Recent Posts

Battling Spring Water Damage: Tips for Florida Home and Business Owners

3/20/2024 (Permalink)

As spring unfolds its beauty in Florida, it also brings along the risk of water damage to homes and businesses. With increased rainfall and potential storms, it's essential to be prepared and proactive in safeguarding your property. Here are some tips to help you navigate the season while minimizing the risk of water damage:

1. Check Your Roof: Inspect your roof for any signs of damage or missing shingles. Repair any issues promptly to prevent water from seeping into your home during heavy rainstorms.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to allow proper drainage of rainwater away from your property. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof or overflowing, causing water damage to your walls and foundation.

3. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels: Florida's warm climate can lead to increased humidity indoors, which may contribute to mold growth and water damage. Use dehumidifiers if necessary and keep indoor humidity levels below 60%.

4. Inspect Plumbing Fixtures: Check for leaks or drips in plumbing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and under sinks. Address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth.

5. Maintain Landscaping: Trim trees and shrubs near your property to prevent branches from falling onto your roof during storms. Additionally, ensure that the ground around your property slopes away from the building to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.

By staying vigilant and implementing these preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of spring water damage to your home or business in Florida. However, if water damage does occur, remember that SERVPRO is here to help. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to respond quickly and effectively to mitigate water damage and restore your property to its pre-damage condition. Don't let spring showers dampen your spirits – let SERVPRO be your trusted partner in water damage restoration.

SERVPRO: Your Partner in Commercial Building Disaster Restoration

3/20/2024 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, commercial buildings in Florida can face significant damage, disrupting operations and impacting business continuity. Whether it's water damage from flooding, fire damage from electrical faults, or mold growth from prolonged humidity, SERVPRO is here to help restore your commercial property to its pre-disaster condition efficiently and effectively.

Water Damage Restoration:
Florida's climate makes commercial buildings susceptible to water damage from hurricanes, heavy rains, and plumbing failures. SERVPRO's water damage restoration experts are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth. Our rapid response minimizes downtime and helps businesses get back on track quickly.

Fire Damage Restoration:
Fire incidents can devastate commercial properties, causing structural damage, smoke residues, and lingering odors. SERVPRO's fire damage restoration team assesses the extent of the damage, removes debris, and restores the property to pre-fire condition. With our expertise and advanced cleaning methods, we eliminate smoke odors and ensure a safe, clean environment for employees and customers.

Mold Remediation:
Florida's warm and humid climate creates ideal conditions for mold growth, posing health risks and property damage to commercial buildings. SERVPRO's mold remediation specialists conduct thorough inspections, contain mold growth, remove contaminated materials, and restore air quality to acceptable levels. Our proactive approach prevents mold recurrence and ensures a healthier indoor environment.

Storm Damage Restoration:
Florida is prone to severe weather events like hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes, which can cause extensive damage to commercial buildings. SERVPRO's storm damage restoration team responds swiftly to mitigate damage, secure properties, and initiate cleanup and restoration efforts. We work tirelessly to minimize business interruptions and restore normalcy to commercial operations.

Emergency Ready Program (ERP):
Preparedness is key to minimizing the impact of disasters on commercial buildings. SERVPRO offers the Emergency Ready Program (ERP), a complimentary service that helps businesses create a customized emergency plan for their property. By identifying potential risks, establishing emergency contacts, and outlining response protocols, the ERP empowers businesses to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters, reducing downtime and mitigating losses.

SERVPRO is the trusted leader in commercial building disaster restoration in Florida. With our expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence, we help businesses navigate through challenging times and restore their properties to pre-disaster conditions. When disaster strikes, count on SERVPRO to be your partner in recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our commercial building disaster restoration services and how we can help protect your business in Florida.

Certifications and Professionals Teams

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERPRO team in hazmat suites entering a location Our SERVPRO team of Professionals are always here to help!

