The Fire Damage Restoration Process

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating for your home or business.

Fire damage can be devastating for your home or business. It’s important to call a professional fire damage restoration company as soon as possible. We've outlined the steps we take when handling fire restoration projects, so you know what to expect.

What is Fire Damage Restoration?

Fire damage restoration is the process of repairing damage to property due to fire. It can include anything from cleaning up soot and smoke stains to repairing or replacing damaged walls, ceilings, and floors. Fire damage restoration does not only apply to homes but also to businesses, vehicles, and other types of structures.

It is a multi-step process that begins with extinguishing the fire, followed by removing debris from the scene of the incident. This includes broken glass and other items that may be hazardous if left unattended at your property. Next comes drying out areas affected by water used during extinguishing efforts or during initial cleanup attempts.

Then, the next step in this process involves restoring your home or business back to pre-fire condition through reconstruction and repairs.

First Step: Calling the Experts

The first step in the fire damage restoration process is to call a restoration company. The sooner you call, the sooner you can begin to get your life back to normal. 

The second step is getting an estimate from that company so that you can compare costs and decide which company is best for your needs. You should ask for references from people who have used them before, as well as any other information that will help you make an informed decision about whether this particular firm is right for you. Make sure they are licensed and insured before making a final decision!

Finally, once everything has been finalized with the chosen service provider, it's time to begin work on restoring your home or business back to its former glory!

The Cleanup Process

After a fire, you need to get your life back on track—and fast. When something as destructive as a fire strikes, it can take a toll on your entire home. Not only do you have to replace the things that were damaged or destroyed, you also have to deal with smoke damage and other cleanup concerns.

The fire damage cleanup process is usually handled by professional contractors who specialize in this kind of work. They'll remove any moisture present with water extraction equipment. Then, they’ll remove damaged materials, such as carpeting or drywall, and then thoroughly clean the affected areas. They may also use deodorizers and disinfectants to ensure that there is no residual smoke odor left behind after the cleaning process is complete.

The Restoration Process

After cleanup comes rebuilding—this can take anywhere from a few days up to several weeks depending on what needs to be done. This can involve anything from replacing damaged items such as flooring or walls to replacing any broken windows or doors that were damaged during the fire.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration

If you need fire damage restoration help, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Weston/West Davie. We are available 24/7 and are happy to assist you with the entire process. Our professionals have the training and equipment necessary to remove smoke, soot, and other contaminants from your home or business. We're also licensed and insured, so our team can always be trusted in your home or business.

How To Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Wet damaged flooring

How to Fix Water Damaged Laminate Flooring

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you have some water damage to your laminate flooring. It doesn’t matter whether that damage is new or old; we're going to give you all the information you need to get started with repairing your laminate floors.

Preparing the flooring.

To prepare the flooring, first remove any loose debris and wipe the laminate with a damp cloth. 

Next, set up fans if you are drying the flooring in a room. Fans will help dry out your laminate more quickly than other methods, which can help prevent permanent damage from occurring due to prolonged exposure to moisture over time (which would cause mold). If there is no way for natural air flow into or out of this area due to walls being built around it, then consider placing an air conditioner under or near where it sits so that hot/cold air won’t mix, creating condensation on both sides of where they meet at each end point.

Assessing the damage.

First off, is your flooring damaged in one area or many? If it’s only one small section of your flooring, chances are that won't be too much of a problem and may just require a bit more time on your part. However, if there are multiple areas of laminate water damage throughout your home or office space then repairing those areas all at once can be quite overwhelming (not to mention costly).

Second: how deep into the wood did the water get? The deeper into the wood it gets, the harder it will be for you to fix this issue yourself without having some professional help. This could mean hiring someone or at least making sure they know what they are doing before starting any repairs yourself! You don't want them ruining an entire room worth of laminate flooring because they didn't know how far out into each plank they should go while working on fixing whatever caused this mess in first place.

Repairing water damage to laminate flooring.

When water damage occurs in laminate flooring, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. The moisture from the water will enter the core of the laminate flooring and cause it to warp, cup, become brittle and crack. If you do not fix this type of damage immediately, then it will get worse over time.

When repairing your wet laminate flooring, you have two options: use an electric heat gun or hair dryer on high heat. With either one of these tools, hold them over the damaged area until they are completely dry (this may take several minutes). Once they are dry, they should be fine again.

Cleaning the flooring and removing any mildew or mold.

Cleaning the flooring and removing any mildew or mold:

• Use a vacuum to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on your laminate flooring.
• Buy a mildew remover from your local hardware store or use a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar (we recommend making enough for both sides of your laminate if you're working with two-sided flooring). Apply this mixture directly onto the area where there is mildew, let set for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water until all traces are gone.
• If you find any mold growing on your laminate, scrub it off using bleach diluted in water. Once again, make sure that all areas have been thoroughly cleaned before proceeding further into repairs!

Dealing with cupping and warping of laminate flooring.

To straighten warped boards, place a flat board on top of the flooring and press down firmly. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that may be preventing the flooring from lying flat.

Cupping is another form of laminate water damage that can occur when moisture penetrates through your laminate flooring’s protective layers, causing it to bow downward in ridges like waves along its surface. To prevent cupping, you should place heavy objects (like books) on top of your flooring as soon as possible after it's been exposed to water. This will help weigh down the warped boards until they're dry enough for you to repair them with new adhesive strips, or another type of adhesive known as T-peel tape

Knowing how to deal with laminate flooring water damage, especially when a leak occurs can help you fix it yourself before it gets worse.

Water damage can cause laminate flooring to warp and cup. It's important to know the signs of water damage so that you can do the necessary repairs before too much damage has been done to your floors. Here are some steps that you should take if you have noticed any signs of water damage on your laminate flooring:

• Inspect the room for moisture stains or discoloration on the surface of the flooring in high traffic areas such as doorways and closets.
• Check all seams, joints, around skirting boards and under furniture if possible - look out for any telltale signs like buckled floorboards (caused by expansion) or warping (due to contraction).

