of Apooka-Wekiva we offer an Emergency Ready Plan, or ERP to all local businesses. This plan puts all of the information you and your staff might need into one document that can be accessed by an app that you can load onto any device. This plan will note where all of your emergency shut-offs are as well as key personnel that needs to be notified. It also gives you quick access to our office so we can immediately begin to mitigate your loss and get your business back on track.

Our office services Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and surrounding communities. Please give our office a call at 407-352-1569 to discuss your preparedness needs. 

Flash Flooding After a Storm-What You Need to Know

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

We may be the Sunshine State with great things like Disney World and Universal Studios, and Rock Springs but Central Florida can also be home to some severe weather events. 

Regardless of what type of severe weather events are taking place, all of them should be taken seriously with safety being a top priority. However, this is something that is especially true when flash floods are a possibility, because of how dangerous they are. Floods cause the second-highest rate of fatalities related to weather in the United States and flash floods are the most dangerous type of flood there is.

There is rarely much notice involved with a flash flood, leading to people being caught by surprise in areas that are not typically involved in any type of flood incident. Flash floods can turn any body of water or drain dangerous, and it is so important to keep track of safety tips that could save your life.

Defining a Flash Flood

There are several different types of floods, but what makes a flash flood so dangerous is how quickly it can come about. When heavy rainfall occurs, flash floods will happen in less than six hours after they begin, often happening closer to three. These conditions create a scenario where people are not given enough notice and have very little time to evacuate or get to higher ground.

The Alert Systems for Flash Floods

If there is severe weather, it is important to tune into your local weather broadcasts so you can be privy to all the alerts that are issued, especially if there is heavy rainfall.

A flash flood watch will be issued when conditions are right for a flash flood to begin, while a warning means that one is imminent and you should take action quickly. Flash flood emergencies are extremely rare, but those are quite deadly and you should always move to high ground as quickly as you can.

Safety Tips for Flash Flood Precautions

When it comes to a severe weather event, safety is always the top priority—and in a sudden severe weather event, it is best to have the top safety tips memorized so you can act quickly under pressure.

• Stay alert if rainfall is heavy and prolonged, and stay tuned to local weather updates.
• Create a full evacuation plan that everyone is aware of how to execute.
• Always avoid crossing flood water, both when you are walking or driving.
• Do not come into contact with floodwater if it can be at all avoided.
• Know several evacuation routes you can take in case water blocks one or more of them.

If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on our team at SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva to help clean it up and make it "Like it never even happened." Contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damage to your property.

What Should You Expect from SERVPRO After a Storm?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment is lined up and ready to go after a storm event.

Living in Central Florida has its advantages. We are close to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and the many beautiful natural attractions-like the springs and beaches-awesome multi-cultural restaurants, and the I-4 Eyesore. Ok, that last one is a joke! We are also very familiar with hurricane season. While we may not always be in the major cone, we often experience some severe weather associated with these major storms. Here at SERVPRO we are available immediately by phone, and once it is safe for our crews to be on the road we will dispatch them to you. What can you expect if you call us?

• Our staff will answer your call. Our staff is trained for these situations. We believe that it is imperative for you to speak to us directly, not our answering service during times of disaster. Our phones are answered by staff for the initial days after a storm event so that we can best serve our community.
• Be prepared to answer a few questions. We need to gather some information for our technicians so that they can be properly prepared to help you. This means we need to understand what areas of damage you’re currently seeing. Do you have water and power? Do you need a roof tarp or board up? All of these are critical questions. We know that you are concerned about your family and your home. We are too. We want to do the best job for you.
• We will advise you of what is generally expected regarding payment. Some insurance companies operate differently during a storm event. They may advise that we collect payment up front, or they may advise that we wait to collect. Either way, you can be sure that we will be up front and clear with you about what to expect regarding pricing at the time of your service.
• Calls are dispatched to crews as soon as possible. While we wish we could get to everyone immediately it is physically not possible. We do however have the power of SERVPRO behind us. While we are busy working with customers on the phone we know that our SERVPRO team from around the country is on the way to back us up. We generally have additional crews in the area within hours. Our goal at SERVPRO is always to serve our community, and we have the backing of over 1,000 other offices to help us accomplish that!
• Safety is our top priority. Please make sure to let us know about downed trees or power lines around you if you are aware of them. Our crews typically are in large trucks. We will do everything in our power to get to you as quickly and safely as possible.

We hope that our communities stay safe this hurricane season, but if you need us we are Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Fire Restoration: Expectation vs. Reality

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business is one of the most detrimental things that can happen. Safety is of course the top concern, followed by the realization that there is a big mess to clean up and belongings to catalog for your insurance company. This just adds to the stress and trauma of the event you’ve just lived through. Here at SERVPRO we are Here to Help.

When most people think of a fire damaged home we think of what is shown on the news, what the industry generally refers to as a total loss. The truth is that there are many smaller fires that happen daily. These fires are caught soon enough that the home or business isn’t a total loss, but there is a large amount of cleaning that needs to be done. The expectation is that with a little patience and elbow grease you can handle this yourself. In reality, most cleaning agents on the market are only going to make the mess bigger, smearing soot you didn’t even see at first.

SERVPRO fire restoration professionals are trained to handle these situations. Our team uses a step by step process to mitigate the damage caused by even the smallest fire along with special cleaning techniques that remove soot instead of smearing it. So, instead of adding more stress to your plate after a fire loss, give us a call.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Top 5 Causes of Household Fires

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

When you were young your mom or dad probably told you not to touch the stove because it was hot. Maybe you ended up touching it at some point on accident, but for the most part you remembered that it was hot and would hurt you. You can probably think of many things like this that your parents taught you.

A big concern for most households is fire safety. This is something that many parents start to teach their children at an early age. As our children get older though, we may become less vigilant with some of these safety tips. Lets just review the top 5 causes of household fires as listed by the NFPA-National Fire Protection Agency.

1. Cooking. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, by an estimated 48% according to one source. Never leave cooking unattended.
2. Heating. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires and injuries and the third leading cause of fire related deaths. Fires caused by heating account for $1.1 BILLION in property damage per year.
3. Electrical. Electricity is such a part of our daily life that it is easy to forget its power. The NFPA recommends that all electrical work be completed by a licensed repair company to help reduce the risk of damage or fire.
4. Smoking. According to the NFPA smoking-cigarettes, pipes, and cigars-account for 17, 200 house fires in 2014.
5. Candles. Between 2014-2018 US Fire Departments reported that candle fires caused an estimated $278 Million in property damage.

Hopefully these reminders can help you all stay safe! If fire happens to strike your home SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva  will be here to help you! Feel free to call our office at 407-788-3124 anytime. 

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned-What it Means for Your Business

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

It has been a long year. 2020 brought fear and uncertainty. Many have lost people they loved to the COVID-19 virus. Restrictions were put into place for the protection of the public. This meant business closures at first. Then working from home and grocery pick up became the norm for many of us, followed by mask mandates when in public in many states. Our lives changed collectively.

Now that things are opening back up, we are still told to be cautious. Some companies are still allowing employees to work from home while others need to have their staff back in the office. What can you do to give your employees and yourself peace of mind before they come back to the office? What about your customers? If your business is open to the public, how can you ensure that it stays clean?

SERVPRO offers a service called Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Each franchise, including SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva, offers this service. This type of service is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. We will utilize multiple methods of cleaning to ensure every surface, nook, and cranny are clean, sanitized, and disinfected. When the service is complete you will receive a window decal that will show the date the building was last sanitized and disinfected. We are proud to offer this service to our communities. Together we will come back strong!

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If you have fire damage at your business you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

How Do You Eliminate Soot and Smoke Residue After a Fire?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

After the fire is out, do you know what steps to take next?

Follow the Cleanup Guidelines Outlined by SERVPRO to Restore Your Home 

Seeing the damage from a fire can be a traumatic experience, and removing damaged or ruined items are often just the beginning of the restoration process. You should consider using a professional to clean soot and smoke residue and get your home back to normal. 

What is the first step in dealing with damage from soot and smoke residue? 

SERVPRO professionals have considerable training in identifying different kinds of residues and odor particles, which helps them pinpoint the ideal cleanup procedures for your fire damaged Bellflower home.

What is soot, and what are the most common types of smoke residue? 

Soot is a smoke that has settled on surfaces as a residue. There are four different kinds of smoke residue: 

• Dry smoke residues
• Wet smoke residues
• Protein smoke residues
• Fuel oil smoke residues 

How does the type of residue determine the cleanup process? 

All fires burn differently, which means they leave behind different kinds of residues. Many variables determine what kinds of residues are left behind. Still, SERVPRO professionals have the experience to outline the best cleanup process, and they know which products are necessary to eliminate the specific residues. 

What is the best approach to remove residues? 

• Find and identify the residues
• Identify the surfaces on which residues are present
• Capture and remove the residues
• Properly dispose of the residues 

What are some of the cleaning techniques used on residues? 

We use both air and fluids to remove residues, depending on the residue types and where they are present. SERVPRO professionals may use vacuuming to remove some residues, while others are captured and dissolved in different cleaning solutions. SERVPRO professionals also understand how to remove these residues after completing the cleanup process. 

Turn to SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva to remove soot and smoke residue after a house fire. Call us at (407) 788-3124 to schedule an assessment and get an effective cleanup. 

Why is SERVPRO The Best Storm Damage Company?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

You can call SERVPRO 24/7 365. Were always available to help.

When it comes to your search for Storm Damage Cleanup around Orlando, the search should start and end at SERVPRO of Apoka/Wekiva. Before you make your call to our trusted expert technicians, take a peek at what we offer that is head and shoulders above what you will find in the area.

The Speed of Our Service

The first 24-48 hours after a storm is critical for conducting an assessment of your storm damage repair needs. When you choose SERVPRO, you know you’re getting access to a team of highly trained individuals that are available 24/7 to service your storm restoration needs.

Our Restoration Process

Once we have completed the water removal of your property, we’ll begin working on the restoration process. We’ll restore your property to the condition it was in before the damage occurred, whether that entails minor repairs (like replacing drywall or installing new carpeting) or major ones (like reconstructing parts of your property).

A Wide Variety of Resources At Our Disposal

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to scale our responses as needed. The size doesn't matter, single room in a home or multistory hotel. We can handle it all. Whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, or flood, the SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.

Contacting the Best Storm Damage Company

When it comes to storm damage repairs, the only way to get the job done right the first time is to call SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva at (407) 788-3124. Just one phone call can set you up to get your property back into pre-storm shape quickly, helping you save potentially thousands of dollars and rest easier at night knowing that you’re in good hands.

More information about Apopka.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Top Water Issues For Apopka / Wekiva Area Businesses

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Slab leaks can quickly turn into a major issue if not corrected immediately.

For a commercial property owner in the greater Orlando area, unexpected water problems can be a big issue. Fortunately, water damage professionals can help you assess, clean, and repair damages from any flooding or leaks you may have. Here are a few of the most common water problems a business may face, from leaking pipes to foundation cracks.

1. Pipe Breaks

A pipe break can occur in several ways. Over time, the pipe can age and loosen in its fittings, or extensive use can lead to pinhole leaks. Extreme heat or cold can affect a pipe’s integrity. A blocked pipe can lead to pressure buildup and burst.

2. Plumbing Issues

Blocked plumbing can lead to a toilet backup or sink overflow. Water in blocked pipes can take the shortest path regardless of its intended flow path. Blockages occur, including the buildup of water minerals over time inside a pipe or someone pouring a solidifying material, such as plaster or grease, down a drain.

3. Bad Weather

Extreme weather conditions such as Florida hurricanes, can lead to water damages from sustained wind driven rain or roof damage from high winds. These can quickly escalate to a business flooding, and it's important to have someone you can call immediately to begin water extraction and drying. SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva has the right equipment and trained techs to handle these types of situations. 

4. Foundation Issues (cracks and slab leaks) 

Foundation cracks can become a problem leading to water damage. Water can seep through any cracks and pool, leading to issues such as mold. Any cracks should be assessed quickly to determine the best course of action.

Water damage can happen to a commercial property. Fortunately, a professional can fix the damage caused by leaking pipes, foundation cracks, backed up toilet, or weather, and help you repair your property.

If you have water damage anywhere in your business you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

Top Reasons For Using Your Local SERVPRO

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Natural disasters can damage your home. It can lead a lot of stress. Hiring a home restoration service can handle problems. There are so many different types of natural disasters that affect this area and you need to hire for a restoration service such as SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva. 

1. FASTER WATER EXTRACTION

Professional Restoration Service Company extracts water fast because they handle professional equipment. With small team of water restoration experts, the water will be removed from your home on the same day. You won’t need a lot of time, effort and manpower.

2. REMOVING HEALTH EFFECTS

A Restoration Service Company will not just repairing the damage to your house. Service restoration expert will take care of preventing mold and moisture that compromise your health. Hiring a professional company is going to be your best bet when dealing with mold. This is because they have the tools and knowledge to handle this problem. They are licensed to use chemical products which will extract the existing mold and moisture from your walls and floors.

3. DRYING TIME CUT IN HALF

A major issue with water damage removal is a drying time. You might take several days or even weeks to properly dry your house if you choose to remove the water by yourself. A professional restoration service company will do this in a much less time because they have equipment and heaters that access even to the areas which cannot be easily reached.

4. LOW TOTAL COST

Hiring a professional service company will lower total damage costs because their teams are highly responsive to emergency calls. They will be able to come even before a major damage occurs. They will react fast and solve the damage from spreading around your house.

5. REDUCED RESTORATION COST

Aside from physical damage, water and fire can cause additional damage. If you do not have insurance, you will have to pay for the new furniture and structural repairing by yourself. Restoration services encompass removal, repair, restoration and remediation of damage; you won’t have to hire several different companies to repair the damage.

6. SAVING TIME

A professional restoration service company should be highly responsive to calls; in order to prevent the further damage, they will act instantly. This won’t just save you time, but it will minimize the potential damage and reduce costs.

If you are searching for a professional service company that is reliable you can trust and can guarantee you highest quality work, contact SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva, a trusted leader in restoration industry, it provides services to ensure that your home is fully restored. Trusting SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva to do the job is having your family safe at home again.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Best Steps to Take After a Fire at Your Business

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert like SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva

When a fire strikes your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Central Florida commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a Greater Orlando commercial fire successfully and speedily, implement the following four tips:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert. 
Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.

2. Assemble Your Records. 
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business's essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.

3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately. 
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.

4. Get Permission To Reenter The Building. 
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can reenter your building. In some cases, Apoka / Wekiva fires can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that reentry is safe for you and your employees.

Call SERVPRO For Fast, Friendly Fire Remediation Services 
If your business caught on fire, don't worry. Instead, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva and let us start cleaning up immediately. Acting right now is the key to limiting damages and expediting the restoration process. Choosing our team of industry specialists is the secret to attaining the sophisticated services you deserve. All of our IICRC-certified technicians will work with diligence and determination to get your commercial property back in pristine condition, so call us now at (407) 788-3124 to attain your free estimate.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If you have fire damage at your business you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Water Damage Restoration for Your Orlando Commercial Property

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

We're ready to help 24 hours a day.

In the Orlando area unchecked water can be devastating to any structure. Water entering your commercial property risks far more potential extensive damages to stored merchandise, equipment, and shipping materials. Fast action by water remediation specialists like SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva mitigates damages to commercial structures caused by water or flooding.

Why water damage is so destructive to commercial properties

Keep in mind that water damage to your commercial property is potentially worse than damage found in any other kind of structure. It’s extremely important to understand how to prepare your structure to resist water, or what to do if water damage or flooding occurs. Depending on the type of business it is, flooding at a commercial property can be expensive if numerous computers or other electronics are on site, or the property stores products or goods. Larger properties tend to have more contents; thus, the risk of a higher damage is very possible. As a commercial property owner, you must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting your property against water damage. SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva can help you learn what to look out for and how to react to damages that can cause a slow in productivity or a loss of revenue for your company. Request a consultation with a field rep concerning the ERP Plan to better prepare you for unexpected mishaps or emergencies.

How damage goes beyond water

Hidden water, high humidity, and condensation often lead to mold contamination on your property. Cracks in your walls, ceilings, flooring, foundation, and roof allow temperature changes that drastically affect stored goods. Left unchecked, this damage can spread and cause significant loss. As with most disasters, being prepared can help prevent losses, or mitigate how extensive those losses are. Mold and lingering odors are unanticipated consequences of unchecked water damage to commercial property and need to be addressed if water damage occurs.

How SERVPRO helps commercial property owners  

SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva's IICRC-industry certified technicians can perform a full inspection of your commercial property following water damage or flooding, providing you with the location of possible problems, services to correct these issues, and the preventative steps necessary to prevent reoccurring damages in the future. They will discuss any remediation solutions with you before starting any work so that you’re well aware of what to expect when water remediation services are complete, and what if any reconstruction or restoration services might be necessary. SERVPRO technicians can help steer you in the right direction on how to mitigate future problems and provide you with the personnel, equipment, and resources necessary to recover should extensive water damage exist on your property.
 
If your commercial property experiences water damage of any kind, contact

SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 as soon as possible after flood damage. The trained, certified technicians arrive quickly and use their advanced equipment to dry the property and return it to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

More information about Apopka.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

How Quickly Should Businesses Act When Water Damage Occurs?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva is ready to help your business at anytime of day.

In the Apopka / Wekiva area unexpected water disaster can be detrimental to any business, large or small. The key to keeping water damage to a minimum and restoring your business to a functional state again is based on how quickly you react to water damage. While some situations seem minor, even small amounts of water can cause significant damage if left unchecked. See how much damage can happen in a small amount of time without proper water damage remediation.

How much damage can happen over time when a water disaster occurs?

Water damage within minutes

• Water quickly spreads into floors, drywall, fixtures, equipment, and documents.

Damage in the first 24 hours

• Drywall swells and breaks from the saturation
• Hardwoods and furnishings swell and crack
• Microbial growth begins

Water damage within 5 days

• Mold growth accelerates
• Wood is saturated and warped
• Ceilings collapse
• Flooring is likely unsalvageable

Unchecked damage after 5 days

• Structural safety is compromised
• Contaminants are a serious threat
• Restoration costs escalate

How your business can be prepared for water damage

To be prepared, you need to develop a contingency plan in case of water damage or any other kind of emergency. SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva has an Emergency Ready Profile that is a free assessment of your facility when such disasters strike your business. The SERVPRO ERP identifies prioritized points of contact for authorizing the cleanup and restoration to begin. This saves time which will get your business up and running quicker saving time and money. It also provides detailed information such as water and gas shut-off valve locations and other priority information to accelerate reaction time and keep damage to a minimum. This will provide the crews reacting to your situation a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call…crucial when time is of the essence!

Protect your business by setting up an ERP with SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva. Contact us at 407-788-3124 to learn more about protecting your business. We’re here 24/7 to assist you with any emergency you may experience.

More information about Apopka.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

What Should I Expect During Flood water Removal in My Apopka Home?

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

After your home suffers flood damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

SERVPRO technicians communicate with you during every phase of the water loss restoration process.

Among water loss events that can occur in a home, flood damage is one of the most devastating and costly. The water can recede as rapidly as it enters a home, and the fact it wicks into walls and seeps under flooring makes it vital to begin the extraction and cleanup process immediately to limit the loss of contents and structural elements.   

What are Common Losses After Flood Damage in a Home?  

As the SERVPRO techs clean up the flood damage in your Apopka home, numerous actions get taken to lessen the loss such as:   

• Controlled demolition to remove damaged building materials
• Pack out of contents for cleaning off-site
• Removal of baseboards and sometimes build-in elements such as cabinetry, carpet and padding and insulation within walls

All of these actions inhibit any further water damage to the structure and allow the techs to extract any remaining moisture and move on to the drying phase of the mitigation. Because this type of water requires unique methods due to probable bacteria or other contaminants, it needs careful disposal. With their comprehensive education in handling this type of mitigation with their certifications, the techs know how to get rid of the water and remain within the municipal laws for managing wastewater. 

Do I Need to Worry About Mold?

Substantial training in mold remediation #MRSR868 gives the techs the knowledge for early warning signs of a mold infestation and the ability to apply proactive treatments to the loss area to ensure that mold colony establishment is not an issue. 

SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 as soon as possible after flood damage. The trained, certified technicians arrive quickly and use their advanced equipment to dry the property and return it to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

More information about Apopka.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

It’s Not Too Soon to Prepare for FL Hurricanes

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have trees that can potentially damage your roof? Consider having dead or dying tree limbs removed to help prevent costly repairs.

Hurricanes in Florida will be here before you know it, bringing damaging water with them that can threaten your home. Water from a hurricane does not have to spread over a large part of the home to cause flood damage in your home. Water in a small area can do a surprising amount of damage to ceilings, walls, flooring, and other belongings, resulting in unwanted mold growth and odors. It’s not too soon to prepare for FL hurricanes! Learn more about hurricane storm damage and what to do.

Standing water after a hurricane.

After a significant storm, water can seep into your home. Standing water needs to be removed as quickly as possible to stop any further damage to the home and its contents after a flood. SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva technicians can use truck mounted extractors to get rid of the standing water, even in the most hard-to-reach places. We use our commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to move air out and lower moisture in your home as quickly as possible. If the ceiling below an attic is showing signs of water saturation, we can drill small holes to assist with drying out the area faster and prevent standing water. Our technicians use moisture probes to find out where the water intrusion was so there is no potential for mold growth from untreated areas, which can also lead to unwanted odors. After drying the impacted area,  SERVPRO technicians wipe down the affected areas to sanitize and stop the growth of bacteria and microbes. If affected drywall can’t be saved through our drying techniques, damaged sagging drywall is removed for safety. Often drying is enough to eliminate odors left from water. All of this is meant to stop mold and odors from saturating the area. If there are any residual odors, we have the resources to neutralize them thoroughly. From drying to odor removal to even building services if drywall repair is needed, SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva can help!

Damage to your home’s roof

One rather common occurrence with strong hurricane winds and rain is damaged roofs. When a roof gets damaged by strong winds or fallen trees, and water enters the attic space, flood damage removal needs to happen as quickly as possible to mitigate the amount of damage done to the roof and surrounding areas, including drywall. If the repair to the roof is not completed during the time our technicians are working, they can apply a temporary tarp or barrier to prevent any additional water from entering the home until the repair is finished. Our goal is to stop further damage and help repair the roof as quickly as possible to keep the whole home protected. We know how important a roof is in keeping a home protected and do everything we can to minimize further damage and start the repair process.

Contact SERVPRO for you flood cleaning needs

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 provides the fire damage restoration services local Apopka residents rely on.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Local Apopka Homes Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration is no easy task. SERVPROs technicians are IICRC certified for any size fire restoration service needed for your property.

SERVPRO Techs Restore Homes in Apopka With Fire Damage

The earliest known inhabitants of the Apopka area were the Acuera people, members of the Timucua confederation. They had disappeared by 1730, probably decimated by diseases brought to Florida by Spanish colonists.

The Acuera were succeeded by refugees from Alabama and Georgia, who formed the new Seminole Indian tribe. They called the area Ahapopka. Aha, meaning "Potato," and papka, meaning "eating place". By the 1830s, this settlement numbered about 200, and was the birthplace of the chief Coacoochee (known in English as "Wild Cat").

At the conclusion of the Second Seminole War, the U.S. Congress passed the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, forcing surviving natives at Ahapopka to abandon their village and seek refuge deeper in the wilderness of the Florida peninsula.

The early American settlers built a major trading center on the foundations of the earlier Indian settlement. Their population was large enough by 1857 to support the establishment of a Masonic lodge. In 1859 the lodge erected a permanent meeting place at what is now the intersection of Main Street (U.S. Highway 441) and Alabama Avenue.

What Types of Cleaning Methods Work Against Fire Damage in Apopka Properties?

Cleaning up fire damage in Apopka residences needs several different applications for the best outcome. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified choose specific cleaning agents and methods determined through testing and residue types. The three most common ways are:

• Agitation equipment and techniques
• Chemical applications
• Time-based cleaning methods

Agitation removes soiling that is adhered to fibers or surfaces—some sub-types of agitation, such as devices that deliver water pressure, rotating brushes, and vibration. Hot water extraction on a carpet is one example of the professional equipment for removing smoke residues. Particularly in the case of wet smoke, chemical applications containing a solvent may be needed to release the residue's grip to various surfaces. Time-based cleaning methods require time to do the job. Leaving a solution on a soiled area gives the cleaner time to work to lift away the soot and smoke residues. Correct Dwell Time is crucial to optimize results.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 provides the fire damage restoration services local Apopka residents rely on.

SERVPRO Provides Disaster Recovery for Orlando Businesses

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared?

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” which is especially true when it comes to maintaining your building. It is estimated that 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster never reopen their doors again. The majority of businesses that do reopen their doors have a plan in place. Here at SERVPRO we can help prepare you and your business so that your downtime is minimized, the scope of the loss is reduced and a plan that gets things moving smoothly is ready to go.  

Preparing for Disaster

There are a lot of resources from the Department of Homeland Securities website that are organized by disaster which are great to review so that you can target the threats specific to your business here in Central Florida. For example there is a Hurricane Preparation  available which is certainly pertinent around here. 

Some good general advice is at minimum you should:

• Make an Evacuation plan and exercise it
• Have a communication plan with your employees in the case of an emergency
• Create a business continuity plan to become operational again quickly
• Create redundancies for important documents and data

 Emergency Ready Profile

One thing SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva helps with is creating an Emergency Ready Profile or ERP. We do this by walking your building to identify, photograph, and log every water, sprinkler, electric, and gas shut-off as well as anything else that would be pertinent. We take down all the relevant contact info of people in your organization as well as any other companies that you wish to be contacted (such as security, plumbers, HVAC etc.).

We then take that information and create an emergency binder for your organization as well as an app which can be consulted in the event of an emergency. 

This ERP make sure that everyone in your organization has access to an information source on how the building works. This means that if a pipe breaks or the sprinklers go off and the person who knows the building is not around steps can still be taken to stop the damage and minimize the scope of your loss. Here in Wichita ERPs have saved organizations and businesses 10s of thousands of dollars.

Preauthorization and Emergency Service Limits 

Additionally we can set-up preauthorization and emergency service limits for our mitigation and restoration work. Normally when we arrive onsite we need paperwork signed and if an authorized signer is not around that can really slow things down. Additionally there can be some concern about cost and payment which also slows down our work.

When we create a preauthorization agreement with an emergency service limit we have preauthorization to start working on the building and limit on how much that work will cost. Doing this means work starts and finishes faster and you can be confident that the emergency service costs will be within the limit you set. 

While no one can be 100% safe from what life throws at us being prepared means getting back to normal faster which can mean the difference between staying open or not. Everything SERVPRO does as far is ERPs and preauthorizations go they are completely free so call us today and let's start preparing! 

More About SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva:

SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva has been trusted in the commercial cleaning business for over 40 years. The team is highly skilled in the cleanup of commercial properties in the wake of fire, flood, water, and air quality damage. SERVPRO understands that time is money so we work to minimize time lost due to these disruptions. 

There is no job within the 407/321 area that SERVPRO can’t handle. 

For all of your commercial cleaning service needs, contact SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva. The office can be reached by phone at (407) 788-3124.

Top Reasons Why It Will Benefit Your Business To Hire a Commercial Cleaning Service

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva explains what commercial cleaning services are and the importance of hiring a commercial cleaner for your business 

What Are Commercial Cleaning Services?

Whether you own a restaurant, a boutique, an office space, or a supermarket, your commercial property must be regularly cleaned to maximize its function and appearance. Commercial cleaning services range from general cleaning to more specialized services such as mold removal, fire and water cleanup, and air duct cleaning. Below is a more detailed description of SERVPRO’s services.

1. Water Damage Restoration:

Water damage could be the result of a flood, water from a sink that has leaked, a pipe that has burst, or a faulty air conditioner. 

2. Mold Remediation: 

Buildings, offices, and homes can sustain microbial growth of mold if excess water and humidity are left untreated. Mold can spread and may cause health effects.

3. Fire Damage Restoration: 

Fire damage carries with it the trauma of fire destruction, debris, air quality concerns, and potential health risks to those exposed. Water damage is often a secondary issue when there has been a fire. Fire damage services may include removal of debris, cleaning the fire-damaged areas of an office or home, purifying and making the air fresh and safe to breathe, and remediating any water damage.

4. Building Restoration Service:

In the event of fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern is to protect the building, home, or office from further damage and to secure the structure for restoration to occur. Services include but are not limited to drywall, electrical, painting, roofing, tile, and carpet repair. 

How Commercial Cleaning Services Benefit Your Business:

To operate at peak productivity, businesses need to provide a clean environment for their team and clientele. Specialty cleaning services include air ducts and HVAC, biohazard and sewage, trauma and crime scene, carpet and upholstery, drapes and blinds, ceilings, walls and hardwood floors, odor removal, and deodorization, and vandalism clean-up.

Why Hire a Professional Commercial Cleaning Company:

The number one reason to hire a cleaning service is that they are professionals who are trained in the latest technology in the cleaning industry. SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva has highly trained staff with years of experience in commercial cleaning. The team is well-trusted throughout Orlando, FL. 

The SERVPRO team provides its own supplies. The right cleaning products are necessary to achieve the proper level and appearance of cleanliness. 

One reason to hire a professional cleaning company is health and safety. Your staff or clients won’t get sick as a result of an unhealthy work environment. 

It is important to have immediate service any hour or day of the week, especially during an emergency.

More About SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva:

SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva has been trusted in the commercial cleaning business for over 40 years. The team is highly skilled in the cleanup of commercial properties in the wake of fire, flood, water, and air quality damage. SERVPRO understands that time is money so we work to minimize time lost due to these disruptions. 

There is no job within the 407/321 area that SERVPRO can’t handle. 

For all of your commercial cleaning service needs, contact SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva. The office can be reached by phone at (407) 788-3124.

5 Space Heater Safety Tips

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure you're safe while using a space heater.

As you know, things here in Central Florida don't get too cold, but, as the temperatures drop lower and cold weather rolls in to stay for awhile, a lot of people break out the space heaters to warm up your home or business. While space heaters provide wonderful warmth during the colder months, they also can be safety hazards if they aren’t properly set up and monitored to ensure they don’t pose any risks to you or your home. A space heater fire is never on anyone’s agenda, so we recommend following these 5 space heater safety tips to avoid any unwanted fires from occurring:

1. Carefully place your space heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects. If any objects come in contact with the space heater’s electric heating face or a hot surface, it poses a serious fire risk. As a general rule, never sit or drape anything over your space heater, don’t set it near rugs, furniture, bedding, clothing, window treatments, or other flammable materials. Also, make sure that it’s sitting on a level surface so that it doesn’t accidentally fall or tip over. 
2. Don’t use extension cords. Plug your space heater directly into an outlet. There’s a much higher chance of your space heater overheating or otherwise malfunctioning if it’s plugged into an extension cord or an outlet strip. Minimize these dangers by plugging your space heater directly into an outlet that has the power capacity necessary to fire it up and keep it running.
3. Unplug it when you’re not using it. This should go for almost all appliances, but it’s especially relevant for your space heater. When you’re not using your space heater, you should first turn it off and then you should unplug it. Having a space heater running while you don’t want it to be running poses a fire hazard as well as a waste of energy. 
4. Clean, inspect, and maintain your space heater. On a regular basis, you should clean your space heater and wipe it down to avoid dispersing dust and other allergens throughout your house. You should also carefully monitor your space heater to ensure that it’s working as it’s supposed to and nothing wonky is happening. If anything seems out of order, turn it off and unplug it right away until a professional can inspect it and you can safely run it again. Alternatively, you can just dispose of it and purchase a new space heater.
5. Don’t run your space heater in the bathroom or a basement. Space heaters should never be run in places that are humid or wet because space heaters are not meant to be wet. Don’t handle your space heater if your hands are wet or you just got out of the shower. The electricity from the space heater could run through the water and shock you. This is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

While we love our space heaters as much as the rest of you, it’s important to run them safely when you have them operating. SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva is here to help you with any fire damage, water damage, storm damage, or mold that comes your way this fall and winter season, and we’re available 24/7 at (407) 788-3124. Give us a call today to discuss how we can help you fix any damage to your home or business. 

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Best Practices After Water Damage Happens to Your Home | SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be devastating and overwhelming. Take these steps immediately after water damage.

Flooding in your home can be damaging and devastating. Anything from heavy rains to burst pipes and appliance malfunctions can easily land you in this overwhelming position.

