Tips for Securing Your Property Before a Storm Hits

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of preparation and are here to assist you in any way we can.

At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of taking proactive measures to secure your property before a storm hits. Ensuring your home or business is prepared for severe weather can significantly reduce potential damage and make the recovery process smoother. Here are some essential tips to help you safeguard your property against the destructive forces of nature.

Roof

First and foremost, it’s crucial to inspect your roof. Check for any loose or missing shingles and ensure that all flashing is securely in place. A well-maintained roof is your first line of defense against heavy rain and high winds. Additionally, clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling on your roof, which can lead to leaks and water damage.

Windows

Next, focus on your windows and doors. Installing storm shutters is one of the most effective ways to protect windows from breaking during a storm. If storm shutters are not an option, you can use plywood to cover your windows. Ensure that all doors, including garage doors, are properly secured. Reinforcing your garage door with braces can prevent it from being blown in by strong winds.

Outdoor furniture

Outdoor objects can become dangerous projectiles during a storm. Secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, garden tools, and decorations. Trampolines, grills, and playsets should also be anchored or stored in a safe place. Additionally, trim any trees or branches that could fall on your property. Regular maintenance of your landscaping can prevent significant damage to your home or business during a storm.

Inspect your property for any items that could become airborne in high winds. Items such as trash cans, bicycles, and lawn equipment should be stored in a garage or shed. If you have a pool, remove any loose accessories and secure the cover. Anchoring these items can prevent them from causing damage to your property or your neighbor’s property.

Reinforcements 

Consider reinforcing your home’s structure. Installing hurricane straps or clips can help hold the roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation. This added structural support can make a significant difference during a severe storm. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider installing flood barriers or sandbags around your property to prevent water from entering your home or business.

Emergency plan

Finally, create an emergency plan and ensure all family members or employees are aware of it. Know the evacuation routes and have a designated meeting place. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.

By taking these proactive steps, you can help secure your property and minimize storm damage. At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of preparation and are here to assist you in any way we can. If you need help assessing your property’s storm readiness or require post-storm restoration services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re dedicated to helping you protect what matters most.

Unveiling Hidden Storm Damage: What to Look For

5/16/2024 (Permalink)

Excess moisture from storm damage can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth.

After a severe storm passes through your area, it's essential to assess your property for any signs of damage, both apparent and hidden. While some damage may be obvious, such as broken windows or fallen trees, other issues can lurk beneath the surface and go unnoticed until they become more severe. Here are some key indicators to help you recognize hidden storm damage:

Inspect Your Roof

Start by carefully examining your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or dents. Pay close attention to areas where different roof surfaces meet, as these are common spots for leaks to develop.

Check Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing water away from your home. After a storm, inspect them for clogs, damage, or detachment from the roofline. Improper drainage can lead to water leaks and structural damage over time.

Look for Water Stains

Water stains on ceilings, walls, or around windows can indicate leaks or water intrusion. Even small stains should be investigated further, as they could be a sign of more extensive damage hidden behind the surface.

Examine Exterior Siding

Inspect the exterior siding of your home for cracks, chips, or warping caused by wind or flying debris. Damaged siding can compromise the integrity of your home's envelope and lead to moisture problems if not addressed promptly.

Check for Foundation Issues

Walk around the perimeter of your home and inspect the foundation for any signs of cracks or shifting. Even hairline cracks can indicate underlying structural issues that need to be addressed to prevent further damage.

Assess Landscaping

Fallen branches, uprooted trees, or displaced landscaping elements can pose safety hazards and cause damage to your property. Clear away any debris and assess the health of your trees to prevent potential hazards during future storms.

Monitor for Mold and Mildew

Excess moisture from storm damage can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. Keep an eye out for musty odors, dampness, or visible signs of mold in areas prone to water damage, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

By being vigilant and conducting a thorough inspection of your property after a storm, you can identify hidden damage early and take the necessary steps to address it before it worsens. Remember that safety should always be a priority, so if you're unsure about the extent of the damage or how to address it, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance.

When and Where Do Hurricanes Likely Occur?

7/12/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, storms outside of these dates are not unheard of. Activity ramps up in August and peaks in early September, then again in October.

Hurricanes form this season because of two factors: warm ocean waters (80 degrees or higher) and weak vertical winds (little change in wind direction and/or speed with height) are most common. This is also the season with the highest frequency of west-moving weather disturbances in the tropics that eventually develop into hurricanes.

The only difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon in your location. People in our area refer to violent thunderstorms as hurricanes, while people near the equator, Africa and Australia, refer to them as cyclones.

If your property experiences damages from a hurricane, SERVPRO of South Orlando is Here to Help. Call today at (407) 985-3200.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Perils covered by homeowners insurance policies vary. SERVPRO of South Orlando cleans microbial contamination.

The perils covered by homeowners insurance policies vary depending on the insurer.

Mold damage can be costly and happen anywhere, so several insurance companies have restricted or eliminated coverage for this risk under standard policies. If you are concerned about fungus growth at a residence, try to identify the problem's source first, then check your policy for mold coverage.

The Cause of Mold Damage Matters

Restoration experts commonly refer to mold as secondary damage, as fungal growth typically results from direct water damage.