The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on the flooring, especially if you have a large leak or flooding event. If it doesn't get fixed quickly enough, then you may end up with mold or mildew growth that can ruin your material and make it harder for you to repair later.

Will the Insurance Company Cover My Broken Pipe?

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Davie, FL home.

Will Insurance Cover the Repairs of Water Damage

Water damage can happen to anyone. It’s one of the most common household disasters, and it can be caused by a number of things. The good news is that homeowners insurance can cover water damage—but only if you act fast. Here are the top insurance claims for flood damage.

We know that in an uncontrollable and unexpected event like water damage, your first call is to the insurance company. In addition to paying for the cost to replace items damaged by the water damage (if there are no other options), your insurance company will also cover any personal belongings lost or damaged in this type of situation. The source of the flooding will make a difference in how insurance handles the claim. 

Broken Water Pipe / Water Heater

Broken water pipes and heaters can become a problem in your home or business. Insurance claims will be different depending on why they broke. To help make sure you can get an accident covered, make sure all of your pipes are in good condition and regularly checked for leaks. Preventative maintenance on appliances such as the water heater is often required by law; make sure you are doing this regularly!

Household Appliance Malfunction

If you have a household appliance that has broken and needs to be repaired, your insurance company will cover it if the cause was an appliance malfunction. It is important to note that there are a few instances where you would not be covered for these repairs. For example, if the damage was caused by your pet or someone else in your home, it will not be covered by your policy.

Sump Pump Failure

If you have a sump pump and it fails, your crawl space will fill with water. Sump pumps are used to remove water from the lowest point in a house. They're often installed in crawl spaces, though they could be anywhere that needs to be protected from flooding.

If your sump pump fails, you might want to replace it with one that's more durable and reliable. The best ones come with backup batteries so they'll keep working even if there's a power outage or something else goes wrong.

Backed Up Sewer Drain/Septic Tank System

A backed-up sewer drain is when sewage flows backward through your plumbing system and into your home. The problem can occur for many reasons, including:

• Inadequate drainage in the soil surrounding the pipe leading to your septic tank or wastewater treatment plant. This can be caused by poor soil compaction and /or overuse of water causing excessive runoff into your pipes.
• A broken pipe inside your home that allows sewage to flow backward into your house.

If left untreated, a backed-up sewer drain can cause major damage to floors, walls, and ceilings of the area where it originates (i.e., where it enters the home).

If you have a leaking or broken pipe in your Davie, FL home or business, call SERVPRO of Weston/West Davie. We are a trusted company with experience in water damage and insurance claims. Our team is available 24/7 to help you get water damage restoration started!

Tips to Protect your Business During a Severe Rain or Thunder Storm

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Tips To Mitigate Potential Damage From A Severe Storm

You can minimize rain storm damage to your Weston, FL, business by cleaning your gutters, inspecting your roof and installing a backflow valve. When a storm brings high winds with thunder and lightning, you will need to apply additional measures to protect your employees and property from harm. 

Stay Away From Doors and Windows
Destructive wind can accompany a severe storm and shatter glass windows, skylights and doors with heavy debris that it carries with it. In addition to instructing employees to remain inside during a severe storm, be sure they know to keep away from all glass windows or doors that could pose a danger if they shatter.

Install a Lightning Rod
Lightning poses a significant danger to your business during a severe thunderstorm, including:

• Fire or explosion
• Short-circuiting of electronics
• Damage to building structure
  
  

Install a lightning rod to prevent lightning from striking your business. The rod will absorb and divert the flow of electricity into the ground, preventing it from targeting your business.

Maintain The Landscape
Significant rain storm damage cleanup is often due to a poorly maintained landscape consisting of overgrown trees whose branches collapse under the weight of heavy, rain-soaked leaves. Keeping trees well-pruned can prevent limbs from falling and damaging your building's structure. Preparing your landscape for a storm by removing signs and moveable objects and debris can reduce the risk of strong winds carrying and depositing them where they can damage your facility.

Keep a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit
Taking measures to keep your employees and customers safe can't always prevent injuries. Taking a periodic inventory of your first aid equipment will ensure you can appropriately treat any injured employees and customers until help arrives.
If you own a business in Weston, FL, you can take preventative measures to protect your property and employees from the damage caused by a severe rain storm, with thunder, lightning and other dangerous conditions.

How To Deal With Water Damage in Your Place of Business

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Extracting standing water from commercial building

Anyone who has had to deal with pipe burst cleanup knows water damage can be a serious business. Have you recently had a broken pipe in your office in Weston, FL? The severity of the water damage and how much of the building was affected can determine whether you should handle the job yourself or if you should call a professional restoration company to help.

Where To Begin

First, make sure the place is evacuated. Don’t have customers or employees in the building until after the affected areas have been cleaned and inspected. Take safety precautions before you start the pipe burst cleanup process:

• Turn off the power to the building.
• Unplug all electrical cords.
• Remove appliances and electronics from the area.
  
  

How To Clean Up
Once you have taken the necessary precautions, begin to clean the mess. Start by removing any soaked items such as area rugs and carpeting. Then mop up the water or soak it up with old towels and rags. Try to air the building out by turning on fans and opening all windows and doors to get a cross breeze. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
After you clean up the excess water, check for damage. Look at the floors and walls to see if water has soaked through. If you see signs of water damage, it is best to call a sewer cleanup company to come help. Mold can begin to grow if any moisture is not properly cleaned. If mold has already begun to grow, it is even more vital to call professionals.
Pipe burst cleanup can be a real hassle. Fortunately, there are services available to help. The sooner you begin the process of drying things up, the better. Don’t wait for mold to develop before you have the area cleaned. Be proactive in these situations to avoid preventable issues.