If you’re in need of disaster repair, SERVPRO® of Sebastian, team of professionals are here to help. Each and every one of our technicians are highly trained in property restoration to better serve our community. From initial and ongoing corporate training to regular e-training and continuing education classes, you can trust that your SERVPRO Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle your disaster, no matter the size. 

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the governing body that sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. All members of the SERVPRO team study IICRC standards and best practices to know how to restore damaged properties correctly. The certifications include: 

Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): This course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform the proper procedures in the field to keep all workers and occupants safe.

Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD): Through this training, technicians learn how to dry water-damaged structures safely and efficiently.

Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT): This course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT): Through this training, technicians learn about smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, odor concepts, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings.

Odor Control Technician (OCT): This course covers odor control, odor causes, and deodorization techniques.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT): Throughout this training, technicians go over fiber identifications and upholstery cleaning methods.

Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT): During this course, trainees learn about the concepts of water damage, its effects in different settings, and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination.

At SERVPRO, we understand that having the knowledge and training to handle an array of damages and disasters is crucial to meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers when the restoration is required. Our extensive SERVPRO training program includes the following:

  • IICRC Training
  • Employee Certification Training: This voluntary, self-paced program allows our professionals to learn more about crew training, fire restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and mold mitigation.
  • Initial Franchise Training: This 15-day hands-on course at our training facility allows new franchise owners to master topics such as fire restoration and mold mitigation.
  • e-Learnings: Through this web-based training, team members can stay up-to-date on industry standards and professional quality.
  • Continuing Education Classes: These programs are designed for insurance agents, adjusters, real estate professionals, and franchise staff to learn more about emergency mitigation.

As your disaster repair professionals, you can trust that we have the equipment and personnel to handle your cleanup and restoration needs. Often people will try to tackle their flood, mold, or fire issues without realizing that they will most likely do more harm than good without the appropriate technology and safety procedures. When you work with SERVPRO, you can trust that our services will restore your damaged property, while also keeping you, your family, and your belongings safe. Regardless of the cause or source, our team can handle any sized disaster.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been changing the restoration and mitigation industry. To better serve our customers, SERVPRO created the National Training Center in 1992 to teach restoration and mitigation skills to franchise owners and insurance industry employees. Through professional training, our team is uniquely positioned and qualified to help when disaster strikes. Not only is our team trained in the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry, but we're also the ones who created them.

As a homeowner, having a certified team completing your damage restoration ensures that your home is safe and sound for you and your family. From your carpet to your ceiling and everywhere in between, our team has the expertise and tools so that you don’t have to worry about safety when playing with the kids on your living room carpet or preparing dinner on your kitchen counters. Whether it’s mold or fire that affects your home, our team will restore each and every piece to its pre-damage glory.

To learn more about our services, training, certifications, or processes, contact your Melbourne disaster restoration professionals today!

#certifiedsebastianmoldremoval #professionalrestoration #covidcleaning #certifiedinsuranceapprovedwaterremoval #SERVPROofsebastian

Why SERVPRO When Disaster Happens

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew arriving with equipment. When it comes to disaster recovery, count on our professionals to get the job done.

When a large storm hits, your clients may be in need of a local disaster recovery team in their Sebastian, Florida area. A professional restoration service, such as SERVPRO, may be able to help. A recovery team has the ability to do a few things that may be just what your clients need. 

1. Respond to Larger Than Normal Damages

Sometimes storm damage may be larger than predicted. When this happens, you may want a team of restoration professionals who can respond to your client's needs quickly. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Sebastian, is a locally owned and operated franchise capable of working together with other SERVPRO teams to get the job done. However, as they are a franchise, they can call on corporate for additional resources as needed.

2. Provide a Quick Response Time

When it comes to disaster recovery, you may want to know that you can get a quick storm response team to your clients. The faster damage can be protected and then repaired, the less likely additional damage may occur. The ability to get a team to the site in a timely manner may save time and money in the long run. SERVPRO has local offices around the country allowing them to have professionals available at most locations.

