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.

Water Flooding In House.

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

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

Protecting Wood from Water Damage

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Most houses have wood integrated into their structures in some way or another. Often these wooden parts of the house are used for decks, doors, or garage doors. The problem with wood that is open to the elements is that water damage is always a possibility. Similar to issues with the foundation, if gutters are absent from the building or are defective so that water flows straight down rather than being directed away from the building, the result could be rotting, mold growth, or other problems associated with wood being affected by water.

Keep Outside of the House Clean

When rainwater flows off the roof, it brings with it the mud, sand, and other debris that may have collected on the roof. What fell from the sky as clean water is now dirty water that can leave a trail on the house. The result of this could be the staining of doors, windows, and siding which could negatively affect the look of the house and force you to clean the house more frequently. The primary purpose of gutters is to direct water away from the house so that the water doesn’t flow straight down where it can cause trouble.

By doing this, the water that would have caused these unsightly features will now be directed well away from the house leaving the home with a cleaner outside look.

House Flooding

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

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 be hidden 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 always 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.
• Open exterior doors and windows.
• 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 #SERVPROSebastian

Water Damage and Homeowner Insurance

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Keep up with your appliance maintenance.

Home insurance is useful in times of an emergency. Insurance allows you to avoid having to pay out-of-pocket for expenses that are related to damage to your Sebastian, Florida home. Submitting a claim after your home is damaged by water helps you recover money spent on repairs. However, it is important to know that there are positive and negative points to filing a water damage insurance claim has its good points and bad points.

The Positive Points

Your insurance company covers certain types of water damage. In most instances, the insurance company will cover any damage that is the result of a sudden event. For example, if the broken dishwasher leaks water and causes any damage, you are covered by your policy. However, any damage that results from a dishwasher that malfunctions as a result of inadequate maintenance or neglect will not get covered.

Another example of water damage covered by your insurance policy is damage caused by a pipe bursting suddenly. Insurance companies will cover a water damage claim if the pipe burst was caused by the temperature dropping below freezing.

The Negative Points

Insurance companies will not cover water damage that is the result of improper maintenance. This type of damage occurs gradually over a period of time and is avoidable when homeowners engage in regular home maintenance. An example of this would be a claim that is filed to cover damage caused by a bursting pipe. The claim will not get covered if the pipe’s bursting was the result of a rapid decrease in temperature that resulted from an improperly heated home.

Another issue that homeowners face that is not covered by a regular home insurance policy is flood damage. If a local river overflows and floods your home, the flooding is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. You will need to purchase a separate insurance policy to cover flooding. This type of insurance is advised for anyone living in an area prone to flooding.

Water damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Unfortunately, there are some limitations to this coverage. An accident that occurs suddenly will likely get covered. However, flood damage that arises from poor maintenance is not covered by your policy. It is important to know that you may find yourself disagreeing with your insurance company about the nature of your water damage. An incident that you believe is the result of a sudden accident may not get viewed as such by your insurer. Your insurance company may argue that the damage was caused by improper maintenance of your home.

If you need help with flood damage in Sebastian, Wabasso, and surrounding areas, please allow us to be of assistance, give us a call at 772-277-2100

#waterdamagecleanup #inhomefloodingcleaningup #restorationcompanyinsebastian #SERVPRO

Water Damage and SERVPRO of Sebastian

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Damage to molding caused flooding in a Sebastian Home.

Water Damage Specialists Have Industry Experience 

Water damage specialists in Sebastian typically possess a plethora of certifications as well as years of experience within their industry. This acquired knowledge and experience enable the SERVPRO expert to address and resolve any and all water damage issues at hand. Moreover, the water damage specialist's extensive study and "hands-on experiences" in the field will empower her or him to recognize quickly your unique challenges and implement the solutions necessary to resolve them. 

Water Damage Specialists Work In Teams 

Water damage specialists have several contractors that work for or with them. When these individuals arrive at your residential property, they will move throughout your home and tackle several important issues simultaneously. Some of the challenges the contractors will typically address are removing damaged furniture, drying out your living space, inhibiting the growth of mildew and mold, and repairing your home's structure. 

Water Damage Specialists Use Specific Tools

In addition to working with teams, water damage specialists utilize specific tools that most residential property owners don't possess. Some of these tools include ozone machines, air-moving machines, and industrial-strength dehumidifiers. The water damage specialist can also utilize powerful chemical cleansers to optimize the sanitation of your property. After your home has been damaged by water, the most important task of the water damage expert is ensuring that spores, mildew, mold, and other debris do not develop and proliferate.  Industrial grade equipment expedites quick remediation.

Conclusion

If your home has recently undergone water damage, it's important to know that a water damage specialist can offer you detailed, results-driven repair services that restore the order and sanitation of your property. When you initiate a search for the ideal service provider, the search stops with SERVPRO. Our professionals are passionate and precise in offering customized water damage services, and they're ready to start working on your behalf immediately. Call us now to attain the high quality, effective water damage services you need and deserve.

Locally Owned and Operated

We work and live in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Sebastian, is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Melbourne community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. 

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately upon arrival.  Please call us at 772-277-2100

#sebastianwaterremoval #waterdamagetips #howtocleanupwaterdamage #barefootbay #SERVPROofwestbrevard

Leaking Water Heater

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water heater fail with leak

Cleanup Process: 4 Basic Steps

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of damage in a hurry. As soon as you notice that your failed water heater is leaking water into your home, you must call the plumber to fix it, but you also need to call water restoration specialists to clean up the mess it leaves behind. There are four basic steps to the cleanup process to ensure that no one is injured and that secondary damage does not occur.

1. Safety Precautions

Water and electricity don’t mix, so the first thing you need to do is to make sure that you either unplug all appliances in the affected area or elevate the ones you cannot unplug. To do this, make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective gear, such as rubber boots. Never enter standing water without protection.

2. Water Removal

A broken water heater in your home in Melbourne, FL, can expel a significant amount of water. Technicians will likely start by siphoning out the water before they can deal with the damage underneath.

3. Item Removal

Everything the leaking water heater effects must be removed from the area. Rugs, furniture, toys, clothing, and other belongings must be taken out. The experts then determine whether the items can be salvaged or not.

4. Dehumidification

Even after the water is gone, the humidity levels in the room are likely higher than they should be. Technicians can use industrial dehumidifiers, fans, and other methods to bring the moisture in the air down to an acceptable level so that mold doesn’t start to grow.

If a leaking water heater in your home causes more than a tiny spill, your best bet for getting the damage repaired is a team of certified restoration experts. They can assess the problem and implement the appropriate solutions so that your home can return to normal as soon as possible.