Lesser Known Ways To Get Rid Of Cigarette Smoke Odors In Your Home

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Unknown Techniques For Eliminating Cigarette Smoke Smells in Your Home

The smell of cigarette smoke is probably not welcome in your Weston, FL, home. Even when the smoke has been eliminated, the odor tends to be consuming. Most people know to open windows and get rid of cigarette butts, but these methods aren't fully effective. So, here are some lesser-known ways to get rid of cigarette odors.

Steam Deodorization
If you're partial to natural remedies, smoke-based home deodorization could be the right method for you. It may not completely fix the problem, but it can help. Simply boil water and add in pleasant-smelling ingredients. These are a few substances to try:

• Essential oils
• Fruit
• Sweet-smelling extracts (such as vanilla or orange)

Let the steam waft through your house for about a half-an-hour.

Activated Charcoal
Setting charcoal near areas with strong smoke issues can be very effective. This substance takes in odors from the air around it. You can technically use a regular kind of the black carbon residue, but activated charcoal is more efficient overall.

Change Your Air Filter
Your furnace filter may often be at fault for smells throughout your house. Its function makes it draw in air that contains odors. Not just that, it also filters the air back out with these smells in it. Changing your filter, particularly after a large amount of cigarette smoke has entered your house, can help to prevent this issue.

Ozone
Ozone can be an effective tool for home deodorization. It has an additional oxygen atom in its molecules. This atom tends to latch onto other molecules by breaking away. Therefore, remediation experts may use an ozone generator to get rid of the odor. Be sure to call these experts if the problem is long-lasting.
Cigarette-based odors can be a pervasive presence in your house, but virtually none are impossible to get rid of. If you try multiple methods and stay vigilant, your home deodorization may be one step closer to being completed.

Potential Damage to Solar Panels After a Storm

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Elements That Can Cause A Panel Damage

If you have a solar panel on your roof in Weston, FL, you may be worried about the products getting damaged by a storm. There are a variety of elements that can cause panel damage, including the following:

• High winds
• Heavy rains
• Flying debris

Many panels are designed to withstand bad weather. However, some strong storms may still cause damage to the most durable panels on the market.

Wind

High winds can rip solar panels off of your roof. Most panels are designed to withstand winds of up to 140 mph, but this can vary by state. In areas where tornadoes or hurricanes are common, panels may be made with stronger material to ensure they do not get damaged except in the worst storms. In some cases, the winds may only affect small sections of the panels on your roof.

Water

Heavy rains can cause serious panel and roof damage. If the structure of your roof is weakened, the panels may fall through the deck. If this happens, you may need to hire a storm damage service to fix up the damage done to your roof. Most panels are designed to be watertight, but rain may still make its way into the panels themselves. The insurance policy on your panels may cover water damage.

Impact

Storms can also cause impact damage. This type of solar panel damage can be caused by flying debris or hail. Most panels have a glass surface that can be cracked by stones, branches or hail. However, it usually takes a strong impact to cause any damage because the panels are designed to withstand heavy blows.

Solar panels are a great resource for your house. Because they can be a big investment, they are designed to withstand the negative elements of a storm. If you notice any panel damage after a storm, you may need to assess what caused the damage to figure out how to fix the issue.

Major Plumbing Changes Can Improve a Home

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

A bathroom is one of the most likely areas of your home to spring a leak.

Major Plumbing Changes Can Improve a Home

Your home's plumbing system can last for many years without a lot of maintenance. Now and then, though, it can be beneficial to make some big changes. It helps to work with a trusted plumbing contractor in Weston, FL, to determine when a major project is needed. For example, supply line damage in the bathroom is a sign that the pipes should be replaced or repaired. Over time, pipes weaken or crack and this results in water on the floor and behind walls. Your plumber can tell you what material the supply line is made from. While steel braided lines will last a long time, plastic pipes need to be replaced more often.

Dealing With a Bathroom Leak

A bathroom is one of the most likely areas of your home to spring a leak. In addition to supply line damage, the following situations could develop in this room:

• Toilet overflow
• Shower leak
• Bathtub overflow
• Supply line leak

Any of these problems could result in significant damage to your home. The services of professionals are one good way to get this under control. The initial emphasis should be placed on stopping the influx of water. Once the water flow is stopped, the focus then becomes on drying out the room and repairing any damage.

Handling Water Damage

A local water remediation team is often an excellent source of help cleaning up problems created by supply line damage. Trained technicians will arrive at your home and develop a plan to rid the room of excess water and humidity. They will also look to see if drywall, insulation, flooring, and other elements of the bathroom have been impacted. If the leak was minor, they may only need to clean and dry out the area. In the case of large leaks, the technicians might need to replace some of the structural elements of the bathroom. A strong plumbing system in your home prevents future problems and increases the value of your house.

Situations That Warrant Protection Against Flood Damage

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Situations That Demand Flood Damage Protection

You take good care of your commercial property in Sunrise, FL so that weather and other problems don't damage your building. You properly insulate your pipes and you make sure that gutters are clean and your roof is in good condition. Certain events, however, can flood your building despite even the best preparations. When these situations occur, you may need to have flood insurance to cover the cost of recovery.

Prolonged Storms

If a hurricane hits your area, it doesn't really matter whether your gutters are clean. The storm and the continual rainfall that probably follows may cause certain problems for your property:

• Standing, contaminated water, especially on lower levels
• Damaged equipment and furniture
• Weakened walls, floors, or ceilings

Your building may flood and sustain water damage when storms arise. If you have flood insurance, you have a way to pay for remediation services, even if the damage turns out to be extensive. 

Melted Snow

Some storms don't cause damage at the time they occur but rather after their effects start to dissipate. When heavy snows start to melt, the runoff has to go somewhere. If there is too much of it or if it melts too quickly, it can flood your building. Your commercial insurance portfolio should contain policies that take this possibility into account.