3. Provide the Tools Necessary for Large Repair Jobs

In the event of a large disaster, it may be determined at large equipment is required to perform the job efficiently. A restoration team such as SERVPRO has access to the tools of the trade. This means that even in the case of a severe storm or major flooding, they can still begin restoration quickly.

A professional restoration service may be able to with any disaster recovery needs your clients may have. They usually have the ability to mobilize several teams for larger than normal damages. This may also include a faster response time. A professional team also has the resources, including tools and equipment, necessary to deal with large jobs.

Water damage and Fitness Facilities

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Fitness center flooring Fitness floor area after clean up.

SERVPRO Can Help You Restore or Prevent Severe Outcomes after Flood Damage in your Sebastian Facility

When a storm or other extreme weather event punctures the roof at your Sebastian health and fitness center, it creates a perfect opportunity for rainwater to filter in, leading to flooding. Since you cannot predict such intrusion, what matters is what you do once it happens. The outcome can be disastrous if you do not take immediate steps to address all the problems that develop.

What problems should I expect after water incursion through the roof?

Such flood damage in your Sebastian fitness center is likely to affect most of the contents in your facility as well as structural components. In most cases, you can expect some typical issues such as:
• Water trapped within the walls
• Water trapped in the ceiling
• Water-logged floor materials
• Deterioration of wall panels and fixtures

When water enters a building through the roof or other elevated parts of the structure, it affects more areas as it finds a way towards the floor. Unlike breaches at the ground level whereby water wicks slowly through materials, the intrusions from elevated points allow water to reach cavities such as the spaces between walls, ceilings, and closets faster, this is gravity at work.

Sudden exposure to water affects materials in different ways, depending on the physical traits of their constituent parts. Composite materials can disintegrate as the water damages the bonds that hold them together. The water might also spark chemical processes like rusting metallic items in your fitness center, including the weights, benches, and other accessories. Calling our SERVPRO team in time can help prevent rather than reverse these processes.

How should I plan my response to a flooding incident?

  • Stopping the water infiltration
    • Removing the water
    • Clean up
    • Dealing with moisture

When flooding happens because of a hole in the roof, performing other restoration steps before fixing the opening exposes the property to further intrusion should the rain continue. Since carrying out full repairs on short notice is not feasible either, you need alternative solutions. Our SERVPRO of Sebastian, technicians can help set up a roof tarp stopping further flooding inside the structure until you repair the damaged section. The tarp is strong enough to last up to two years, so it is not just temporary patchwork to secure your facility for a day or two but should get a permanent repair soon after the incident.

Fast extraction of any water pooling around the facility is essential since leaving water sitting in the property over extended periods leads to secondary damage. The water might penetrate the subfloor necessitating expensive repairs. Standing water also increases humidity levels within the structure, which can transfer damages from the areas affected initially. Wet-vacuuming helps remove the water fast. Our technicians have access to different varieties of extraction equipment, including portable and truck-mounted ones allowing us to extract any pool of water, "Like it never even happened."

Are there unique challenges in restoring a flooded gym?

If your fitness center is like most, you have the advantage of vast open spaces. Moving contents out of the way or setting up restoration equipment is easier. Most of the equipment also has metallic parts, which can withstand water exposure. However, you can expect other challenges.

Depending on the material you have on the floors, water exposure can cause minimal or extensive damages. In the case of a wooden floor, you have to worry about the expansion that occurs from absorbing significant amounts of water. Even more troubling is that the expansion might not go away after drying, so the damage can be permanent. If the floor is made from synthetic materials such as rubber, vinyl, or poured urethane, you do not have to worry about expansion. However, substantial water intrusion under the material damages the glue holding the floor material.

You might also have a carpeted area in your facility, especially around the weightlifting benches. Extended exposure of carpets to water leads to backing separation. Carpets used in commercial settings have higher pile density ranging from 18 to 30 ounces per square yard, which makes them more resilient. However, water can still damage them permanently.

Our SERVPRO crews use different techniques to help resolve these situations, including expediting water extraction and setting up drying chambers over wooden floors to control the drying process. For the carpets, we can remove them for offsite drying to quicken the process.