Relax, we’re here to help! Here are some steps to take immediately after water damage happens to your home.

Safety First

Your belongings can be replaced, but your family cannot be. Make sure you and your family are safe. Beware of electrical and “slip and fall” hazards. Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging should it collapse. Water damage can lead to mold growth within hours which can cause health effects after prolonged exposure. With that said, after you determine that everyone is safe it’s important to act immediately to take care of the problem.

Call Us

Within 24-48 hours, water damage cleanup should begin. There are a few routes you can take from here, but we recommend that you give us a call as soon as possible. After we collect the necessary information to best serve you, we’ll come to your property to assess the damage and get to work.

Start Cleanup

Before we arrive, you might start trying to clean up the mess. Although tempting, don’t use a household vacuum to remove water. Instead, use a mop to clean up excess water. You should gather colored and loose items, like rugs, from floors as they can leave behind a stain should they meet water.

After you’ve done what you can you might find that the rest of the damage requires professional assistance. At SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva, we have the expertise and equipment to help complete the job.

We got it from here! From there, we’ll take the following steps:

Water Removal

We have powerful pumps and vacuums that can remove up to hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. We’ll use these to minimize further damage to your property. To remove water from hard to reach places, we’ll use air movers and humidifiers.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage can destroy expensive and meaningful items like furniture and clothing. Furthermore, water damage can leave behind a musty smell. Our specialized cleaning techniques, air scrubbers, and fogging equipment can restore and sanitize your belongings and remove unpleasant odors.

Restoration

Sometimes, restoring your property to pre-water damage condition requires reconstruction. This can range from replacing drywall panels to rebuilding rooms of the property. Whatever solution your home needs, we will do our part in helping you get it.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home you can count on us to help. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Your Commercial Cleaning Choice

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Disinfecting services offered daily, weekly or monthly.

You have enough to do to keep your Apopka / Wekiva business running – especially during a pandemic.  You shouldn’t have to find room in your day to deal with the inevitable wear and tear that gradually builds in your office over time. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva  professionals to help with your commercial cleaning projects. Whether it’s disinfecting your offices, removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look and feel its very best.

When you call 407-788-3124 you will be bringing in a quality contractor who carries these benefits:

• Award-winning training
• Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
• More than 100 exclusive cleaning products

Specialty Commercial Cleaning Services 

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Their cleaning services include the following:

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned:   Our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

Air Ducts and HVAC: If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust, and other contaminants. We routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can, in turn, save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

Biohazard: Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. We are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Ceilings, Floors, and Walls: Ceiling and wall cleaning should be part of the cleaning maintenance of your business. You should also clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, we can help.

Document Restoration: In the aftermath of a disaster, some of your most valued contents could be lost forever. As a leader in the restoration industry, we know that timely mitigation is the key to recovering damaged possessions. With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our restoration professionals will help you recover your paper goods before it’s too late.

Odor Removal:  As experts in deodorization, our professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

Sewage:  Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. Our team has specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Trauma and Crime Scene:  After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. We will respond immediately with protective equipment and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.

Vandalism:  Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

No matter what your needs may be, we have a commercial a cleaning solution for you.  Call us today for more information or to set up an appointment – 407-788-3124.

Disaster Recovery Teams Located Conveniently in your Orlando Neighborhood

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Wind Storm Diagram

When disasters hit it is common for you to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. In Orlando disasters can cause large losses and cost you a lot of money to restore your property. But you should know that not all hope is lost when it comes to disaster recovery. There is no better restoration company for the job than one of our SERVPRO Storm Teams, our nation’s BEST restoration recovery team – who has a franchise located locally in Orlando, FL. For business and residential communities SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva  restoration teams can handle any fire or water loss, BIG or small.

Damaging Natural Disaster Examples are:

• Tornadoes and Wind Storms
• Hurricanes and Heavy Rain
• Blizzards and Snow Storms
• Earthquakes

As with the recent event, Hurricane Laura, you can be certain that SERVPRO Storm Teams were there from the beginning to help remedy the situation for so many victims of that terrible storm. 

When it comes to disaster recovery, you want to seek a professional service to effectively restore your property in a timely manner. SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva follows the 1-4-8 Rule.  Within the 1st hour, we will dispatch a Restoration Manager to assess the situation.  Within 4 hours, crews will begin to mobilize.  And within 8 hours, our technicians will be fast at work beginning the cleanup process.  

These are the business verticals SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva has experience helping:  

• Schools & Daycares (secondary and post-secondary)
• Hospital and Senior Living Facilities
• Property Management Buildings (Rentals/Leases – residential and commercial)
• Government Buildings
• Churches and Worship Centers
• Municipalities and First Response

Available 24/7, SERVPRO can help clean up the damage to your buildings caused by a natural disaster. We are standing by to ensure that they meet your needs, regardless of the time or day. 407-788-3124

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva cleans your HVAC unit as if it were our own.

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

HVAC maintenance cleaning overdue? Leave it to the experts, call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva!

Residential Air Duct Cleaning in Florida

As anyone who owns a home knows, you constantly strive to keep things clean – frequent dusting, upholstery cleaning, and floor maintenance are typically the first items that come to mind. However, an often-overlooked cleaning issue is air duct maintenance – many people are unaware of the harm that a neglected air venting system can cause.

After years of use, the ducts accumulate an innumerable amount of debris, including layers of dust, pollen, contaminants and other pollutants that can affect your air quality. Furthermore, air ducts that aren’t cleaned regularly are more prone to burn out and malfunction.

Ready to schedule an appointment or have other questions about our services?

When you clean your air ducts, the inhabitants of your residential property will experience several benefits, particularly those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory disorders. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air ducts should be cleaned once every 2 years to prevent potential health risks.

Whether you live in a Orlando apartment complex or own a residence elsewhere in Florida, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva provides a host of green cleaning alternatives, including all-natural air duct cleaning services. Our team of certified professionals combine the latest technology with an eco-friendly approach with our upcoming HVAC cleaning division.

Call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva today at 407-788-3124!

What Can You Learn From a Mold Inspection?

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Mold spores exist naturally everywhere.

Mold spores are everywhere, but sufficient moisture and food are necessary for colonies to form. A mold inspection can identify whether significant amounts of fungi are present in a building in Apopka / Wekiva, FL. Here are several important insights this inspection can provide to a prospective buyer of commercial property.

The Condition of a Building

A general building inspection should identify the presence of visible mold. Mold can also be hidden in a variety of locations:

• Around pipes
• Behind walls
• Beneath paneling
• Inside air ducts
• On top of ceiling tiles
• Under flooring
• Under wallpaper

A musty odor often indicates the presence of hidden mold. General inspectors may recommend a mold inspection, or prospective buyers can seek out this additional measure. Air or surface testing for the presence of spores or microbial volatile organic compounds released during the growth cycle of fungus will improve the accuracy of an inspection.

Whether Mold Is Active or Inactive
Once mold starts to grow in a building, the infestation will not go away without cleaning and remediation. Controlling indoor humidity can render mold inactive, but a major mold problem may be more likely if moisture levels rise again. An inspection should locate and identify fungi at any point of the growth cycle.

Potential Water Damage Problems
Timely and thorough restoration work should eliminate most of the visible signs of past water damage in a commercial building. Mold growth might still persist in areas prone to developing leaks. While inspecting a structure for mold is costly, the results may be worthwhile for determining whether a property is a sound investment.
A mold inspection is helpful for determining the condition of a commercial property in the Greater Orlando area, particularly if the structure has suffered water damage in the past. Mold infestations may be more likely in the future if damage has not been properly restored and underlying issues addressed.

What are those Noisy Water Pipes Saying?

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

A typical PRV with gauge.

What is that noise?!

We all know the noises our home makes. That cracking when it is quiet, the sound of someone walking around in the attic or the quiet drip of the shower even hours after it has been used. Our homes all have a set of familiar noises! However, not all those sounds can be good for your home or your wallet! Especially, the sounds coming from your water pipes may be a warning. While a whistling faucet may simply require a new washer to quiet down, if you have a hissing, whistling sound in multiple fixtures and a hammering noise coming from your pipes, you could be headed for a pipe break! Residential water pressure is usually around 80 psi, but sometimes municipalities have to increase pressure for nearby non-residential facilities. When this happens in the Birmingham, AL area the increased water pressure can damage your home’s plumbing. In addition to the irritation of noisy pipes, high water pressure can:

• Erode pipes
• Reduce life expectancy of fixtures
• Increase water bills
• Result in leaks
• Cause a pipe burst

What’s Causing the Noises?

As a large amount of water is forced through fixture openings designed to handle a lower flow, it makes a whistling sound, just like forcing a large amount of air through pursed lips causes a whistling sound. When water suddenly stops flowing through pipes, the momentum causes it to slam around inside the pipe, which causes a clanging or banging sound. Your plumbing has built-in air chambers to prevent this from happening, but when water pressure is higher than normal, the chambers aren’t enough to prevent the hammering sound. The longer you wait to address high water pressure in your home, the more likely it is to cause a pipe break.

What To Do About High Pressure

If you suspect your water pressure is too high, call a plumber in Orlando, FL area to test the pressure for you. A device called a pressure regulating valve, or PRV can be installed to control the water pressure inside your home. Hiring a professional to prevent a pipe break is far preferable to hiring one to fix a broken pipe inside your walls. SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva wants you to catch an emergency before they occur but if one happens before you can stop it, know that we are ready to help you at a moment’s notice. Our team of highly trained technicians will assess the damages and take the necessary steps to ensure this emergency feels "Like it never even happened." Call us at (407) 788-3124

The Science behind the drying process

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Having the knowledge of psychrometrics in essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, we are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva Professional will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva Professionals have the tools and equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom-line? SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at: (407) 788-3124

Timely Bathroom Maintenance Can Prevent Leaks

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Bathroom maintenance can prevent leaks.

If you own a home or rent, it's a good idea to become familiar with your plumbing system. This could save you time and money as well as prevent a major problem. The mainline brings freshwater into your building, and from there, you have several supply lines that eventually bring water to individual faucets and appliances, often by way of smaller branch lines. Supply line damage, since it usually carries a large amount of water, can quickly flood your home in the Orlando Area. Therefore, a smart homeowner pays attention to the condition of the supply lines.

The Need for Maintenance
If you have resided in your location for years, you might even know the history of your supply lines and when they last received maintenance. Knowing the following facts will help you keep tabs on the potential for a supply line leak:

• The age of the pipes
• The material of the pipes
• The date of the last major plumbing upgrade
• The length of any warranty from the plumbing contractor or the pipe manufacturer
  
  

Some materials last longer than others. Plastic piping becomes vulnerable to supply line damage after about five to eight years; of course, it could last much longer, but it usually will be not be warrantied for any longer. On the other hand, steel braided piping often has a lifetime warranty on materials.

The Need for Water Cleanup
Whether it is from supply line damage or a bathroom leak, water escaping into your home is a serious problem. A professional water remediation team can act quickly to limit the damage. Trained technicians will arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster and remove standing water before it has had time to cause structural damage to floors and walls. They will use powerful vacuums and air dryers to rid the home of excessive humidity, which is often a condition that invites mold growth. If you suspect your supply lines are worn, it might be time to have a plumbing contractor check things out.

Tips for Staying Healthy as COVID-19 and Flu Season Converge

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged business owners and homeowners alike to find ways to live and work without exposing themselves or others to this highly contagious virus. Now, the approaching flu season is set to complicate that challenge even further. To help control the threat that the one-two punch of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu presents, SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva urges everyone to be extra vigilant about following cleaning and disinfecting protocols this year. 

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu spread primarily by droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. While not as frequent, it is also believed adults and children can contract COVID-19 or the flu by touching a surface or an object that has virus particles on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. The CDC continues to recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses, but experts also emphasize the importance of cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily to help mitigate the potential spread from contaminated surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

To limit exposure and control the spread of these double threats, SERVPRO recommends you wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol, keep your hands away from your face, and wear a mask to protect others. For effective daily, routine cleaning at home or at work, we recommend first removing surface grime and dirt with soap and water, then following up with a disinfectant. It is easier to feel comfortable about limiting exposure at home where you can control how clean your surroundings are. It is more difficult out in public; but this year especially, it is important to be aware of the space you are in. You need to learn to recognize spaces where cleaning is – or is not – a priority so you can adjust your behavior accordingly.

For those home and business owners who have specialized cleaning requirements or who simply want the peace of mind that a professional cleaning service can offer in this stressful time, SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva can help. While we remain a leader in disaster cleanup and remediation situations, we also provide that same ‘deeper level of clean’ for everyday residential and commercial cleaning. In addition, SERVPRO offers their "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" program, developed for businesses in response to the pandemic. The high level of confidence that a professionally cleaned space provides offers welcome reassurance to patrons as the flu season intersects with COVID-19.

SERVPRO specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva please call 407-788-3124. For more information on the "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" program, please click here. 

Duct Cleaning in Apopka, FL

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Our Process:

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the ducts’ shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming beings.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

We Can Help:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi, and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Odors

Water damage and mold-two sides of the same coin

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Apopka/Wekiva can help with water damage and mold remediation.

We consider water damages and mold to be two sides of the same coin. The mold jobs that we remediate are just water damages that have gone on for too long. The problem usually comes when they find out that the pipe behind their drywall or under a sink behind supplies had actually been leaking for a long time. Behind the drywall is the perfect home for mold…once you introduce that moisture to whatever spores might be behind your walls, the mold springs to life and begins to grow.

You had a small water leak so cleaned it up yourself. Everything looks dried out and problem solved. But now you see mold. If you see visible mold, your best move is to leave it alone. When you disturb mold by trying to remove it, you can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. Mold spores are microscopic and when you try to clean them, the mold can release tiny spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. We are locally owned and operated.  Contact us at (407) 788-3124.

3 Ways To Prevent Clogged Toilets

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Thinner paper is much less likely to clog up the pipes

Take The Following Steps To Help Protect Your Building

Keeping your bathrooms clean and functioning properly can be a hassle in commercial buildings. After all, you never know exactly who is attempting to flush what down your precious septic system. While you may not be able to control many clogged toilet scenarios, there are a few steps you can take to help protect your building in Apopka, FL. 

1. Post Signs and Notices
A few simple instructions can go a long way for most visitors. If you prefer that customers dispose of feminine hygiene products in specifically marked wastebaskets, as opposed to flushing them down the toilet, then hang up a sign asking them to do so. Many people do abide by the laws of common courtesy and a simple reminder can help prevent unwanted toilet overflow.

2. Opt for Thinner Toilet Paper
Thicker, more luxurious toilet paper is preferable for home bathrooms, but it might not be the best choice for your commercial ones. Customers who tend to use thicker wads of toilet paper pose a risk to your sewage system. Thinner paper is much less likely to clog up the pipes.

3. Provide Plenty of Trash Cans and Waste Baskets
If there aren't any trash cans available, customers often choose to flush trash down the toilet. They may believe that it's a much more polite alternative than leaving trash on the counters or floors, but your clogged toilet tends to disagree. Offering plenty of places for customers to discard their trash is a simple and effective way to prevent these accidents from happening.
A clogged toilet is an unpleasant sight in any commercial bathroom. Protecting your bathrooms isn't just about preventing septic issues, it's also important to leave a good impression on your customers. The pointers above can certainly help maintain harmony in your commercial bathroom, but there's no real way to prevent disaster entirely. If you do discover septic issues in your building, it's important that you call flood remediation experts as soon as possible.

We Have the Solutions!

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva has the unique ability to help property owners in a variety of ways. Disasters come in many shapes and sizes. With over three decades of experience we have seen most everything. We cannot say everything because even in the decades of helping our neighbors in the Orlando, FL Area, we still see new things. But here are a few disasters we commonly take care of.

Water Damage – We see water damages from all kinds of sources. Busted pipes, malfunctioning appliances, human accidents or neglect, and ground flooding to name a few common sources. No matter the cause, or the epic story that explains it, we have a solution to return you to normal “Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Restoration – A fire can be very a huge inconvenience but it is not the end of the world. Many times, you would be surprised at how much of your personal property can be restored. We specialize in cleaning and deodorizing anything from family heirlooms, documents, to the very walls in your home or business.

Mold Remediation – With naturally high levels of humidity in the area of the country we live in mold can be an issue if a water intrusion is not properly taken care of. 

Bio Hazard Clean Up – This area of our work is not enjoyable to talk about but many times it is necessary. We have the training and experience to properly clean up any area they may have the threat of blood born pathogens being present. These cases include trauma and crime scene clean up.

These are by no means the only services we offer. Frankly, whatever mankind or mother nature can throw at a structure, we can more than likely assist in the restoration.

The Water Cleanup Process After a Flood

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

It is crucial to remember that the most important step a property owner can take whenever they have noticed flood water in their business or water in their home is to immediately call in the professionals. Once the call is made, a water cleanup team will be dispatched to the home as soon as possible.

Once on scene, the water cleanup team will immediately start the assessment of the water in the business or water in the home, classifying the water according to its health hazard risk and moving quickly to stanch any existing leaks emanating from pipe breaks or supply line breaks. The team will also carefully examine the area around the original pipe break or supply line break, noting if any water has seeped into unseen or hard-to-reach places.

Once the damage to the flooded home or business has been assessed, the team will begin the water removal process.

Removing standing water from the flooded home or business:

Water will be removed through the use of heavy-duty extracting equipment. This should only take a few minutes, as the equipment used is capable of sucking out thousands of gallons of water per hour.

If you've found water in your home or business call SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva today (407) 788-3124

Kitchen Safety Tips to Prevent a Kitchen Fire

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Protect your home from accidental fires.

We all look forward to cooking a wonderful meal with our loved ones, especially recently when we’re spending a lot of time together. You should always practice fire safety in the kitchen so that you can prevent a fire from occurring. Kitchen fires are sadly quite common, and fire damage can be costly; a single fire may cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars in fire damage, and can put those you love at risk. Here are some fire prevention tips from SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva for your kitchen:

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Before you even begin to prep for the meal, ensure that the entire kitchen is clean by clearing all grime from the oven, washing the microwave, and making sure the floors are swept. Also make sure that there’s nothing flammable near your stove or oven. Leftover food particles and grease can start a fire before you know it. Towels and potholders too near a flame can catch fire and spread quickly. A clean, uncluttered kitchen is a safe kitchen.

Protect Yourself While Cooking

When cooking, make sure to wear the right clothing. Don’t wear anything with dangling loose sleeves that could catch fire. Oven mitts are a must when you bring things out of the stove, too. Hot pots, pans, and utensils can catch other items on fire, so prepare a place to put them after you bring them out. Clear an area for hot items, and make sure the surface is clean and dry. 

Be Careful with Children in the Kitchen

Mealtime brings the kids into the kitchen, and they will enjoy help you by performing simple tasks, such as helping to get things out of the fridge. You can use this time to teach them fire safety and to ensure that they know to keep away from stoves and any other place where there might be live flames. Knowledge is one of the best fire prevention tools out there. Need more fire safety tips for kids?  Here’s a great list to share!

Properly Store Kitchen Items and Cleaners

One of the best ways to help prevent fires in your kitchen is to store all chemicals like solvents away from any heat source. Many people keep cleaning supplies under the sink which is fine (protected from little ones, of course). Or you can keep cleaning fluids on shelving that is protected far away from the stove and range, and make sure that any pots you are using have all handles away from everyone in the kitchen. Knocking a burning pot or pan onto the floor or a person can cause serious injuries and start a fire quickly. 

Kitchen fires can happen fast, even when you’re using all the right precautions. If you experience a kitchen fire, contact SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva to help restore your kitchen back to normal. We’re here 24/7 to serve you! Call us at (407) 788-3124.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

5 Common Causes of Solar Panel Damage

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Solar panel damaged in Apopka, FL

More and more homes in Apopka, FL, are installing solar panels. They may require extra expense upfront, but in the long run, they're a sustainable and cost-efficient energy alternative. If you're thinking about investing in solar power, you may be concerned about the potential for panel damage. Here are five of its most common causes.

1. Extreme Weather

Since solar-powered panels need exposure to the sun to work, they're also regularly subjected to a variety of other elements, including the weather. Snow, rain, and hail all have the potential to damage panels, as well as other parts of your home, requiring the aid of an experienced storm damage restoration company. Fortunately, it usually takes an excessive amount of snow, rain, hail or wind to actually cause harm. Panels and their racking are carefully designed to hold up against most of what Mother Nature throws their way.

2. Fire

Faulty wiring can cause panel and roof damage if left unaddressed. To protect your solar panels, make sure their wiring is fenced in or otherwise contained and that children or pets are unable to access it.

3. Tree Branches

Falling tree limbs and branches have the potential to cause panel damage. For this reason, it's important for solar panel owners to keep nearby trees trimmed and well-maintained.

4. Overheating

The job of a solar panel may be to soak up the sun's rays, but that doesn't mean it's immune to overheating. Panels that regularly get too hot may require the installation of fans or another type of ventilation system to ensure that things run smoothly.

5. Lightning

Lightning is a solar panel's nemesis. If one of your panels gets zapped by a lightning strike, it's likely done for. Fortunately, solar panel owners have a variety of lightning protection systems to choose from, including grounding schemes and surge protection devices.
Solar panels are built to withstand the elements, but they're not immune to them. By keeping these five common causes of damage in mind, owners can prepare for potential panel damage and protect their eco-friendly investment for years to common.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Be Prepared In Case You Ever Have A Fire

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

A properly selected fire extinguisher can stop a fire become it becomes serious or deadly.

The hours, days and weeks following a fire or water damage in your home or business can be simply overwhelming. Living in the "sunshine state" doesn't make things any better especially for the Orlando are. Surrounded by possessions that are soot-covered, flame-damaged or wet, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture: As long as everyone got out safely everything else is just stuff. But once the smoke clears or the water recedes, you will need to deal with that stuff, and the sooner the better.

From the beginning make sure that you are organized, amidst the chaos of your scorched surroundings.

Take notes on every conversation and online correspondence with your insurance company and restoration professionals, because in any stressful situation, miscommunication can happen. Save all receipts and original documents; only give photocopies upon request.

Your first call should be to your insurance agent/carrier. Not only is it required that you file your claim as soon as possible, it is also in your best interest. The sooner you get the process started, the sooner an insurance adjustor will arrive at your door to begin assessing damage.

A reputable cleaning and restoration team should be next on your call list like SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva. We also specialize in professional repair services, saving you time, money and headaches. Depending upon the extent of damage, your property may first need to be secured (boarded up, for example), and a high quality restoration team with carpentry skills can perform that service for you.

Your restoration team should work with your insurance company to initiate a fire damage recovery plan that includes the complete restoration of your structure. Again, if your team is truly “full service,” the construction side will assess the structural damages while the cleaning and restoration specialists will work closely with you and your adjustor to determine which of your possessions can be cleaned…and which need to be inventoried for replacement. Often these services can be provided on site, but in the event that your contents have to be removed, make sure your team also offers the capability to electronically inventory, package, transport and store your belongings in a safe, climate controlled facility.

Now that you know the initial steps of the fire damage recovery process, here are a few tips on what NOT to do before the pros arrive:

·         Do not wipe or attempt to wash fire residue from walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces

·         Do not use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues or debris

·         Do not use food items, canned goods or medications exposed to heat

·         Do not turn on computers, televisions, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and checked

With preparation, resources and trusted professionals in place—plus a healthy dose of patience and perspective, after the fact—you and your family or co-workers will make it through the process of fire damage recovery.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

Why Should You Hire a Professional for your Fire Clean Up?

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

After the Fire Fighters leave you need professionals to clean up and rebuild. SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is here to help.

It can be confusing trying to deal with the damages from a fire at your home or business. The IICRC has provided the following helpful information on handling this. Due to the intricate measures needed to properly clean up after a fire loss, having a trained team of professionals will help alleviate some of the stress. Give us a call and we will send someone out to help.

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building will never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.

While fire is always the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors. Professionals that clean fire and smoke damage can stop this before it becomes a major problem, assuming they are contacted soon enough. There are many companies out there that advertise their ability to restore areas affected by fire, but only those with proper training and certification should be considered. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the main oversight agency in this industry. The IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework before earning their certification. This is a symbol of excellence, and those that uphold the standards that have been set can be contacted through the IICRC.

These professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but they must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. The first thing that ash does to the home is discolor most surfaces. Anything that is made of plastic or was close to the fire will start discoloring within minutes, and within several hours, fiberglass and finishes on appliances will begin to yellow. Metals may also tarnish. After a few days pass, the ash will cause walls to discolor permanently, along with clothing and upholstery. Wood and vinyl will need to be refinished or replaced, and metal will start corroding.

If a professional isn’t hired to clean smoke and fire damage, the costs for restoration will skyrocket after a few weeks. Metals may need to be replaced, carpet will permanently discolor and glass may be severely etched, which will necessitate replacement. It will also become apparent that the odors caused by the disaster may still be present and intense enough to be distracting. Because ash is acidic, the longer it takes to hire experts, the more destruction it will cause.

The first thing a trained, certified, professional company will do when on site is to identify all affected materials and the source of any odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

This entire process is very detailed, and hiring a professional that can be trusted to do the job right is imperative.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more. 

How To Prepare Your Orlando Building for Storm Damage

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have storm damage? Call SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva Today?

As a property manager in Orlando, FL, you know how important it is to maintain the building and grounds to create a safe, comfortable environment for your tenants. Not only do you want to keep the property looking nice, but you need to think about issues such as storm preparedness. If you are not ready to withstand the effects of Mother Nature, you should act quickly to put the appropriate safeguards in place.

Assess and Inspect

If you're behind in your storm preparedness, don't panic and start assembling a bunch of supplies without doing some planning first. You should start by looking over the property and identifying potential areas of concern. Here are a few ideas on how to do this:

• Inspect the room and make sure there are no weak spots, gaps or issues that might increase the chances of leaks.
• Make sure there are clearly marked exit signs and instructions on how to safely evacuate the building in case of an emergency.
• Evaluate the windows and consider purchasing shatter-proof ones.

Bolster the Windows and Doors

In a storm with high winds, these two areas of entry could be significant safety hazards. Consider purchasing items such as roll-up shutters or storm panels to place over the doors and windows when storms hit. Every property management emergency plan should have a way to protect tenants from damage that could occur from breaking glass.

Have Sandbags Ready

If you live in an area where heavy rains are common, flooding can always be a risk. The same goes for property owners whose buildings are near waterways. Purchase a set of sandbags that you could fill and place around doors, windows and the foundation when necessary.

Practice Evacuating

Work with your tenants on developing an emergency exit plan. At least once a year, evaluate this plan. Practice evacuations are critical as well. This plan should also include knowing which emergency cleanup company to call when disasters strike.

Storm preparedness can give you peace of mind even during an emergency such as a flood or severe storm. Make sure you're ready at a moment's notice.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

Partial Fire Loss Can Leave Lingering Damage

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire loss in a warehouse in Apopka, FL

Partial Fire Loss Can Leave Lingering Damage

If a fire breaks out in your Apopka, FL, business, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Even if there is only a partial fire loss, the lingering effects of the fire and smoke damage can create long-term issues.

Seek Hidden Damage
Whether small or big, smoke, soot, and flames can quickly become absorbed into the materials of a building, even in areas not affected by the fire. If a fire breaks out in a neighboring establishment, its residual impact may also affect your building. Calling a fire restoration specialist is the best bet to ensure the building is properly cleaned and inspected. During the inspection, they will check areas of the structure that may be overlooked, including:

HVAC System – Soot can easily begin to circulate through the vents. If not properly cleaned, it creates a long-term odor and affects air quality.
Attics – As smoke rises, any levels above the fire will be affected. Not addressing soot buildup can reduce air quality.
Electric and Plumbing – The accumulation of soot can also involve plumbing and electrical systems. The heat from a fire can impact pipes, potentially resulting in a pipe burst. If the fire was due to an electrical issue, it might be best to contact an electrician to update the wiring.
Mold – If a sprinkler system was set off or water hoses were used to put out a fire, it has the potential to create the right environment for mold. As the water absorbs into porous materials, mold can quickly grow and spread.

Address the Issue
Fire loss can feel overwhelming. Once the smoke settles, filing a claim as quickly as possible is key to getting your business back up and running. For partial losses, the process may be a little different. It is important to document all damaged items. This will help the process go more smoothly and may help the restoration experts better salvage some of the losses.
While fire loss can seem devastating, help is only a phone call away. The right professional will work to reduce losses and make the proper repairs to get your business back to normal.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

Examples of Fires That Your Insurance Will Not Cover

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damage in Apopka, FL

From a young age, you're told that fire can be dangerous. Parents and teachers urge you to not play with matches or do anything else that could start a fire.. Still, despite your best efforts, these incidents can occur. While your first thoughts will be about the safety of your loved ones, you'll also worry about the condition of your property and possessions. Fortunately, your homeowner's insurance should cover a home fire in most cases. You should be aware of the times when your claim would be denied.

When You Can Get Coverage

Your homeowner's insurance should give you the financial help you need following a home fire in Central Florida. Your policy can cover losses to your dwelling and possessions you lost in the fire. Your policy may even cover any expenses you had while staying somewhere else temporarily. Insurance will cover fires started by the following causes:

• A vandal who intentionally started the fire in your home.
• A fire that you started by accident.
• A fire that started due to faulty equipment such as wiring or appliances.

Insurance Fraud
Some people make the catastrophic mistakes of resorting to arson to get the insurance company to pay a settlement. Anytime arson is suspected in a fire, the insurance company will investigate before professional fire restoration crews arrive to clean up. Homeowners guilty of this are subject to criminal punishment and will have their claim denied.

Empty House
If you own a vacant home, the insurance company will not pay for damages it suffered in a fire. A vacant home fire does not fall under a homeowner's insurance policy, so you will be left with the repair and restoration bills unless you buy supplemental coverage on the property.
Understanding how your homeowner's insurance policy works is critical. If you have a home fire, you need to know when your policy would go into effect and when it would not. Your insurance agent is also a good source of information about what your policy covers.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

What You Should Or Should Not Do After Fire Damage Affects Your Wekiva Home

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Repair and Restoration in Wekiva, FL

Rely on Professional Fire Damage Restoration from SERVPRO

You had to watch as a fire broke out in your home; you were able to get everyone to safety and contact the authorities but felt helpless as you stood there, watching. Doing a little research on your own led you to give us a call. But now you do not want to wait. What can you start to clean or remove on your own and what should you let SERVPRO handle? 

Learning what you should or should not do after a fire damage incident on your property is important. While you are waiting for an expertly trained professional to arrive, there are many ways you can help, just keep in mind that you should avoid doing too much. Some items on this list are for Do-It-Your-Selfers; however we highly recommend that you call us first.

Make sure to focus your attention on safety, eliminate any possible electrical or gas hazards by shutting the services off to your house. ONLY if it is safe. No one knows your home better than you do; you should be able to locate slip and fall hazards before anyone else.

You can limit traffic to prevent soot particles from being embedded into your upholstery and carpeting, by placing clean towels or old linens on any rugs, upholstery or carpeting found in high traffic areas. Keep your hands clean to avoid transferring different soils to clean upholstery, walls, or woodwork.

Do not attempt any activities that are unsafe for you to perform on your own. Remember, some of these materials can weigh a lot due to water exposure, so be careful. There is no reason to move the big items out on your own; SERVPRO technicians are on the way.


If you were able to turn off your electricity properly, you can empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open for cleaning. If the fire damage is relatively minor, leave the fridge closed for us to come and inspect. You can also help SERVPRO technicians by removing any small loose items found throughout your home, such as house plants, desk lamps, and other small appliances to a safe, dry location carefully.

Placing double layers of cheesecloth over all of your air registers and changing your HVAC filter helps. But, avoid turning on your ventilation system, you'll just end up causing additional cleaning that wasn't otherwise necessary, so letting us do the work is preferable.

Avoid washing walls or painted surfaces, or shampooing your carpet and other upholstery items without contacting us. Do not clean any electrical appliances directly affected by fire, heat, or water; SERVPRO has specialty restoration services for those items, to avoid accidental secondary damage. Soot cleaning is more complicated that it may look. 

You should also avoid using any canned or packaged food or beverages stored near the source of the fire, heat, or exposed to water. Also, never send any clothing or other garments to an ordinary dry cleaner after a fire, as improper cleaning used on affected items may cause smoke odors to set permanently.