Insurers are more likely to cover mold damage that results from one of the following covered incidents:

• Appliance leaks
• Broken or burst pipes
• Pipe leaks

Even if a policy does not cover the cost of fixing the problem, the resulting damage may be covered. Check your policy and contact an insurance agent or adjuster.

3 Ways Insurers Limit Mold Coverage

Many homeowners insurance providers have removed or limited the amount of coverage for fungus growth because it is a higher risk peril. Since mold can grow practically anywhere, anytime in the right conditions—it’s not exclusive to one geographical location. Because of this an insurer may restrict coverage in these ways:

• Exclude mold damage completely
• Only cover microbial testing or cleanup
• Refuse coverage on properties with a history of mold

Read your policy carefully to determine whether there are any conditions under which mold is covered. If mold is not covered, you may want to add an endorsement.

What Is an Endorsement?

It may be possible for policy holders to pay for limited mold coverage. Ask your insurer whether any endorsements are available. This option may be costly, especially if your residence has a history of mold.Homeowners should determine the limitations of their coverage and decide whether to obtain additional mold insurance.

Paying for remediation out of pocket can be very expensive. The best way to prevent mold growth is to mitigate water damage and potential damage. Don’t be caught without the right mold insurance.

SERVPRO Conducts Routine HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Inspecting Your HVAC Unit Can Save You Time and Money

HVAC repair is costly and if the damage is severe enough, it can prevent you from doing business. SERVPRO of South Orlando recommends that business owners schedule professional HVAC inspections each fall and spring. Routine inspections will help you stay abreast of potential problems with your unit, minimize expenses on repairs, and keep your business up and running. 

We have identified some simple maintenance chores that you can do to prolong your system's life and increase its efficiency between professional inspections and maintenance. 

Routine HVAC Maintenance 

1. Get a high-efficiency, pleated air filter for your system.
2. Keep your heating units and AC free of pollen, leaves, and grass.
3. Keep two feet of space clear of your outdoor AC and heating units.
4. Inspect refrigerant lines every month.
5. Replace air filters at least every 90 days.
6. In the summer, turn off the water running to the furnace humidifier.
7. In the fall, replace the humidifier filter and turn the water back on.

Annual HVAC Maintenance

• Replace the carbon monoxide detector battery. 
• Make sure your outdoor AC unit is on firm and level ground. 
• Clean AC condensation with a bleach and water mixture. 

Caring for your HVAC throughout the year will keep your work environment air quality and atmosphere pleasant, which keeps your staff happy and content. It will save you money by improving and maintaining your energy efficiency throughout your building.

SERVPRO of South Orlando is always ready to inspect and maintain your HVAC system. We're here to answer any questions you might have. Call us today at (407) 985-3200.

We Have The State-of-the-Art Equipment Necessary in South Orlando

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Saving Facilities After Silicone Roof Water Damage in Orlando, FL

As many Florida business owners know, water damage is the second most common type of claim that they can make. A staggering 20% of all insurance claims filed are related to water damage of some kind, whether this is from a pipe malfunction, storm damage, or other water-related issues. Without thorough mitigation and drying, this damage can pose challenges to the structural integrity of your business as well as the safety of employees and customers.

If your office needs commercial water damage mitigation, you can count on a certified SERVPRO team to handle the damages quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to business. No matter how large or small the disaster, professionals are dedicated to restoring your business and ensuring that cleanup is done to code.

Silicone Roofing Risks

While silicone roof coatings can help business owners with flat roofing save on electricity and other costs, there are some risks to consider when implementing this in your space after water damage strikes. These include:

• Abrasion and tear resistance. Compared to other coatings like modified bitumen, silicone roofing is not the most durable. It can get very slippery when wet, which can make it more prone to tears. Foot traffic dropped tools, and other activities can potentially damage the coating. 
  
  
• Attracting dirt. Silicone roofing, which is often white, can get a visible coat of airborne dust and dirt over time, darkening roofing. Clean regularly to maximize the energy-reflective nature of the roof coating and save on HVAC costs.
  
  
• Recoating. While recoating may not be needed as often as it is for other roofing solutions, it is imperative to choose silicone compatible with your current coating. 

How SERVPRO Saves Your Facilities

Suppose you have a roof leak in your facilities. In that case, SERVPRO can use centrifugal air movers and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers in tandem to pull moisture off of surfaces and eliminate it, replacing the moist air with air that is warm and dry. To dry a wet ceiling, technicians may open a few ceiling panels on either end of the affected area and position equipment so that air circulates straight up and through the space between your ceiling and roofing. This placement also helps warm, dry air circulate through the affected space for better results.

SERVPRO of South Orlando Park is here to ensure that your business looks "Like it never even happened." Call (407) 985-3200 today for rapid disaster mitigation.

SERVPRO Secures and Restores Orlando Residents' Contents After a Flooding while Mitigating the Structural Damage

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Packs Out Your Business’s Items After Storm Waters Flood Your Property

The chaos and stress of post-storm flooding at your business’s property is paralyzing. With water, debris, and quite possibly severe damage to your roof, windows, doors, and siding—you need fast, reliable help. Our team of disaster remediation experts has proven strategies to help you and your family through this difficult time. 