Busted Dams

Some disasters have little to do with the weather and more to do with the weakening of structures made by humans. Levees and dams are built to control the flow of water and keep it from overtaking an area. When such a structure breaks, the water it releases goes everywhere, including your commercial building. Documenting the event as well as the damage it causes can help your insurance adjuster determine how much your policy should cover.

If you live in an area that floods regularly, regional law may require you to have flood insurance. Even if you don't, however, it's a good idea to have extra coverage just in case you need it.

How Pretesting Will Save You Money

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Davie, FL.

Three Components of Getting You Back In Business

When your business suffers water damage from storms or flooding, you will need cleanup and restoration services right away. Fortunately, SERVPRO, the preferred restoration vendor of most insurance companies, is available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Buying all new furniture and equipment is expensive, so SERVPRO will work with your insurance agent and pretest the damage to minimize your claims. Here are the three components of getting you back in business.

1. Pretesting
The first step in making you whole again is pretesting, the process in which SERVPRO sorts through your damaged items to determine what they can save and what you must replace. Often, you will be surprised at what kind of damaged goods SERVPRO can restore, saving you significant money.

2. Restoration
SERVPRO will minimize the effects of water damage and restore impacted items. For example, the restoration professionals will move furniture out of standing water to avoid rust or water stains. They can also place large fans around your property to help dry the floors, walls and upholstered pieces. This air circulation will help prevent the growth and spread of mold. When it comes to your insurance claim, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact SERVPRO, the less you will have to spend on new office furnishings.

3. Replacement
If SERVPRO can not restore your property, you must decide how vital certain items are to you and whether to replace them. Fortunately, SERVPRO can help with your claims by photographing and inventorying your destroyed goods. To ensure that you won’t lose any more assets to the effects of water damage, SERVPRO workers will board up and place tarps on exposed parts of your building.
Pretesting keeps your claims down by determining what can be restored instead of replaced. You can count on SERVPRO to make the restoration process smooth in Davie, FL.

How SERVPRO Helps Process Claims Quickly

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Restoration team assessing the damage in a property in Davie, FL.

How SERVPRO Helps Process Claims Quickly

If your client in Davie, FL, has suffered home or business damage due to a flood or other emergency, you need a professional company that provides helpful claim services and can stop the damage as quickly as possible. A rapid response prevents further harm from mold growth.
A trusted restoration services team can arrive quickly on the scene to assess the damage. They can provide a detailed report along with pictures and a plan of action to you and your insurance company. This enables you to file an accurate claim so that your client can get the needed help while you keep insurance costs down.

Specialists Provide Vital Claim Services
The emergency response crew with SERVPRO can provide you and your clients with crucial services in a number of ways:

They arrive on the scene quickly to stop increased damage by either stopping a water leak or preventing further mold growth.
They help with claim services by providing you with vital information about the extent of the damage and needed repairs.
They do restoration and repairs so that your client's home or business is back to "Like it never even happened".

They Save You Time and Your insurance Company Money
Disaster cleanup specialists work quickly and efficiently to not only assess the damage but also clean up and restore the property. They'll talk with the property owner and ask vital questions to get the right information they share with you, saving you time.
Cleanup specialists restore the client's home and prevent further damage by mold and bacterial growth, thus saving your insurance company money. They work in tandem with you, providing both you and your client peace of mind.
If your client has suffered damage from a flood or fire, contacting and working with the professionals makes life easier for everyone involved.

Dos and Don'ts of Containing a Grease Fire

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Dos and Don'ts of Containing a Grease Fire

A grease fire in your home in Southwest Ranches, FL, can be terrifying but it is important to remain calm to get it under control. These types of fires are very common but some typical fire safety tips do not apply in this case. Here are some of the dos and don'ts of getting it under control.

Don't Use Water
You should never use water to attempt to douse a kitchen fire. Water and oil do not mix and this will result in:

• Water sinking below the oil
  
• The heat from the fire flash-boiling the water
  
• Boiling water forcefully explodes the oil outwards
  
  

This could result in spreading the fire much further as well as severe injury to yourself.

Do Turn Off the Heat Source
A grease fire needs heat in order to continue to burn. As soon as you are safely able to, turn off the heat to the burner or stove. This will not immediately extinguish the fire but should slow it down.

Don't Move It
A fire of this nature is easily spread and you should never attempt to move it to a sink or outside. As you move it, you may splatter grease and fire around your home. There is also a potential to spill the oil onto yourself resulting in burns.

Do Try To Smother It
Fire needs oxygen to burn, so if you can remove the source of it, the fire will smother quickly. If your flames are contained in a pot or pan, attempt to get the lid on or cover it completely with a cookie sheet. If you have time, put on oven mitts to protect your hands while you do so.
When you experience a grease fire in your home, be sure to follow these tips to safely extinguish it. Afterward, seek out a fire damage assessment from a professional to help with fire cleanup.

The Effects of Smoke Damage on Electronics

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

In this day and age, electronics are essential to keep your Cooper City, FL, business running. If an electrical fire occurs and damages that vital equipment, it means unwanted downtime and potential loss of vital data. After contacting your insurance provider to file a claim, the next step is determining what may or may not be salvageable.

The Effects of Smoke Damage

If the device has come into contact with flames, you can plan on it not being saved. Most devices have plastic of some form that will likely have melted. When it comes to items affected by smoke, determining if they can be saved is much more difficult. Below are three effects smoke may have on your devices:

1. Soot is carried in the smoke. Since soot is acidic, it means increases the chances of corrosion and another electrical fire.
   
2. A film may be left behind by the soot that insulates components and creates the potential for overheating.
   
3. The magnetic charge in smoke may make devices short circuit, creating a new fire hazard.
   
   

Even if the device was not near the flames, it is best to unplug devices and get them inspected. It is especially important to turn them off if there is a smoky odor, the device seems hotter than usual or electric sounds are being heard.