For more advice, and fire damage restoration service, on what you should or should not do after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva today. (407) 788-3124.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

Why You Want a Flood Cut

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flood cut performed in Apopka, FL

Why You Want a Flood Cut

It's just a bit of water. It's harmless. Isn't that what business owners want to think when flooding hits the property? It's hard to fathom that something so simple could be quite hazardous. In actuality, though, the premises have been invaded by very dirty water, and proprietors need the assistance of a water restoration company to sanitize and remove problematic parts. A flood cut is often part of the necessity, and it's meant to help you, not hurt your place. Hopefully, the following three points help ease your mind about the unwanted structural departure.

1. Why Is Flood Water Harmful?

When fluid rises from streams, rivers, and oceans, it contains microbes and bacteria, more than you want anywhere around you. It is their natural habitat; thus, they float on inside, making themselves comfortable in the new home. While some materials are not as easy for them, porous items such as carpet and drywall are welcome spots. There they can thrive and cultivate, creating a mold or bacterial growth. To get rid of it all, you want to tear out moist sections, decontaminating the space.

2. What Does the Flood Cut Do?

The experts should inspect the premises, evaluating the flooding zones. Then, they'll recommend removing anything problematic. It's not enough go with the initial zone, this special cut goes 12 inches about the flood line, trying to avoid leaving anything behind. This is simply an extra precaution to make your company safer.

3. How Is the Place Sanitized?

With those pieces gone, dehumidifiers can dry out the rooms, saving the other valuables and effects. Then, antimicrobial spray can be applied, to further reduce contamination. Once that is out of the way, the walls can be repaired and painted, getting everything back to normal.
If a specialist recommends cutting out flood-impacted drywall, it's not meant to scare you or drive up the bill. It's a protective measure, decreasing pollutants and improving your structure's overall quality.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

How Contamination Level Changes the Mitigation Process

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Category 1 water damage comes from a clean water source

How Contamination Level Changes the Mitigation Process

All flooding is not the same. When your home floods, the first question water mitigation experts are likely to ask is "what is the source of the water?" Where the water comes from often indicates the level of contamination with which they must contend. It can tell them a lot about the process they need to use to completely restore your home to its original state.

Category 1

Category 1 water is considered clean. Your home may be flooded by a clean source:

• Broken pipe
• Leaking pipe
• Busted supply line

The water damage caused by clean water must still be repaired, but the process is pretty straightforward. The area can often be dried without having to remove a lot of damaged material.

Category 2

If flooding occurs as the result of a leak from your refrigerator or an overflowing washing machine, this is considered a Category 2 incident. Some cleaning is required, because the water may contain a few contaminants. As long as the materials involved are not saturated and can be adequately disinfected, they may not have to be removed.

Category 3

Flood damage from a storm or sewer line falls within the third level of contamination. This can complicate the cleanup process extensively. Even if the walls, floors and ceilings affected by the flood are still structurally sound, any area the contaminated water touched may still have to be removed in order to ensure all the microbes in the water are gone. Just because it doesn't look or smell dirty, that doesn't mean that it isn't. Technicians know it is better to err on the side of caution when the water comes from a source that is likely contaminated.
Understanding the mitigation process for flooding in your home can help you plan ahead. When you hear that the damage was caused by Category 3 water, you can adjust your expectations accordingly.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

Why Your Floors Need Commercial Cleaning In Your Apopka Business

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Carpet Being Cleaned

Thorough commercial carpet cleaning is the single best way to preserve and extend the life of carpet, but proper treatment requires careful planning and extensive training. It is the kind of training that a professional would receive through an organization like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and it is essential for a professional to integrate quality practices into their own firm. But how much goes into proper commercial carpet cleaning? It starts with keeping soil and debris from entering the building to begin with. By placing entry mats in entrance and high traffic areas and maintaining the walking surfaces outside of the building, there will be less soil to deal with inside the building. Inside, frequent vacuuming is the first line of defense, and may be needed daily in areas that receive a lot of traffic. Vacuuming ensures deposited soil does not penetrate deeply into the fibers and cause damage.

Spot and stain control are essential, even if the flooring is colored in a way to make stain detection difficult. Stains will degrade the integrity of the flooring and alter its texture, so professionals will have to respond quickly to any problem areas. Formulated detergents and targeted agitation will normally do the trick. Finally, deep treatment, usually through hot water extraction or encapsulation methods, will need to be done several times a year to remove soils that have become embedded in the carpet fibers. Regular office carpet cleaning is necessary for maintaining a professional, healthy atmosphere. No one likes to work in filth, and over time, the flooring will pick up a great deal of soil and debris. If it is not regularly removed, the flooring will deteriorate at an accelerated rate, harbor odors, and look unattractive and dirty. Fortunately, certified professionals can keep the flooring nearly soil free if they are brought in for a thorough treatment on a regular basis.

Commercial buildings withstand a great deal of foot traffic every day, and with the foot traffic comes soil, moisture, and other debris. With entry mats near the entrances and daily vacuuming, most of this soil can be kept from penetrating into the fibers. However, it is not a perfect solution, and deep office carpet cleaning will be needed before long. There are several treatment methods available for commercial buildings, but most textile manufacturers agree that hot water extraction is the most effective method. During hot water extraction, a combination of superheated water and detergent is injected deep into the carpeting and then extracted once it has a chance to suspend any soil.

Make sure that before hiring a professional, you select a company that is an IICRC Certified Firm. This will ensure that the technician sent to your office is also certified. Advanced treatment methods require expertise and proper training, and certification through a respectable organization will convey this. We would love the opportunity to give you an estimate for the cleaning of your office. With over 30 years of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry, we can help in almost any situation.

SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva is proud to serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Wekiva Springs, Apopka, Lockhart, Zellwood and many more.

Central Florida Fire Damage Restoration: What are the steps involved?

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

The hours, days and weeks following a fire in your home or business can be simply overwhelming. Surrounded by your soot-covered and flame-damaged possessions, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture: As long as everyone got out, thanks to proper disaster planning and preparation, everything else is just stuff. But once the smoke clears, you will need to deal with that stuff, and the sooner the better.

Your restoration team should work with your insurance company to initiate a fire damage recovery plan that includes the complete restoration of your structure. Again, if your team is truly “full service,” the construction side will assess the structural damages while the cleaning and restoration specialists will work closely with you and your adjustor to determine which of your possessions can be cleaned…and which need to be inventoried for replacement. Often these services can be provided on site, but in the event that your contents have to be removed, make sure your team also offers the capability to electronically inventory, package, transport and store your belongings in a safe, climate controlled facility.

Now that you know the initial steps of the fire damage recovery process, here are a few tips on what NOT to do before the pros arrive:

• Do not wipe or attempt to wash fire residue from walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces
• Do not use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues or debris
• Do not use food items or canned goods exposed to heat
• Do not turn on computers, televisions, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and checked

With preparation, resources, and trusted professionals in place—plus a healthy dose of patience and perspective, after the fact—you and your family or co-workers will make it through the process of fire damage recovery. We hope that you never have to deal with any of this, but if you do, know that our team here at SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva will be there to help you through it.

The hours, days and weeks following a fire in your home or business can be simply overwhelming. Surrounded by your soot-covered and flame-damaged possessions, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture: As long as everyone got out, thanks to proper disaster planning and preparation, everything else is just stuff. But once the smoke clears, you will need to deal with that stuff, and the sooner the better.

Your restoration team should work with your insurance company to initiate a fire damage recovery plan that includes the complete restoration of your structure. Again, if your team is truly “full service,” the construction side will assess the structural damages while the cleaning and restoration specialists will work closely with you and your adjustor to determine which of your possessions can be cleaned…and which need to be inventoried for replacement. Often these services can be provided on site, but in the event that your contents have to be removed, make sure your team also offers the capability to electronically inventory, package, transport and store your belongings in a safe, climate controlled facility.

Now that you know the initial steps of the fire damage recovery process, here are a few tips on what NOT to do before the pros arrive:

• Do not wipe or attempt to wash fire residue from walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces
• Do not use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues or debris
• Do not use food items or canned goods exposed to heat
• Do not turn on computers, televisions, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and checked

With preparation, resources, and trusted professionals in place—plus a healthy dose of patience and perspective, after the fact—you and your family or co-workers will make it through the process of fire damage recovery. We hope that you never have to deal with any of this, but if you do, know that our team here at SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva will be there to help you through it.

Central Florida Office Disaster Recovery Plan

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

It’s 2:45am on a Sunday morning. You get a call that there is an emergency in your office. The caller tells you that there was a small fire and that the sprinkler system put it out, but that the entire building is now damaged from the water. What will your next step be?

Do you have a plan of action? What if there was a way for you to start making the important phoe calls before you even leave your house? What if there was something as simple as an app on your phone or tablet that would allow you to access all of the information that you need? That’s where our ERP comes in! ERP stands for Emergency Ready Profile or Emergency Ready Plan, and allows you to have a plan for any emergencies that may happen in your commercial building.  The ERP has everything and anything you want to have in your preparedness plan, from the location of the main power shut off switch all the way to where the blue prints are located. Having a plan of action allows anyone from the owner of the building to the custodians working the nightshift to be able to possibly prevent additional damages from occurring, while stopping the main source of damage from spreading. The best part is you can access this ERP directly from your smartphone or tablet by simply installing the free SERVPRO Ready App. The app can be downloaded on as many devices as you deem necessary.

You may ask, “How will it benefit me and my business?” Not many business owners/managers know that about 50% of businesses are unable to reopen following a disaster. Of the businesses that do survive, the overwhelmingly majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And, knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your employees. Showing that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By working with SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva and West Orange, and allowing us to provide your business with an Emergency Ready Plan, your business can receive the benefit of over 30 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. Our teams are leaders in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your business back in working order.

The Emergency Ready Plan Advantages:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.

•    -This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.     But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
•    -It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects.

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.   of action.

•    -This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.   money.

•    -This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.  In advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

•    -Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in

Eliminating Odors in Commercial Buildings

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

WHAT IS THAT SMELL? WHERE IS THAT COMING FROM? IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK WITH THAT ODOR! Are you hearing things like that? Or maybe even seeing people new to your office turn up their nose when they walk in? You might have a foul odor and not even know about it. Mildew, mold, even a kitchen spill that might not have received the attention it needed-all of these things can make an office environment less than pleasant, even down-right dangerous to work in. 

Mildew is a version of microbial growth, much like mold, that can cause a host of issues to your employees and your customers. Does your assistant suffer from allergies? Do you have more than a few sick calls a week? Is your office filled with items to change the way the office smells? You might be suffering from a growth issue that SERVPRO can take care of. 

Kitchen odors, or break room odors as the case may be, can happen over time. Do you have appliances in your break room? A stove, refrigerator, dishwasher? In your home you may clean these area's with more frequency and attention that you might at the office.

The second sense people use after sight is smell. It is part of that first impression that is related to your customers coming into your business. How does yours stand up? Give us a call today, and let us take a look at some potential problem areas for you.

Preparing your home for a hurricane

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that when a disaster strikes the cleanup can be overwhelming. As the leader in water damage restoration, SERVPRO knows that fast mitigation is the key to limiting additional damage to your home or business, and in the case of a business, limiting business interruption. With over 1,700 franchises across the country, SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster and can be on-site within a few hours to reduce the amount of secondary damage that can be caused by allowing the water to sit. 

In the event of a hurricane here are some tips from FEMA to help you prepare your home:

• Cover all of your home's windows with precut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else that is not tied down
• Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant
• Turn off utilities as instructed by local authorities.
• Turn off propane tanks
• Ensure a water supply for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Preparing your business is a litter different, but these tips from FEMA can help:

• Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating
• Identify operations critical to survival and recovery
• Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible. Can you run your business from a different location or from your home? Can you develop a relationship with other local businesses to use their facilities if a disaster makes your location unusable?

While we all hope for a year free from hurricanes, we know that they are inevitable at times. You can rest assured that SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva will be available to assist you with your home or business in the event of a natural disaster.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva, 407-788-3124]

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

SERVPRO Uses Science When Grappling with Orlando Area Water Losses

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water Loss Drying Includes the Science of Psychrometrics--Says SERVPRO

The Balancing Act of Water Damage Restoration Here in Orlando

Water Damage Orlando
The majority of water call-outs we do are the result of burst pipes, faulty appliances, or leakages. While it can be distressing for a homeowner to discover water issues, with the correct procedure, controlling damages is possible. If feasible, you should try to buffer the water to prevent it from spreading too far beyond the source. Mopping up excess residues can also help stop moisture from migrating into tough to reach areas or wall cavities.

Our technicians for water damage here in Orlando are capable of restoring homes efficiently because they understand the properties of water. The moment a water spillage occurs, it begins to spread. Spreading can be evident in the form of a stream or as the result of evaporation into the air. As a restorer, it is vital to address both visible and non-visible signs of moisture as both can cause long-lasting issues to a homeowner.

To combat an emergency water incident, we need first to understand how water interacts with its environment. Psychrometrics is the relationship between water, air, and temperature. In an indoor space, evaporating moisture remains in the air. Evaporation can cause an increase in humidity levels. Moisture saturation of your indoor air can slow the drying process, which is why it is so important to keep under control during restoration.

High humidity levels can present many challenges for your home. Mold growth is likely when humidity levels are high. When evaporated moisture cools, it reaches the dew point- the point where moisture condenses- and can cause havoc with electrical devices like televisions, power cables, computers, and tablets. SERVPRO water restoration technicians have to carefully balance psychrometrics to dry a property effectively and to avoid secondary damages.

Some aspects of psychrometrics may be more fundamental than others. Hot air, for example, is capable of holding large quantities of moisture. Heating a room using portable or inbuilt central heating can speed up the drying time significantly. At the same time, these temperatures, in combination with humidity, can result in condensation on interior walls. SERVPRO technicians take regular measurements using thermal hygrometers to balance effective drying with loss reduction throughout service.

Understanding the principles of drying is as crucial to efficient service as is our equipment. To get your home back on track, contact SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124.

SERVPRO Talks About Water Removal Equipment in Orlando

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the water extraction equipment to remove the water and dry your property.

Applying Different Procedures to Ease Water Removal in Affected Orlando Properties

Water intrusion into a building can happen in many ways. Removing the water from the building fast is crucial after such an incident to restore normalcy and prevent secondary damages. The level of difficulty varies in each case of water removal depending on whether there are crawlspaces, stairwells, and basements, or whether the water reaches into wall cavities or HVAC systems.

The method chosen for water removal from affected Orlando properties depends on the amount of water and the types of surfaces. We train our SERVPRO crews with different removal procedures including;

• Wet vacuuming
• Pumping
• Draining
• Absorption with towels and mops

Wet vacuuming requires an extractor with enough lift capacity. Truck-mounted extractors provide such lift when dealing with a vast area. Our SERVPRO technicians also use portable extractors to remove water localized in smaller spaces or when dealing with hard to reach areas. Wet vacuuming is suitable for all floor types. Our technicians use carpet wands for carpeted areas and squeegee wands for wooden or other hard floors to avoid damaging the surfaces.

Pumping helps remove water from the affected property. Pumping is perfect for eliminating high volumes of standing water before starting wet vacuuming. It is, therefore, appropriate for areas such as basements where considerable amounts of water accumulate. For better efficiency, our SERVPRO technicians use submersible pumps when standing water is more than 2 inches.

Some of the water that intrudes into the house might end up trapped in unusual areas such as the ceiling, HVAC duct lines, wall cavities, or within a concrete block. The best way to remove such water is by draining it because, in most cases, there is no access for tools to extract the water. Our SERVPRO technicians apply different methods to drain the water. For example, we can drill ¼-inch weep holes on a ceiling panel or concrete block to release the trapped water.

Fast and efficient removal of water from a building helps prevent severe damages. Call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 to help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Orlando.

Our Experts Can Save Your Orlando Property After A Water Damage Incident

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Coordination Of Services For Commercial Water Cleanup In Orlando

Many commercial owners know how difficult it is to arrange for contractors to complete repair jobs. Water damage often presents unique challenges. Removal of the water, drying, and perhaps mold remediation is needed. In addition, there may be damage to floors or walls, which must be repaired before restarting operations or allowing customers to enter your building. Finding a contractor to make repairs can be time-consuming with all of the inherent delays.

SERVPRO offers commercial water cleanup services in Orlando and the surrounding areas. We also provide and coordinate full restoration services to our customers. We take care of the logistics required to bring in restoration contractors as soon as your building is free of water and dry. We also provide emergency board up services and temporary repairs to prevent further water damage as needed.

Don't Wait to Take Action
Whenever there is a water leak that is large enough to slow or even shut down your business, there can be a significant impact on the company's income. Any delays removing water and drying the structure can cause further damage. For example, the drywall begins to swell and discolor. Hardwood floors can also swell, buckle, or even crack. Hot, humid conditions are a perfect environment for mold growth.

Fast Action by our SERVPRO team can prevent much of this potential secondary damage from water spreading inside your commercial space. Removal of the water and dehumidification can prevent mold infestations, as well. Our general contractor license and mold remediation licenses allow us to provide a turnkey service to our clients. We can help with everything from document drying to repairing all types of flooring. Damaged drywall can be replaced and repainted.

Avoid delays and take advantage of our turnkey services. Our Contractor Licenses are General: CBC1258985, Mold Remediation: MRSR868. Don't risk further loss of income waiting for subcontractors to make repairs.

Call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve University Park, Lockhart, Forest City, and the surrounding areas. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Orlando click here.

We Are Always Available For Your Orlando Water Damage Restoration

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you have a roof leak, plumbing leak, or any other water damage we respond quickly.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva: Water Removal Specialists Who Appreciate the Area and Your Family

Just 16 miles from downtown Orlando, crystal clear springs flow from deep underground, feeding 42 million gallons of water a day through the communities of Apopka and Wekiva. These systems of blackwater streams and wetlands offer many recreational activities for tourists and residents and serve as a habitat for wildlife. Near big city living, the natural beauty of the area, and temperate to sub-tropical weather also makes this part of Central Florida a much-desired place to call home. Locally owned and operated, We are very aware of the benefits of living near crystal clear springs.

Water removal in Orlando around Apopka-Wekiva is one of our specialties. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) ensures our technicians are certified to handle water removal and dehumidification appropriately. For example, the S500 says, “Exposed materials that remain in place should be cleaned and decontaminated, as appropriate.” Any “decontamination should be accomplished to the extent possible by cleaning.” We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration standards to treat your home and belongings as if it were our own.

Extraction is one of the first critical steps to removing moisture from your home. The more excess water our restorers remove first with extraction equipment, the less time it will take to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture with drying equipment. Various types of extraction tools are used by SERVPRO to remove water, such as extraction units, light wands, and if needed, deep extraction tools, and submersible pumps.

Water can damage materials in two ways: first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process. Water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. Our SERVPRO staff understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are what transform your house into a home.

Our employees live in the community. And, just like you, they have had first-hand experience with too much water in their home from rain events, malfunctioning appliances, and leaky pipes. We know that in a home, water in the wrong places can severely disrupt your daily lifestyle, creating stress and uncertainty for your family. Our SERVPRO family is here to help you.

When water takes control of your life, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva helps you take it back. If you have water or flood damage, we are always available 24/7/365. Contact us at (407) 788-3124.

See more about Orlando.

Primary Factors Restorers Use For Water Cleanup In Your Orlando Area Home

11/10/2019 (Permalink)

Let us help make a difference for your Orlando water damage.

SERVPRO strives to always be there for your Orlando water damage.

We all know how drying your Orlando home, and its contents quickly are essential. However, you might not know how four primary factors can affect the amount of time required to dry everything caught within the affected area. Remember, the rule of “wet goes to dry,” still applies here. 

It helps to understand when dealing with water cleanup on your Orlando area property that moisture moves from wet materials to drier materials or wet air to drier air, seeking equilibrium naturally. Dry air absorbs moisture from wet surfaces while dry surfaces absorb moisture from wet air. 

Each of the four primary factors for drying can affect the overall drying process SERVPRO technicians use in your home. However, years of training and expertise, access to advanced equipment, and resources make our team a quick, effective solution you can count on to get back on your feet after a flood.

Temperature: Drying occurs faster when technicians have control over the environment. SERVPRO uses portable heaters to maintain an ideal temperature in the affected areas, avoiding overheating that often leads to what we call indoor-rain. 

Amount of Water: SERVPRO uses water extractors to pump water out as quickly as possible. By removing more water with extractors, we shorten the time dehumidifiers might take to normalize moisture levels in the area since a liquid is faster to remove than a gas. 

Humidity: Relative humidity (RH) refers to the amount of moisture the air currently holds at a given temperature. RH is the ratio of water vapor present in the air compared to the highest amount of water vapor the air could hold. 

• An RH level of 30% to 50% is what the majority of people consider comfortable.
• RH over 60% can drastically slow drying time since the air is nearly saturated.

Proper use of dehumidifiers typically allows SERVPRO technicians to lower relative humidity in an affected area to below 40% within 24-hours of starting the drying process. Dehumidifiers can lower RH to lower than 30%, so constant supervision is required.

Air Movement: Blowing the damp air out and bringing warm, dry air back into the affected area drastically improves drying speed. Positioning air movers throughout the area can help thoroughly dry various surfaces.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva provides water cleanup and restoration services throughout the area, call today. (407) 788-3124

To learn more about Orlando, click here.

Dealing with Bad Fire Damage in Your Orlando Home

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO to mitigate damages that fire might have done to your home.

Why SERVPRO Is the Choice for Wrap-Around Fire Damage Restoration in Orlando

A fire igniting in your Orlando home creates an aftermath that can be overwhelming. The relief felt after you and your family made it to safety comforts, but viewing the chaos inside your house after the firefighters leave creates waves of worry and stress. Finding a full-spectrum fire mitigation and remediation partner is vital, why we invest in multiple certifications for our employees, and a comprehensive inventory of commercial-grade restoration equipment. 

Preliminary Fire Recovery Tasks

When you experience household fire damage in Orlando, the extent of collateral harm due to the blaze is staggering. First on the agenda is securing any exterior damage, including boarding up and tarping broken windows and breaches in siding or roofs. Then the water and chemical extinguishing foam and chemicals from firefighting efforts must receive attention. Our decision to provide the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crews is why we manage all aspects of contaminated water removal and structural drying efficiently. Containing and lawfully disposing of the hazardous fluids clears the decks and provides a safer environment for fire debris and residue cleanup.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Our team switches focus on removing airborne particles and gases, setting up negative pressure air scrubbers filtering solid pollutants in the affected spaces. This equipment helps limit residual odors and contains the residues to prevent additional spread into other areas of your home. Evaluation of the characteristics of the residues on surfaces is best done by our Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT), why SERVPRO can match products and cleaning methods appropriately to each manifestation of soot in your dwelling. 

Inspection and Removal of Charring

Restoration is less disruptive and costly than tear-outs and repairs, why SERVPRO uses innovative strategies to strip charred surfaces to clean wood. If we are confident of their strength and integrity after treatment, we arrange for building material refinishing. Sometimes we recommend sealing if we fear smoky odors are deeply embedded. 

Rebuilding Options

Some fire damage is too severe to remediate, which is why SERVPRO relies on our General Contractor License to arrange for repairs and rebuilding. Offering construction services eliminates the need for you to line up additional service providers as we restore the damage to your home. We also work closely with your insurer throughout the project, limiting your out of pocket expenses with our careful documentation.

The ability to take most projects from assessment to completion is why SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is a good fit after household fire damage. Call us at (407) 788-3124 as the firefighters pack up, ensuring a fast assessment and project planning.

Click here to learn more about the city of Orlando.

Professionals Give Tips for Water Cleanup in Orlando

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Uh Oh! This looks like a job for SERVPRO!

Advice for a DIY Water Cleanup in Your Orlando Apartment 

There are many ways you may find your Orlando apartment in need of water cleanup services. However, there may be factors involved that prevent you from reaching out for professional services. Perhaps you feel the mess is not large enough to warrant a call, or maybe your finances are not in great shape. No matter if you choose to get help or to do it yourself, you must do so quickly. Water spills can quickly turn into water damage, so you are on a clock to make a choice and begin the remediation work as quickly as possible. 

A leaking dishwasher could leave your home in need of a DIY water cleanup in your Orlando kitchen. If you were to clean this up yourself, you should not just use towels on the puddle and then call it a day. The dishwater could have sat on your floor for a significant time before you found it. Furthermore, if your dishwasher is prone to leaking, you may find that mold damage could begin to grow underneath the unit from lack of proper cleanup. If you cannot reach out for professional services, you need to have a few pieces of equipment at your disposal, such as: 

• Space Heater
• Fan
• Dehumidifier
• Mop or Towels 

SERVPRO recommends for you to start with a way to remove the excess water. If you had a wet/dry vacuum lying around, that would be perfect. However, many people do not have the means to access to such equipment. Furthermore, if you are trying to avoid expensive costs, buying one is not practical. So, in this situation, you could use towels or a mop to absorb the excess water that is visible. 

When a leak occurs in your home, you must be aware that there could be hidden pockets of water. Here at SERVPRO, our technicians could use thermal imaging cameras to search for pockets out of sight. However, because you do not have access to such devices, this is where the heater, dehumidifier, and fans come in. If you set these devices up to work together, you can create an environment ideal for evaporation. Point the fan toward the bottom of your dishwasher to dispense hot and dry air underneath. However, if you were to notice that the wooden floor around your dishwasher begins to warp, or other signs of water damage, reach out to SERVPRO right away.

Always get help if you find your home in need of water cleanup services. Communicate with SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva by calling (407) 788-3124. Our technicians are always available and ready to help you. 

Read more about Orlando here.

Our Certified Experts Use State Of The Art Equipment When Restoring Your Orlando Home

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Our crews arrive at a water loss and begin unloading equipment to be set. Our response time is promised to be within 4 hours of the first phone call.

Common Issues Seen in Orlando Homes After DIY Water Damage Cleanup

Even though each water damage event in a home is unique, the basic tenents and actions for the cleanup and restoration are primarily the same, so mitigation happens in an orderly and organized method.

Odors are a common reason for SERVPRO to visit an Orlando house after DIY water damage cleanup occurred, but residents still notice a musty smell or the area seems to hold humidity. Both of these issues are giveaways there is still a problem, and that water is lurking within the property.

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians have access to a broad range of equipment that assists them in tracking water migration, finding hidden moisture and complete water extraction, so homeowners have the assurance of a successful water loss cleanup and restoration the first time.

Complete Water Extraction

Water removal from the property is crucial for proper drying. When there is a water loss in the home, SERVPRO technicians use their advanced moisture detection equipment to scope the residence and determine the migration path of water. This may involve the removal of baseboards to extract moisture within wall cavities or under built-in structures such as cabinets.

Complete Drying

Consumer-grade fans cannot adequately dry a structure. The industrial fans utilized by the technicians are actually centrifugal air movers. They deliver airflow at a high velocity which in turn causes a reaction that makes embedded moisture rise to the surface. As the moisture comes up, it is captured and ported away by dehumidification equipment and creates a cycle of progressively drier air. When needed, they have access to special attachments for forcing air within hard-to-reach spaces.

Removal of Scents

When moisture sits, it smells. The dank, musty odor left behind by water damage diminishes as the structure dries; however, other odor control treatments are sometimes necessary. The technicians have light applications such as time-release gel pellets or more focused methods like thermal fogging to eradicate stubborn odors.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is ready to help homeowners with any stage of water damage cleanup or restoration. Call the emergency response team at (407) 788-3124, and they will arrive soon after your call to restore your home to its preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

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Water Cleanup Orlando – External Power Needs

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the power to assist with your water damage in Orlando.

We know how much power it takes for your Orlando water clean up.

Small water cleanup projects may require one or two air movers and a single dehumidifier. Larger projects may require several water extractors, many air movers and at least one dehumidifier in each room in addition to running the air conditioning in the home. The power requirements for multiple pieces of equipment often exceeds the power capabilities of local electrical circuits in the home or commercial space.

SERVPRO in Orlando provides water cleanup services for all types of situations and is often confronted with insufficient electrical power. Either the existing circuits cannot provide sufficient power or the electrical power may even be shut off to the job site. Unless there is external power available to run various pieces of equipment, drying cannot take place, and mold growth can set in.

How Much Power is Needed, and What Is the Cost?

One of the tasks of the crew chief is to calculate how much electrical power is needed and who can provide electrical power. Before making a decision, the crew chief evaluates how many air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to dry the space properly. Calculations can quickly be completed to determine the total power requirements and the best solution to provide sufficient electrical power. The crew chief can also quickly calculate the cost.

Providing External Power

Depending on the situation, SERVPRO may provide additional extension cords to connect to other electrical circuits in unaffected areas of the job. Alternately the crew chief may contact the local utility to make arrangements to provide temporary power to the job location. The team may also decide that portable generators should be brought in to provide power. These generators provide power to run all of the equipment needed to remove moisture and lower the humidity after a water leak of some kind.

We also are licensed (General Contractor License #: CBC1258985, Mold Remediation #: MRSR868) to provide restoration services for full structural damage repair and rebuild, "Like it never even happened." We can provide complete services for water cleanup jobs in the Orlando and surrounding area.

Call SERVPRO of Apopka - Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve University Park, Lockhart, Forest City, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Orlando, click here.

Why We Are The Leader In Hurricane Restoration In Orlando

9/21/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are a big problem here in Florida and Flooding can happen. We are available 24/7 with the state of the art equipment to help.

Why SERVPRO Can Handle All Aspects of Hurricane Restoration in Orlando

The quality level of the services you receive for damage to your Orlando home depends in large part upon the contractor’s commitment to up-to-date training and cutting-edge equipment. Even more important are the years in the business and dedication to provide an excellent customer experience. We built a team that is the match for the harm a hurricane brings on all points -- education, equipment, and expertise. Our firm foundation is why your call for hurricane relief should be to us.

Theory and Practicality

Orlando hurricane storm damage can be intense even though we escape the storm surge that plagues coastal areas. The high-velocity winds and torrential rains tear apart roofs and peels back siding. As water flows inside, structural components, fixtures, and personal belongings all risk deterioration, odor, and mold growth. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained management and employees can assess your specific hurricane damage circumstances. Years of ranking tasks to ensure recovery efforts flow efficiently is why our team delivers successful results fast.

Commercial Grade Equipment

Rapid water removal, containment, and lawful disposal are the keys to transition your hurricane-damaged home to preloss condition. The fundamental nature of these tasks is why SERVPRO invests in high-quality and efficiency equipment. Submersible pumps and wanded extractors work at peak capacity to clear your home of the bulk of the water. Cleaning and disinfection follow before we employ air movers and heat to force absorbed water into a vapor. Dehumidifiers then capture the vapor to bring moisture levels to normal.

Sensitive Detection Tools

We use instruments that detect moisture levels in building materials and find hidden water to focus our final removal efforts. Some tools analyze the quantity of water absorbed into building materials. Infrared cameras use temperature fluctuations to locate pooled water in building cavities. If needed, we carefully cut out sections of walls and punch holes in ceilings to release water and enhance our ability to dry all spaces in your home completely.

Completed Restoration and the Compassionate Touch

After the remediation finishes, repairs and rebuilding arranged by our team commence. Interior and exterior reconstruction are often needed after hurricane damage, and when completed in a timely, respectful, and compassionate manner give you and your family the confidence to reclaim your home.

A solid foundation of restoration skills and attention to details is why SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is a hurricane recovery industry leader. Call our phones at (407) 788-3124 day or night to arrange for assessment and project planning.

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We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Orlando Home After Water Damage

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you have a plumbing leak, a roof leak, or any other water damage give us a call to stop the flooding and get your home repaired quickly.

Water Removal Orlando – Drying a Home Efficiently

The process of removing water from houses is generally a step by step procedure. Water often covers the floors, after a water leak, sometimes as much as an inch or two. The general steps include:

• Remove the water

• Place furniture on blocks

• Remove wet items for external drying

• Mopping the floors removes the remaining water

• Turn on the air conditioning helps to reduce the humidity

• Dehumidifiers and air movers are installed to complete the drying process.

SERVPRO Orlando is very familiar with water removal processes and can respond to provide help in any water removal situation. One of our crew-chiefs meets with the customer and together assess the situation. He or she develops a plan for water extraction, dehumidification, and drying.

General Water Removal Process

Our crew chief can assess the damage from a water leak. He or she also can ensure safety concerns from electrical appliances and lights are addressed before work can begin. Next, the water extraction equipment is brought in to remove the liquid water. All contents of the home are sent out for cleaning and drying. Finally, the equipment needed to thoroughly dry the home and return it to its original condition is brought in.

Dehumidification and Drying

After water removal of the liquid water and all water on hard surfaces dried, dehumidifiers and air movers are installed. The air movers move air over the surfaces of the home to absorb moisture, while the dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air.