SERVPRO of Sebastian can put in the hard work necessary to save your fitness center from flood damage. Call us at 772-277-2100 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

6 Tips for Preventing Storm Damage

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

Evening Storm over a house. Have a set plan for when disaster happens.

The clouds darken in the sky. The winds start to pick up. A major storm is headed your way. 

If you have a major storm system headed in your direction, you need to make sure you’re prepared to avoid potential storm damage. Depending on the size of the storm, you may need to prepare for it in advance.

In Florida, the annual hurricane season means that you should always know how to prepare for a potential major storm that could hit. The following are some tips to make sure you’re prepared to limit the amount the damage to your home.

Preparation Weeks Before the Storm

If you’re in an area where major storms could hit your town, like in Florida, it’s important to keep your trees trimmed that could potentially fall on your house. Make sure any diseased branches, dead branches, or low hanging arms are removed so they won’t fall and damage your house should a storm come.

These branches can be removed at any point during the year but if you live in a climate further north that gets cold during the winter, it’s best to clip the branches during the springtime before the leaves appear. Repeat the process again in the winter when more trees are in a dormant state.

Last Minute Preparation

While much of the preparation for a major storm may have been taken care of during the days and weeks prior to the storm’s arrival such as trimming trees or putting boards over windows, there are some preparations that have to wait until the last minute.

First put your car inside of your garage and back it up to the inside door. You do this so the door won’t twist-up if the winds become too vicious. Next put bikes, children’s toys, potted plants, outside furniture, or anything that can be stored in the remaining parts of the garage. Anything that’s left outside and not nailed down needs to be stored in the garage as well. If not stored during the storm, those objects can become projectiles that could damage your home.

Make sure to tightly shut every window in the house and move away from them. During the storm it’s important to be in a room without windows so if any projectiles fly through the window, you’ll be safe. Unplug any small electrical appliances and shut down your personal computer.

During the storm, it’s important to have a battery-powered radio on hand to supply you with all the news of the storm going on outside. Find your local station that is a good source of weather information before the power goes out so you’ll just have to turn it on and be at the right station.

Lightning

If you want to be extra cautious you can purchase lightning conductor rods to install at the highest point of your house. You’ll want to make sure they’re grounded so that any direct strike will immediately be directed straight into the ground.

Moving the Movable

Make sure that you have everything that is outside either secured to the ground or brought inside. Heavy winds have the ability to pick up and throw lighter objects through the air and potentially damage your home or injure you. Larger objects like grills may be able to be left outside but you’ll want to be certain that it won’t cause damage to your home when the storm comes.

Leaks

It’s important to fix any leaks you may have around your home before the storm comes. If the storm is likely to dump a great deal of water in your area, a simple drip can turn into a flow of water and once the storm arrives, there’s nothing you can do about it. These unfixed leaks can become washouts and cause significant and costly damage to your home.

Prepare for Possible Evacuation

If the storm is bad enough, either a voluntary or mandatory evacuation could be called forcing you to vacate your home. To prepare for the possibility of an evacuation in advance, put together a small suitcase with essentials like a change of clothes and important objects like photos or anything that holds significant importance to you.

Put the suitcase somewhere it will stay safe and out of the way so you won’t trip over it. Also make sure that it’s stored somewhere that’s easy to get to so you can make a quick getaway if the time comes for you to evacuate.

If a major storm hits, follow these guidelines to help prevent potential storm damage to your home. But sometimes, regardless of how much you prepare, damage will occur. If you suffer storm damage, call on SERVPRO of Sebastian, to come to your rescue.

Water Flooding In House.

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded Tile Floor Keep moisture from creeping in to your walls.

Water flooding in your house, business, or place of work can happen at any time. Most of the reasons for flooding are due to pipes breaking, backed up septic tanks, water heaters. When those times happen we dry up the areas and think everything is dry and fine. But what most people do not realize is that moisture can behind walls, cabinets, and rugs. 