Smoke Cleaning Methods
Not surprisingly, the sneaky nature of smoke makes it difficult to determine if electronics have been affected. A professional fire damage restoration will have the expertise to not only provide information on what may be usable but also have the tools and methods to properly clean some devices. From computer cleanup to monitors, a certified electronics professional will conduct a thorough inspection, take apart the device and restore it if possible.
If your business has experienced an electrical fire, the last thing you want is a damaged device to start another one. While not all electronics may be saved, getting them inspected and professionally cleaned is important.

Can You Salvage Your Wet Carpet?

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Carpeting, in particular, can be salvaged in some instances.

Is It Possible to Save Your Wet Carpet?

If a pipe break or other disaster causes water to flood your Sunrise, FL, home, you may think you have to throw out all of your belongings. However, that is not necessarily the case. Carpeting, in particular, can be salvaged in some instances.
If the water that harmed your carpeting came from a clean source, such as a supply line, you do not have to discard it. Water damage restoration specialists can help you dry and clean the carpeting, instead. However, in the below scenarios, you will have to replace your carpeting:

1. The Water Was Contaminated
While water from a pipe break is typically clean, water from other sources often contains harmful bacteria. If the liquid that damaged your carpeting came from your toilet, the sewer system or an exterior source, you should discard the carpeting to keep your family safe.

2. The Water Has Been Present for At Least Three Days
Mold can start to grow on wet surfaces within 72 hours. It can then quickly spread throughout the entire house. To prevent a major mold infestation, you should thus throw out any items, including carpeting, that have been wet for more than three days.

3. The Carpet Is Old
If your carpeting was old or in bad shape before the flood, there is no need to waste your time and money fixing it. You are better off upgrading to newer carpeting anyway.
With the help of remediation experts, you can save most carpeting that becomes wet during a pipe break. However, if the carpet is old or was exposed to dirty water, you should consider replacing it. You will also have to purchase new carpeting if the existing one has been wet for several days. If you want to salvage your carpeting after a flood, you should thus call restoration professionals as soon as possible.

The Importance of Fast Home Fire Restoration

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Davie, FL.

Fire Restoration

Fire restoration experts in Davie, FL, have identified three key factors in getting your home repaired quickly after a fire. Critical to the success of this process is to use an experienced local restoration company for your damage cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO professionals have an array of techniques to return the condition of your home until it's “Like it Never Even Happened.”

1. Why Is Speedy Restoration So Crucial?

If your home has been damaged in a fire, the building envelope may be breached, letting in the weather. Also, firefighting efforts can also cause substantial water damage. The faster these issues can be addressed, the less ongoing damage can occur.
Professional fire restoration companies can become insurance industry partners, meaning they’ve been vetted and have a relationship with insurance professionals. With pre-approval, in the case of a serious fire, one call can quickly get the restoration process started — literally before the fire trucks have left. Pre-approved professionals can even start mitigation efforts before formal approval is granted.

2. What Does Mitigation Involve?

Copious amounts of water may be necessary to extinguish a fire. Anything absorbent can be damaged to a greater or lesser degree as the water sits inside, getting behind walls through cracks and causing mold and other trouble. It’s vital to have it removed as soon as possible.
In addition, exposed areas of a home need to be tarped and boarded from the elements. Both of these steps work together to prevent further damage. After the first steps to protect a house and remove the water, a trained crew can bring in air movers to extract moisture.

3. How Fast Can a Home Be Restored?

The length of time needed for restoration depends on the degree of destruction and how it’s handled. In addition to water damage, smoke damage can be extensive even from small fires. However, professional restoration technicians have commercial damage cleaning agents that can dramatically speed up the process by restoring instead of replacing much of the damage.
Fire restoration can be simplified by keeping these points in mind. Professional assistance can save tons of time, money and a huge amount of frustration.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

4/16/2022 (Permalink)

While you can't always avoid a flood, there are measures that you can take to protect your business from ruin. Commercial insurance policies that cover flooding are one way to go.

What Are the Stats on Floods?

Despite the danger of floods, many business owners continue to go without flood insurance. This is true even for businesses in coastal areas. That probably comes as a surprise to you, especially when you look at the stats on floods. Here are some facts about flooding that will cause you to think twice about flood insurance:

• One inch of water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage
  
• Flash floods can carry water around 20 feet high
  
  

How Do You Know if You Are at Risk?

There is a common misconception between low- and no-risk flood zones. Additionally, changing flood maps can take a business from a low-risk area to a high-risk zone at any time. In other words, any business always has a chance of experiencing flooding, so it is best to invest in a commercial insurance policy that covers the damage and the cost of hiring a storm restoration professional for cleanup.

What Are Insurance Options?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and commercial insurance companies offer flood insurance. Both options will have different coverage choices and associated costs. The key is to choose which one will be best for your business in Weston, FL. Be sure to understand the costs, coverage, and fine lines of any policy before deciding.

How Can You Save Money on Insurance?

As with most insurance types, how much you pay for your flood policy depends largely on your risk factor. To save the most money on insurance, compare several policies, go for a high deductible, and maintain continuous coverage on your business.
Floods can do serious damage to a business. Understanding the threat, options for insurance, those from private companies and FEMA, and how to save money can help you choose a policy to protect against this damage.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

When a pipe bursts it can cause major water damage.

Is Mold Damage Covered by Commercial Insurance?

Water damage from storms, floods and leaks can cause significant damage to your property. To make matters worse, the moisture from these events also provides a fertile breeding ground for mold. If your property has suffered water damage, you should review your commercial insurance policy to see what coverage is provided for mold.