Hardwood floors may require

desiccant dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the wood and avoid swelling and cupping. Cupping occurs when hardwood floors absorb moisture, swell, and crush the boards together, causing deformation at the edges.

Once humidity levels in the home have lowered to normal levels, desiccant dehumidifiers remove the remaining moisture from structural materials that remain wet or contain high levels of humidity.

SERVPRO technicians are highly trained and deploy the best equipment to meet the humidity conditions in your home.

Call SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 for 24/7 serve. We serve University Park, Lockhart, Forest City, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Why a Quick Response to Water Damage can Prevent Secondary damage.

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Untreated water damage can lead to mold growth. Call us today to prevent this growth!

Qualified Technicians are Ready to Carry out Water Removal in Your Orlando Home

Cleaning up after a flood is time-consuming. There is a whole host of potential damages to look out for, and standing water is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you have completed the laborious task of removing excess moisture, carpets, furnishings, fabrics, and subfloor need to be adequately dried to minimize malodors. At the same time, the rising relative humidity could lead to secondary harm like uncontrolled microbial growth. It is a delicate balancing act to manage, but with professional guidance, you can get your home back to its normal state.

As a homeowner, reaching out to a professional for water removal in Orlando should be your first port of call on discovering a flooding incident in your home. Generally, heavy rainfall or burst pipes is a clean water emergency that requires restoration but minimal replacement. However, as time passes, clean water emergencies can become more severe as water comes into contact with pre-existing microbial growth, bacteria, and dust. By responding quickly with professional assistance, you can put a stop on further damages while restoring the affected area.

SERVPRO is a nationally recognized water restoration service that specializes in flooded properties. Our roster includes water restoration technicians (WRT) as well as applied structural drying technicians (ASD.) A WRT can scope your property for hazards. They also perform mitigation tasks like removing furniture from the affected area, pumping out the standing water and then putting in place the necessary procedure for drying the affected area correctly. 

ASD technicians, on the other hand, can be brought in for scenarios where water has migrated into wall cavities, waterlogged wooden flooring or damaged parts of your home's structure. Using drying mats as well as injectidry systems, SERVPRO ASD technicians are adept at gaining access to restricted areas, and thoroughly drying them.  They also prevent issues resulting from the dampness and control microbial growth. Using thermal imaging cameras, they can also detect hidden moisture pockets to ensure our approach remains professional and efficient. 

Qualified WRT and ASD technicians can bring your home back to its pre-flood condition. Contact SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124. 

More about Orlando.

We Are The Leading Restoration Service For Orlando Residents

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

We operate restoration services for the recovery of storm, fire, water, and mold-related property incidents.

Why SERVPRO Is The Leading Restoration Service For Residents Of Orlando, Florida

Genuine, local experience is a vital commodity in home restoration services. What works in one home may not be as effective in your Orlando home due to architectural differences, needs, and construction materials. As a locally owned and operated company, we know what works as well as what does not, so we can adopt a tailored approach to your property emergency using our experience and our expertise in equal measure. SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is a restoration service with a proven track record in returning local residences to their preloss condition after water, fire, mold, or storm-related disasters.

Fire
Classifying a property with fire damage in Orlando does not merely cover combustion, but also soots, smoke deposits and odor control. Forgetting to open your flue can require a fire restoration technician (FRT) to restore the damages, just as an actual kitchen fire requires one. SERVPRO offers local technicians who understand the unique architecture of your home and can put in place a solid gameplan to restore your home on-time in a stress-free way.

Different properties require different fire restoration services. SERVPRO technicians are trained to conduct a pre-test of your home to make sure the procedure we adopt is going to have the correct outcome. This test may require furniture to be removed or some appliances to be dismantled. Your heating HVAC unit (ventilation and air conditioning) unit need to be inspected for damages as well as attic spaces or exterior walls in your Orlando home.

Making sure that all soiling is adequately removed plays a central role in ensuring odors are kept under control. SERVPRO technicians can refer back to the results of their pre-test to ensure that fabrics or upholstery do not suffer further damage during the cleaning process. Exterior brickwork can be pressure washed to avoid outdoor smoke odors returning to the interior of the home. By combining our experience and know-how with a tailored pre-test, we can make sure that your home has its best chance of completing a full recovery after a fire.

Water
Washrooms are a common area where water damage to your Orlando home may be an issue. Typical tiled flooring and the sealant beneath it can wear or crack with persistent exposure to moisture. These issues can often go unnoticed until paintwork begins to peel on the below ceiling or unpleasant odors arise. SERVPRO water restoration technicians are available to help trace the extent of damage and take action to prevent it from becoming an issue.

There may be some scenarios where tiling must be removed to access the floor below and dry the affected area. However, the situation is complicated by visual barriers that make it impossible to get a full picture of the extent of the damage. Using thermal imaging cameras, SERVPRO technicians can find hidden moisture pockets and avoid removing tiles that do not need removing. In a minor scale water incident, we can place drying mats directly onto tiles and extract water from below. If we do need to take out tiling, you can rest assured we do replace them, just as they were before the water incident.

It is not always possible to restore your Orlando home without any lasting issues. Sometimes, you might need to enlist the help of a contractor to repair plumbing or structural issues. SERVPRO can leverage trusted contacts in the industry and work with them on your behalf to provide these services, so you only have to deal with one company throughout. Our technicians are used to providing transparent restoration services, and we end every service by conducting a walkthrough with you, the homeowner, to explain issues and outcomes.

Mold
Microbial infestations can build up in less-used regions of your Orlando home. Storage spaces are particularly vulnerable with typically less protection from outer elements than in your living spaces. These hidden damages can be distressing for a homeowner who has stored away valuable items or clothing only to find it severely impaired by a microbial growth issue. SERVPRO mold remediation technicians work with a restore over replace mentality that could help us to salvage some, if not all, of your precious items.

The discovery of mold damage in your Orlando home should drive you to enlist professional help immediately. Some items that may appear non-salvageable can be given special treatment that restores them to a preloss condition. SERVPRO Esporta washing machines are capable of removing up to 99% of soiling and stains, while our ultrasonic immersion cleaning equipment is exceptionally useful on denser items like precious metals or jewelry.

We can clean items on-site before packing them up to an external storage facility for further restoration services. Damages to walls or structure generally respond well to disinfectants and agitative cleaning methods. However, the necessary procedure is to shut off the source of water. Slow leaks, gaps in a structure, or damp spots are the usual culprits for mold growth. By accessing these areas, we can prevent mold issues from recurring over and over, allowing us to complete the job on-time while assuring the homeowner that all preventative measures against recurring damages have been carried out.

Storm
In case of a flood, owners need a restoration service they can reach out to at any time of day. At SERVPRO, we operate our emergency call lines round the clock to provide residents in this community with solutions to storm damage in Orlando. Leaving a flooded property overnight can intensify the level of harm to contents and structure with moisture migrating from the primary source throughout the home. Our restorers are available on-call to perform vital mitigation tasks in your Orlando property.

The immediate task for a SERVPRO restorer is to reduce standing water levels as quickly as possible. Using gas-powered pumping equipment, we can withdraw water of all contamination levels to a nearby open sewer point. These pumps are fully-submersible and active until the standing water level drops below two inches. We can then set to work discarding solid waste, debris, or non-salvageable materials.

Extracting standing water does not solve the problem completely; there is still work to do. SERVPRO technicians can mobilize truck-mounted extraction equipment to vacuum moisture from home up to 1,200 times faster than using dehumidification equipment. During this process, we can clean stains to furnishings as well as float carpets to ensure floors are properly dry inside and out. At the end of service, our technicians can forward the paperwork to your insurance adjuster for a stress-free claim procedure.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is a local company with access to national-level resources. We operate restoration services for the recovery of storm, fire, water, and mold-related property incidents. Contact us anytime at (407) 788-3124 today.

https://www.orlando.gov/Home

Storms Leave Water Damage in Orlando Home

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

In Florida, storm damage happens. SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is ready to assist you remediating the storm damage. Call us today!

High Winds that Rip Shingles and Siding off Orlando Homes Leave Unwanted Openings Behind 

Although a steady rainfall or even a storm brings much-appreciated rain to the Orlando area, loosened areas of your house's exterior might not hold up well. Areas of loosened exterior materials or pieces already in disrepair can end up in your lawn or driveway. When these pieces still have fasteners attached to them, the mess can create an additional and immediate safety hazard.

Making sure that the safety of your residence in Orlando after a storm damages exterior components is essential to us at SERVPRO. Our building services team, General Contractor License # CBC1258985, handles such repair work while our mitigation professionals take care of your home's interior. All work, both inside and out, is done according to local and state requirements using methods accepted by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Openings in your roof can soak your home from top to bottom, with rain following the easiest, least encumbered way downward. Such pathways can lead water through insulation, wiring, electrical boxes, and ventilation systems. Our IICRC-certified staff works on extracting the rainwater from every inch of your residence. The wide range of materials in your home require skilled professionals that understand the most effective ways of drying things.

When siding comes away from the side of your home, rain hitting the area can get trapped between lower sections of siding and the exterior sheathing. Trapped water often slowly trickles away, but some can remain in seams that previously stayed dry. We can check these areas and mitigate any potential problem areas. Pests that already existed may have burrowed into exterior wall spaces, allowing rain to enter your living space. We can handle all of these situations, and more, to protect your property.

Our building services include inspection and repair for HVAC units and related ducts, as well as electrical systems. Both of these can become damaged by invasive rainwater. Microbes growing inside your ventilation system can spread with ease into every room of your home, potentially causing unwanted health effects in your family members. We encourage you to discuss how our full range of services can make your home's restoration process faster while keeping costs low.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is here to help you restore your Lockhart, Forest City, or Tangerine residence after storms cause damage. Exterior damage can cause trouble inside, so we work fast to ensure your home's condition does not deteriorate more. Call our 24-hour services line, (407) 788-3124, so we can start the mitigation and restoration work needed.

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Who Wants to Tackle Fire Damage Remediation in Orlando Alone

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Don't deal with fire damage remediation alone. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

Taking Care of Your Loved Ones from a Distance 

For some people getting older means losing mental acuity and unknowingly walking into dangerous situations. In Florida, where many choose to retire, homeowners are affected by fire damage caused by a stove left on or a burning candle too close to flammable items. When a fire happens, property owners and caregivers need to resort to professional advice to restore their homes with minimal disruption. Having a reputable company to perform the restoration process is invaluable for all involved. 

If your home in Orlando suffers fire damage and you need the best in the industry, SERVPRO is here to help. You can count on our team 24/7 to receive your call and respond to the emergency, even when you are calling on behalf of an aging parent or relative. As soon as our team arrives, we assess the situation and take action to return your home to normal. 

When fires occur, our SERVPRO crew typically encounters smoke and soot, as well as water damage caused by sprinklers or firefighters. The first step you can take even before our arrival is separating the affected area from the rest of the home. Once we get there, we can set up barriers to further prevent more widespread damage. 

After we extract any lingering water, we work to clean the smoke residue from your home. To do this, our SERVPRO technicians pay close attention to the path of the fire and cleans according to the chemical composition of each burned item. Simultaneously, we take action to remove the offending smell the fire leaves behind. Odor fighting techniques may include – 

- Ozone generators 

- Air purifiers 

- Charcoal-activated filters 

- Odor pellets 

Our goal is to mitigate your losses in terms of time and money. Throughout the restoration process, we communicate with you continuously to ensure we complete the job according to your expectations. 

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is your restoration partner. Call us at (407) 788-3124 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”  

Click here to see more about Orlando. 

Remove Microbes After Flood Damage in Your Orlando Home Through Sanitizing Treatments

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you with your Orlando storm damage.

We can help you through the storm.

Flooding may occur after a storm, heavy rain or hurricane, and after the floodwaters receded, your home could be inhabitable. Flood Water often passes through streets and yards where it can pick up mud, bacteria, and chemical toxins among other contaminants. It can also disrupt sewer systems. 

Flood-damaged homes pose a health threat to the residents because microbes pollute the environment, contaminating the water or air. After your Orlando home has sustained flood damage, SERVPRO remediation specialists can help you clean up and disinfect your property to kill microbes and prevent their development. We can arrive at your property within an hour of receiving your call to assess the ruined areas and start the cleanup and remediation process. 

When dealing with flood damage, our goal is to first extract the water and dry the home. Once this is complete, we take steps to decontaminate and sanitize your home and possessions using EPA-approved products. We can use antibacterial, disinfectant, or antibacterial treatments depending on the scenario. Antimicrobial treatments destroy and inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria while disinfectants kill disease-causing microorganisms. We take precautions when applying these treatments and use them according to the directions for the most effective and safest results. 

If sewage has contaminated a home, we apply biocides twice. We apply the first treatment before the remediation work begins to protect our crews during the cleanup process. The first treatment decontaminates surfaces and materials, but it does not disinfect the environment completely. Our SERVPRO remediation specialists apply the second treatment after cleaning to lessen exposure that could present health problems. 

Microbes can get worse if you allow a water damage intrusion to dwell. If porous materials like mattresses, rugs, vinyl flooring and upholstered furniture remain submerged in water for over 24 hours, replacing them is the ideal solution. Some factors that determine how fast a situation deteriorates include the amount of water that has intruded a structure and the humidity and temperature within the environment. Responding quickly to water damage helps prevent further destruction and mold growth. 

When your home has sustained flood damage, call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 to get rid of the microbes. We have the credentials and expertise to handle your cleanup needs. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

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What is a Hydroxyl Generator and How is it Used in Your Fire Damaged Orlando Home?

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fires leave odors far from the room where the fire damage occurred. SERVPRO has the equipment to remove the smoke odors.

How Hydroxyl Generators Help Orlando Homes After Fire Damage 

Advanced equipment is a priority of producing effective results for customers all over Orlando. We know how devastating fire loss incidents can be, so we invest in the machines and tools that can help us to maximize our efforts and efficiency, ultimately getting you back into your home more quickly after the incident. With odors and air quality concerns being such a prevalent threat after extinguishment, having a productive tool that can address both of these issues simultaneously is a time and money-saving approach for our clients. 

Understanding how hydroxyl generators can work to reduce fire damage in Orlando homes after an emergency can allow you to appreciate the intricacy and efficiency of our restoration approach. For many decades, deodorization was entrusted to harsh chemicals or to the effective results that ozone generators and chambers could produce. The disadvantage was that the ozone machine was not safe for use around living things. 

Hydroxyl generators produce radicals that can break down volatile organic compounds and the molecular compounds of odors with the same chemical reaction that occurs when the sun’s UV rays react with water vapor and oxygen in the atmosphere. This reaction can decompose the odor’s molecular structure, eliminating its presence in the environment. 

What makes these machines such an advantage in fire loss recovery, is that they allow our SERVPRO professionals to continue working on other mitigation strategies and cleanup while deodorization and air purification persist. With the alternative ozone machines, our professionals could not continue working on other aspects of recovery. 

With its ability to both address odors embedded in hard and soft materials, as well as open areas, it is becoming a vital tool for our restoration professionals on every fire loss recovery job that we undertake.  

Our goal is to provide each customer with an effective and efficient service when disasters threaten their homes. To make fire loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” give our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva specialists a call today at (407) 788-3124. 

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Your Orlando Home Can Overcome Fire Damage 

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage remediation in your Orlando home can be difficult to take care of. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today.

Residential Fire Damage Restoration For Orlando Homeowners

Orlando residents are usually good to prepare for the next storm, and however much wind and water might land on, or through their roof. No one, though, is ever really prepared for a fire in their home and the damage it leaves behind after sprinklers or firefighters extinguish it. 

Fire damage affects Orlando homes differently in every situation. Since no two homes are alike, SERVPRO response teams understand that they need to tailor their efforts to factors like the speed and temperature of the fire, and what burned.  

In many house fires, the physical damage is limited to a small area of the room where it started. Take a fire that started with a bedroom lamp, for example. A short in a power cord results in a fire that burns the lampstand, the bed next to it, and the nearby floor, wall, and ceiling. What usually affects the rest of the bedroom and home is the smoke and residues it leaves behind. 

SERVPRO restoration technicians quickly determine what is restorable and then dispose of all other property according to local rules and Florida state regulations. That includes demolishing and any wall and ceiling panels, as well as carpets scorched by the heat and flames. Technicians also remove salvageable items for cleaning. 

Restoring the bedroom starts with eliminating the smoke residues. Team members wipe down all surfaces with a dry sponge, removing the majority of residues in most situations. For remaining particles, they apply water or a mild cleaning agent from the office chemical inventory to break them up for easy removal. 

After eliminating the residues, technicians replace the demolished structural property. Response team members can hang new ceiling and wall panels quickly, enclosing the bedroom once more in a day or two. They can also paint the bedroom the original color or change it to meet the homeowner’s desire for a new look. 

For SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva, the goal is to return every home to its pre-fire state. Our teams are ready to support neighbors in Forest City, Lockhart, and University Park to help put this disaster behind them. If you need us to restore your residence, call (407) 788-3124 today. 

Click here to see more about Orlando. 

Floods and Foul Odors in Your Orlando Home

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Flood water leaving your home smelling fishy? SERVPRO can help!

Quick Flood Water Removal in Orlando Avoids Secondary Losses

This area of Florida is no stranger to flooding from intense storms. When there is a water intrusion into a home, it is vital that extraction of the water occurs as quickly as possible to avoid secondary losses. Since groundwater carries a category three biohazard rating, also known as black water, it is best cleaned up by professionals.

Our local SERVPRO technicians answered a call from a property owner for emergency flood water removal in Orlando. Locally heavy rainstorms caused flash flooding, and nearly an inch of water penetrated the back area of the home. The floodwater receded quickly but left a soggy, odorous mess in the kitchen and living room.

We arrived quickly to the home and began extraction efforts immediately using our portable pumps. Carpeting exposed to black water requires removal. Since wet carpeting weighs more, we removed the water and then cut the carpet and padding into strips for disposal.

Upon scoping the affected areas in the home, we found water wicked into the sheetrock and behind the baseboards. SERVPRO technicians performed a type of controlled demolition technique known as "flood cuts" where we carefully cut away water-damaged sheetrock about six inches above the water line. This action allows adequate airflow into the wall cavity.

The drying phase is crucial for not only the primary function of lowering moisture in the room, but it also inhibits mold growth. An unfortunate but common occurrence after flooding in a home is foul odors. After our technicians cleaned and disinfected the water loss areas in the house, a residual water odor remained.

One of the many certifications our technicians hold is in odor control. We have a diverse number of applications to neutralize any remaining odors from the flood water completely. 

Our SERVPRO location holds a general contractor license which let us offer not only cleanup from water loss, but also full rebuilding to completely restore the home to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 stands ready to assist homeowners with flood water removal. Our certified technicians can help with all stages of recovery from water loss, so it is, "Like it never even happened."

Read more about Orlando here.

How You Can Easily Deal With Water Damage Remediation in Your Orlando Business

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage remediation for your Orlando office doesn't have to cause a headache. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

Restoring Water Damage in Your High-Rise Orlando Office Building

Water loss incidents can become especially damaging to office buildings with multiple floors that you can commonly see shaping the Orlando skyline. With situations like a burst pipe or a defective fire suppression system, water can pool quickly around the source of the damage and begin to spread through walls, floors, ceilings, and other paths to affect as many rooms and levels of your high-rise building as possible. With the severity of this situation, you do not have the time to reach out to your custodial staff to begin cleanup. You need professional assistance from trained technicians with experience in water loss recovery.

Combatting water damage in your Orlando office building is much different than contending with these effects in a single-family home. Our SERVPRO professionals have experience both with these smaller residential projects and large loss recovery scenarios, making us a capable and wise choice for those looking to minimize the damage and get your facility back to preloss condition promptly.

A substantial concern of our responding technicians is the spread of water damage to multiple floors of your high-rise office building. Containing the spread of these effects begins with stopping the flow at the source and then identifying the extent of the damage with moisture content readers and thermal imagery cameras. Once we know the edges of the disaster, we can set up our effective drying equipment to force moisture and saturation from the affected materials and areas.

Protecting your electronics, records, and other vital contents to your business is another concern of our dispatched SERVPRO specialists. Our contents department can remove many of these at-risk items and transport them to our facility for safekeeping and focused cleaning and drying efforts. Once restoration work completes, these items can get returned to their original positions.

With multiple floors full of workers and clients at any time of the day, a water loss incident can prove devastating to your building. Let our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva water restoration specialists show you how our equipment and experience can make these damaging effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (407) 788-3124.

Click here for more information about the city of Orlando.

How Are Smoke and Soot Cleaned From Fire Damaged Orlando Homes?

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damages are some of the most difficult to clean.

Fire Damage Restoration for Private Residents in Orlando

When materials burn at high temperatures, they release carbon, sulfurs, and other particles into the surrounding environment in the form of smoke. Although containing the fire within a single room, the smoke released can often travel throughout the home, rising upward and entering pockets of clean air. It is this process that often results in extensive damages even when the flames themselves damaged a relatively small area.

Remediating fire damage in Orlando is as much about cleaning away stubborn soot deposits as it is about removing or repairing charred materials. SERVPRO has certified fire and smoke damage technicians (FST) to help restore your property after an unfortunate event like a fire. By learning the behavior of smoke, how it travels, and how best to approach smoke residues, we are confident of getting your home back to its preloss condition efficiently.

Thick smoke that comes into contact with colder surfaces creates smoke deposits. Equally, as smoke travels, soot is dropped to the ground level and can land on mattresses, furnishings, or flooring. This process can often be exacerbated by firefighting procedures which use water and result in soot setting into fabrics. SERVPRO tackles this issue using chemical agents and techniques like foam cleaning that can help to prevent soot from causing permanent damages and resulting in expensive replacements.

There are two different types of smoke damages. The first is wet smoke, which is caused by the burning of synthetic materials. Natural materials like woods and certain fabrics create dry smoke. Agitative cleaning methods using corrosive chemicals as well as sandblasting techniques can be extremely effective against wet smoke, which is thicker and harder to remove. We remediate dry smoke damages by applying sanitizers or wet cleaning methods.

Despite the best cleaning efforts, it is often the case that smoke odors remain behind after removing all signs of residue. SERVPRO use thermal foggers that vaporize solvents to remove unpleasant odors after a fire. These solvents contain pairing agents that bond with odor particles and neutralize them rather than merely masking the odor temporarily.

Property damages are stressful experiences, contact SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 for expert assistance and remediation.

Orlando has more than 100 lakes. Read more here.

Our Certified Technicians Are Prepared To Restore Your Orlando Home After A Flood

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

We will help you determine the amount of damage and then work with you and your insurance company to get the repairs done fast.

Flood Damage Restoration Often Includes a Pack-Out in Orlando

When significant quantities of water infiltrate your Orlando home contents also suffer damage. You might believe that your boxes of documents, books, pictures, and other stored items are a lost cause. On the contrary, modern techniques and innovative equipment can clean and dry out your household goods and personal possessions so you can enjoy them again in your newly restored dwelling.

The key is a pack-out of the spaces in your Orlando house affected by flood damage. Moving your possessions to our production facility is a safe and secure strategy. We use a detailed Content Claims Inventory System (CCIS) to list and track your portable property. We use digital photos, lists, and barcoding to document the condition of your personal property every step of the way.

Moving the contents of your home out temporarily aids the SERVPRO team in the restoration of both your home’s structure and the packed-out articles. Clearing out wet furnishings, boxes of stored items, and other articles allows our water removal and drying crews to work more efficiently. Our crew goes space to space inside your home, using pumps and wanded extractors to remove the water, containing it for disposal per local regulations as flooding by definition involves Category 3 or black water.

We clean the surfaces affected by flood water, sanitizing them with EPA-registered disinfectants. SERVPRO employees trained as Applied Structural Drying Technicians (ASD) by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) set up a drying configuration. We measure the moisture content of the building materials, using that data to determine a drying goal. Air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers help lower the moisture to normal levels.

Specially trained technicians evaluate your items at our production facility, cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and restoring them. SERVPRO uses innovative techniques like freeze-drying for paper and contained small drying chambers to remove moisture for furnishings. Items are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly so you and your family can enjoy them again in your remediated home.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva offers customers highly-qualified technicians and state of the art equipment to return your flooded home to preloss condition. Call (407) 788-3124 day or night to schedule a professional assessment of your flooding scenario.

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When Water Damage Causes Your Orlando Jewelry Store to Lose Its Luster

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can be devastating to a jewelry business, not only with facility damage, but jewelry damage as well.

Crucial Steps When Restoring Commercial Water Damage in Orlando Jewelry Stores

If you manage a jewelry store, you know how important it is to keep your customer’s appointments. A water damage incident can easily ruin your plans and your reputation if your store is not accessible, or customer records are lost. Such incidents can also cause some of your items to deteriorate through oxidation and corrosion because of the high humidity.

Restoring partial or full operations fast after water damage in Orlando Jewelry stores that you manage can help save your reputation. Steps such as stopping the water source and extracting any standing water help. Our SERVPRO technicians use dry-wet vacs and other sophisticated water extraction equipment to evacuate any standing water fast. We also fix minor leaks and move items to unaffected areas.  

Apart from the harm caused by water, higher than usual humidity levels can also cause problems like tarnishing of silver items or impaired function in electronics. Reducing the levels of humidity fast can save such items. Our SERVPRO technicians use a variety of dehumidifiers to extract moisture from the air reducing humidity levels. We use LGR dehumidifiers, which add an extra cooling step thus improving the removal of moisture from the air that passes through.  

When people visit your jewelry store, the visual appeal of your store can influence the impression they have about your services. If the water affects finishes on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces by causing the paint to chirp or leaving lines, people might interpret that as a sign that your store offers inferior products. Cleaning up affected areas and refinishing surfaces can help prevent such outcomes. Our SERVPRO technicians use multi-surface cleaning equipment to remove any traces of soiling on surfaces. We also repaint surfaces matching the color with unaffected surfaces for a uniform look.  

In case of water loss in your Apopka, Wekiva Spring or University Park area jewelry stores, call SERVPRO of Apopka Wekiva to help restore it to its preloss state. You can reach us at (407) 788-3124 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How did Orlando get its name? Find out here.

How Correct Fire Restoration Can Increase the Value of Your Orlando Home

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to mitigate your home's property damage.

When everything seems lost after a house fire in Orlando, SERVPRO is close by and ready to help your family recover as quickly as possible. Part of recovering after a disaster includes stabilizing your family's financial health. We help you do this by helping you reduce expenses related to the mitigation and restoration of your house.  

Homeowners in Orlando can rely on SERVPRO to not only clean up fire damage but to also point out ways that increase the value of the home while lowering the costs involved. There are many ways that this can occur during restoration. Many help in other ways, as well. For instance, restoring a property to exactly look as it did before the fire can require replacements that may pose difficulties in obtaining. These may create problems with passing inspection, as well.  

Updating a home to current standards might seem like the more costly option to many homeowners, but SERVPRO professionals keep your interests in mind as we look at your house's fire damage. SERVPRO specialists keep up-to-date on both IICRC standards and local requirements. Utilizing a different kind of insulation than the original can cost less and protect your home's interior from outside temperatures which reduce heating and cooling costs over time. Adding insulation can also result in a tax deduction in some cases.  

Sometimes the original placement for air ducts is under the home. We can reposition the air ducts to areas that contain insulation which keeps them from losing the air's original temperature as quickly while it passes through on its way to your house's different rooms. Relocating air ducts can help reduce heating and cooling costs, as well.  

You can rely on the skills and resourcefulness of SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva. Our professionals want to help make your home “Like it never even happened.” by not only restoring your home but guiding your family back to a secure and bright future. Please call us at (407) 788-3124 for fire damage mitigation, cleaning, and restoration in Zellwood, Lockhart, or Eatonville.

Orlando was originally named Jernigan. Read more here.

Some Facts Everyone Should Know About Storm Damage Remediation in Orlando

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

If your basement and/or laundry area has flood damage, you need to contact the certified technicians at SERVPRO for effective remediation efforts.

Use Restoration Services After Flood Damage to Your Orlando Home’s Basement

Basements get flooded easily because heavy rain and flood waters enter them easily through cracks in the foundation and seepage. Extensive basement flooding can cause significant damage to the building materials, flooring, and items in the basement. It can also lead to mold growth, which can cause health effects.

If the basement of your home has sustained flood damage in Orlando, call a company that offers flood damage restoration promptly to prevent further destruction. A restoration company like SERVPRO can begin the remediation immediately after assessing the damage. You do not have to wait several days for the restoration to start after the initial evaluation. Our technicians are certified in IICRC water restoration and applied structural drying protocols, and are aware of the importance of removing water and drying a structure quickly.

SERVPRO franchise professionals have advanced equipment for extracting flood water from a basement. If the water is several inches deep, we can use a submersible pump to remove it. If only a small area of the basement has standing water, our technicians can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. Removing most of the water helps minimize drying time and prevent secondary water damage.

Floodwater often contains microorganisms that can be hazardous to human health. Once we remove the water, we clean and sanitize the basement and the affected materials using advanced cleaning products. We also dry the affected area. To speed up drying, we can set up fans throughout the area and turn them to high speed to expedite evaporation. We can also use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the affected materials like furnishings and flooring. We also utilize commercial grade ozone machines, which neutralize odor-causing particles at the molecular level.

After drying the basement, our technicians can inspect the structural damage and work with your insurance adjuster on site to ensure you receive the indemnification you seek. We ensure that the documentation required to file an insurance claim is complete and in order. We are committed to restoring your home to its original pre-flood condition, making the destruction look “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva has extensive experience in extracting water from a structure and drying it. Call us anytime at (407) 788-3124 for flood damage restoration services in Apopka, Wekiva Springs, and University Park.

Click here for more information about the city of Orlando.

Our IICRC Trained Professionals Are Ready To Restore Your Orlando Business

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

We have the necessary equipment and expertise to restore you business after water damage 24/7. We respond quickly so you can get back to business.

Overcoming Challenges of Commercial Water Damage in Orlando Magazine Stores

People who love magazines go the extra mile to ensure they obtain their favorite copy. With many publications going paperless, it means fewer magazine stores are available so a major water spill can cause major inconveniences to your regular clients. Responding fast and taking the right measures can help you navigate such loss with minimal inconveniences for your customers. We are IICRC certified in Water Damage Restoration so we can help.

Stopping the source and extracting any pools helps minimize the impact of commercial water damage in Orlando. Using sophisticated equipment and techniques can help fast track this process. Our SERVPRO technicians use pumps or truck-mounted water extractors for fast removal. We also drill weep-holes and vents to release water trapped in cavities.

Water spills drive up relative humidity in the affected areas or even the entire building. In a magazine store, heightened levels of relative humidity can cause widespread damages because of the risk of mold. Even diehard customers would not want to buy moldy magazines. Our SERVPRO technicians use thermo-hygrometers to check the levels of relative humidity in different areas including the areas affected by the water spill and outside the building. We then use drying equipment such as dehumidifiers to extract moisture from the air. In case there are many wet materials, we use air movers to improve the evaporation rate.

When dealing with a water spill in a fully packed magazine shop, there is a need to move them to allow smoother operations. Such movement can create problems in the future if the journals are not placed back where they were initially. Our SERVPRO technicians take proper inventory of items should the need to move them arise. We even have electronic CCIS, Content Claim Inventory Service, which allows us to track where each item was before the move-out. This resource allows us to return each journal where it was thus minimizing inconvenience to your clients.

In case of a water spill, call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva to help restore your shop to preloss state. You can reach us at (407) 788-3124 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Our Skilled Team Can Restore Your Water Damaged Child Care Center In Wekiva

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Do not let an emergency derail your business, call us at (407) 788-3124 and let us leave your child care center “Like it never even happened.”

Whom Do I Call When It Rains In My Child Care Center In Wekiva?

After taking all the relevant courses and going through the licensing process, you are finally able to run a child care center in Wekiva with a robust curriculum and lovely environment. You are at full capacity and parents rely on you for their childcare as they go off to work every day. Closing down for a few days because the fire sprinklers went off in the middle of the night and soaked every inch of the center affects not only your business but the lives of the families you serve.

Thankfully, SERVPRO is here to meet all your commercial water cleanup needs in Wekiva. We are in the service industry ourselves and recognize how important it is to be up and running as quickly as possible. As soon as you get the call about the incident, you can reach to our 24/7 hotline, and our specially trained crew will go to your center to assess the damage and develop a plan for a quick and safe restoration.

