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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Is it Important to Properly Clean Up After Flood Damage?

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

When your home has sustained flood damage, call SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry at 407-388-0404 to properly clean and treat all affected areas. We have the credentials and expertise to handle your cleanup needs. 

What To Look For After The Storm Is Long Gone

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

We are all familiar with storm damage and the affects it can have on our homes and community. Once a storm passes we all assess the damage and then get to work on fixing what we can see.  Maybe there are Some missing shingles, some slight water intrusion from windows, or a couple of new cracks in the stucco.  You thought that you had it all cleaned up but now you are starting to smell something funny. Here are a few things to look for that will help you decided if you have an area that needs to be investigated further by a professional.

  • Musty smell-many people report this after there has been a water intrusion in their home or business. If it goes away in a couple days, then it probably isn’t a big issue. If you notice that the smell lingers, and is even a bit stronger in a specific area, this would be a cause for further investigation.
  • Water marks that seem to have come out of nowhere. This could be a sign that the area you thought was dry, is actually still wet. Modern building materials can hold water in them for longer periods of time, making it harder to find right away.
  • Bulging floors, buckling floors, “squishy” floors, these are all signs of a water intrusion issue. Many times, when your floor is showing those signs, there will be other areas affected also.
  • Drywall that is crumbling or bulging. This can be a sign that the drywall was wet at one point, or still is, and that it needs to be checked further.

These are three simple things, but added together they can be a sign that there might be mold growth or even some areas that need proper drying. If you’ve noticed that your home or business is being affected by these or similar things, feel free to give us a call to discuss them. Our team is available to answer questions for you or schedule an inspection. You can reach us at 407-388-0404. 

SERVPRO "Here to Help" After Storm Damage

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm hits what do you do? First things first, secure your family. Next-assess your home. Once you see the damage who do you call? Who is the best? Who can reach you the fastest?

SERVPRO is uniquely set up to manage storm response on a massive scale. That means that we can get to YOU and your home faster than others. Teams from all over the country will mobilize to support our community in a time of need. All of our teams adhere to the same high standards so that we can always provide excellent service. We have the right equipment, procedures and training to make sure your home or business is dry the first time, saving you time and money.

SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry is “Here to Help”-any day, anytime, anywhere. Feel free to save our phone number so you have easy access to us when you need us-407-388-0404.

Storm Tips from FEMA

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Central Florida is well known for storm season. We are all familiar with the steps we need to take to prepare our homes and businesses, but a little reminder never hurts! Here is a list of tips from FEMA-the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For your Home:

  • Cover all of your home’s windows with precut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
  • Plan to bring in all outside furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
  • Turn off utilities if/when instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  • Turn off propane tanks.
  • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

For your Business:

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

SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry is “Here to Help” after the storm passes.

What Can You Expect From SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry After a Storm?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help No matter what, SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry is Here to Help after a Hurricane or Storm event.

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

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

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

Hurricane Season Is Coming, Be Alert for Weather Advisories in the Orlando Area.

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Photo of a weather radio. Weather radios can be a great way to receive updated information during an emergency.

One of the best steps you can take to prepare yourself for storms, is to purchase a good quality weather radio. A weather radio is designed to alert you to dangerous weather situations, such as an approaching tornado. It allows you to be warned ahead of approaching storms providing you time to seek shelter. A weather radio is one of the most reliable sources for weather alerts. Weather radios have improved in design and have made many other advancements over the years. They are now readily available and very affordable. Most basic weather radios average cost is around $30 and will warn you of all types of weather advisories and public announcements. Some models can be programmed to only alert you of specific weather alerts you designate.

When shopping for a weather radio, look for the following key features:

  • Reviewable alerts (The ability to scroll through alerts and turn off the siren for alerts you do not wish to hear can be very helpful).
  • Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) is the protocol used to encode the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio (NWR).
  • Make sure the model you choose is easy to program.  Like any electronic emergency ready tool, it is critical that the device is reliable and simple to use. 

If you need help programming your weather radio, you can contact your local National Weather Service Office or for additional information, including county codes for Florida, visit NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

Do you know the types of storm damage?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the Maitland, Florida we can suffer from many types of storm damage. Some of those are wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Here are a few quick tips to consider should storm damage hit your home or commercial property.