Why Mold Is a Problem

Many people may see mold as primarily an aesthetic issue and focus on getting rid of the stains and smell. However, mold damage is a serious problem for several reasons:

• Can grow on almost any surface
  
• Often grows under floors, behind walls, in ducts, behind ceiling tiles and other places where it isn't visible
  
• Feeds on the material it grows on, which may damage or destroy it
  
  

What Commercial Property Insurance Covers

Most commercial insurance policies include a fungus exclusion that eliminates coverage for damage caused by the growth, proliferation, presence or spread of bacteria, fungus and wet or dry rot. Mold, mildew, spores, toxins, by-products and scents produced by fungi are included in this exclusion.
The standard ISO commercial policy contains three exceptions to the fungus exclusion. The mold that occurs because of fire or lightning is covered. A specified cause of loss that occurs because of fungus is covered. Finally, mold that occurs because of a specified cause of loss other than fire or lightning is covered by mold insurance, called Limited Fungus Coverage.

How Limited Fungus Coverage Works

Limited Fungus Coverage applies when a specified cause of loss results in mold. For example, if you have a broken pipe and the water damage from that pipe causes mold, then the cost of removing the mold or repairing any damage caused by the mold is covered up to the $15,000 limit.

Though commercial insurance policies broadly exclude coverage for mold, if the mold occurs due to a covered cause of loss, limited coverage applies in most policies. An insurance professional in Weston, FL, can help you review the specific coverages in your policy.

3 Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid After a Flood

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Because mold thrives in moist environments, it’s vital to begin flood cleanup and restoration endeavors as quickly as possible.

Homeowners Should Avoid These 3 Mistakes After a Flood

Flooding can be a devastating experience for any community to endure. Because many homes in Weston, FL, may be susceptible to this threat, it’s important to carefully evaluate your risks and consider purchasing flood insurance. In the event damage does occur, it’s also imperative that you avoid several key mistakes that could jeopardize both your home’s structural integrity and your claim.

1. Waiting for the Adjuster To Arrive

Floods can affect large areas and many property owners. Because of this, your insurance adjuster may be inundated with claims, resulting in delays. Unfortunately, waiting to commence cleanup efforts can result in extensive mold damage that may further compromise your home’s structure. To avoid this, you may need to commence operations before the insurance representative arrives on the scene.

2. Forgetting To Document Destruction

Properly documenting flood damage is an essential part of the flood insurance claim process. You should compile a list of your damaged or destroyed possessions that includes dates of purchase as well as each item’s value. Because the adjuster may not see the full extent of the destruction firsthand, you must take video or photographic evidence. Failure to complete this important step can jeopardize your claim or result in limited financial compensation.

3. Failure to Remove Saturated Building Materials

Because mold thrives in moist environments, it’s vital to begin flood cleanup and restoration endeavors as quickly as possible. Promptly removing standing water and saturated objects are important step. Opening windows and utilizing fans and dehumidifiers can also expedite the drying process, keeping spores from proliferating.

To be efficient, you should also remove soaked drywall and insulation. This protects your home from extensive mold contamination by eliminating additional moisture zones where the fungus can breed undetected.

Completing a flood insurance claim can be a lengthy process. Cleanup initiatives, on the other hand, mandate a quick response. Understanding how to proceed with the project before the insurance adjuster’s visit can help every homeowner protect their property from additional damage.

Tips for Dealing With a Partial Loss Fire

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Coping with any kind of fire loss in your Weston, FL, commercial building is an overwhelming experience. If your building has only been partially damaged, then your insurance claim will likely fall under the category of a partial loss. It’s important to understand exactly what to expect when dealing with a partial loss fire in order to be appropriately compensated for your trouble. Here are some guidelines for properly addressing a partial loss.

Understand What Qualifies as a Partial Loss

Before you file your insurance claim, you need to have a thorough understanding of what type of loss you are dealing with. You can categorize your loss as partial if you come across the following issues:

• Destroyed air ducts
  
• Signs of smoke, ash or mold
  
• Diminished air quality
  
• Insufficient repair or cleaning processes
  
  

If any of these concerns are present during the fire restoration process, it’s crucial to document them in order to be reimbursed for your fire loss.

File a Claim as Soon as Possible

The faster you make your claim, the faster your needs can be addressed. When insurance companies are dealing with more pressing disasters, a partial loss may not be prioritized and you might be left waiting for a while. It’s therefore vital to file away your insurance claim at your earliest convenience so you can have your business up and running again.

Document All Damaged Items

When the insurance adjuster arrives and throughout the process of making a claim, you’ll need to provide concrete evidence of your loss. The best way to do this is to document any items that have been damaged by the fire. Take a lot of pictures and keep all your records of repairs and maintenance work that has been done.

Whether you’re dealing with smoke damage or structural loss, contacting a professional to arrange a fire damage assessment can help restore your business while you work on your claim. Don’t wait until your fire loss gets out of hand to call for help.

Causes for a Leak in a Commercial Property

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe causes water damage in Weston, FL.

Causes of a Commercial Property Leak

When caused by unnoticed broken pipes, water damage will give property owners an unwelcome expense. Due to the nature of a plumbing system, leaks are not limited to bathrooms and can occur anywhere the pipes travel, including:

• Behind walls
  
• On the ceiling
  
• In the basement
  
• Underground
  
  

Water cleanup following a leak is an important process for commercial property owners in Weston, FL, especially if the source of the water is contaminated. Here are some causes of broken pipes and how to address them.

Frozen Water and Increased Water Pressure

Frozen water inside of the pipes will cause the water pressure to increase. This will put a strain on the pipes, leading to tears and burst pipes. To keep pipes from freezing, the proper insulation must be installed. Work with a professional plumber to insulate your property's pipes.

Rusted Pipes

Older properties often have plumbing systems made of materials that are not rust-resistant. These are more likely to develop leaks if they are not well maintained. Updating the plumbing materials is the solution for an outdated system. You can do this yourself or contact a plumbing expert. It is better to get this fixed upon purchasing the property to prevent costly water damages.