One of the first things our SERVPRO team looks at is the items that can be salvaged, and we quickly move them out of the way to a dry area to avoid any damage. At the same time, we are already placing submersible pumps in your center to extract water quickly, and we are using handheld extractors to access hard to reach corners. When the moisture in the air returns to normal levels, we bring in dehumidifiers and air movers to speed up the drying process. If your center requires it, we can even bring in equipment to push warm air inside your walls to help dry them thoroughly.

As we make plans to open to your students, we work hand in hand with you and your regulatory needs to verify that all safety requirements are met. Our SERVPRO technicians pay close attention to removing any standing water that could later become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, thus eliminating that threat.

At SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva, we are here to help. Do not let an emergency derail your business, call us at (407) 788-3124 and let us leave your child care center “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more about Wekiva.

Call Our Certified Technicians For All Your Orlando Home Restoration Needs

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Our experienced professionals are ready to handle your fire damage restoration so you can get back to living safely in your home.

Seek Help from Professionals for Orlando Fire Damage

Even a seemingly minor fire puts your Orlando home at risk of persistent and permanent harm. The residues and odors left after a blaze are difficult to manage without specialized training. Every fire event presents complexities a layperson cannot fathom. Fortunately, our team of experts are well-trained and bring years of experience to every fire mitigation project including yours.

The first tasks facing our restoration professionals responding to your Orlando fire damage challenge are often water removal and structural drying. Although the prioritization of water mitigation might come as a surprise, when you consider the efforts of the firefighters as they knocked down the flames the ordering of tasks makes more sense. Standing water creates safety hazards and exposes your damaged home to the possibility of severe secondary harm like mold damage. Because water loss mitigation is our other primary focus, we are prepared to start there and then move to fire cleanup.

Fire residues vary depending on the fuel burned. SERVPRO is familiar with evaluating and managing different types of soot as we move from space to space within your home. Wood and paper burn fast and hot, leaving an ashy aftermath that vacuums and brushes away. Protein-based fires in kitchens deposit a thin, hard to remove film with a strong odor. Solvents and abrasive tools might be needed.

Fabric and electrical cord fires coat surfaces in thick, sticky soot. Our SERVPRO technicians use their IICRC training to match cleaning products with the debris encountered. Wetting agents and surfactants loosen this type of soiling, and agitation ensures all layers release for wipe off.

Perhaps the most taxing test of our SERVPRO crew’s abilities is deodorization after fire damage. No matter how clean we leave surfaces and possessions through our efforts, if a smoky odor persists, it is impossible to put the disaster in the past. We use a tiered system of charring removal and deep cleaning followed by the use of various advanced technologies to eliminate the smell. Cover-ups are temporary, but equipment like thermal foggers or hydroxyl generators seek out odor-bearing particles in the air and on surfaces and neutralize them at a molecular level.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva is ready to assist with all aspects of residential fire damage restoration. Give us a call for a speedy assessment of the damage at (407) 788-3124.

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Did the Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Your Orlando Home?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy rains happen often in Florida and cause flood damage.

Strategies to Eliminate All Traces of Flood Damage in Orlando

Water tends to migrate throughout a property after flooding in Orlando. Although large quantities of water can pool up and are straightforward to remove, cracks and crevices in the floors and joints between walls and baseboards allow some water to drain into cavities. It is crucial to eliminate both the standing water and any hidden moisture to avoid progressive deterioration and secondary concerns like mold damage.

When heavy rains create overland flood damage in low lying areas of Orlando, foundations, crawl spaces, and ground level living areas are all at risk. Waiting for the water to drain away rather than taking more aggressive action is not recommended. Allowing flooding to remain more than 24 to 48 hours can accelerate mold growth, and soaked building materials rapidly deteriorate.

Flooding damage restoration is one of SERVPRO’s core services. The crew sent in response to your request for assistance is highly-qualified, trained in IICRC protocols and strategies proven to deliver successful flood damage remediation results. Once we pump out and extract visible water, our employees use thermal scanning and moisture meters to locate trapped water.

SERVPRO also uses innovations like specialty drying equipment to pull moisture out of several levels of flooring. The negative pressure technology suctions out water that percolated below the surface of hardwood and other floors using mats that adhere to the surface. Hoses attached to the mats use our truck-mounted extractors to evacuate the water that drained beneath the surface.

This system can also be set up to pull moisture from cavities behind walls. Another way SERVPRO gains access to the hidden water is by using flood cuts, portions of wall material removed near the floor. Once we extract the seepage, the openings permit us to direct airflow into the damp areas to complete applied structural drying.

Drying of building materials requires a balance of air movement, heat, and dehumidifiers. SERVPRO monitors the moisture levels as we run a drying perimeter to ensure we meet the drying goals determined by our crew chiefs.

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva offers residents top-notch flood damage abatement services. Contact our team 24 hours a day, year-round at (407) 788-3124.

Read about Orlando here.

SERVPRO Will Help You Get Back To Business After A Fire In Orlando

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

A commercial air conditioning unit caught fire and filled the office with smoke. Our experts restored their business and they can help you too.

SERVPRO Saves You Time and Resources When There Is Fire Damage to Your Business in Orlando

It can be very disheartening to see your business engulfed in flames and to grasp just how hard restoring it will be. In between salvaging what you can, unraveling the appropriate paperwork to file for your insurance claim and ensuring the safety of all involved it is hard to know where to start. Moreover, of course, there are the financial considerations that come from your business not being able to operate.

For all commercial fire damage needs in Orlando, SERVPRO is here to help. Our team of experts is here to help you set priorities and relieve you from the work we do best. As tempting as it may be to enter your business with mops and cleaners, restoring your business after a fire is best handled by experts. Time is of the essence, and we can set things in motion as soon as you reach out to us. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and begin the restoration process.

When there is fire, the damage comes not only from flames but also from the water and chemicals used to douse it out. Deciding what is salvageable and what is not can be time-consuming, but our well-established procedures are designed to make the decision more effective, thus saving you time and money. Our SERVPRO team first concentrates on eliminating any standing water and removing any materials that cannot be salvaged. Once our monitoring equipment verifies that moisture is back to acceptable levels, we utilize air movers and dehumidifiers to ensure everything is dry.

Our work is not done until we rid your business of unpleasant odors. To remove smoke and soot we use specialized solutions specific to each surface to clean and disinfect, but for odors, we use different approaches to neutralize and eliminate the offending smells. Our SERVPRO team understands how smoke travels, so we understand how to fight its remnants. By using charcoal activated filters, we clean the air through your HVAC system, and we complement those efforts with deodorizing pellets and even an ozone generator if appropriate.

We hope your business never falls victim to fire damage, but we are here to help if it does. Just call SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 and allow our experts to work for you. Every minute we can help you gain in opening your business again is time well spent.

Check out one of the many Orlando Downtown Tours click here for more details.

Orlando Retail Stores Turn to SERVPRO to Keep Their Businesses Open after a Water Loss

2/24/2019 (Permalink)

Orlando Shops, Water Damage, and Still Open Thanks to SERVPRO

Drying Water Damage in Your Orlando Plaza Shop

Plaza stores are a commonplace to commercial areas of Orlando, and it is the ideal location for your small boutique to find a foothold with the local and vacationing shoppers around the city. With steep competition for the attention of these daily customers, your business cannot afford a costly and time-consuming repair, and restoration like you might experience with the inadequate cleanup of a water loss incident in your shop. Instead, you can trust in the experienåce and fast response of our professionals to get the job done right the first time to keep your doors open.

While there are many different ways that water damage can affect your Orlando shop, restoring the effects that the incident can cause may not always be straightforward. Often business owners work to prevent the need for sub-contracting cleaning efforts to professional restoration companies for what would get deemed “minor” water incidents. The risk here is that inadequate cleanup and drying of these smaller water loss incidents can allow for continued structural damages, loss of stored inventory, and secondary effects like mold growth to develop.

If you seek the professional skills of our SERVPRO team for these emergencies instead, our fast response can ensure that the damage does not spread beyond the immediately affected area and we can work efficiently to get the saturated elements dried up. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Additionally, our professionals can check our progress and success in removing lingering moisture and dampness through the use of moisture detection equipment and FLIR thermal imagery cameras.

Our SERVPRO team can also work to protect the stock in your store. We can move it to a safe location throughout the drying process so that moisture and dampness do not cause irreparable damage that compromises your investments.

With the steep competition for small businesses throughout the city, do not take any more time than necessary restoring water damage to your shop. Our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva water restoration technicians can make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (407) 788-3124.

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Our Reputable Team Is Ready To Restore Your Orlando Home After Water Damage

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our experts are available 24/7. We have the right equipment for any situation big or small so don't wait call us today!

Call the Professionals When there is Water Damage to Your Home in Orlando

Orlando is filled with communities where single-family homes and condos provide a comfortable and peaceful community living. One of the most notable features in this beautiful city is the abundance of lakes and water bodies which only point to how present water is throughout the area. Summer downpours and thunderstorms are the norm and locals prepare for their effects. An essential part of this preparation is knowing whom to call if there is water damage to your home.

Time is of the essence when there is water damage to your call in Orlando. Our SERVPRO team is equipped to handle emergencies stemming from a broken pipe to a window leak to a more severe structural problem in your roof. Regardless of the cause of the damage, we are IIRC certified and ready to respond 24/7 to your emergency call. Our ability to respond promptly is the first step in curtailing the extent of the damage caused by standing water to your home.

Our SERVPRO Green Fleet is prepared to arrive at your home with monitoring tools and equipment to fit emergencies of all sizes. Upon arrival, we assess the extent to which the structure of your home has been compromised and take action to ensure the safety of your family and our staff. Once imminent dangers are mitigated we proceed to extract any standing water using submersible pumps and more targeted tools. In this process, we closely monitor the presence of standing water behind your walls and under carpeting and flooring. Once we confirm appropriate moisture levels, we can complete the drying process using air movers, dehumidifiers and other advanced techniques.

Homeowners frequently encounter that their attempts at extracting water and drying their homes fall short of safeguarding them from other damage. For example, you may think that your home is completely dry even though a small deposit of water still lies beyond your drywall. Given a short period, you could battle the spread of mold with the threat this may pose to your health. At SERVPRO we train to anticipate these effects and take preemptive action to prevent further damage.

When you find yourself in need of a reputable team to help you delete water damage from your home do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124. Like you, our goal is to leave your home "Like it never even happened."

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Water Damage In Your Orlando Home? Don't Worry SERVPRO Can Help!

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Let our professionals restore your home after a flood with our extraction equipment. We are available 24/7 give us a call.

Professional Cleanup and Drying of Moist Orlando Crawlspaces

While not all Orlando homes have a crawlspace, those that do have undoubtedly witnessed the effects of the moist and damp ground and pooling from severe weather in this area of their property. While this open area beneath your home was deliberate in its design to reduce flood damages for homes that could get affected by multiple hurricanes every rainy season, the upkeep for your crawlspace is sometimes more than allowing it to dry naturally on its own.

Water damage that affects your Orlando crawlspace might seem less pressing than a water loss incident that occurs within the house, but taking care of this situation could prove equally important. Without swift actions to remedy lingering moisture and dampness on the underside of your home, you could be opening up the door to mold growth and colonization, which is both damaging to the structural integrity of the property as well as those that live in the house. Preventing this begins with keeping a mindful eye on moisture and dampness levels in the crawlspace throughout the year. Even groundwater pooling at the surface could have the same disastrous effects without the need for severe weather systems or flooding.

Our SERVPRO team has efficient extraction equipment that can help to quickly remove any excess water damage from the flooring of this crawlspace and help it to reach a point where our drying processes work quickly. Drying this crawlspace can be an excellent place to start with preventing secondary effects like mold growth, but is only a temporary solution.

The technicians that we dispatch to your address can offer you effective solutions to divert water away from this area of your property. From the installation of sump pumps to crawlspace encapsulation, our SERVPRO team can offer you long term solutions to prevent recurring threats.

While area residents might stay accustomed to the humidity and moist conditions of the ground, your home does not have to suffer the effects of this persistent dampness. Let our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva water restoration technicians help you dry up the damage and work to prevent recurrences moving forward. Give us a call today at (407) 788-3124.

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Are Storms Flooding Your Orlando Home with Water Damage?

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Storms occur in Florida frequently. Call SERVPRO Franchise professionals to restore your home.

Severe Weather Can Flood Orlando Homes

With more recent devastating hurricanes like Irma and Michael that have taken their toll on the state of Florida, Orlando residents are more steadfast than ever before about the possibility of flooding for their homes. Disasters can strike this area in a moment’s notice, and with so many homes throughout the area, widespread flooding can impact many homeowners simultaneously.

While flood damage in Orlando can vary from property to property, your home requires immediate attention and remedial efforts regardless of the severity of the flooding that you experience. Most homeowners lack the specialized equipment and expertise to recover their homes after a disaster like this, so they rely on the availability of professional restoration technicians like our SERVPRO Franchise professionals.

Though resources can get stretched thin through widespread flooding through the communities that we serve, our experienced team responds to every address promptly to provide the same level of care and consideration that your property requires to get restored fully.  It is essential to reach out to our team as quickly as you can following a disaster like this so that the appropriate personnel can reach you for estimations, assessments, and mitigation efforts.

With the speed that floodwater can damage your home, you need counteractions that work as effectively. Our SERVPRO Franchise professionals arrive with advanced equipment like our truck-mounted pumps and gas-powered extractors to offer fast removal of excess water. We also have efficient drying equipment that can prove instrumental in preserving the structural skeleton of your flood-damaged home. We can identify the best locations to use machines like our air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers, which both work together to remove moisture and dry out affected elements.

Flooding can occur with little warning when the right storm system is passing through central Florida. With the speed with which these disasters can affect your home, trust in the team that can respond to your emergency just as quickly. You can reach our SERVPRO of Apopka – Wekiva rapid response team 24/7 by calling (407) 788-3124.

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Is Storm Damage Causing Water to Enter Into Your Orlando Home?

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Florida has lots of storms and they frequently cause damage to homes.

Depend on Orlando-Based Water Removal Services After a Flood 

Living adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean can sometimes mean that your home may become flooded, and you may need to get in contact with a professional company that can provide water removal assistance. A storm hit your home, and the harsh winds forced an opening into your home, through a window. Over the next several hours, as the storm continued, puddles of water began to gather in your living room and stagnate there. 

No matter the time, if you find flood damage in your home, it is essential for you to contact local Orlando-based water removal services. Getting in contact with professionals as quickly as possible ensures the smoothest remediation possible. The longer that you wait, the more likely it is for further damages inside your home to make themselves known. To prevent complications, such as mold damage, get in contact with professional help as soon as you can. 

SERVPRO Franchise professionals have a hard-earned reputation of being dependable and friendly. We always strive to be kind to our customers and inform them of the situation in their home. Furthermore, we always makes an effort to arrive at your home as soon as possible after your call, because we understand that it is essential to get the water out of your home as quickly as possible. 

When we get your call, our IICRC-techs can rush to your home with advanced equipment that is designed to take the water out swiftly. After an explanation of the damage and our solution, we can get to work straight away, using tools like wet/dry vacuums and extractors to remove the puddles along your living room floor. To dry out your flooring that absorbed the water throughout the night, we can use drying mats, and dehumidifiers pull the moisture out of the panels. Once we finish, our SERVPRO Franchise professoinals can return your home returned to preloss conditions in most cases.

If your home floods from a storm, always get help. Speak with SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva by calling (407) 788-3124. Our doors are open 24/7, and we always have technicians ready to help you.  

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Will A Failing Water Heater Damage Your Apopka Home?

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that a failing water heater is one of the top five sources of residential water damage?

Why SERVPRO is the Smart Choice for Water Removal Services in Your Apopka Home

A common issue in homes, including in Apopka, is water heater failure. Most of these issues result from a sudden burst or a slow leak. Since these devices usually reside in a closet or somewhere else out of sight, you can wind up with a big problem on your hands. Therefore, taking steps to reduce these risks is essential to keep your home dry and safe.  

A failing water heater is one of the top five sources of residential water damage. If your home’s water heater has created a water disaster like this, get in touch with SERVPRO staff right away for water removal services in Apopka that are top-notch. We have been professionally trained and equipped to handle all kinds of water damage emergencies and respond to your call quickly, so it is not difficult to see why SERVPRO is the choice you should make to restore your home.  

You can many times avoid water heater failure by taking a few simple steps. First of all, know how old your water heater is. If it has reached its life expectancy, the risk of a sudden burst or slow leak goes up. When your water heater has burst and dumped water all over your floor, SERVPRO techs can arrive at your home fast to pump the standing water out with truck-mounted pumps. We also have dehumidifiers and industrial fans to help dry the area out quickly to avoid mold growth.  

Another thing to check is the anode rod of your water heater. These are installed to help stop corrosion of the tank. You should inspect it every two years and at least once per year once the warranty has expired. You also need to clean out your water heater on a regular basis. Sediment can be removed by flushing out the tank every six months. Attach a garden hose at the base to the valve there to do so. Make sure you first turn the power off and run hot water until it cools before you flush the tank.  

Get a professional plumber to inspect the water heater piping and shut-off valve once per year. Signs of rust, lose or wet joints and broken valves are all signals that more severe damage is possible.  

SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva can come to the rescue after your water heater in your home in Lockhart, Zellwood, or Tangerine fails. With the amount of water these appliances can unleash on your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (407) 788-3124 any time you need.

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Did it Rain Inside Your Orlando Home? Call SERVPRO to Remove the Water

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have unwanted water inside your home? Call SERVPRO!

Water Removal and Extraction Pulls Water Out When Storms Push Water into Your Orlando Home

After a storm, some homeowners in Orlando notice that their floors are damp or contain puddles near doorways. Property owners need to remove this water as quickly as possible. Even small amounts of water can cause decay in floorboards and make them excessively weak. Homeowners can often clean these small messes up without help.  

When rain pushes larger volumes of water into your Orlando area home, water removal and extraction teams get things dry again quickly and efficiently. Because rainwater can enter through any vulnerable area of your home, it is essential to know that SERVPRO's equipment can access any area of your home.  

A small section of roof with loosened shingles can let the water come in and soak your home from top to bottom. Gutters that contain clogged areas can direct water up against your home where it slowly seeps inside. Downspouts can cause water to flow up against your slab foundation instead of away from your house.  

When drains outside of your home do not let water flow through them quickly enough, stormwater can back up into your home. Water from this location can contain high levels of contamination. SERVPRO technicians arrive ready to handle such disasters and make your home safe again. We use personal protective equipment (PPE) during such work to prevent exposure to things that can cause health effects.  

We pull the water that invaded your home out with either a pump on our truck in our Green Fleet or with smaller extraction units. These quickly pull water up and out of flooring, including wooden floors. When some floors have tighter installations, we pull some of the planks up so our Injectidry mats can more easily function. These units direct heat down, so evaporation rates significantly increase while the extraction components pull moisture out of the air.  

Water can flow smoothly into spaces between walls and then remain there. Because there is no pressure behind this water, it does not drain away on its own. SERVPRO technicians drill minor holes in the walls behind baseboards to allow this water to flow out and then replace the baseboard. We are cautious when doing this and use rubber mats to eliminate any marring of the wall's surface during handling. We then use another type of Injectidry tubing to air out the interior of the wall.

Regardless of how stormy weather drenches the interior of your Forest City, Eatonville, or Tangerine home, SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva can get things dry and “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (407) 788-3124 whenever you need water removal and extraction services to protect your residence.

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Could You Be Making a Costly Mistake When Improperly Assessing a Water Damage Remediation Team in Lockhart?

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can stem from either external and internal sources. Contact SERVPRO when facing standing water in your home.

Things to Consider When Sourcing a Water Removal Service in Lockhart

There is a litany of factors to consider when it comes to picking a restoration provider. Property damages are universal which means there are many options to choose from. Time is also a factor which can often add extra pressure to your choice. Here are a few of the things we think are essential to consider when it comes to dealing with property damages and how to make the right choice.

When you need water removal in Lockhart, the first thing you should be considering is how quickly you can arrange a service. Standing water can cause extensive damage if left too long because saturated materials are significantly weaker when wet. SERVPRO uses technicians that live and work in this community. We operate a 24-hour call line and can arrange a service with you, by phone, within one hour of notification of loss.

Although time is undoubtedly a factor, you should consider the quality of the service you choose. One of the critical aspects to look for is evidence of certifiable training. The IICRC is a nationally recognized qualification for restoration services and should be top of your list when picking a restoration company. SERVPRO uses technicians with IICRC certificates in applied structural drying, odor control, and many other vital areas.

One of the reasons qualifications are so necessary is that they guarantee expertise. The small details like knowing how and where to find residual moisture or the dangers of leaving it behind are essential to restoring the property to preloss conditions. Neglecting these aspects can put your property at risk of expensive secondary damages like mold or mildew growth. SERVPRO uses equipment, experience, and industry-leading training to ensure we protect your property for the long haul, not just for a single service.

Finally, removing water is not always as simple as using a pump. We are a local company with access to equipment that is expensive and difficult to attain. Whether we are using advanced drying mats, truck-mounted extractors, rapid air-movers or moisture, and humidity meters, you can trust that using our service gives you access to some of the most advanced technology in the industry.

For a local service with industry-leading expertise and equipment, contact SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva at (407) 788-3124 today.

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What Happens When the Roof on Your Orlando Home Leaks?

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Leaky roof? Call SERVPRO to restore the water damage to your home.

Roof Vulnerabilities Can Cause Water Damage in Orlando Homes

With the significant storms that pass through Central Florida and Orlando throughout the year, many homes and businesses remain at risk for developing roof vulnerabilities. While these situations might become very clear if the roof were to collapse in a portion of the property entirely,  this is not always the way homeowners learn about the issue. Many homeowners might not know about an issue until the moisture from penetrating water affects the levels beneath the attic space in the higher trafficked areas.

By the time that Orlando homeowners recognize water damage penetrating to the level beneath their basement, the problem has already reached a critical point. Our rapid response team can help by offering a 24-hour emergency response to water damage situations. We provide comprehensive solutions that work to dry out the damaged elements and restore the effects that the penetrating water has caused.

Our commitment to our you includes providing a full-service option that covers every aspect of restoration from the initial inspection through completion. That is why our SERVPRO franchise has trained professionals in all of the industry niches including water restoration, mold remediation, and licensed contractors with the ability to repair structural damages to the roof. Once our team arrives at your home, these contractors can tarp over the damaged portion of roof or board up the affected area to prevent further penetration while the mitigation work for extracting the excess water and drying up the dampness throughout the area gets underway.

With the time that it takes for many homeowners to know there is a problem with their roof, situations could worsen by allowing colonization of mold spores throughout the now damp area of the attic. Our SERVPRO remediation specialists are among the best in the field due to our continued educational approach. We seek to provide our customers with competent technicians who are ready for anything they could face in the field.

While you might not initially know that you have a compromised roof, knowing that you have experienced professionals that can help you take care of all of the damages can provide some peace of mind. Give our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva technicians a call anytime at (407) 788-3124.

Lake Eola is a giant sinkhole.  Read more fun facts about Orlando here.

Let SERVPRO Come to Your Rescue When You Experience Water Damage In Your Orlando Home

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Stop further water damage to your Orlando home with SERVPRO

Tools Professionals Use That Help Mitigate Water Damage In Orlando 

When water invades your Orlando home, the onslaught can feel overwhelming. Attempts you make to try to manage the mess on your own might have the opposite result you desire, actually worsening or failure to resolve the damage. Appropriate water loss remediation involves many steps and powerful tools in the hands of experienced operators. Professional restoration companies train their work crews thoroughly and invest in high-efficiency equipment and products that match the challenges of water mitigation.

In Orlando severe water damage scenarios in frequently include reacting not only to the immediate crisis of plumbing or appliance fail but also to longer-term evidence of seemingly minor issues preceding the catastrophe. An experienced crew chief and technicians are familiar with the detective work needed to resolve your water loss completely. When all aspects of the damages are not addressed with the skills and tools professionals possess, continuing deterioration of structural components and secondary water damage is likely.

SERVPRO work crews arrive on the scene of every water damage project with one or more green trucks fully stocked with the tools needed to assess and evaluate the extent of the problem. Moisture meters and thermal scanning devices in the hands of our IICRC-trained employees scope out the dimensions of the water damage, even under fixtures, behind walls, under floors, and over ceilings. Water migrates quickly, not always in directions the homeowner anticipates. We use state-of-the-art devices to outline the perimeter to plan and continually monitor the progress of your project comprehensively.

The wet vacs and fans a big-box hardware store sells to consumers are no match for the quantity of water needing removal and the speed necessary for structural drying. SERVPRO brings a several member crew to remediate water damage because the longer excess water remains soaked into the building materials and possessions at your home the more expensive and time-consuming a final solution becomes.

Our truck-mounted water extractors and submersible pumps churn through inches to feet of water fast. We follow up with air movers and heaters that, positioned correctly by trained technicians, rapidly move moisture out of structural components so that our humidifiers can condense or absorb the water vapor for removal. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster, using equipment designed explicitly for water removal and drying for the best outcomes.

Get the team from SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva onboard when you suffer from a water damage event. Our phones answer round the clock at (407) 788-3124 to ensure one of our crews arrives within hours.

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Our Crew At SERVPRO Has The Experience And Equipment To Restore Your Water Damaged Orlando Home

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

Failure to remove the moisture absorbed through materials exposed to the water can result in structural weakness and mold growth.

Efficient Water Cleanup For Your Orlando Residence

Emergencies that affect your Orlando home come in all shapes and sizes. From slow, persistent leaks to substantial water loss incidents, damages like these require professional expertise to overcome. Too often homeowners become convinced that conventional cleaning and drying methods can adequately correct the effects of water damages, but this is rarely the truth. Failure to remove the moisture absorbed through materials exposed to the water can result in structural weakness and secondary effects like mold growth.

Many situations only require our dedicated professionals to arrive quickly for focused water cleanup at your Orlando home. With our efficient equipment, we can often make short work of the spread of the moisture and restore any of the adverse effects present in the exposed materials. It is when the situation has not gotten addressed quickly that potential problems begin to occur.

From the moment that a water incident occurs, exposed materials begin to absorb the moisture. While a homeowner could believe they have sufficiently dealt with the situation by providing the appearance of a dry area, moisture can persist out of sight in the flooring materials, drywall, wall cavities, ceiling materials, and more. Our thermal imagery technology can help to identify moisture pockets that exist out of sight to steer our SERVPRO technicians to where our air movers and dehumidifiers should get set up.

In cases where moisture persists for days beyond the initial incident, the possibility of mold growth increases dramatically. Mold spores only require mild temperatures and damp areas to colonize, so without proper drying, the organism can seat and thrive within the organic materials throughout the affected area. This growth poses a significant risk to the structural integrity of the host materials as well as poses potential health effects for the occupants of the house, requiring professional remediation from our SERVPRO technicians.

While some water damage incidents might feel straightforward, homeowners should exercise caution when handling damp areas of their property. You can always depend on the experience and efficient equipment of our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva rapid response team to help. Give SERVPRO a call anytime at (407) 788-3124.

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Fire in Your Orlando Property! Make the Call to SERVPRO

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Why Homeowners in Orlando Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration? We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Recovering After a Fire in Your Orlando Home

Disasters that impact your Orlando home can feel overwhelming, especially when the damage is widespread and varied. Fires can change from home to home, offering a different look for experienced professional restorers like ours to prepare for, and making it improbable for homeowners to restore or repair on their own.

Fire damages to your Orlando home are often far more widespread than the actual heart of the fire itself. While first responders and firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, this often has damaging effects of its own to face. Our SERVPRO technicians undergo extensive training to obtain their IICRC certifications for fire restoration, giving them the education and understanding to tackle any facet of fire damage that could exist on your property. They are even encouraged to continue this educational pursuit through in-house coursework and online classes to obtain other certifications and skill sets that make them better able to care for your fire-damaged home.

From the moment that our team arrives at your home, we get to work on assessing the full scope of the damage to help provide your insurance company with the necessary information to approve a claim. Even while this is happening, we can begin our mitigation work such as handling water damage present from the extinguishment. In conjunction with the water removal we can set up barriers, hydroxyl generators and air scrubbers to immediately begin to reduce the foul odors from the fire. Improving IAQ indoor air quality is a key factor in SERVPRO protecting their customers from adverse effects.

Our SERVPRO franchise focuses on having the most modern and advanced equipment available to our technicians to offer the best quality and prompt services to all of our customers. Equipment such as our gas-powered pumps and ROVER extractors can remove pooling water from affected areas fast. We have efficient drying techniques as well by combining our air movers to force moisture into the environment with our dehumidifiers which trap and remove this moisture from the area.

Recovering from a fire in your home does not have to be more stressful than it already is. You can depend on the fast response and experienced technicians we have at SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva. Give our response team a call anytime that disaster strikes at (407) 788-3124.

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SERVPRO Provides Our Orlando Homeowners with Rapid Water Loss Help to Mitigate Damages

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

ApplIance Water Flooding in Your Orlando Residence? Don't Call Mickey, Call SERVPRO

Refrigerator Troubles Could Spell Damage for Your Orlando Home

Appliances throughout your Orlando home make life more convenient all around, but that does not mean that they do not have the potential to cause some considerable damage without the appropriate servicing. Your refrigerator can prove especially problematic when it loses power or breaks a supply line to the ice maker. Both can leave a substantial pool of water to contend with, but our professionals can help.

Water damages can spread quickly throughout your Orlando kitchen, so contacting the team that can help should occur as promptly as possible. Our SERVPRO professionals offer 24-hour response for any emergency in your home and have the skills and equipment necessary to quickly remove the excess water from the affected area and work efficiently to dry up the damaged elements.

Once we arrive at your home, we begin by determining the source of the damage to your kitchen and working to resolve this issue by shutting down the supply line. With portable pumps, our professionals can quickly pull the water from the floors of the area. Hopefully, the volume of water can be vacuumed up with a smaller piece of equipment. Once this step gets completed, we can utilize our thermal imagery cameras to locate the most concentrated pockets of moisture to direct our drying equipment. This same camera can get used to determine if further efforts are necessary for specific damaged areas. We eventually finish the service with a walk through using a moisture meter to determine the verification of moisture content being restored to standard levels.

Since it does not take more than 2-3 days for mold spores to seat and colonize in a moist environment like your water damaged kitchen, resolving the dampness of the area is critical to avoiding secondary effects like mold growth. We combine efforts with air movers and dehumidifiers, which both play a role in helping rid the area of the current saturation and replace it with dry, heated air.

Even though your refrigerator is among the chief appliances in your home for convenience and functionality, it also can pose a threat of water damage if it malfunctions. Trust our SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva rapid response team to arrive quickly to help mitigate your losses and get the restoration process going as soon as possible. Give us a call today at (407) 788-3124.

Just too much to do in this town!

Storm Damage? SERVPRO Can Help!

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by hurricane Florence. This storm caused damage that will take a long time to repair and people are still without power.  Often times you don't realize how much you rely on daily conveniences like power and air conditioning until you have to go with out them. 

Luckily, this hurricane did not hit Central Florida, but there are still several storms lingering out there.  Even if these storm pass us by, we will still be at risk of hurricanes for a few more months.

Of course, it is not just hurricanes that can cause storm damage. In Central Florida, even routine thunderstorms can be particularly powerful.  We have seen heavy damage for hail, wind, rain and more in a matter of minutes and almost without warning.  

No matter how unexpected your storm damage, SERVPRO can help!  Our team of experts are trained to handle water damage, mold, fire and smoke damage, biohazards and mush more.  Nobody know more about these issues then we do!

Remember, our team is here 27/7 365 to help if you ever need us.  Whether you are the victim of flooding, fire, mold, or biohazard, our team of experts can help...and FAST!

Have You Been The Victim of Storm Damage?

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Don't worry, whatever happens SERVPRO will be ready to help you when you get back home.

We see the same scenario over and over again.  A massive storm forms in the Atlantic.  Weather professionals have no real idea where it is going to go or how big a storm it will be until almost 24 hours ahead of time.

Some people evacuate and board of their home and businesses.  Others stay behind to make sure everything will be OK.  Unfortunately, in either case there is not a lot that can be done to prevent storm damage.  From tropical storms to hurricanes, the damage can be significant and there is not much you can do to stop it from happening.

There is something to take comfort in. No matter what happens the damage can be repaired.  While people are irreplaceable (and a lot harder to fix) property can be restored.

At SERVPRO, our team of professionals have seen in all.  Mold, fire, smoke, water, trauma, biohazard and much more.  Nothing surprises us and there is nothing we can't handle.