Here are some facts: 

  • Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves, and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.
  • It is not visible right after it happens meaning if you do not get a rapid response on the matter it will grow. 
  • Even if you dry the area it can be wet behind walls
  • Bleach does not stop the growth behind the walls. 

What To Do After Flooding

  • Turn off Electric to the affected area
  • Call SERVPRO of Sebastian
  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after the removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

#waterfloodinginhouse #waterdamage #SERVPROofsebastian

Your Exclusive ERP Partner

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

As a business owner, you always strive to do everything in your will and power to protect your business, to protect your investment. We are “Here to Help” you do just that and more. SERVPRO of Sebastian helps keep your business safe with our easy and effective Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). We make it our business to help protect your business. Why SERVPRO? Because we are your exclusive ERP partner.

What is an Emergency Ready Profile, you ask?

An ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information regarding your business. This includes information such as emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. Learn how to keep your business safe with a SERVPRO ERP.

An ERP is a tool for property managers and owners -- both residential and commercial. It allows for the creation of an Emergency READY Profile. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation. This can help minimize how water damage and fire damage can affect your home or business.

3 benefits of an Emergency Ready Profile:

  • Helps ensure you’re “Ready for whatever happens.”
  • Helps minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.
  • Helps save time and money.

Our heroes here at SERVPRO of Sebastian encourage you to always be prepared, always be “Ready for whatever happens,” and you can achieve that with our ERP. When we implement an Emergency Ready Profile at your commercial property, we analyze your blueprints and do a thorough walk-through to help ensure we cover all basis. We tag each system of your business so you can easily identify where they are if an emergency arises. Throughout the ERP process, we capture photos and document all pertinent information about your business and personally deliver it to you.

Our mobile-friendly FREE app allows you to see all critical information in one central location. And you can access it with just the touch of a button. Take that very important step and go to your App Store to get our app now. It’s completely FREE. By doing so, you’re already taking those necessary steps to protecting your investment.

When it comes to protecting your business, count on the company that has experience in doing so. Count on the company that’s your exclusive ERP partner -- SERVPRO of Sebastian. Our marketing heroes will be happy to implement your ERP -- for FREE. Contact us online, or give us a call today: (772) 277-2100.

Bioremediation Services by SERVPRO

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technician spraying surfaces in a building. Call SERVPRO if you need or unsure if you need a remediation specialist for your home or commercial space.

We are Here to Help

Get Your Business Back to Normal

SERVPRO of Sebastian, is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company.

SERVPRO of Sebastian professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

#covid #biohazard #SERVPROSebastian

SERVPRO of Sebastian and Commercial Properties

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

With your wares and building to worry about, our SERVPRO team has real-time mitigation solutions to protect your Indian River location

After a fire or water loss, you may not know the best approach to get your Indian River location back to pre loss condition. Many rely on the fast and confident response of our SERVPRO of Sebastian technicians to help, as we are "Faster To Any Size Disaster", and feature a team of in-house commercial contractors for any reconstruction needs that might also exist. By getting to work quickly, we can often limit the spread and severity of loss conditions stemming from either water or fire emergencies.

No matter why you need restoration services for your location, the more that you know and understand the process, the more at peace you are with what must occur. There are many times where the restoration process can look worse than the damage did as your property is on the path to complete drying or in need of some degree of rebuilding after controlled demolition. What our professionals prioritize when mitigation first begins can help you to understand what to expect:

  • Contents in the shop
  • Structural damage
  • Standing water
  • Debris
  • Residue removal

What if Reconstruction is Necessary?

Regardless of the loss incident that your shop might face, there are many situations where structural elements have become too compromised or ruined to preserve. After controlled demolition, it is up to our experienced in-house contractors to build back these areas of your property after mitigation completes. While we work to restore the property before choosing to replace certain structural elements, this is not always cost-effective or efficient to get your doors open again quickly.

Understanding the restoration process can help you see how our SERVPRO of Sebastian, team can help you in an emergency. Give us a call anytime you need us at (772) 277-2100.

#commercialmoldfastremoval #officefirecleaning #SERVPROSebastian