Do You Have a Mold Problem?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

One of the more common signs of fungal growth is the development of blackish spots

Have You Got a Mold Issue?

Sometimes something just seems off. As a business owner in Naples Park, FL, you know your building. You understand how it works, and you can feel when the premises are different. In fact, your chances of spore growth are likely if you can answer yes to any of the following three questions below. If you do, then reach to an indoor environmental specialist for guidance in locating and eradicating the hazard.

1. Do You See Spots?
One of the more common signs of fungal growth is the development of blackish spots, signs that spores are reproducing. Using a household cleaner is a common first line of defense. However, those spots are only an external sign of an internal problem. Chances are you have a leak inside the walls. If that's the case, the spots are a signal of a serious issue that needs attention. Have the source fixed, and call in a mold restoration company to complete a mold test. These professionals can determine the extent of the infestation.

2. Is There a Strange Odor?
Not all contamination is visibly evident. In fact, sometimes one of the first signs is a musty odor, a by-product of spores breeding. In this situation, you'll need to uncover the location of the trouble. Work with an indoor environmental specialist. This expert has high tech equipment systems and can conduct a thorough investigation into the situation, pinpointing where you need to attack.

3. Have You Experienced a Flood?
Anytime water exposure increases mold growth could happen. Flooding, particularly, leaves businesses vulnerable. The deluge not only brings a dramatic increase in moisture, but the fluid also transfers high levels of microorganisms. It's the perfect storm for pollution. Those little microbes just dig on deep into anything porous. It may not be noticed at first, but you'll want a mold and water remediation crew to immediately attend to the premises. They should dry out the humidity and tear ruined materials.
If you suspect mold development, look for signs. Spots, odor, and water accumulation are primary indicators. Then, work with an indoor environmental specialist to find the extent of the invasion.

Why Your Restoration Service Looks for Secondary Damage

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water loss after 48 hours turns into mold damage

Why Your Restoration Service Looks for Secondary Damage

After a flood at your Pelican Bay, FL, place of business, it’s possible for secondary damage such as black mold, warped wood, or rusting metal to occur. Fortunately, your local water damage restoration service is already trained to look for these types of damages. Here are a few things you may want to know about why they do this.

1. What Secondary Damage Is

This type of damage is any damage that occurs as a result of the original damage. For example, high humidity after flooding can lean to mold problems, or could cause softening and crumbling of drywall. Wood can have warping from soaking in floodwater, and metal can rust leading to compromised integrity of plumbing fastenings.

2. How It Affects the Property

There are a number of ways this can affect your business property. Any type of mold, including black mold, can feed on the organic components of the building material weakening it. Warped wood can lead to uneven flooring, and rusting metal may cause issues with areas such as plumbing leading to additional long term problems. All of this can also cause the property to lose value.

3. What a Restoration Crew Can Do

A restoration team has been trained to deal with a variety of damage types. These include the damages that may be classified as secondary. In many cases they can clean the area and begin repairs, both restoring and replacing materials as needed. With a little time that can have the business looking “Like it never even happened.”

Secondary damage can take a number of forms, including black mold. This can negatively affect the property and reduce both it’s integrity and it’s value. Fortunately, your local restoration service can help conduct clean up, repairs, cleaning, and sometimes can help with prevention as well. If you have any questions the restoration team should be able to help.

Honing Our Skills

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO teams participate in continued education in Chicago, IL

Restoration Training Session in Chicago

At SERVPRO, we place a high premium on continued education and company culture. We never stop equipping our teams with the latest knowledge and techniques in restoration to ensure the best possible results for those who need our services.

This past week, our Chicago teams held a training event for all company staff, including our Florida teams, and those who could not make it in person attended virtually. The training was broken down between teams, with dedicated sessions for sales, office, and production staff. 

We are passionate about creating powerful company culture that brings people together to help others, and trainings like this one help us do just that — not only bolstering our top-notch but also our relationships with each other. 

If your home or business has been affected by water, fire, or storm damage, SERVPRO is here with the training and technology to restore your property faster and better. 

How To Recognize and Clean Up Black Water Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage water on the floor in a home in Naples Lakes, FL.

How to Identify and Repair Black Water Damage

Three hundred gallons per day: That’s how much water the average American household uses, most of which is indoors. What happens when it doesn’t go where it’s supposed to? When water escapes the confines of the pipes and tanks that hold it, severe damage can occur. The kind of damage done is divided into three categories based on the type of water and the possibility of harmful effects:

• Clean water
  
• Gray water
  
• Black water
  
  

What's the Difference Between Black and Gray Waters?

While clean water comes from water pipes and is clear of any substances, black and gray water are contaminated. Also called category 2, gray water is residential wastewater and contains quantities of physical, chemical, or biological elements such as soap and other residues. It does not contain feces. Possible sources include a washing machine, dishwasher, or bathtub. Untreated, this category can develop further contamination and be reclassified to the next level.
Black, or category 3, water is grossly contaminated and carries high levels of biological waste such as feces, urine, and medical or other unsanitary materials. It is the most serious category. Several possible sources are broken or ruptured sewer/septic lines, backed-up toilets or other clogged sewage lines, or storm surges. This type of water damage poses the highest risk and requires fast and specialized cleaning and restoration to prevent further problems.

What Can You Do About Black Water?

A leak or flood of unsanitary material, and the resulting damage to your home, can be frustrating and stressful. Residential water contamination of all types, especially that which is highly polluted and requires sewage cleanup, needs remediation as quickly and effectively as possible. Due to the potential for health risks and progression, cleanup should be left to restoration professionals. Improperly cleaned and dried items can cause more damage over time, such as mold, foul odors, and even structural damage.
Black water can pose immediate and long-term risks to health and property. Seeking professional cleanup services in Naples Lakes, FL is the best way to mitigate any risks and bring you peace of mind.

Why SERVPRO’s Claims Inventory System Might Be an Insurance Agent’s Best Friend

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can provide you with the tools you need to do the best for both your client and the agency.

Why SERVPRO's Claims Inventory System Could Be A Lifesaver For Insurance Agents

When a client suffers damage to their Naples Park, FL home, they will undoubtedly file an insurance claim. While working through the claim, you may end up accumulating quite a bit of related materials. In order to make the process easier for you, SERVPRO has a claims inventory system to help you keep track of any necessary information. These are a few things that they can provide for you.

1. Pictures of Damaged Items

During the restoration process, SERVPRO will take pictures of any damaged items which will make it easier for you when determining what the client has lost. They will provide you with an itemized loss inventory that includes photos of items and an Excel formatted report.

2. A Complete Job File

Along with the loss inventory, the Claims Information Center can give you an electronic job file with information you might need to complete the insurance claim. This will include loss photos, the first notice of loss as well as a detailed estimate of repair costs. They will also provide scanned copies of important paperwork and forms. It can be emailed to you or, if you prefer, you can receive a hard copy.

3. Online Access to Files

In order to make your work easier, as the insurance agent, you will have online access to all files related to the job. Having this information when you need it can help you complete the process more quickly. It can also help you to be sure you are making the best, most informed decision when it comes to your client’s claim.

When you are working on an insurance claim with your client, you want to have the most accurate data so you can make the right call for him or her. Using a damage restoration service that helps in this area can make it easier. SERVPRO can provide you with the tools you need to do the best for both your client and the agency.