Not only can we repair whatever damage your property has incurred, we can work with your insurance company to make your claim process as quick and easy as possible.  That's another benefit to using one of the largest repair and restoration companies in the country.

If you need us, just give us a call.  Our team will be there, ready and willing to help, 24/7 365!

You Just Experienced A Fire... Now What?

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating, but we are here to help 24/7 365.

A fire in your home or office can be one of the  most overwhelming experiences of your life.  You find yourself standing in the middle of a room or building staring at the cared remains of your personal or professional life.  You have no idea what to do next.

Start by taking a deep breath and relaxing for a minute.  The fire is over and you can't undo the past.  All you can do now is get things back to normal.  Despite how bad things may look, it really is not as bad as it seems.

For starters, and most important, you are OK.  What you are looking at is property, which for the most part can be replaced or restored.  That's not so easy with people.

So, what do you do about the items that were damaged?  Start by calling your insurance company.  Let them know what happened and start the claims process.  

Your next call should be to your local SERVPRO.  Our team has unsurpassed expertise in handling fire/smoke damage and restoration. Whatever needs to happen, our team will handle it.  We can board up your property (if needed) and start the process of working with your insurance company to create a recovery plan that includes the complete restoration of your property.

There are also a few things you should not do:

·         Do not wipe or attempt to clean anything.  This will be hard, but you need to leave this to the professionals to prevent further damage

·         Do not walk around the property or sit on any furniture that was damaged.

·         Do not eat any food or canned goods exposed to heat.

·         Do use any medications that were exposed to heat

·         Do not turn on any electrical appliances.

While this may all sound a bit overwhelming, everything will be fine. Our team of professionals will work with you and your insurance company to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Smoke Damage? SERVPRO Can Help!

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Have a smoke or fire issue? Let SERVPRO get it resolved quickly and easily so you can get back to your life!

While a fire causes damage that is easy to see, smoke damage is a lot less obvious.  As a fire burns smoke and soot are spread through the entire property, especially is the heating or air conditioning system happens to be running at the time of the fire.

Have you ever removed a t-shirt that seemed to be fine while you were wearing it, but it had a very bad smell once you removed it?  Well, the same thing happens with soot and smoke from a fire.

Curtains, rugs, furniture, clothing and lots of other items are going to quickly absorb the odors from the fire.  You may not notice it once you have spent sometime inside the area affected by the fire.  Everyone, else however, will experience these odors, likely very strong odors, as soon as they enter the property.

The experts at SERVPRO can eliminate these odors and get your home or office odor-free after a fire.  We have the equipment and expertise to handle everything that needs to be done.

We also work with you and your insurance company to get your fire and smoke claim resolved quickly and easily so you can get back to your life.  We will be with you through every step of the process from start to finish.

If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire or smoke issue call SERVPRO anytime - 24/7 365!

Top Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Mold and Mildew

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Proud homeowners who find that they have a mold problem on their hands might be gung-ho about getting rid of the problem on a Do It Yourself (DIY) basis, primarily to save cost. If you happen to fall under this category, do take note that other homeowners in the past who felt the same way have gone through the motions and made the following mistakes to avoid when it comes to removing mold around the home.

Gotta Catch Them All! One of the most common mistakes in cleaning up mold is figuring out that you have gotten rid of the problem for good. After all, for visible mold that you have just wiped clean with a tea tree oil solution, there is probably more from where it came from which remains hidden from your view. After all, mold spores are very small and extremely light in its makeup. This makes it very easy to spread from one particular area of the home to another. A single patch of mold growing in one area of the home is enough signal to perform a thorough inspection of the rest of the house in order to make sure that not a single nook and cranny remains unlooked at.

Bleach is Not the Answer Most people think that bleach, with its cleaning power, is able to do wonders when it comes to getting rid of mold. While bleach is rather effective when it comes to killing and removing mold from hard and non-porous surfaces, it does not get to the root of the problem. In order to make a bleach solution more effective, you should perform a mop up operation using an antimicrobial cleanser.

Fire and Smoke Restoration

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

The fire trucks may be gone but without proper immediate response, the real damage and the costs are just beginning. To return your residential or commercial property to its normal condition requires professional restoration. This is not the job for a do-it-yourself type of person.

For results you can have confidence in, hiring a certified restoration company would be your best bet. Restoration to a property can be complex. Proper smoke and odor removal are tasks that require technicians certified in these specific areas.

When selecting a certified restoration firm several factors must be considered:

• Formal and up-to-date specialized training
• Health and safety certifications
• Experience in a wide range of restoration projects
• Proof of proper insurance and licenses

In addition to removing residue, ridding your home of its smoky odor is necessary. Professionals use this four-step process to remove odors:

• Remove the source of the odor, as possible, including unsalvageable debris that contributes to odor generation and recontamination of cleaned and deodorized areas.
• Clean salvageable surfaces and items to physically remove odor-causing residue.
• Chase remaining odor with an odor counteract act. In the case of smoke, create a deodorizing fog or gas that seeks out and combines with odor-causing substances.
• Seal salvageable surfaces that are inaccessible or slightly scorched, not only for aesthetic purposes, but primarily to encapsulate odor and prevent progressive recontamination.

Understanding the effects of a fire can help homeowners evaluate the damage to their home. By learning more about residue clean-up and deodorization after a fire, you can minimize the need for costly repair. Fire and smoke restoration experts can help you return your home and furnishings to its normal condition. So I guess you could say it would be “Like it never even happened.”

My Clothes Were Damaged By Mold in a Rarely Used Closet…Can We Save Them? Mold Remediation Approved

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Those of us who live in Central Florida and surrounding areas like Winter Garden, Windermere, Apopka, and Lake Buena Vista know that moisture in our homes is a common issue. We try to maintain a temperature with our AC units that we can live with, that our power bill can sustain (and therefore our pocket), and that will keep that moisture down. We might find some mildew from time to time and take care of it ourselves. Or perhaps you’ve had a mold issue and have called in a professional company to take care of it for you.

What about those closets that we don’t open often? Perhaps you open the closet door looking for those golf clubs that you are finally getting around to using. Or maybe you finally have an opportunity to wear that dress that you got on clearance. Unfortunately as soon as you open the door you notice that everything in the closet seems to be discolored. Upon closer inspection you notice that it smells musty and looks like it might be mold. What can you do?

On its web site, IICRC.org, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification states the following:

Foremost, any garment or fabric that has not suffered physical deterioration or discoloration as a result of mold growing on it, and that is washable (typically, a minimum of 130ºF for at least 10 minutes), can be restored completely. That goes for bacterial contamination as well, as evidenced by hospitals daily as they wash linens, gowns, surgical drapes, etc.

Dry cleaning also does a good job when evaluated and cleaned - often twice - by a qualified professional. Again, this assumes no deterioration or discoloration of the garment. Ultimately, sampling and evaluation by a qualified environmental professional can be used to confirm remediation of the garment.

Our team of certified professionals here at SERVPRO are available to help you with this process anytime. Please give us a call and we would be happy to walk you through the process.

Why Fire Damage Restoration Should Be Done By A Professional

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

With responsive and precise fire damage repair, even the worst disasters can be put in the past. Roaring flames have been one of man’s greatest enemies since the dawn of history, and though it’s easier to handle these days, it can still cause havoc if it gets out of control. Not only can the flames cause enormous damage, the ash, soot and smoke residue that remains will make the home almost noxious to live in. Both can create irritating odors, discolor walls or ceilings and cause breathing issues if there is a high concentration of ash left over.

Professional fire damage repair will remove the ash and smoke residue left behind. This has to be done quickly because ash is acidic and will cause materials to deteriorate if allowed to sit for long. Restoration professionals work hard to provide a thorough cleanup.  This will include treatment of every surface that is affected by ash and soot. This includes cleaning down walls, ceilings, furniture and countertops. Ash and smoke will almost always be present in the vents and ducts as well, as they are quickly taken up by the HVAC system. Professionals will access the home’s ducts to clean them out as well, preventing either from entering the home once again.

Upon eliminating all of the ash, soot, and smoke, the home will quickly be free of any lingering odor.

Post Storm Tips and Hints

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Here in central Florida we are used to preparing for storms. These reminders should help you and your family prepare for the next one that comes our way. You don’t want to be left out in the heat and unprepared for surviving if a large storm or disaster does affect you.

Water: As stated in previous blog posts, a traditional standing water heater holds up to 40 gallons of clean water. If the water to your home isn’t flowing this is a great last resort. However, if there is water going into the home, make sure you check with county sites to find out if you are under a boil water alert or not. Make sure you have 1 gallon of water per person for up to one week stored before the storm hits.

Food: Canned food and none perishable foods like beans, canned vegetables, and soups are good to have around. If you have a small gas cooking device you’ll want to empty out your freezer as fast as possible of any frozen foods so make sure to cook through your perishable foods before your canned foods.

Gas and fuel: Make sure you have a full tank of gasoline in all of your vehicles. Fuel might become limited during an emergency situation. So you’ll want to make sure you are topped off before the storm hits. As for fuel oil this goes for gasoline for generators, propane for cooking, and lamp oil if you plan to use gas lamps for a lightning source.

Outside of these basic items there are an assortment of other items  you may want to keep handy such as:

*hand cranking can opener

*First aid kit

*Cooler for perishable foods

*duct tape and garbage bags

*Flashlight and batteries

This short list of items can keep you prepared for the aftermath of an emergency. It’s recommended each year you check off an emergency disaster check-list to insure your stocks are full before a disaster happens.

Central Florida Home and Business Storm Prep

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Being told that you have a major storm coming your way is hard enough, but now you have to figure out the best way to try and keep both your residential or commercial building from any sort of damage or loss. Our team has a saying, “you can never plan for a storm, but you can plan to be ready for it.” Let’s say that there is going to be a storm tomorrow. Are you prepared for whatever may happen? If your answer is no, then it is better that you don’t wait until you hear that the hurricane or thunderstorm of the century is coming, because by then it may be too late. Here are some things to make sure you check off of your checklist for your home:

• Remove any branches or trees adjacent to your building that could potentially fall and damage it.
• Sandbag any area that is subject to flooding
• Relocate any valuable or fragile possessions
• Secure all utilities including water heaters, gas tanks, and heaters and if necessary, raise them to higher locations to avoid water damage
• Invest in and install shutters or plywood in order to protect windows and doors from wind-born debris
• Have the roof of your building or home evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm
• Turn off propane tanks
• Ensure a water supply for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Preparing your business is a little different, but these tips can help:

• Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
• Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
• Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible. Can you run your business from a different location or from your home? Can you develop a relationship with other local businesses to use their facilities if a disaster makes your location unusable?

We know that storms and the damage that comes with them are inevitable at times. You can rest assured that SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva will be available to assist you with your home or business in the event of any size disaster.

Lot's of Rain Can Lead to Mold

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be lurking in hard to notice places. If you have a mold issue, SERVPRO will find it and resolve it.

We continue to have a lot of rain, with no end in sight! We hope all of you are doing well despite all of this water.  This is great for our lawns and for helping recover from our recent drought, but water is one of Mother Nature's most destructive forces!

While you may not see any signs of water damage at your home or office, you may still have water or mold issues that you cannot see.  Often times, mold and water damage can be hidden in places that are hard to see.

For example, a roof leak may only show a few drops on your ceiling, but it is actually spreading water around your attic or causing mold on your roof trusses.  A little bit of water that seeps under the garage door can seem like no big deal, but the water has actually gotten into the walls, soaked into the sheet rock, and/or damaged your baseboards.

These and other water related issues can lead to mold.  Sometimes you can see it, and sometimes you can't.  Either way, it is still a problem that needs to be dealt with.

If you, your co-workers or loved ones start having headaches, stuffed/runny noses or symptoms that feel like allergies but you haven't had allergies in the past then you may have water or mold issues.

The professionals at SERVPRO are thoroughly trained on mold remediation and removal.  We use state-of-the-art methods and machinery that is environmentally friendly and pet safe.  Regardless of the type of mold you encounter or the size of your mold problem, our team will handle it quickly and effectively.

Remember, our team of mold remediation professionals is available 24/7 365 to help. Why not get some piece of mind and let our team do a free visual mold inspection at your home or office?

Call today and get the peace of mind you deserve.

Mold is Everywhere, Even in the Cleanest Home or Office

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Got Mold? You may not be sure, but our team of professionals will be! Call SERVPRO for a free visual mold inspection today!

It's that time of year, when it rains everyday!  Sometimes it is just passing showers and sometimes it is a tropical storm or hurricane!  There is still plenty of nice weather to enjoy, but as is typical in Central Florida, there will be quite a bit of rain mixed in!  

All that rain can lead to mold. Remember, mold needs moisture to grow and as long as that moisture is present mold will continue to grow.  That's why it is important to stop any water or mold you find as quickly as possible, before it spreads.

We often hear from customers that they did not think they had mold in their home of office since they keep their property clean.  While we highly recommend keeping your home or office clean, even the cleanest home or office can have a mold problem.

There are over 100,000 types of mold, most of which are harmless.  These mold spores are in the air, love humidity and water and are able to grow quite well in our local environment.  No matter how mush cleaning you do, mold is always around, and it is usually harmless.   

So, how do you tell if you have a mold issue and if the mold you see is harmless?  Simple, call the team at SERVPRO and let our trained professionals stop by and give you a free visual mold inspection?  It is a quick, easy, and FREE service that can help detect any issues you may have.

You may not have anything to worry about, and we hope you don't, but wouldn't it be nice to know?

Let SERVPRO Help You Resolve Your Insurance Claim

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Worried about your insurance claim? Don't be! Our team of professionals can help you get your claim submitted quickly and properly.

After the shock of dealing with a disaster is over, the next thing that people think about is "How am I going to pay for this?".   That is a natural response and a great question given the high cost of repairing mold, flood, fire and/or trauma damage.  The good news is that our team of professionals can help eliminate that concern!

One of the things that sets SERVPRO apart from other restoration companies is the how well we work with your insurance company. Our team of professionals understand the insurance industry and how the claims process works.  We also know everything that needs to happen in order to get your claim submitted and your repairs covered.

As one of one the largest restoration and damage remediation companies in the country, we have worked with hundreds of insurance companies to get our customers claims processed quickly and fairly.  In fact, Insurance companies know that SERVPRO handles things properly and often recommend us to their policy holders.

So remember, if you have an issue with your home or office our team of trained professional are here to fix it 24/7 365 days a year! Not only is our staff trained to resolve your damage, we can help with your insurance claim too!

Keep an Updated Inventory of Your Home or Office.. Just in Case

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Make sure you have a picture inventory of your belongings in the event of a loss. Without it you could lose a lot of money!

Tip of the week:

While you probably have homeowners or business insurance that covers the contents of your home or business if they are lost, you probably don't have pictures of the contents you own.

Make sure you keep an inventory of the contents of your home and office.  Hopefully you will never need it, but you will be glad to have it in the event of a problem!

Be sure to take pictures of each area of your home or business and the contents in them at least once a year. That way, if you do need to file an insurance claim you will have a record of everything you lost, the condition it was in, etc.

People are often surprised that if their property is lost, destroyed or stolen getting it replaced is not necessarily a straight-forward process with their insurance company if they don't have this picture inventory.

For example, if you were to lose a desk in a fire and don't have a picture inventory the amount you will be reimbursed could be a surprise.  Your $1000 mint condition 'classic' desk could get valued based on age and 'market-value', leaving you with a lot less money than you expected, and needed, to replace it.

Again, we hope you never need that list, but better safe than sorry.  Of course, if you ever need us for mold, fire, water or trauma/bio-hazard issues, we are here 24/7 365.

Removing The Lingering Odor From Mold Growth In Your Apopka / Wekiva House

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

The Mold Life Cycle During Remediation in Apopka / Wekiva Properties

Most homeowners aren't prepared to find mold in their home. With the high humidity throughout the most of the year in the Central Florida area, this is a constant threat to those who do not treat and condition the air inside their homes and in some cases, to those who do as well.

One of the most significant hurdles that homeowners find they have to overcome is the bold scent that comes along with the presence of microbial growth. It is often described as a pungent musty odor that is challenging to live around, so that's why it is a priority of our SERVPRO technicians to take care of this lingering effect from your home during the remediation process. 

From the moment that our team arrives at your home, we work quickly to set up the appropriate preventative measures to stop the spread of the colony elsewhere. While removal is underway, dehumidification equipment works to resolve the moisture and dampness which fed the spores and allowed them to seat in the first place. 

Once nearly all of the components of remediation have finished, our SERVPRO technicians are ready to take on the lingering foul odor that makes comfortable living challenging for you and your family. The process typically utilizes extensive cleaning of the affected areas and then the use of a thermal fogging machine. The equipment releases a chemical compound that can break odor molecules apart on contact and neutralize them. This process is safe for open areas as well as fabrics, carpets, and furniture in your home. 

Now that you can appreciate the kind of resolve that our technicians have with something as fundamental as a lingering odor, you can see how this same dedication is present in every facet of our remediation efforts. You can trust our SERVPRO of Apopka / Wekiva mold remediation technicians to help you overcome every effect from this unfortunate occurrence and restore your home to its former condition. "Like it never even happened." Give us a call anytime at (407) 788-3124.

Preventing Fires This Holiday Season

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

The holiday season is upon us and the streets and houses are covered in color. As you drive around you can see homes and businesses strung with lights, wreathes hanging on doors and trees lit up in windows. If you decide to pick out a real tree this year, remember to keep some safety tips in mind. The American Red Cross lists these important facts and tips on their web site at www.redcross.org.

HOLIDAY HOME FIRES

Fast Facts

• Nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554 million in property damage.**

• On average, one of every 22 home fires started by Christmas trees result in death.***

• Candle fires are four times as likely to occur during the winter holidays.**

• During the winter holiday season, an average of 40 home fires per day are caused by children playing.**

• The number of home fires the American Red Cross has responded to has risen 10% since 2000.*

• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.**

Preparedness Tips:

Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.

Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to keep your home fire safe during the holidays. Sources: American Red Cross,* U.S. Fire Administration,** and the National Fire Protection Association.*** 

We hope that everyone has a safe holiday season. If you have any fire or water damage issues please feel free to call us anytime, day or night. 

Removing Smoke Odors With An Ozone Generator

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Contributed by Marty Hoffman, Operations Manager

Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. One question we get asked frequently is whether ozone treatments are bad for furniture and other possessions. I hope that this blog answers that question.

What is an ozone generator?

An ozone generator is a machine that generates the molecule ozone (O3), a highly reactive molecule that reacts chemically with the particles it comes into contact with. Professional restoration companies and some drycleaners use industrial ozone generators to remove the smoke odor from furniture, clothes and other belongings after a fire.

How does it work?

Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.

The more smoke damage has been done, the more ozone is needed to eliminate the smell. There need to be enough ozone molecules to react with all of the offending molecules in order for the treatment to be successful.

So, is it bad for my stuff?

Ozone is the most effective way to remove odor caused by smoke damage. Professional restoration contractors can control the temperature, humidity, and treatment time carefully for maximum positive effects. In short—no, ozone is not bad for your belongings, as long as it is being controlled by a professional. The reason this is important is because professional restorers know and understand the power of ozone. They also know that there are certain materials that don’t do well when exposed to ozone—namely certain textiles, leather, rubber, and certain plastics.

Many people think that they can clean their clothes after a fire by washing them multiple times. But this will not remove the smoke odor. Ozone is also cleaner than other methods because it does not leave any byproducts or residue that need to be cleaned later.

As a form of oxygen, ozone itself is not dangerous. However, if overexposure occurs it can be harmful to lungs. This is another reason to allow a professional to perform the ozone treatment. They have the right equipment in place to protect themselves during the process, and once your items are returned to you, they are safe to be in your home.

Humidity and Mold Problems in Multi-Story Condominiums

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Contributed by Scott Tracy, owner

In my many travels and inspections around Central Florida, I have come across a unique problem associated with multi-story condominium buildings. This problem seems to be somewhat pervasive in the Winter Garden area.

Unfortunately I have found that there is a lot of myth’s or disinformation out there as to why this problem is occurring. In many cases Tenants/Condo Owners are being blamed for causing mold growth in their units by either being negligent or not using their HVAC systems properly. As a result there are many Tenants/Owners being driven to distraction with guilt and stress as well as suffering property damage that they cannot control.

As I mentioned above, I have inspected many of these cases (some in the same complex), and since I cannot review each and every one of them, I found one inspection that encapsulates all of the units that I inspected. The reader needs to know that there is some common denominators to be found in these situations:

1.     Sometimes dehumidifiers are found installed in the same closet as the AC Air Handler.

2.     Sometimes a Humidistat Controller will also be installed on the wall near to the AC Air Handler Closet.

3.     Normally there will be a “fresh-air” supply duct coming out of the wall in the AC Air Handler Closet.

Pictures showing AC Air Handler Closet with permanently installed dehumidifier.

This is a copy of an email I sent to a client that I worked for last year. In this case I was hired by a Tenant who was experiencing mold problems in his unit.The reader will find the information about “Aircycler” below pretty interesting. While many of these affected units do not have this type of controller installed in their units, the notes that I highlighted in red infer that these fresh air ports can be a big problem in humid climates.

I have deleted the names for obvious reasons.

I have found that a lot of these complexes, many built by the same builder, have similar issues. It is also obvious to me that in the past there were actions taken by both the Condominium Associations and the Condominium Owners to address this problem. The evidence is after-construction, retro-fitted dehumidifiers that are now installed in a lot of the Condominiums.

Here is the email:

From: Scott Tracy [mailto:stracy@SERVPROaw-wo.com] 
Sent: Thursday
To: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: Mold problem in Condominium

Mr. XXX,

Per your request, I returned to your unit today to further investigate the source of the high humidity problem. This high humidity caused the mold contamination to both the walls of the Condominium and to your contents in the unit.

1.     Obviously this Condominium has a fresh air supply duct opening located in the Air Handler closet to the left of the air handler (see below). This allows unconditioned fresh air to be mixed into the Condominiums interior air periodically to help dilute indoor air pollution. Since we are in Florida, during certain times of the year, this unconditioned air can be severely elevated with high humidity.

2.       This unconditioned air is drawn from the fresh air supply into the Condominium in 2 ways:

One way is part of the original design. When the Air Handler is running, the air returning to the Air Handler causes a low pressure environment in front of the fresh air supply duct opening which pulls air from the exterior to the interior (see pictures below).

The second is not part of the intended design. When bathroom exhaust fans are engaged or the Clothes Dryer is working, these appliances pushes air out of the Condominium. Replacement air then needs to be sought. This replacement air would also come from this fresh air supply duct opening.

3.       To counter elevated humidity in the Condominiums air, both the Air Handler and the installed dehumidifier work together, and are designed to condense and remove this excess moisture.

4.       If either one or both of these fail, elevated humidity will permeate the unit and cause mold. Both point 5 & 6 below show a failure with both units.

5.       I inspected the installed dehumidifier. The unit is not working properly. The unit is running, but my hygrometer shows that the exiting air shows no drop in relative humidity. The drain bucket was also inspected, and it revealed no evidence of any water or moisture. This indicates the dehumidifier is basically using electricity, but not doing its job

6.       You also mentioned to me that there was a problem with the Air Handler in the past. You indicated there was an extended period of time where the Air Handler never shut off. In spite of your efforts to use your thermostat to shut the unit off, this was not successful. You called the units owner and an HVAC Contractor came to the Condominium to correct the problem. I will tell you that there were two consequences that occurred when this happened. Both of these consequences resulted in additional elevated humidity in the home.

a.       If the Air Handler blower never turned off, any water condensate that might have accumulated in the AC pan below the cooling coils (that normally would drain down the pvc drain line), would have just been evaporated back into the Air Handler air flow, and therefore back into the Condominium.

b.      Additionally, if the Air Handler blower never turned off, this in turn continually pulled additional humid air from the above mentioned fresh air supply duct opening. This compounded the problem and caused uncontrolled humidity in the Condominium, which in turn allowed for mold growth.

7.       Furthermore, the AirCycler Programmable Ventilation Controller was found to be disconnected in the Air Handler closet. This is part of the fresh air supply’s design. Since this may have been disconnected by the visiting HVAC Contractor, the presumption is that this controller may have been interfering with the HVAC thermostat, which in turn may have been the reason why you could not get your Air Handler to shut off in the past.

8.       Please see the information I have cut and pasted into this email below. This comes from the Controller Manufacturer that is installed in the Condominiums Air Handler closet. Please note the text I highlighted in red. This page mentions the danger of continuously running the “central system fan” (or Air Handler blower I mention above), no less than 4 times.

9.       The only good news about this is that now that the source of the problem has been identified (equipment failure), the owner of this Condominium has the ability to mold remediate his unit and there may be coverage under Homeowners Insurance. It would normally be considered a “covered” loss. Unfortunately, the Condominium Owner’s Insurance will not extend any coverage for your contents as they are not part of their coverage.

mMAirCycler

AirCycler

The AirCycler is a programmable ventilation controller for Central Fan Supply Ventilation designs. When you are providing fresh air for a house through a fresh air supply duct connected from the outside to the return plenum of the HVAC system it is essential to have the air handler operate on a scheduled cycle to provide fresh air for the house. This programmable timer is connected to the thermostat connection of the air handlerto monitor the run time of the air handler and when needed turn on the air handler to meet the fresh air requirements of the house. The timer will take advantage of free distribution of ventilation air during thermostat driven heating or cooling operation and provides periodic whole house mixing and ventilation air distribution during periods when thermostat driven heating or cooling operation does not meet the programmed fresh air demand.

Applications

Ventilation Systems

Air Cycler FR

Outside Air Duct Into The Central System Air Handler Return Plenum

Ventilation systems that provide ventilation air through a duct that extends from outdoors to the return plenum of a central air handler only supply ventilation air when the fan is operating. Rather than operating the central system fan continuously, which can waste energy and can also lead to moisture related problems in humid climates, the recycling control can be set to periodically distribute ventilation air during stagnant periods when there is no call to circulate air for purposes of heating or cooling.

An economical and effective ventilation system, using the AirCycler, would be a 6" to an 8" diameter insulated duct (depending on the house size) from outdoors to the return of the central air distribution fan (see diagram below). This outside air should be filtered before it enters the central return duct, and a balancing damper is advisable to give additional field control of the delivered outside air volume. The AirCycler control would be installed at the central fan cabinet, connecting to the thermostat wiring terminals. It functions to guarantee that fresh air will be periodically distributed throughout the house when there is no call for heating or cooling, but it is energy efficient since it only does this if the central fan has not operated for a preset time. A very important added benefit, is that builder call-backs due to thermal comfort or air quality problems may be greatly reduced because the AirCycler will even-out temperature, humidity and stuffiness conditions between rooms and the main body.

For single-point exhaust or single-point supply ventilation systems, the supply or exhaust point is usually located in the main body of the house. In this case, closed rooms, such as bedrooms, will not receive adequate ventilation air unless the central system fan operates to mix air between the main body and the closed rooms. Rather than operating the central system fan continuously, which can waste energy and can also lead to moisture related problems in humid climates, the AirCycler control can be set to periodically distribute ventilation air throughout the house during stagnant periods when there is no call to circulate air for purposes of heating or cooling.

Enhanced Humidity Control Systems

In humid climates, dehumidification, separate from the central cooling system, may be usedto maintain comfort in seasons where there may be long periods of high humidity while indoor temperatures are within personal comfort ranges. In order to reduce system cost, it may be practical to locate a single dehumidifier in the main body of the house. In this case, closed rooms, such as bedrooms, will not receive the dehumidification benefit unless the central system fan operates to mix air between the main body and the closed rooms. Rather than operating the central system fan continuously, which can waste energy and can also lead to moisture related problems in humid climates, the AirCycler control can be set to periodically distribute dehumidified air throughout the house during stagnant periods when there is no call to circulate air for purposes of heating or cooling. For either dehumidifiers that are connected to the central air distribution system ducts, or for dehumidifiers that are stand-alone, humidistats are usually located in a central area and are expected to serve an entire zone that usually includes closed rooms, and often, more than one floor level. Humidity conditions can vary widely between the humidistat location and extremities of the space the humidistat serves. A practical solution to this problem could be to utilize the central system fan to average the overall space conditions by mixing. Rather than operating the central system fan continuously, which can waste energy and can also lead to moisture related problems in humid climates, the AirCycler control can be set to periodically mix house air during stagnant periods when there is no call to circulate air for purposes of heating or cooling.

I hope this helps somewhat.

Needless to say, the above diagnosis helped this particular customer avoid being blamed for causing the high humidity and mold in the condominium. Even though the condominium owner used this information to find a fix to his problem, the Tenant (my customer) was able to move out without and penalty.

For those readers that live in similar multi-story complexes (be they apartments or condominiums), if any of the above information sounds similar to what you are experiencing, please contact a professional to come out and help you figure out why this is happening.

What Steps Are Involved In Mold Remediation?

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered what happens when a mold removal specialist gets called to a mold-damaged facility?

Here are five steps that a mold removal specialist takes when conducting mold remediation: 

1. Determine the degree of contamination. To do so, a mold remediation specialist may need to bring in an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) to determine the extent of the mold damage and test for contamination within the facility. Because mold spores and other microscopic contaminants can travel easily throughout a building, the IEP may collect and analyze samples from affected and unaffected areas of the building. Once the IEP has finished the inspection, they will develop a remediation plan for the mold removal specialist with steps to return the home to its preloss condition. 

2. Set up and verify containment. To make sure mold contamination does not spread to other areas of a facility, the mold remediation specialist will set up containment by creating isolation barriers. Once the barriers are established, the specialist will verify containment with a lower partial pressure differential (negative pressure) to ensure there is no air leakage between containment zones. Exit chambers are used to serve as a transition between the containment and the unaffected area of the building. Once the containment is verified and the correct amount of pressure is achieved, the removal process can begin. 

3. Remove unsalvageable materials. Porous materials and items that cannot be restored or cleaned effectively must be carefully discarded. Unsalvageable items include, but are not limited to, drywall, insulation and other items with visible mold growth. It is important for the specialist to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment which may include a full face respirator equipped with a P100/OV cartridge, disposable coveralls and nitrile gloves.

4. Clean surfaces with a high-attention to detail. A mold remediation specialist will likely begin the cleaning process by thoroughly vacuuming the contaminated areas using a HEPA vacuum with a high-efficiency filter to catch mold spores. He or she will then begin a detailed cleaning process involving mold removal tools such as a HEPA filtered sander, followed by the damp wiping of surfaces with an effective cleaning solution.

5. Verify remediation. Once cleaning is complete, the IEP will return to verify the remediation was successful. The area must be returned to the dry standard and should be visually dust free with no malodors. In addition, an IEP may perform surface or air sampling as part of the verification that the area is back to normal fungal ecology.  

 “Mold remediation requires mold removal specialists to perform techniques that promote source removal rather than relying on chemicals, paints and coatings as a replacement,” said Rachel Adams, President of Indoor Environmental Management, Inc. “Understanding and managing air flow is also critical to the success of a mold remediation project. Working with qualified IEP can also help to reduce the liability for the technician as well as provide a final determination if the remediation was successful.”

SERVPRO Storm Response

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team is ready to help!

Hurricanes and severe storms are a common part of our life in the Central Florida area. From South Orlando, to Ocoee, to Apopka, our franchise is available for disasters of any size. Many times though, when disaster strikes, it is hard to determine what step to take first. SERVPRPO Industries has a Disaster Recovery team that can be called in to assist our neighbors after a major storm. Our franchise can call in reinforcements to make sure that all of our neighbors are assisted ASAP!    

How does it all work?

As a team, SERVPRO franchises and corporate staff work together to track storms that will affect our franchise areas. After the storm hits, as soon as it is safe for our crews to enter the damaged area, they are dispatched. Mobile command centers are set up and franchises are pulled from over 1,650 locations across the country to help, depending on the size of the disaster. Crews will work around the clock to get people back into their homes and businesses as soon as possible.

Dealing with the aftermath of a major storm is very stressful. We are happy to offer our services in order to relieve some of that stress!

Hurricane Preparedness In Central Florida

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Hurricane Preparation Check List

Every year we hear about hurricane preparedness in Central Florida. What you need to do to make sure you, your family, and your belongings are as safe as possible during a storm. Each year we make calls to family making sure they are ready in case of an emergency, and each year we add more things to our list of ideas and needs that can be utilized in case of an emergency at the home.