Wind Damage Restoration
Hurricanes often cause severe wind damage. Your roof is particularly susceptible. Roof damage from strong winds may lift roof shingles, cause cracks, or remove part or all of the roof. Harsh winds and rains can shear away asphalt tiles. Flying debris can also cause cracks and holes in your roof and siding. Correcting roof damage may challenge homeowners and business owners after a disaster, especially because a roof leak may not be obvious.

Roof Leaks

Why are many roof leaks and roof damage hard to detect? The storm may loosen flashing without creating a problem that’s easily visible to the eye. Loose flashing can cause another roof leak even weeks after the initial storm damage. A small roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. You best bet is to secure roof repair immediately after the wind damage. Doing so can prevent long term interior damage. A wind damage restoration expert, like the professionals at SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry, will help assure the homeowner or business owner receives a comprehensive roof assessment and roof repair services when hurricane or wind damage hits.

Flood Damage & Recovery
If your home or business is near water or in a low-lying area, flood water damage is a risk. Heavy rains and flooding may cause water damage many miles from the coast or from any large body of water. If the land around your home or business cannot absorb the additional water flooding may happen. Flood pump failures contribute to basement flooding and contaminated ground water too.

Flooding may also disrupt your municipal water system. Experts need to assess ground water and evaluate the condition of pipes following flood damage. Hiring a storm restoration professional, like SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry may allow you to begin your cleanup process even before water restoration occurs. And don’t forget-- cleaning before water restoration often proves essential yet challenging.

By relying upon a trained water damage restoration specialist, you'll usually obtain faster storm remediation. These experts may suggest ways to help mitigate flood water damage in the future, for instance, by requesting backup flood pump installation.

Hail Damage & Recovery
Hail may be the most overlooked cause of major storm damage. Hail can damage not just your roof but also your siding, exterior walls, and any detached sheds or outbuildings. You may think you’ve survived a hail storm but do know that hail damage is difficult to identify. Again, you’re wise to hire a storm damage restoration professional to inspect your roof, exterior walls, and outbuildings for damage. Dark spots on your roof are areas where the roofing granules have been knocked away. These weakened spots can lead to other more extensive problems such as leaks and cracks. Cracked and chipped siding is also a sign of hail damage.

Impact Damage & Recovery
In a major storm practically anything can become a creator of damage to your home or business. Think about trees. Your home may survive storm damage only to have a tree on your property succumb to the wind, hail, or rain and fall onto your house. A neighbor’s outdoor lawn furniture can become wind-blown projectiles. Extreme wind pressure turns regular outdoor items into tools of destruction. After storm damage, the professionals at SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry do a walk around to look for the signs of these types of unusual damage.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Our staff is highly trained in building services and property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration. 

Call SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry (407) 388-0404 anytime.

What Do Orlando Area Residents Need to Know Evacuating in a Storm?

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Photo of a flooded Livingroom Flooding in your home can damage many items but we can help fix some. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation and mitigation services.

Orlando Area Residents May Need to Evacuate When Storms Hit – Prepare Ahead of Time for the Possibility

This year across the United States, storms have been on the rise. It seems they have hit more often and harder. Coastal and non-coastal cities have been impacted as high winds drive torrential rains inward. This is the perfect setting for flash flooding in Orlando and the need to evacuate.

What Should I Take with Me?

SERVPRO is here should you need flood damage removal in Maitland / Casselberry. But before that is even considered getting your family to safety is priority. If your residence is in the path of a situation where evacuation is called for knowing ahead of time what to do can be a lifesaver. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding having to-go bags ready is a smart idea. Consider one for each member of the family. Include items such as:

  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottles
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Snacks/granola bars
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • Toy for kids

Another concern is essential paperwork getting ruined or forgotten when a flood occurs. Keep important documents in a file that is both water and fireproof. This makes it easier to grab if you have to leave. Consider making copies and storing the originals in a safe deposit box. Documents to take with you include:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passports
  • Birth certificates
  • Deeds
  • Proof of insurance
  • Social security cards
  • Medical records
  • Prescription information
  • Personal contact list

If your home has experienced flooding, SERVPRO’s professional technicians are experts at flood water mitigation. They are certified in dealing with contaminated water and the steps needed to mitigate flood damage.

Contact SERVPRO of Maitland / Casselberry  at (407) 388-0404 for expert flood damage removal service. We are licensed and bonded. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Tips to Increase Your Safety in Advance of Severe Weather | SERVPRO® of Maitland/Casselberry

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Severe Weather Sign If your home has been impacted by storm damage, SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry will respond quickly to assist in any repairs.