Loose "Dancing" Pipes

Dancing pipes will bang and clang whenever the water runs in a facility. This will wear the joints and cause tears in the pipes. To resolve loose pipes, you must consider the cause. Pipes make noise due to high water pressure or improper insulation. First, measure the water pressure in your building to ensure it is up to standard. If you have ruled this out, install the proper insulation to prevent broken pipes.
A professional water damage restoration service will help you determine the cause of a leak in your commercial property and give you the proper advice on how to proceed. Water damage can be prevented by regularly checking and maintaining your plumbing system.

Looking to Get Involved in a Disaster Recovery Business? SERVPRO Is the Ideal Choice

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water restoration in Weston, FL.

Interested In Working In the Disaster Recovery Industry?

Are you an entrepreneurial-minded person? Are you itching to start a business or franchise in an existing company? A SERVPRO franchise could be the opportunity of a lifetime. There’s a lot to like about this disaster restoration company from a customer standpoint, but it’s also a prime pick from a business perspective. You can join up with a local franchise in Weston, FL, and get on the path to a satisfying venture with a top-notch organization.

Enviable Qualities

When you’re seeking first-rate service from a disaster relief company, SERVPRO has what it takes: fast response, qualified professionals, excellent customer service, experienced, skilled technicians and more. As a business owner, you would join a team you can trust. It has the following characteristics:

• Locally owned
• Honest and full of integrity
• Communicates effectively
• Professional
  
  

National Footprint, Local Presence

SERVPRO is a nationwide, certified disaster restoration and cleanup company that strives to assist client recover from major catastrophes. Though the company operates throughout the country, it also has a local office to meet the needs of local residents who face the direst circumstances.

Honesty is Key

Like any good organization, a SERVPRO franchise operates like its parent company and delivers honest, trustworthy service to clients. You can be a part of a team that oversees the inspection, evaluation, tear-out, cleanup, restoration, and replacement of homes where disastrous fires and floods wreaked havoc. SERVPRO believes in giving people accurate, truthful information and estimates at every step in a project.

Communicates Well

Not only does SERVPRO communicate effectively with clients, but local franchises also have the support of the home office. As a franchise owner, you know you can also turn to corporate leaders for help.

Professional

In every interaction with clients and fellow SERVPRO representatives, you can expect professional conduct. This will manifest itself through hard work, reputation, and appearance.

Build your business with a SERVPRO franchise. You’ll work alongside some of the most respected colleagues in the emergency cleanup industry.

Restoring Water Damaged Electronics

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring Water Damaged Electronics

A flood in your building is devastating enough. What do you do, though, when this deluge affects technology? For many in business owners in Weston, FL, these flooded electronics are essential to track sales, contact clients and produce merchandise. Their loss, then, is not only a painful expense but also a frustrating waste of time and productivity. Restoring them becomes vital. During any efforts to do so take care to protect yourself as well as seek the professional assistance of a local water restoration company.

1. Shut Down Power

Be safe with electronic damage. First, cut off the main power supply. Then, relocate yourself away from any water. Complete the following: check that the device is no longer on, the plug is completely off and you feel comfortable removing it. Batteries are hazardous too, so remove them only if they do not show signs of distress. Should you have any doubts, a remediation team can come in and inspect the premises, handling this for you.

2. Evaluate Each Device

Many flooded electronics can be dried out, but you may want to find out the severity of damage first. Have the pH tested, determining whether it's salvageable. You want a number close to seven. Anything too high or too low has a great impact. Next, ask the experts about their available technology. They often have more sophisticated equipment that can retrieve files and save hard drives.

3. Dry and Clean

Take everything completely apart, ensuring it all airs out. Then, you'll need to clean the elements. Pay attention to the circuit board, soaking it in isopropyl alcohol or distilled water. Grab a toothbrush or something soft and scrub away any debris. Dry under a heat lamp or with a hairdryer. At this point, put it all back together, looking for any parts that need additional replacement or repair.
Your flooded electronics can be saved, but it takes patience and time. Take care to eliminate electrical currents and sanitize the pieces.

How Professionals Clean Up After Sewer Damage

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer damage from a bathtub in Weston, FL.

After Sewer Damage, How Do Professionals Clean-Up?

If sewer backup, such as a flooded toilet, has contaminated your home in Weston, FL, you may find yourself wondering how in the world anyone could completely clean such a mess. While you should never attempt sewer cleanup yourself, it’s hard for some people to imagine how even a professional could make everything safe again. You can break down this process into four necessary steps:

1. Protect
   
2. Inspect
   
3. Remove
   
4. Repair
   
   

Each of these steps has several components that are essential to the cleaning process, and require both knowledge and specialized tools. In the end, you have a home that feels as good as new.

1. Protect

Sewer backup is considered dangerous for humans to touch. It can contain all kinds of bacteria, parasites, and other toxic substances. That’s why the first step in the restoration process is to protect the people in the home and the workers. The professionals may ask you to leave home for a given amount of time. Then, they use protective gear to ensure their own health and safety.

2. Inspect

The crew may take a moment to identify any potential hazards. This step allows them to create a game plan for the sewer cleanup. They may determine that they need the electricity off or that specific structures could become dangerous.

3. Remove

Once they have a game plan, the team can start removing the contaminated water with specific pumps. Then, they remove all unsalvageable materials. This stage may also include a drying period.

4. Repair

With all the contaminated water and belongings out of the way, the restoration crew can begin repairs. This step often includes lots of cleaning, followed by precise rebuilding to bring your home back to its former glory.

Sewer cleanup may seem like a terrifying ordeal, but with qualified professionals in Weston, FL, by your side, you can make it look like sewer backup or a flooded toilet never happened.

Three Reasons Why Your Business Needs Flood Insurance

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Why Purchase Flood Insurance?