Let’s take a moment to discuss water. Anyone who has been through a disaster knows it’s importance. Day to day you need it, but what happens when the temperature goes up, there is no AC, and you are exposed to more prolonged sun light? Dehydration sets in faster and water may become a more important need than it does without those conditions. Did you know the water heater in your home may hold up to 40-60 gallons of water? Fresh drinking water. You can access this directly from your water heater and it may make the difference in an emergency. Of course, it is always best in the case of an imminent storm, to store ahead of time as much clean and flushable water as you can. If the water supply is contaminated it may take weeks before it is safe to use again.

What about food? In emergency situations you will need to learn to ration food for prolonged periods. Meaning non spoiling products should be stocked up on and kept on hand. Make sure you have a fuel source for a grill or cooking source so you can plow through all that meat and produce you have stored in the freezer before it’s gone. Save the canned items for later.

After the storm passes, we will be available to assist with cleanup. You can reach our office at 407-788-3124 24/7/365!

Why Duct Cleaning is so Important

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

This photo shows the build up of contaminants on the inside of HVAC duct work, and the inside of the duct work after the cleaning was completed.

Here in Orlando, FL we like to think that once or twice a year we do spring or fall cleaning at home. We go through the house and clean what we see. But how do we go about cleaning what we don’t see? The air around us. Behind your walls is a maze of lines and vents that move air through our modern home. Often pulling air from the main parts of the house and some from outside. The air is circulated through an air handler, conditioned and pushed back into the home, or the office, or the school. With our busy lives how often do we really clean as much as we should? Have you ever woken up with a scratchy feeling in your throat? Have you ever suffered from allergies? Now stop and think about the air you breathe. What you don’t see is the dander, dust, dirt, and (if you have them) pet hair that is present. These particles are being moved through your structures through the vents.

The benefits of duct cleaning are simple and easy to see, even if the particles in the air are not. The first hits you in the chest. Cleaner air reduces allergies and illnesses that spring from constant contact with allergens. Particles in the air can be pulled into your HVAC up to seven times a day and circulated through the units. While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your building, they may be contributing to larger health issues, could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders, or those with allergies.

Next it will hit you in the wallet. The US Department of energy states that up to 40% of energy used for heating and air is wasted. Think about it this way, a vent is just a pipe in your home. What happens when all that matter builds up in the vent? It’s not being pushed through the vents completely, so it’s staying inside them and clogging them up! Filters are inserted into your HVAC’s but normal usage still allows for buildup of blocking matter that causes that unit to run longer, and more often. This also may cause your HVAC unit to have a shorter life span.

The EPA suggests that regularly switching out your filters, regular maintenance, and making sure moisture doesn’t get into your HVAC are important steps you can regularly do at home on your own. No facts about air duct cleaning have been produced yet, but logic dictates that once dirt and debris gets in, it needs to come out. It gets circulated and builds up in the home, office, or school. It does effect air quality in the building and will cause your unit to run harder and longer to push the same amount of air as a clean unit does wasting your hard earned money.

We are here to help you with any and all of your duct cleaning needs.  

What Equipment Will Be Used for Water Damage Remediation?

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

When a water damage occurs many customers feel blindsided by the many steps involved in remedying the situation. The task of removing the water, drying out the home or business, and then putting things back into place can seem overwhelming in the initial moments of finding the loss. That’s where we can help. Our team of highly qualified technicians take great care in walking a customer through the steps necessary to dry and repair their property.

Many different types of equipment are utilized in the drying and restoration process. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Air Mover and/or Axial Fan: Professional grade air movers and axial fans produce more air movement than a standard household fan. The higher volume of air being moved increases the rate of evaporation, helping to dry the structure as quickly as possible.

• Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier removes water vapor from the air by condensing it out against refrigerated fins. The water is stored and then periodically purged from the machine by use of plastic tubing. The tubing will generally be run so that it dumps water down a drain, such as a bath tub or sink, or sometimes out a window or door. Professional dehumidifiers pull much more vapor from the air than a household dehumidifier. In this way they are generally more efficient.

• Air Scrubber: An air scrubber might be used if your loss is a result of water classified as grey or black, which means that it came from a contaminated source or through building materials. These machines remove airborne particulates by trapping them in HEPA filters. Air Scrubbers are also used in cases where a customer has a health condition that requires the air quality be monitored.

• Specialty Drying Equipment: There are a variety of different tools available to our technicians for use in specialty circumstances. For instance, a floor drying mat system allows the technician to create a vacuum system for removing moisture from hardwood floors, in order to try to dry them in place. This helps the floor dry faster, and generally gives us a better chance of saving the hardwood flooring.

Many customers are concerned about the cost of their power bill when they see the amount of equipment needed. This is an understandable concern. Your insurance adjuster can discuss how to handle this with you.

I have Water Damage! What Should I Do Now?

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

lets set a scenario and say that your in your home in Ocoee, FL and you've had a significant water damage at your home. Multiple rooms are flooded, there is water coming out of your light fixtures downstairs, and then only thing you've been able to do it turn the water to stop the leak. What do you do next? Who do you call? 

The good news is that you've turned off the water, so you have started the process of mitigating your loss. The following are some steps you can take to prevent secondary damage from occurring to your belongings while you wait for SERVPRO to arrive.

• Call SERVPRO so that we can send a technician to your site immediately.
• Contact your insurance company (if you haven't already) to report the loss and notify them that you have contacted SERVPRO and that we are in-route.
• Begin removing excess water by mopping and blotting
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature
• Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Do not use a household vacuum to remove water
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpeting 

We our technicians arrive on site they will access the damages and being extracting water from porous surfaces. They will also place equipment and explain the drying process. If you have questions at any time during the process of drying your home or business, please call us! 

An Important Note About Your Homeowner's Insurance...

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

Over the years I have found something that concerns me greatly.

As many of you may already know, it is not unusual here in the Florida areas like Winter Garden, Winter Springs, Altamonte and Orlando. Water damage/floods that occur in a home usually involve some mold growth as a consequence. If mold is found, it falls under a special separate category of coverage named Fungi (you can find this if you read your homeowners policy).

The good news is that most insurance carriers in the state of Florida automatically include at least $10,000 in coverage for mold as part of their policy. I will warn you however, even $10,000 may not be adequate for a loss involving a lot of mold that also affects the contents in the home. Please consider calling your insurance agent to up this coverage just in case. Personally, I increased my coverage to $20,000 for my home.

Having said that, not all insurance companies in the state of Florida automatically give you $10,000 in mold coverage.  This is one glaring weakness you need to know about. To be fair to insurance agents, when you apply for coverage with them, they ask you if you want this fungi/mold coverage and it is up to the consumer to accept and decline this. Many consumers do decline this coverage not knowing how important it really is.

Over many years, I visited many claims where the homeowner has had water and mold damage and their insurance carrier was a company that did not automatically include this coverage. When mold is found, I urge the homeowner to call their agent to see if they have the fungi coverage. I would say that 90% of these homeowners find out that they do not have the coverage. This means the homeowner is paying a lot of money out of their own pocket to get the mold remediation done. This is bad enough, but the real anger and frustration occurs when the policyholder finds out that nearly all the other insurance carriers in Florida automatically extend to their policyholder’s the $10,000 in fungi coverage. This really upsets them. Even though it is not the insurance agents fault, they take the brunt of the homeowner’s anger and frustration.

Needless to say, the point of this discussion is to highly encourage all homeowners to call their agent as soon as possible to check on their fungi coverage and to add this coverage to their policy if they do not have it.

Spot Cleaning Tips & Tricks

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

·         Wax-We’ve all had it happen. Our favorite candle overflows and wax gets all over our furniture. Or, in my case, my cat knocked over a wax warmer and the wax spilled down the wall and onto the carpet. With this tip we will help you get the wax out. If the wax is colored, chances are that no amount of cleaning will rid you of the new colored area. For hard surfaces, such as tables or countertops (or your wall), allow the wax to cool completely and harden. Then it can be easily scrapped off of the surface and thrown away or re-melted (if you’d like to attempt it again). Removing the wax from your carpet it a bit trickier. You’ll want to grab your iron and a white towel. Turn the iron on to the lowest setting (most carpet is made of synthetic fibers, so this step is VERY important). Then fold your white towel in half and place it over the wax. With even pressure and a steady movement, apply the iron to the top of the towel. This will cause the wax to begin to melt and then transfer to the towel. Again, any stain from the color of the wax will stay on both surfaces. If you choose to try to treat the color issue, we recommend that you contact our office so that we can use professional products on the stain. The products sold over the counter have brighteners in them which can cause bleaching where they were used when you have your carpets cleaned next.

·         Red Wine- First-BLOT, don’t rub! You can also try to use the towel & iron method on this type of stain if it is a fresh stain. It should pull SOME of the color out. Red wine contains natural dyes, which are cleaned differently than synthetic dyes like you would find in most wax. Once you’ve tried that, if you still need to extract more color, contact our office. We have special cleaning techniques that may allow for greater success when used as soon as possible.

·         Blood- In the case of a major clean up job, it’s always best to call in the professionals. Sometimes though, you might have a couple of small drops of blood on your carpet. You can get a cup of ICE water. It is important that the water be as cold as possible. Then pour a little water on each spot. You’ll probably notice that the blood will pool up in the water. Once you’ve covered the spots in ice water, you can go back and BLOT the spots up. This trick usually works very well.

·         Paint- Well, there’s not much you can do in this case except for a very HEAVY rinse. The area will need to be saturated and then extracted. This is the type of stain you want to keep wet with a wet towel until our technicians can get to your location. They will then use the truck-mounted extraction system to extract as much paint as possible. Once the paint is extracted a good cleaning will help make sure your carpet doesn’t get that crunchy feeling.

Some important things to keep in mind: Stains are all going to be in one of two categories, natural or synthetic. Knowing which category your stain fits into will help you and your SERVPRO professionals determine the best course of action in handling your issue. 

Vacuuming Tips & Tricks

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

Most people in the Orlando, Winter Springs and even the Winter Garden area have just enough time to run the vacuum over their traffic areas before company arrives. But did you know that there is a proper way to vacuum and that it will also affect the lifespan of your carpet? The following tips from the Carpet & Rug Institute are very helpful. For more information on carpet care, please visit their web site at www.carpet-rug.org

Vacuuming 101

Proper vacuuming is the easiest and most effective way to keep your carpet clean. Regular vacuuming can also have the largest impact on the air you breathe.

To get the most out of your vacuuming regime, remember these few easy tips:

• A quick once-over doesn’t do much. Slow and steady does the trick.
• When vacuuming, don’t ignore those corners and crevices where dust builds.
• “Top-down” cleaning saves you the step of vacuuming again after dusting. Dust blinds, windowsills, and furniture surfaces first and then vacuum away any fallen dust.
• Remember to replace or empty vacuum bags when they are half to two-thirds full.

How Often Should You Vacuum?

As a rule of thumb, you should vacuum at least once a week with a quality vacuum cleaner. However, the more foot traffic over your carpet, the more you need to vacuum. The general formula is:

• Vacuum daily in high-traffic or pet areas.
• Vacuum twice weekly in medium-traffic areas.
• Vacuum weekly in light-traffic areas, using attachments at carpet edges.

Organization Tips & Tricks

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

Productivity-we all want it and crave it.  Where is it?  Why can’t we get more of it?  Well, this article gives simple suggestions for how we might achieve it.  I am a mother, a career woman, a wife, daughter, friend, etc and my day is so full like many others.  Prioritizing is so very important.  This article seems almost too simple, but sometimes we forget the simple things and really over complicate life. What if we were not to apply these simple suggestions?  Well, I have been there and done that…..We get interrupted so many times in a day with other “crisis”, a phone call, an email…it all takes precedence at that moment.  Go back to the list is what I say.  Otherwise, we are not accomplishing productivity or even getting things done.  We end up just moving things from one side of our desk to another.  We have to stick to the some of the basics, especially those of us in management.  People count on us.  If we are not organized, we will live in total chaos and we cannot help others. 

Daily Habits of Successful People: It’s All About Routine

By Brian Tracy

The most successful people all have certain habits in their daily routines.

They help contribute to their success and can be considered good habits to form. It could be something simple like, setting a goal to, “Do good each day,” like Benjamin Franklin did.

It could also be something more elaborate such as spending most of your morning in bed like Winston Churchill. Churchill would wake up at 7:30am daily, eat breakfast, read his mail and newspaper until 11am.

My Favorite Habits of Millionaires:

Habits of Millionaires vary, but I am going to share one of my favorite daily habits of successful people with you. It is something that I use every day and has contributed greatly to my success.

It is the habit of making a list before the day begins.

Let me tell you below why it is so important…

Here are the 3 steps to planning and making your daily list.

1. Plan Your Day The Night Before

Every minute spent in planning saves 10 minutes in execution. Sit down with a piece of paper and write down everything that you need to do the coming day. If for any reason you don’t do this, it should be the first thing you do every morning. When you write a list you have a track to run on.

Writing a list clarifies your thinking and goals…

Writing down a list forces you to think at a higher level…

If you start working from a list you increase you output 25% each day.

One of the habits of millionaires is that they start their day working from a list.

2. Set Priorities On Your List Before You Start the Day

Work from the 80/20 rule. If you have 10 items on your list of things to do, two will be the more important than all of the other items put together.

Go down your list and answer the question, “If I were to be called out of town for a month, what are the most important tasks that I must accomplish?”

Last fall I was out of the country traveling across 15 countries in 36 days. When I looked at my list of things to do before I left, I had to get my most important tasks done.

Once you identify these most important tasks, it brings us to the final step in starting your day.

3. Complete the Most Important Task First

Begin immediately on your most important task and focus on it and only it until completion.

All success in life comes from project completion and living a life of good habits will help you complete more projects.

A project with multiple tasks is called a “multi-task job”. This means that there are several smaller jobs to complete the larger job. Organize your jobs by sequence in a checklist and start on you most important project.

Complete the smaller jobs in your project, until the entire project is complete. This process is called “single handling” and it’s one of the most powerful things that you can use in managing your time. You can increase your productivity by 50% by planning, starting and completing your most important tasks every single day.

Conclusion

If you can develop these habits of successful people and do those three things, plan your day the night before, organize your tasks in order of importance, and complete your most important task first thing during your day, you will increase your productivity overnight.

What to Do If You Have Bats in Your Home

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

Bats. Bat infestations are becoming a more common problem in central Florida for homeowners throughout Orlando including the areas of Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Ocoee, Winter Park, Sanford, Winter Garden, Oviedo, and Maitland Florida. Bats are the only flying mammal and like to have a private space away from predators and bad weather. Where is a good Place? You’re Attic of Course! Here is a list that may be helpful in determining if you have an issue at your property with bats:

·         Are there a large number of bats outside the building? 

·         Has anyone heard scratching or squeaking noises from walls, the chimney, or attic?

·         Are there unexplained stains on walls and ceilings?

·         Are there rub marks on the outside of the building around areas with holes or cracks? 

Bats can carry different diseases that can harm humans in many ways. Rabies being one of the illness. The other is Histoplasmosis. The Mayo Clinic defines it as:

An infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings. Histoplasmosis is most commonly transmitted when these spores become airborne, often during cleanup or demolition projects.

As a side effect of bats living in a home, mold can start to grow in the bat droppings

There is a specialized remediation process to remove the bat droppings from the attic space and dispose of them. SERVPRO Is highly trained in the remediation process for buildings and homes affected by bat infestations. We have completed everything from single family homes to major hotels.

During the removal process all materials that have come in contact with the bat droppings would have to be removed and disposed of under state regulations for bio Hazardous waste. The Items include:

Drywall, insulation, cloth materials, cardboard and wood (depending on the saturation of droppings)

If you have any concerns or think you may have had an infestation of bats, Please call us for an inspection.

You CAN Save Wet Papers!

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

In our business, we generally encounter people with homes or businesses that are damaged by water. We spend our time drying these structures as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the owner can be back in them and functioning as normal as soon as possible. This includes drying of contents. Even though we work in areas of Florida like Orlando, Apopka, Ocoee and even Winter Garden its not that easy to dry structurens as fast as we would like. Interestingly, when we discuss contents, people generally think of furniture, clothing, appliances, and electronics. But what about documents? What if the damaged business is a doctor’s office, hospital, or lawyer’s office? Saving the documents in those files could determine a patient’s wellbeing or the attorney’s ability to win a case. Once the paper is wet can it be saved?

There are many factors to be considered when we look at paper and its ability to be restored. Some things that we have to determine are based on the kind of paper it is, did the ink already smear, has the paper changed shape? If the paper is determined to be salvageable, we can attempt to dry it with a process known as Vacuum Freeze Drying.

Vacuum freeze drying is done in steps. The first step requires that the documents be frozen solid in order to maintain their original form. Then they are placed in a freeze drying chamber and a vacuum makes sure to remove all air from the chamber. When the temperature and pressure reach optimum levels the vapors begin to release from the paper. The vapor is then collected on a condensing surface outside of the chamber that turns it back into ice. A final gradual temperature rise pulls off more vapors and releases bound moisture from the document.

This technique works well on many types of documents. Rest assured, if your home or business should ever suffer a water damage, we can help recover your building and ALL of your salvageable contents!

Keep Your House Clean In Less Time!

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

Most of us have very busy lives. Family life has changed so much in the last 20-30 years that it’s almost unrecognizable to an older generation. Gone are the days where a mother would stay at home and take care of her house and her family while her husband went to work and provided for the family’s financial needs. Most households now have both spouses working to provide financially for the family. In the Central Florida area this is a very big thing. 

With the ever growing demand to get from place to place and to have our days constantly filled, how do you handle the chores at your house? We found this helpful chart on Pinterest. By breaking down normal household chores into daily, weekly, and monthly items, we found that it helps to make sure everything is accomplished without making anyone feel overwhelmed. Try it out and let us know what you think!

To print out your own copy of this chart, visit http://thriftydiydiva.com/free-cleaning-schedule-printable-daily-weekly-monthly/

How to Select A Carpet Cleaning Company

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

The following information comes from an article listed on IICRC.org, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This information is helpful when deciding which company should handle your carpet cleaning needs.

“Cleaning Carpet Can Be a Dirty Business” “Not All Scum Is In the Carpet” “Don’t Let them Pull The Rug Out From Under You” “Clean Your Carpets Without Cleaning Out Your Wallet” “Don’t Get Taken To The Cleaners.”  These clever phrases have appeared recently in newspaper articles and televised news programs across the nation warning consumers about carpet cleaning scam operations. The media has related horror stories of trusting consumers who have responded to low-price carpet cleaning specials only to become victims of unethical cleaners who refuse to honor the advertised price, intimidate the consumers and do poor quality work.

Bait-and-switch operators are prevalent in many industries, and the carpet cleaning industry is no exception. This does not mean that all carpet cleaners are rip-off artists. How do you know who is and who is not? The professional carpet cleaning industry has cited these scam activities as a major industry concern and is taking action to help eliminate unprofessional workmanship and unethical tactics. One of the leaders in this campaign is the IICRC, an international, non-profit organization that certifies cleaners who meet prescribed levels of technical proficiency and pledge to operate by a Code of Ethics.

To help educate consumers so they will not become victims of fraudulent practices within the cleaning industry, the IICRC has released a list of guidelines to consider when selecting a carpet cleaner.

• Price – If an advertised price sounds too good to be true – it is! Often carpet cleaners advertise a low price just to get their foot in the door. Use common sense; a low price usually equates to low quality for any product or service. Legitimate business people have expenses they must cover, including license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, and benefits, and quality tools of the trade. A professional carpet cleaner who must cover all of these business expenses and make a profit to stay in the business cannot afford to drive to your house for $5.95, much less clean a room of carpet when there.
• Quality – Never should the price of cleaning services be the sole criterion for selecting a carpet cleaner. A price that sounds high may not be a signal of a rip-off. In all professions, quality work deserves a quality price.
• Truth in Advertising – Read the fine print in advertised specials to find out exactly what the price includes, and request a firm price in writing before the work begins.
• Training – Professional cleaning firms require management and employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing.  Consumers should ask about the formal training background of technicians who will be cleaning their carpet.
• Certification – Professional firms require technicians who have certification from organizations like the IICRC or through comparable franchise or independent training and testing organizations.
• Experience – The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the experience and proficiency of its employees.
• Knowledgeable – Professional firms employ and train technicians who have the ability to answer basic questions regarding carpet performance and maintenance, as well as spotting and cleaning.
• References – Consumers should ask for references from previous customers, and they should consult friends and business acquaintances about the reputation of the cleaning firm they are considering. Do not hesitate to call the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.
• Trade Associations – Professional cleaning firms are members of regional or national trade associations or other organizations that promote high ethical standards and continuing education. Look for trade association logos in advertising.
• Credibility – Community involvement through the Chamber of Commerce and/or professional business, charitable or similar organizations will be undertaken by concerned, caring professionals. Look for logos indicating involvement in these organizations.
• Method – Ask the cleaner which method of cleaning will be used and the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to other methods.
• Proof – Never hesitate to ask for proof. Ask to see the cleaner’s certification card, business license and insurance certificate.
• No Pressure – Technicians must be courteous and willing to take the time to thoroughly explain the cleaning and to answer all questions. The consumer should never feel pressured.

There is no single criterion for selecting a carpet cleaning service. Several combined factors must be considered in the selection decision.

What Does Water Restoration Really Cost

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

When a customer has a water loss, they are often overcome with emotions. One of the biggest concerns is how much the loss or damage will cost. Typically we can't answer that question over the phone due to many unforeseen circumstances. This article found on home.costhelper.com/water-damage helps to shed some light on this difficult subject. Our team of professionals will be able to assist in restoration of any water damage, anytime, day or night. Give us a call today with any questions you might have. As always, coverage for a loss under an insurance claim would be determined by your insurance company's assigned adjuster.

Water or excess moisture can harm a home and its contents, and cleanup should be started as soon as possible.

Typical costs:

• The cost of water damage restoration is based on several factors. These include the size of the affected area, the extent of the damage, the materials and water type. There are three categories -- the least expensive to clean up is category 1, which is clean water from a faucet or supply pipe. Category 2 is gray wastewater with minor contaminants, such as overflow from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 3 is black water, containing sewage or other toxic debris.
• Fixing a small area of water damage in a ceiling due to a leaky roof can be $100-$300 to patch the sheet rock, or $30-$50 for do-it-yourself materials -- not including the cost of fixing the roof and repainting the ceiling.
• Drying a flooded basement can cost $500-$10,000 or more, depending on the size of the basement, the depth of the flooding and the water type (clean, gray wastewater or black/toxic). Depending on where the appliance is located in the house, cleaning up after a faulty water heater, washing machine, dishwasher or air conditioner averages about $5,000, according to HomeOwnerNet.com^[1] .
• Damage from a burst water pipe can cost $5,000-$70,000 or more with an average insurance claim costing $15,000.
• If an entire house is flooded with storm water, the National Flood Insurance Program provides a flood damage simulator^[2] to predict the total cost based on the height of the water. For 1-4 inches of water, the estimated cost is $7,800. For 9-12 inches, the estimate is$18,930. At 18 inches, the estimated cost is $26,285..
• Water damage might be covered by insurance. Flood insurance typically covers damage from a natural disaster, when outside water or mud overflows an otherwise dry house. Homeowners insurance does not cover floods, but may cover water damage caused by minor individualized disasters, such as a hailstorm smashing a window or a broken water pipe spewing water -- as long as the problem wasn't caused by a lack of standard maintenance.

Water Damage is Bad for Your Health and Your Business!

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Businesses throughout the Orlando area are constantly effected by the environments around them. The elements can wreak havoc on the interior of businesses under the best circumstances. Plumbing malfunctions, damage to the structure, or the risk of fire can put a dent in your business plans for the day and cost you a lot of money. Then there are the lingering hazards that now can grow from these damages.

Let’s talk about carpet. Standing water and carpets just do not mix. The fabric can be destroyed, it can accelerate the growth of mold and fungi and it can trap hazards within the fibers as the water evaporates or recedes. If carpets are left untreated you may have to replace all the carpet, and not to mention what it will do to the floor below. Water in the floor, depending on the type of floor can warp, weaken, or allow for a collapse to occur more frequently.

Water in or on walls can knock sections of the building out of commission. If water happens to settle in the walls it will damage the fibers of the wall and create a breeding ground for microbial growth. Mold and fungi love warm, dark, wet environments to breed in. Opening up the walls and getting a dehumidifier near the areas to help dry the water keeps the problem from spreading.

Furniture and chairs are usually multi problem areas. Desks often made of wood soak up water. Desks are usually covered in papers and important items which water often destroys if left untreated. SERVPRO can salvage your papers using a freeze dry method of extracting water. Placing fans and dehumidifiers near water soaked desks can keep you from replacing them. Desk chairs which are often fiber based exterior with soft cushion material inside soak up water and anything in the water. Again all these normal office pieces of furniture can be salvaged if time and skill are used to the utmost.

Keep in mind, time plus water equals money. The longer you wait, the longer the water soaks in and does damage, the more it costs you in the end.

Steps Involved in Removing Mold

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered what happens when a mold removal specialist gets called to a mold-damaged facility?

Here are five steps that a mold removal specialist takes when conducting mold remediation:

1. Determine the degree of contamination. To do so, a mold remediation specialist may need to bring in an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) to determine the extent of the mold damage and test for contamination within the facility. Because mold spores and other microscopic contaminants can travel easily throughout a building, the IEP may collect and analyze samples from affected and unaffected areas of the building. Once the IEP has finished the inspection, they will develop a remediation plan for the mold removal specialist with steps to return the home and/or business to its preloss condition.

2. Set up and verify containment. To make sure mold contamination does not spread to other areas of a facility, the mold remediation specialist will set up containment by creating isolation barriers. Once the barriers are established, the specialist will verify containment with a lower partial pressure differential (negative pressure) to ensure there is no air leakage between containment zones. Exit chambers are used to serve as a transition between the containment and the unaffected area of the building. Once the containment is verified and the correct amount of pressure is achieved, the removal process can begin.

3. Remove unsalvageable materials. Porous materials and items that cannot be restored or cleaned effectively must be carefully discarded. Unsalvageable items include, but are not limited to, drywall, insulation and other items with visible mold growth. It is important for the specialist to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment which may include a full face respirator equipped with a P100/OV cartridge, disposable coveralls and nitrile gloves.

4. Clean surfaces with a high-attention to detail. A mold remediation specialist will likely begin the cleaning process by thoroughly vacuuming the contaminated areas using a HEPA vacuum with a high-efficiency filter to catch mold spores. He or she will then begin a detailed cleaning process involving mold removal tools such as a HEPA filtered sander, followed by the damp wiping of surfaces with an effective cleaning solution. 5. Verify remediation. Once cleaning is complete, the IEP will return to verify the remediation was successful. The area must be returned to the dry standard and should be visually dust free with no malodors. In addition, an IEP may perform surface or air sampling as part of the verification that the area is back to normal fungal ecology.  

 “Mold remediation requires mold removal specialists to perform techniques that promote source removal rather than relying on chemicals, paints and coatings as a replacement,” said Rachel Adams, President of Indoor Environmental Management, Inc. “Understanding and managing air flow is also critical to the success of a mold remediation project. Working with qualified IEP can also help to reduce the liability for the technician as well as provide a final determination if the remediation was successful.”

What Do Do If You Have A Sewage Leak

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

It’s late at night. The rain has been coming down for what seems like hours. Your toilet is flushed as lightning splits the sky, and suddenly you have sewage backing up in your home, onto your carpet, under your floors. This is not a dream….This is a NIGHTMARE! This is actually a reality for some. Half awake, dealing with an emergency what are you going to do? What can we salvage? What is safe to touch? First thing is first, sewage can be very dangerous. The most common negative factor in sewage is hepatitis B. This little thing can remain outside a living body for up to 50 days and cause a host of health issues. So the cleaning of your home or office must be done right, and done fast.

There are many items that can be cleaned by a professional from a sewage loss. Here is a Short list of what cannot be saved:

Some Electronics – Depending on the type and how far the contamination went down into the item will come into play. You cannot wipe off just the outside and say it is good to go. If sewage comes in contact with a power cord or a small transfer box it should be replaced. If the item is not replaced the contamination will fester inside and could cause a major fire hazard. This is a very serious issue that should be handled by a professional.

Soft Goods/Certain Textiles – Some can be cleaned depending on the material make, age and contamination level. Certain items like pillows or stuffed animals will need to be dissembled, filling removed, exterior cleaned and put back together with clean materials.

Engineered Wood/ Press wood - Any wood item that has been modified where contamination has come in contact with an unfinished surface cannot be cleaned. This is due to the many cavities that pressboard and engineered wood have. Natural/Solid wood can be treated and sanded to remove the affected areas, then re-stained to match existing colors.

Carpet/Pad – If at any time there was sewage that soaked through to the carpet or pad, the area must be removed! There is no way to guarantee that the carpet and pad are fully decontaminated.

If there are any questions, Please call your local SERVPRO and we will help.

Hurricane IRMA-Destruction in Central Florida

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Irma swept through Central Florida causing devastation on many levels. We were fortunate enough to not have the maximum amount of damage forecasted, but that doesn’t mean that the damage wasn’t enough to hurt.

As a restoration company, we received THOUSANDS of phone calls. In general, people know that they need to call a company like ours for help after a natural disaster like Irma. We actually received some phone calls before the storm hit, because people understood the need to be prepared. With everything going on, there are some things that go unnoticed, and as I write this, I find the need to share those things. They are important because they truly show the spirit of our company.

Before the storm hit we had a plan in place that would allow us to help as many people as possible, as fast as possible. We are a 24/7 service company for emergency service, but typically, after 5:00 in the evening and until 8:00 in the morning, we have our calls answered by a service. That way we can allow our staff time to sleep! We knew though, that we needed to have someone on staff answering the phones once the storm hit, because they would be the best ones to answer questions, offer some hope, and get people in line for service. We had two employees that agreed to do this. They tirelessly answered calls for days.

Because we are part of a national system of franchises, SERVPRO corporate called in the cavalry to assist the local franchises. Once each local office was at their limit, we could easily dispatch out one of our sister franchises. That allowed us to get someone out as soon as possible, instead of having to turn people away or wait for weeks for service. There were franchises from all over the country that came in to help, many of them even came directly from helping in Texas after Harvey.

From a business standpoint, right after a storm is a time for restoration companies to make money. What I found interesting though, was that instead of sending people out to try to secure the biggest jobs, Scott Tracy, the owner of our franchise, was busy making sure that the employee’s families were safe. He even went out and bought additional generators for those families to use so that they wouldn’t have to be without power at their home. He was busy with trying to take care of those around him.

Our office was without power for 9 days. We serviced as many people as possible by working from our General Manager’s home. Her kitchen table was turned into a mobile office. We could do almost everything we needed to in order to help our customers and get the information to our production team that they needed.

These things all add up to one big picture, our franchise is led by a team of people who CARE, not just about the bottom line of the business, but about the community and their staff. When the next storm hits, remember that a company that cares about their employees will care more about their customers too. SERVPRO is always here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

What to Look for After the Storm is Long Gone

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

It’s been weeks since we had our brush with Hurricane Irma in Central Florida. How did your home do? Did you have minimal damage? Some missing shingles? Maybe some slight water intrusion from windows? Did you think that you had it all cleaned up but now you are starting to smell something funny? Here are a few things to look for that will help you decided if you have an area that needs to be investigated further by a professional.

• Musty smell-many people report this after there has been a water intrusion in their home or business. If it goes away in a couple days, then it probably isn’t a big issue. If you notice that the smell lingers, and is even a bit stronger in a specific area, this would be a cause for further investigation.
• Water marks that seem to have come out of nowhere. This could be a sign that the area you thought was dry, is actually still wet. Modern building materials can hold water in them for longer periods of time, making it harder to find right away.
• Bulging floors, buckling floors, “squishy” floors, these are all signs of a water intrusion issue. Many times, when your floor is showing those signs, there will be other areas affected also.
• Drywall that is crumbling or bulging. This can be a sign that the drywall was wet at one point, or still is, and that it needs to be checked further.

These are three simple things, but added together they can be a sign that there might be mold growth or even some areas that need proper drying. If you’ve noticed that your home or business is being affected by these or similar things, feel free to give us a call to discuss them. Our team is available to answer questions for you or schedule an inspection. You can reach us at 407-788-3124. 

How a Water Restoration Technician Assists After Disaster

1/31/2017 (Permalink)

A water restoration technician has an extremely important job when a home is affected by excess moisture. Certified professionals in the industry can quickly reverse the extensive damage that a flood or sewage backflow can cause, and save as many items as possible in the process. And when dealing with contaminated water, especially when it has pooled in the home, only certified professionals should be allowed to manage the cleanup. Attempting to perform cleanup efforts without expert assistance can lead to injury or illness, both of which can be severe.