Any storm has the potential to cause serious destruction and should be taken seriously, and when severe weather is on the way, those in its path will often only have moments to react and seek shelter from the storm. The best thing to do is to work to increase your safety in advance of a severe weather event so that when one is possible, you are already certain you are prepared.

Having an awareness of what watches and warnings mean, stocking up on disaster supplies for your home and having a backup method to get weather alerts are all ways that you can be certain you are adequately prepared for severe weather.

Be Aware of What Watches and Warnings Mean

When severe weather is on the way, local officials will generally issue watches and warnings to keep the public informed about the current conditions, so it is important to know what they mean. A storm watch is issued if conditions are particularly favorable for a storm to develop, but one has yet to occur in the area. A storm warning is more serious, as it means storms have been spotted on the ground and are a threat to the area. During a storm watch, you can simply stay alert, but during a storm warning, you should take cover immediately

Stock Up on Disaster Supplies for the Home

The advice when severe weather is on the way is to almost always stay where you are until it moves through the area, which is where the recommendation for stocking up on disaster supplies at home stems from. Power will often go out during storms, so having flashlights (with batteries), food and water for every person in your family will help keep everyone comfortable until the threat is gone. Additionally, have a first-aid kit and a designated area to wait out the worst of the storm that is protected within the home.

Have a Backup Method for Weather Alerts

Though our primary form of communication has now become cell phones, they are not always the most reliable method of receiving weather alerts. Storms can knock out cell phone reception and electricity to charge them, so having a secondary method to receive alerts is wise. A NOAA Weather Radio is commonly recommended by experts as the most reliable.

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact us 247 to get a quick response to your home’s damages.

SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry is proud to serve the Maitland, Casselberry, Union Park, Lockhart, Fern Park, and surrounding communities.

After a Storm Damage - Steps to Take Immediately

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Photo of water damaged home We're ready to roll at all times. 407-388-0404

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry, to help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living condition.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjuster to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Federal Disaster Assistance

The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to normal. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal. At SERVPRO of Maitland/Casselberry, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire and smoke disaster.

Call us today, we can help! 407-388-0404

SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry is proud to serve the Maitland, Casselberry, Union Park, Lockhart, Fern Park, and surrounding communities.

3 Ways Water Leaks Could Cost Your Maitland, FL, Business Thousands of Dollars

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Outdoor picture of heavy rainfall Heavy Florida Rains can Cost You Thousands

3 Ways Water Leaks Could Cost Your Business Thousands of Dollars

There are many ways that water issues can harm your Maitland, FL, business, but few are more potentially damaging than a water leak. Whether caused by some kind of weather event or malfunctioning plumbing, leaks can ruin building materials and lay a breeding ground for mold. Knowing the harm leaks might cause may help you protect your business and its future.

1. Stained and Warped Wooden Walls

Some water damage may be more visible than others, such as when it affects wood. Walls, in particular, tend to be especially vulnerable, as moisture warps and bends them out of shape over time. If a leak occurs behind an interior wall, it could warp and weaken the wood and cause the wall itself to buckle. If you detect any discoloration at the base of your wooden walls, you may want to call to have them inspected.

2. Mold Growth

The area around a water leak can attract fungi spores, which then might multiply and allow black mold growth. This type of mold is typically both fast-growing and difficult to remove by cleansers you can buy at the local supermarket. You may want to call a water damage remediation and restoration company to deal with this fungus to ensure it is removed completely, as well as any odors it causes.

3. Flooding

Old building plumbing can cause a pipe break, which is likely to cause flooding inside your business. This event may damage building materials, electronics, inventory, and important paper documents. Even with flood insurance, the resulting damage could total in the thousands of dollars. Having your businesses’ pipes inspected annually by a qualified plumber may prevent this from happening.
No matter the size of the water leak in your Maitland, FL, business, it could ruin wooden walls and flooring, encourage mold growth and leave you with a hefty reconstruction bill. Knowing how to spot and prevent them may help you protect your greatest investment.

SERVPRO of Maitland-Casselberry is proud to serve the Maitland, Casselberry, Union Park, Lockhart, Fern Park, and surrounding communities.

Why You Want a Flood Cut

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Building in Maitland with flood cut Commercial Building in Maitland, FL with flood cut.

Why You Want a Flood Cut

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

  1. Why Is Flood Water Harmful?

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

  1. What Does the Flood Cut Do?

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

  1. How Is It Sanitized?

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