When you are taking out insurance for your Weston, FL business, you might wonder if you really need to get separate flood insurance. While it might seem like an unnecessary extra expense, it can be incredibly helpful in an emergency. If you need more convincing, here are a few reasons why you should purchase this type of insurance.

1. Floods Are Not Covered Under Other Types of Insurance

Perhaps the most obvious reason why it is a good idea to get this added insurance is that other kinds of commercial insurance do not cover damage caused by floods. Your standard commercial property insurance covers many kinds of damage, but if you are hit by a flood, you will not be covered unless you have a separate policy specifically for that purpose.

2. Water Damage Can Be Costly

If your business is flooded, you might end up with quite a bit of water damage. This can include damage to the building itself as well as the property inside of it. Floors and walls might need to be replaced by a professional water damage repair service which can take a lot of time and money. If you have expensive equipment or computers that need to be replaced, it will be even more costly. In this case, having flood insurance can save you from a huge financial loss.

3. It Might Be Required

In some cases, you might be required to get flood insurance. This will likely be the case if you have a mortgage on the property and you live in an area with a high risk of floods. The lender will want a guarantee that the property is protected in an emergency.
You cannot predict when bad weather will happen, and you should protect your business from all possible scenarios. Because other types of commercial insurance do not include floods, it is a good idea to purchase a separate flood policy.

The Relation Between Fire Damage and Water Damage

1/16/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage and Water Damage

When your business experiences fire damage, you may not expect to find that your building in Weston, FL has also been damaged by water. However, when a fire affects a building, it is often likely to find damage from water as well.

Why Is a Business Likely To Become Damaged by Water After a Fire?

There are several reasons a business that has been affected by a fire is likely to experience water damage, including:

• Water from a fire hose used to extinguish the fire
  
• A pipe breaking or bursting as a result of the fire
  
• Sprinklers that go off when smoke is detected
  
  

What Causes Flooding After a Fire?

Large fires that are not contained quickly can leave an area barren. Without shrubs, trees or other types of foliage, even a normal amount of rainwater will not be properly absorbed. As a result, amounts of rain that would not normally cause a flood can result in floods that can quickly damage a business.

What Should You Do if Your Business is Damaged by a Fire?

If your business has water and fire damage, you may not know what to do next. The following steps can be helpful to take after a fire:

• Make an insurance claim
  
• Don’t disturb items that are covered in soot or are damaged
  
• Start to mitigate the damage if it is possible to safely do so
  
  

How Can You Protect Your Business After a Fire?

Although it isn’t always possible to prevent a flood from occurring after a fire, there are ways you can protect your building after a fire. Using board-up services can be one of the best ways to keep your building safe. Boarding up your building will help to deter potential thieves and can also protect the building from the outside elements.

If Your Water Heater Has a Leak, Read This

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Four Steps When Dealing With a Leaking Water Heater

Water is essential in every home in Weston, FL. When water stays where it is supposed to stay, you usually don’t have to think much about it. On the other hand, whether you have a small leak or a large flood, water can ruin the comfort, value and appearance of your home. As you may suspect, a leaking water heater can make a huge mess. If you have to deal with a failed water heater, consider following these four simple steps.

1. Disconnect Electrical Devices

Water and electricity do not mix. If your broken water heater causes significant flooding, you must be certain you do not leave electrical devices connected to sockets. When disconnecting them, you must take care not to shock yourself. If you are worried about your safety, ask for professional assistance.

2. Throw Away Damaged Items

Many homeowners use the area around their water heaters for storage. When a leaking water heater causes a flood, you must determine which of your keepsakes are salvageable and which ones are garbage. If some of your treasures have sustained damage, ask a reputable flood restoration specialist to help you make the determination.

3. Dry Wet Areas Immediately

Mold can grow in as few as 24 hours. As such, it is important to completely dry wet areas as soon as possible. If you already have mold growth, you may need to rely on a mold mitigation service to contain the spread of black mold.

4. Think About the Air

Floods usually cause the humidity in the space to rise significantly. Accordingly, you may need to use a dehumidifier to effectively remove water from the air. A hygrometer can tell you whether your house has abnormally high humidity.

Because a leaking water heater can wreak havoc on the condition of your home, you want to pay special attention to the area around your water heater. If you notice a leak, you must act quickly to contain damage, repair damaged areas and stop mold growth.

Why Flooded Streets Are Dangerous

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Why Are Flooded Streets Risky?

Many residents of Weston, FL, have probably been faced with the decision of what to do when encountering a flooded street. Perhaps they’ve noticed cars in front of them that have successfully crossed over with no incident, or maybe they believe that the time saved by taking a calculated risk outweighs the consequences of being late to their destination. Whatever the case, it may be better to take a safer route until the water subsides or a disaster recovery team can restore the area, since reputable sources agree that it may not be worth taking that chance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

Statistics provided by FEMA show why crossing a flooded street may not be the best idea:

• Most cars can start to float in only one foot of water.
  
• Many vehicles can be affected or even stall in just six inches of water
  
• Even larger cars can be washed away with two feet of rushing water.
  
  

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service has the following flood-related travel tips that may be helpful:

• Avoid lower-lying areas.
  
• Remember it is even more difficult to assess flood dangers at night.
  
• It is better to avoid flooded roads altogether to reduce the risk of drowning.
  
  

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports notes the potential damage that can result from miscalculating a flooded surface:

• Water can be pulled into the engine and destroy it.
  
• Your car can become totaled.
  
• A flooded road can conceal broken electrical sources that can lead to electrocution.
  
  

The next time you contemplate crossing a flooded street in Weston, FL, remember what the experts say. According to The Weather Channel, 64 percent of deaths in floods between 2004–2010 occurred in vehicles. Even if your experience is not fatal, it can be helpful to understand the risks involved with flooded areas that can mask unpredictable terrain, create unforeseen vehicle damage, or pose serious safety risks.