A certified water restoration technician is on call around the clock. When an entire community has been affected a major disaster we can call in multiple teams to assist. As soon as a professional is on site, they will assess the situation and determine what items need immediate rescuing. If water has pooled in areas around the home, then pumps will be used to remove it.

The home will be dried using a configuration of heavy duty air movers and dehumidifiers, and while it dries, the firm will move through the building and look for any evidence of mold or pathogen contamination. If pathogens or mold are present, they will be eliminated using special procedures. This will ensure the home is safe to return to, and with concerted drying efforts, the building will as good as new once professionals have completed their work.

Red Cross and SERVPRO working together to serve Central Florida community

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

The fire fighters have just walked out of your home. It's past midnight. Your family is safe. You followed the two minute evacuation plan. But, as you look onto where you and your family once slept, played, ate and lived, now you see a soot covered, smoldering structure that will need serious repair. What do you do now? Who do you call to help you get your home back to normal? And then, when you do call someone, what happens next? Where will you and your family go? It's usually right about this time that an American Red Cross representative that the fire fighters contacted for you puts a blanket over your shoulders and tells you, It'll be okay, we are here for you. If you have never had this happen to you consider yourself lucky. If you have, you know what I'm about to talk about here.

For those that haven't and have never given to the Red Cross or thought to have helped out in some way let me tell you a little about them. May 21st 1881 Clara Barton started what is now the American Red Cross. It was modeled after the Swiss version of The Red Cross. It was bread out of the Civil War. After World War 2 they started the first civilian blood donation outfit.

Today they provide these services:

• People affected by disasters in America
• Support for members of the military and their families
• Blood collection, processing and distribution
• Health and safety education and training
• International relief and development

And they do it all by donation and volunteer work.

https://www.redcross.org/donate/modf

HVAC Maintenance

1/6/2017 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered as your AC unit kicks on, just what are some of the most common issues people have with their HVAC? You haven't? Well....Allow me to answer your now burning question.  

The List:

• Dirty Air Filters. Air filters should be changed regularly.
• Clogged Drain Lines.
• Blown Fuses. 
• Low Refrigerant. 
• Dirty Condenser Coils. 
• Electrical Problems.
• Frozen Evaporator Coil. 
• Thermostat.

Briefly, let’s discuss how SERVPRO can solve some of these issues, and keep others from happening.

I'm sorry, but dirt happens. Not only that, dust is made up of dirt as well as pet dander and skin. Yes skin. We are constantly making our homes dusty. Regular dusting and cleaning helps cut down on a lot of that, but the air is full of small particles that are being pulled into your HVAC's and it starts with the filter. If you have dirty filters you are circulating dirty air into your vents. Your vents are connected to a maze of ducts in the home and office. This debris collects in spaces we normally can't get to. SERVPRO of West Orange and Apopka-Wekiva can help here. We offer a comprehensive cleaning team for your in home or in office duct systems. We will deed clean your system and seal it to protect from fast buildup of debris. The HVAC air handler is pulled apart and cleaned piece by piece. 

This simple solution can save you from possibly needing to deal with the rest of that list. It can also improve air quality in your home or office. Feel free to give us a call today for an estimate!

10 Reasons to have your Carpet Cleaned

1/6/2017 (Permalink)

We found the following information on cleanlink.com and felt that it was very valuable to our customers. It gives 10 very compelling reasons to have your carpet cleaned. 

As the weather warms and people head outdoors, it is important that custodial departments don't lose sight of what needs to be done inside. There are many reasons why carpets should not be neglected. Doug Berjer product manager for CFR, manufacturers of recycling portable carpet extractors, offers these top ten reasons to have carpets cleaned year round. 

1. Prolongs the life of carpeting. Regular carpet cleaning using the extraction method can increase the life of carpets significantly, protecting your floor-covering investment.
2. Protects indoor air quality. Carpets trap airborne pollutants; however, eventually those pollutants must be removed in order to protect the carpet and maintain indoor air quality.
3. Makes carpets easier to maintain. Most carpet soiling is made up of dry soils; when carpets are kept thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, most dry soils can be removed with regular vacuuming.
4. Removes spots and stains. As with other soils, spots and stains can attract more soiling. Removing them promptly protects carpeting from damage.
5. Prevents buildup of allergens and bacteria. Moist soiling of carpets can result in the buildup of several unhealthy contaminants.
6. Enhances the appearance of any room. Clean, well-maintained carpets speak volumes about the overall cleanliness of a home or facility.
7. Improves worker morale. Workers feel better about their work environment when it is clean. This includes the carpeting.
8. Makes carpeting look and feel clean and fresh.
9. Removes dust mites and bedbugs that may have found a home in carpets.
10. Maintains the carpet’s warranty. Most carpet warranties require that carpets be cleaned using the extraction method within a specific amount of time, usually every 12 to 18 months.

Water Damage Drying-What Is All This Equipment For?

1/4/2017 (Permalink)

Always prepared for your lose in Winter Garden!

You just called SERVPRO of Apopka-Wekiva. A disaster has struck you and your home or office. The crews from SERVPRO are on their way to mitigate the disaster. They show up in the big green trucks and in moments are assessing the damage to your property. Popping open the back of the truck they start to unload equipment, but what are they unloading? Why is it important? Here’s a list of the usual things you’ll see brought into a property once the team starts to work.

• Air Mover and/or Axial Fan: Professional grade air movers and axial fans produce more air movement than a standard household fan. The higher volume of air being moved increases the rate of evaporation, helping to dry the structure as quickly as possible.
• Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier removes water vapor from the air by condensing it out against refrigerated fins. The water is stored and then periodically purged from the machine by use of plastic tubing. The tubing will generally be run so that it dumps water down a drain, such as a bath tub or sink, or sometimes out a window or door. Professional dehumidifiers pull much more vapor from the air than a household dehumidifier. In this way they are generally more efficient.
• Air Scrubber: An air scrubber might be used if your loss is a result of water classified as grey or black, which means that it came from a contaminated source or through building materials. These machines remove airborne particulates by trapping them in HEPA filters. Air Scrubbers are also used in cases where a customer has a health condition that requires the air quality be monitored.
• Specialty Drying Equipment: There are a variety of different tools available to our technicians for use in specialty circumstances. For instance, a floor drying mat system allows the technician to create a vacuum system for removing moisture from hardwood floors, in order to try to dry them in place. This helps the floor dry faster, and generally gives us a better chance of saving the hardwood flooring.

There are of course many other tools you may well see if the situation requires them. The onsite SERVPRO technicians can and will explain any of the tools they use for the job. So when in doubt ask them!

Upholstery Cleaning Services Should Always Be Used

1/3/2017 (Permalink)

Professional upholstery cleaning services are much more effective than do-it-yourself options or treatment performed by untrained personnel. That’s because certified professionals know how to use the latest equipment and practices to great effect, removing even the most stubborn soils deeply embedded in the fabric. Homeowners often ignore the need for furniture cleaning, but if it is not performed regularly, families may have to get rid of their favorite sofa or chair long before it is necessary.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) teaches technicians the best way to approach upholstery cleaning services in any setting. They know how to identify and clean every type of fabric, including delicate fabrics like silk and leather.

In general, the process is the same no matter what kind of furniture the technician is working with, though it still requires a great deal of precision and effort. The fabric is first vacuumed to get rid of all dry, loose soils. This ensures they are not matted during water application. Pretreatment sprays are then applied and help break down stubborn soils like body oil and liquid stains. The technician will then apply a combination of water and cleaning agents, either by scrubbing or with a special wand tool. The furniture is rinsed lightly and excess water is extracted before the fabric is allowed to dry.

This form of treatment reaches all layers of the fabric and can greatly extend the furniture’s life. For that reason, it should be considered an investment in the furniture. SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva is proud to have fully IICRC trained technicians on staff to help you with your upholstery cleaning needs. Feel free to give us a call for a quote today!

Found the perfect home for the perfect price or a perfect fixer-upper in Casselberry, FL

5/6/2016 (Permalink)

You find out after moving in or Buying the Home in the Orlando or Casselberry area and find out that it use to be an Illegal drug manufacturing home aka a meth house. A meth house can be any type of home from the $2 million mansion, trailer, typical suburban home, or even a retail store Bathroom.

Here are some signs that the home may have been involved in illegal drug activity.

Equipment left on Property:

• Scuba Tanks

• Camping Stoves

• Propane Tanks

Trash Left on Property:

• Rags With Red And yellow stains

• Coffee Filters With Red Stains

• Rubber Hoses

• Empty Bottles of Automotive Fluids

• Empty Blister Packs of OTC medication

Heavy Smells of:

• Fertilizers

• Rotten Eggs

• Gas

• Ammonia

The Exterior Of the home:

• Boarded Up Windows/Blacked Out Windows

• Burned Grass

What makes the home toxic is the absorption off the chemicals used in the cooking process. All the drywall, wood, ceiling and any appliances have absorbed the chemicals that were cooked into them. After the cooking process is done the toxins will release from any porous materials in the home

1 Pound of Cooked Meth Will make 5 Pounds of poisonous waste. When purchasing a home that may be questionable, an Industrial Hygienist can be called in to check for any potential health hazards present.

SERVPRO can take the process from beginning to end and return a healthy home to you and your family.

What items are salvageable from blood contamination in Ocoee, FL

5/6/2016 (Permalink)

It happens, someone we know has been involved in a gun, knife or other sharp item incident. It can really happen anywhere like Apopka or even Ocoee, FL. Whether it happens to be a kitchen accident or an accidental discharge on a fire arm, SERVPRO knows how to handle any situation.

There are many items that can be cleaned by a professional that had previous blood contamination. Here is a short list of what cannot be saved:

Some Electronics – Depending on the type and how far the contamination went down into the item will come into play. You cannot wipe off just the outside and say it is good to go. If blood falls between the vents of the item there is a chance it could land on a circuit board and cause a short at minimum or Cause a fire. This is a very serious issue that should be handled by a professional.

Soft Goods/Certain Textiles – Some can be cleaned depending on the material make, age and contamination level. Certain items like pillows or stuffed animals will need to be dissembled, filling removed, exterior cleaned and put back together with clean materials.

Engineered Wood/ Press wood - Any wood item that has been modified where contamination has come in contact with an unfinished surface cannot be cleaned. This is due to the many cavities that pressboard and engineered wood have. Natural/Solid wood can be treated and sanded to remove the affected areas, then re-stained to match existing colors.

Carpet/Pad – If at any time there is blood contamination that has soaked through to the carpet or pad the area must be removed! There is no way to guarantee that the carpet and pad are fully decontaminated.

If there are any questions, Please call your local SERVPRO and we will help.

What Items Can I Save After A Sewage Back-Up? Winter Garden,FL

5/3/2016 (Permalink)

Contributed by Michael Johnson, Production Manager

What items are salvageable from Sewage Back up?

A sewage loss in your home can be detrimental. There are many items in the home that should be discarded. In the world of water damage we call a sewage loss a Category 3. Category 3's can happen anywhere this one just so happen to be in Winter Garden. This type of water damage is very dangerous if not cleaned up correctly. The list of contaminates in a sewage back-up is long. One of them is Hepatitis B. Hep B can live out of the body for 50 days. This is why the cleaning process is so important.

There are many items that can be cleaned by a professional from a sewage loss. Here is a Short list of what cannot be saved:

Some Electronics – Depending on the type and how far the contamination went down into the item will come into play. You cannot wipe off just the outside and say it is good to go. If sewage comes in contact with a power cord or a small transfer box it should be replaced. If the item is not replaced the contamination will fester inside and could cause a major fire hazard. This is a very serious issue that should be handled by a professional.

Soft Goods/Certain Textiles – Some can be cleaned depending on the material make, age and contamination level. Certain items like pillows or stuffed animals will need to be dissembled, filling removed, exterior cleaned and put back together with clean materials.

Engineered Wood/ Press wood - Any wood item that has been modified where contamination has come in contact with an unfinished surface cannot be cleaned. This is due to the many cavities that pressboard and engineered wood have. Natural/Solid wood can be treated and sanded to remove the affected areas, then re-stained to match existing colors.

Carpet/Pad – If at any time there was sewage that soaked through to the carpet or pad, the area must be removed! There is no way to guarantee that the carpet and pad are fully decontaminated.

If there are any questions, Please call your local SERVPRO and we will help.

Bad Things Happen When You Go Easy in Performance Reviews

5/2/2016 (Permalink)

Contributed by Shannon Perez, General Manager

Here is some guidance on how to conduct Performance Reviews that I really appreciated.  The article was found on HRMorning.com and is written by Christian Schappel.  This is very useful information, especially for those of us who have long-time employees and might be afraid of hurting someone’s feelings.  Read on and hope you gain as much as I have from this article.  

Bad Things Happen When You Go Easy in Performance Reviews:

Oh, goodie! It’s performance review time,” said no manager … ever. And as a result of this lack of enthusiasm, managers can screw them up — royally. Thankfully, we just found something very handy to help them avoid screw-ups.

Our good friends over at Resourceful Manager (we’ve told you about them before) recently put together an interesting presentation worth showing to your managers. It outlines the very bad — and often expensive — things that can happen when managers sugarcoat employee performance reviews.

Specifically, the presentation names ways — besides getting sued — in which easygoing reviews can cost you dearly (they start around slide 35 below).

The presentation below outlines what a sugarcoated review looks like, why it’s harmful, as well as the benefits of telling employees the honest truth (again, it goes beyond simply avoiding the courtroom).

Don’t let the slide count fool you, the presentation moves quickly. Managers will only need to dedicate about three minutes to it for them to understand the ramifications of going easy on under-performing employees.

How to have a difficult conversation

Of course, the problem stems from managers dreading uncomfortable conversations with employees.

Naturally, no employee wants to hear he stinks, and no manager wants to tell him he stinks. But it must be done.

By sticking to some do’s and don’ts managers can eliminate some of the awkwardness, take control of the conversation and achieve their objective — a substantial change in an employee’s performance or behavior.

Here’s a checklist we prepared that’s worth passing along to you managers:

Do’s:

§  Do be specific about what you want. The mistake some managers make when shooting for a goal is using general terms.
Example: A manager says, “You’re too laid-back. I want you to be more aggressive and proactive.” Nice, safe terms, but the employee ends up thinking, “What’s that mean?”
Instead, the manager could say, “I want you to call five ex-customers a week, find out why they left us and report back to me on what they said.” That establishes clear goals.

§  Do let the employee rant — a little. Some people feel the need to blow off steam or maybe mount a defense, even a flimsy one, for their behavior. That’s OK. You don’t want them to feel like they’re on the witness stand and can’t ramble a little. If they think the point of the conversation is just so you can cross-examine them, that’ll just give them an excuse to throw up their defenses and refuse to cooperate. So let them go on for a while, and then steer the conversation back to the point.

§  Do use “we.” Try to get the idea across that the issue is a problem for everyone involved. That often requires saying something as simple as, “We have a problem” or “We need to change.”
Then the person on the other side of the desk realizes the behavior is important and affects everyone – but without finger pointing. In other words, focus on the problem, not the person.
Bad example: “You’re too argumentative.”
Better: “The continual arguments are hurting our productivity.”

Don’t’s:

§  Don’t continually use “you.” Putting all the responsibility on the employee is a conversational black hole that’s almost impossible to escape from. The use of “you” — as in “You didn’t finish the job on time” — is an invitation to a fight. Contrast that with: “We need to talk about why the job wasn’t finished on time.”
No accusations, no blame. Just a conversation starter that works.
Let’s admit here that at some point you are going to have to use “you”; after all, we are talking about a specific person causing a specific problem. Just be aware that there are alternatives to continually using “you” in a negative way that kills the conversation.

§  Don’t use “however” or “but.” Some managers think if they lead with a compliment, it’s then easier to wade slowly into the problem. A symptom of that thinking comes out in conversations that go something like: “You’ve done a pretty good job, but …” and then the manager lowers the boom on the employee.
People aren’t fooled by that approach, and in fact, it often gets them angry and thinking, “She can never just say something positive.”
Consider substituting “and” for “but” and “however.” You’ll see how much smoother and positive the conversation can be.
Example: “You’ve done a pretty good job, and we need to talk about how to get back up to that level.”

§  Don’t feel as if you have to fill every silence. In an especially tense situation, you’ll be tempted to fill in every silent pause. Stay silent when there’s a lull in the conversation, and obligate the other person to fill in the silence. You’ll be surprised by the amount of information you get without even asking a question.

A HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAM – Hiring successful marketing and salespeople is a science

5/2/2016 (Permalink)

Contributed by Shannon Perez, General Manager. 

This is something we have been struggling with for years.  I found this article just recently posted on Cleanfax.com (the article is by Tim Miller, President of Business Development Associates, Inc.) and printed it to have close by as we are building and improving our marketing and sales team.  I want to post this so that others can also benefit from this information. Even if you live outside the Central Florida area like Orlando, Ocoee, Winter Springs, Altamonte this is still great information.  This is our goal, a statement included in the conclusion of this article we are posting to the front:  Like most other business activities, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

A HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAM – Hiring successful marketing and salespeople is a science

More and more restorers are seeking to build an outside sales team in order to generate day-to-day leads that are not from programs, weather or luck.  They do this by calling on agents, adjusters, plumbers, property and facility managers, etc.  This is entrepreneurial activity at its best. If the work you need isn’t coming to you, go out and hunt for it!

Unfortunately, most owners of restoration companies have little, if any, direct selling or sales management experience. It’s no wonder that building a high performance-team of salespeople (marketing reps) is such a challenge.

Many have tried and have given up. They have been burned too many times by the salespeople who interview like superstars, who provide the “We are almost there; the big one is just around the corner” happy talk, month after month, until the deal suddenly vaporizes through “It’s not my fault.”

The key to any successful sales program is the right salesperson. But there are other very important factors to consider without which even the best salespeople will struggle to be successful.

These include how your salespeople will differentiate your company from the hundreds of competitors calling on the same targets, creating a unique value proposition so their sales team has something to offer — specific sales processes with accountability, coaching and sales management, just to mention some of the most important.

Still, the heart of any sales program (and a restorer’s ability to drive the growth of his or her own business) rests on its ability to hire qualified salespeople.

The good news is that hiring successful salespeople is a science more than it is an art. In our experience, there are four crucial elements for success. These are desire, commitment, responsibility and outlook.

Let’s analyze all four.

1. Desire

Desire is extremely important because it tells us how badly the candidate wants to succeed in sales. People without the passion or desire for greater success in sales are not people you want driving the growth of your business!

2. Commitment

Commitment means doing whatever it takes to succeed. Commitment is strongly related to terms like persistence, tenacity, perseverance… and even faith. Building a referral network takes a lot of work and a fair amount of time before substantial results are obtained. For these reasons, you need salespeople with as close to full, unconditional commitment as you can get.

3. Responsibility

The ability to take personal responsibility for success or failure is a hallmark of great salespeople. When salespeople make excuses, they’re actually selling themselves short.

Regardless of the excuses they make, it comes down to the fact that they aren’t taking full responsibility for their results. It’s like that old saying: The first step in correcting a problem is admitting that you have one. Until salespeople take full responsibility, they aren’t likely to make any changes that would improve their effectiveness.

4. Outlook

Outlook tells you how people feel about themselves, the work they do, whom they work for and whom they work with. It is similar to attitude. When people are between jobs, it’s not uncommon for them to have outlook issues because they are going through a difficult time. The goal is to determine whether or not the outlook problem is a temporary or chronic one before inviting them onto your team.

When selecting salespeople, you want as much of the four crucial elements for success as possible in their make-up.

But you also want to consider to what extent they have the five major weaknesses, which are need for approval, emotional discipline, supportive beliefs, supportive buy-cycle and ability to handle rejection.

Let’s analyze all five.

Need for approval

Salespeople that have a strong need for approval often feel being liked or getting the love and approval of a prospect may be more important than getting a meeting or the business.

Salespeople with this issue hurt you in that they can’t close or ask for the business. They can’t ask the hard questions. They can’t confront respectfully and are allergic to the word “no.” This leads to “happy ears” and a pipeline full of phony deals, chasing deals that are long dead and people that waste your most precious commodity — their time and the company’s time.

Emotional discipline

This is a very common weakness. Salespeople with this issue have a tendency to panic when they get thrown a curve ball or an objection. This panic is essentially the salesperson talking to them — thinking, strategizing, worrying and panicking in the middle of a sales call.

When this happens, they are focused on the voices in their own head rather than listening to the prospect.

Supportive beliefs

This means that the way a salesperson thinks will actually support their selling outcome. When those beliefs are non-supportive, they will sabotage their selling outcomes. So they question whether their beliefs are positive, supportive or damaging, such as:

•I am terrible at prospecting on the telephone.

•Nobody wants to talk to me anyway.

•I can’t dislodge incumbent vendors.

•I don’t like making cold calls.

•My list stinks.

•I can’t call on owners.

Supportive buy-cycle

This is one of the most important weaknesses in that candidates with a non-supportive buy-cycle are typically comfortable with prospects that don’t make decisions. Because of the way they make major purchases themselves, they “understand” the need for endless research, checking out the competition, “thinking it over” and fundamentally not making decisions.

Good salespeople understand that “Yes is OK,” and “No is OK,” but the “maybes” are the productivity killers. Good salespeople are able to help prospects make decisions instead of accepting put-offs, stalls and objections.

Handle rejection

There is no selling without rejection. In today’s world, there is a lot more passive rejection in which people simply don’t return your calls or emails and this can affect a lot of salespeople in a serious way. The key is not whether they get rejected or fear rejection but, rather, how long it takes them to recover when they do get rejected. The ideal salesperson is rejection-proof or at least rejection-resilient.

The hiring process

It is critical to understand whether or not your candidates have enough of the four crucial elements for success and the right amount and combination of the five major weaknesses as well as a host of other characteristics.

The only way to do that is with a screening tool designed specifically for consultative salespeople that looks at the concrete, job-specific skills, competencies and capabilities, which we really need to understand about a salesperson’s abilities.

Sales assessment tool is the first hurdle that any job candidate must overcome to even start the interviewing process. Simply put, if they don’t pass the initial assessment, there is no point wasting time interviewing them!

The rest of the hiring process consists first of a brief phone screening designed to put the candidate under the same sorts of pressure that they would face in real-life selling situations. This quickly sorts out the real salespeople from the estimated 70 percent of salespeople who are terrible, who go from one failure to the next during their entire careers.

The next step is a face-to-face interview. Again, this is a pressure test designed to determine whether the accomplishments and experience on their resume reflect real life or fantasy. Putting the salesperson through their paces with role-plays and asking them the hard questions most interviewers balk at again reveals the skill and quality of the candidate.

If the candidate gets past the first live interview, they are now what is typically a very small group of people you would be willing to hire. The next interview is much more traditional in nature. The pressure is off; you are warm and welcoming, and this is where you paint the picture of the opportunity for the right salesperson at your company.

Ideally, you will have a pool of two of three finalists to choose from. The last interview is their opportunity to make their case as to why they are the right fit.

Getting results

When we hire salespeople using this process, we are highly confident that the salesperson can do the job. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they will do the job. No matter how stringent the process, you can’t anticipate failing marriages, personal crises, drug and alcohol dependencies and the occasional sociopathic liar who can beat the system.

But what is more common and perhaps more disappointing is when good salespeople who are hired and then fail because they were not given the proper sales processes and training required to be successful, not given a tracking and accountability system (CRM), not coached and definitely not properly managed in order to clearly understand what they had to do in order to achieve success.

Like most other business activities, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Tim Miller is the President of Business Development Associates Inc., a marketing strategy, and recruiting and sales force development-training company. BDA helps restorers drive the growth of their businesses by building referral networks so that they are not overly dependent on program work, weather or good luck. To learn more and to receive a free assessment of your marketing rep or estimator/project manager, contact Miller at (847) 386-6556, or email him at Info@theBDAway.com.

2015 Employee Appreciation Dinner

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

Our Employee Appreciation Cake & Cupcakes

In January of 2016 we hosted an appreciation dinner for our employees and their families. This event is held yearly, as we feel it is important to show just how much they mean to us.

Without this team and their families we would not be able to help so many in our community when disaster strikes their home or business. Many of our technicians spend countless hours away from their families in order to help others on a regular basis.

This year's event was catered by Apple Spice Junction and was held at the Lakeside Reception Hall in Orlando. We had a DJ and a photo booth, and based on the photos and the dancing we'd say they were enjoyed by all!

Thank you again to our amazing staff for all that you do year round!!

Orlando Heart Walk- Orlando, FL

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

A few years ago our team participated in the Orlando Heart Walk. We enjoyed going out as a team and walking for a good cause.   After all, we can all use some extra time outside in the beautiful Florida weather! 

The Heart Walk is a recurring event that is put on by the American Heart Association in an effort to raise funds and celebrate progress in this country's fight again heart diseases and stroke, which are the country's #1 and #5 killers respectively.

In 2016 the American Heart Association expects more than 1 Million walkers in 350 events - that's quite a turn out! To take part in the Orlando Heart Walk visit their web site at http://greaterorlandoheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1150110

Why Listening to People is Important

2/8/2016 (Permalink)

Note from Shannon Perez, GM with SERVPRO of West Orange and Apopka/Wekiva:  There are a number of articles that really mean a lot to me.  Usually they have to do with people skills, relationships and employee appreciation.  Listening is so important in every relationship and it just isn’t utilized enough.  We all want to be heard and sometimes we are so busy talking that we don’t take the time to HEAR others.  This is definitely not a natural tendency of most and so it must be cultivated.  That is why I am posting this article.  It is one of the things I am passionate about and always try to apply in my daily life.  Let’s just say that this is a work-in-process but I will never stop trying to make sure I listen and hear others because it shows others that you really care about them.  Our employees are awesome and I want them to feel that way.  We love our customers and I want them to know that by truly listening to what matters to THEM.  Enjoy the reading. The following article is from 2014, but still offers so much value!

LISTENING IS A LEADER’S MOST IMPORTANT SKILL

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - by  John Keyser  

LISTENING SKILLS

A friend of mine, a key leader with a major insurance company, regularly comes around her desk when one of her team members comes to speak with her. She feels that sitting side by side, rather than across a desk, leads to a better discussion. Why? Because she is putting that person at ease, she is conveying that she genuinely cares about him, and she is listening intently to what he has to say.

Another friend, a high level executive with a leading company in the sports industry, has made listening a priority. He tunes in to the person speaking with an open mind—without problem solving or seeking conclusions—while that person is speaking. It has been noticed and admired numerous times, not only by his immediate team members, but also by his senior executive colleagues.

Another example of active listening by leaders comes from Peter Hill, CEO of Billy Casper Golf, the leading company in golf management. Hill says, “When I am speaking, I’m not learning.” Indeed, more and more leaders are recognizing how essential listening skills are today.

Why now? Why are people striving to improve their listening skills? Because the quality of our listening determines the quality of our influence, and that brings huge benefits to our business.

Consider the statistic that some 40 percent of people in the workforce today do not feel appreciated and valued, and 70 percent are either actively looking for a new job or would very likely accept an offer if it came their way. Clearly, now is the time to reach out to our people in meaningful ways.

Email has become the easy and quick way to communicate, share info, make requests and answer questions. Yet, there is a dark side to the endless flow of emails coming at us. First, depending on how disciplined we are at managing emails, each of us may have 100 to 300 emails to read, delete, respond to, or act on each day. More disturbing is the fact that, to a great extent, emails have replaced conversations. 

We simply do not make the time to connect with and maintain solid relationships with people, as we should. We are on the go from the time we wake up until we turn off our bedside lamp. We’re too busy—way too busy.

This situation can and must be remedied by those of us who deeply care about our teams and our team members’ success. We must stop spending so much time in meetings, speaking with other senior execs, and in front of our computers. Instead, we must let the people doing the work of our companies know that we appreciate and value them and want to know their ideas. More important, we must listen attentively, with a quiet mind and a full focus, not thinking what we’ll say, not problem solving in our minds, or even partially thinking of our own to-do list.

On average, we retain just 25 percent of what we hear, which is because of our business and lack of listening skills. The good news is that we can learn to be a better listener and significantly increase our retention. There are principles and practices that can help us be intentional, purposeful, and conscientious when listening and that will make a huge difference with the spirit of our team members.

To earn and maintain quality relationships, our people need to know we genuinely care about them. By listening with an empathetic ear, by putting ourselves in their shoes, and by maintaining an open mind, we develop a culture of enthusiastic and energetic teamwork. Our conscious listening, which is listening to understand and learn, is our gift to others.

Be assured, the journey of improving our ability to quiet our minds, to focus on the other person, and to become a fully present listener, will significantly improve our effectiveness as a leader.

State of the Art Equipment for Water Damages

1/8/2016 (Permalink)

New air movers were recently added to our inventory

SERVPRO® knows that staying on the cutting edge of technology in our industry will help our customers the most. That's why we add new equipment to our inventory on a regular basis. We are proud to be able to offer the best to our customers. 

You may be wondering why this is importat. Check out this information found on aboveboardchamber.com: 

Many homeowners feel that if the water is removed, the work of water damage cleanup is done. This is because it is difficult to see or feel the extent of the saturation of water in building materials without moisture detection equipment used in the water damage industry. What follows is that either the homeowner will attempt to remove the water and simply place household fans around, with or without removing drywall; or they will tell the water damage restoration contractor to leave when the water is extracted and before equipment is placed. The paradox here is that these decisions are made to save time and money. In some cases, they may have done just that. However, in most cases, the resulting long term water damage is both costly and time consuming in addition to being inconvenient and stressful. Added to that is the fact that the cost of mold remediation consequent of an improperly dried flood damage will likely not be covered by insurance policies because the water damage or sewage damage was not dried properly to begin with.

You have probably noticed by now that it is not the water removal service that is the important part of taking care of water damage. It is actually the drying part that makes your home safe from long term mold or building material damage. In fact, there is no time to waste when it comes to drying a water damaged home. Mold begins to start growing within 24 hours and continues “growing like a weed” damaging building materials as it spreads.

Water damage restoration companies spend a tremendous amount of money on drying equipment for a very good reason. They dry quickly, effectively, and safely. After all, think about it, if we could just use household fans and a couple of blowers, we would save a tremendous amount of money on equipment. If I thought those types of equipment did an effective job, I would be all over saving money by purchasing those at less than $50 each rather than a $300-400 blower and $3000 dehumidifiers. However, I know the importance of having industrial equipment to keep your home safe and dry. Further, all of the equipment works together to both dry the structural materials (blowers), remove the moisture from the air as the wet materials dry and the water from them turns to vapor (dehumidifiers), and clean the air to prevent allergens that permeate through the air during drying (air scrubbers).

Christian Help

12/24/2015 (Permalink)

-Contributed By Scott Tracy

One of my “close-to-my-heart” charities I work with is Christian Help here in Casselberry Florida. I first got to know them through my Church Northland. I noticed in the lobby that they had a big box marked “Food Pantry”. Obviously this was to collect donations from the congregation. I also noted in Northland’s bulletin that they were not only asking for food donations but also asked for volunteer’s to deliver this food to Christian Help down the road. I thought this would be a great volunteer opportunity to do with my young boys at the time, something we could do together.

 After delivering our first food collection to Christian Help, I was able to understand the full spectrum of what Christian Help did for the community. Not only did they provide groceries to families in need, they also provided employment training and help to those that were unemployed or under-employed. Over the years I maintained my relationship with Christian Help mostly with donations and Christmas gifts for kids in December.

 Once my company opened up the Construction Division, we realized that we could also help in this area. To be frank, Christian Help poured most of their money into charity, food, and people. One of the consequences of doing this was an office building and warehouse in great need of maintenance, repairs, and improvements. I decided to do a walkthrough of both, and as expected, the office staff, while appreciative of the offer to improve their work areas, asked instead that I focus on the warehouse/food pantry area that serves the public.

 We were honored to address some much needed help with putting up new walls, improving the public waiting area, and expanding their storage area. It has been a wonderful thing for us here at SERVPRO but also for the subcontractors that came in at our instruction. The next step will be donating brand new mobile stainless steel storage racks for their food bins. This will happen after the first of the year.

 The staff at Christian Help has been great and appreciative. They indicated that many people and companies have stopped by over the years promising help, but only a small percentage have actually followed through with the verbal commitment. Since Christian Help is less than a mile away from our office, it is a daily reminder to us of the less fortunate and I look forward to a long relationship with this worthy organization. Next year……we start looking at the front office and their needs.