What is a Pack-Out?

We often recommend a pack-out after flood damage to your Orlando property. A SERVPRO pack-out is when furnishings, household or office goods, documents, and personal possessions are moved to a dry and safe space on your property or transported to our production facility to be restored. Removing the items permits our crews to clean flooded areas in your home, unimpeded; extracting water, doing demolition if and where needed. This helps technicians dry out the structure faster without the need to work around belongings.

SERVPRO uses a detailed and secure Content Claims Inventory System (CCIS) to document and track the items we move out. Lists, digital pictures, and barcoding ensure we have a complete record of the articles. We collaborate with your insurance company to make sure the efforts we make to clean, dry, and restore the pack-out inventory are covered to the extent of your contract. It is typically less expensive to restore items than to discard and replace them. We help you save time, money, and memories.

Innovative Restoration

Our production facility technicians are skilled with innovative techniques such as freeze-drying for document and picture restoration. Floodwaters can be contaminated, so we work to ensure the packed-out items receive effective disinfectant treatment. SERVPRO provides temperature and humidity-controlled smaller chambers to dry out furnishings and electronics. Be advised that modern electronics often need precise cleaning from specialty companies. We have piston-driven Esporta washing equipment to clean soft items and immersion tubs and ultrasonic equipment to loosen flood debris soiling from blinds and intricately detailed decor and other items.

SERVPRO crews secure the exterior damage with boards and tarp, moving on to extracting, containing, and disposing of the floodwaters according to local regulations. We can spray and treat soiled areas with EPA-registered disinfectants before using commercial-quality air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to ready your home for the return of the packed-out items, "Like it never even happened."

Call Us Today

SERVPRO of South Orlando awaits your call at (407) 985-3200. Contact us to evaluate your flood damage and rapid remediation of your home and a professional pack-out of floodwater-damaged items.

Clean Up Flood Damage: Call a Pro

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Flood Water Damage Cleanup

While some water damage events aren’t very predictable, flood damage from storms is comparably easier to forecast. Storm surges, torrential rain, and rising water levels cause massive water damage for those who live along the coast or in low-lying areas. Flood damage is terrible in every instance, but the good news is homeowners and business owners usually have adequate time to prepare their home and/or business for the impending water damage as best they can.

When a storm ends, and it's safe to return to a damaged property, many find the water damage in the home or business worse than they could have imagined. It sometimes seems impossible that water levels can rise so high and cause such devastating damage. In the unfortunate case that this has or will happen to you, follow the following important guidelines for safely handling flood waters and their effects.

Do Not Go Back To the Property Without Permission

Even if your curiosity wants to know how much water is in the property or the kind of water damage; never return to the property without being notified first that it's safe to return by proper authorities. Flood damage and waters can be hazardous, and it's easy to forget that there is so much more than just water on the road or in a home. 

Beware of Bacteria

Before anyone enters a home or office with water damage to begin the water cleanup process, they must know how much danger potentially awaits. The water cleanup process should begin as quickly as possible, but it cannot be done if the area is still unsafe.

1. Live electricity. Don't assume just because the power is out in the town that there's nothing to worry about. The power could come back on at any moment, which means it could cause serious bodily harm to anyone in contact with the electricity or its conductors. Make sure all electricity is turned off at its source before entering any building with standing water.
2. Danger in the water. The second danger is what might be waiting for people in the water. There could be animals like snakes or dangerous bacteria found in feces like E. Coli. Always let the local authorities do a neighborhood sweep before taking steps to prepare for the water cleanup and drying process.

Call the Pros

Restoration companies have powerful equipment designed to allow adequate drying in minimal time. Professional mitigation and restoration are imperative because any missed moisture leads to much larger problems like microbial contamination. Restoration is designed to clear out all the water in places others might not realize it is hiding. 

Call for professional restoration and mitigation rather than handling the drying process without a pro's help to remove water in a business or home. Contact SERVPRO of South Orlando for professional flood water cleanup, professional drying, and content cleaning.

How to Protect My Business from Utility Room Fire or Electrical Fire?

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

A business is affected in a uniquely difficult way when the business suffers fire damage. The damage leads to loss, but it destroys the infrastructure for recovering that loss. For example, when a restaurant’s utility room or electrical system catches fire and burns a facility, the income the owners could have made to pay for that loss is uprooted, having a chilling effect on a commercial property. 

This highlights the importance of buying the right insurance.

In an effort against fire loss, most buildings have measures to protect the property from utility room fire or electrical fire loss. A fire sprinkler system is one of the strategies that play an essential role in fire suppression. 

A Sprinkler System’s Job

This system has sensors that detect a change in room temperature. If the temperature reaches a critical level, the alarm turns on, the valves open, and water jets are sprinkled in the rooms. The fire sprinkler system is the first line of defense against fire before the arrival of backup, like firefighters.

You’ll Need More Than a Sprinkler System

The fire sprinkler system alone may not curb utility room fire or electrical fire outbreak from spreading. If no secondary response team comes quickly to help the sprinkler system, the fire can easily consume the building. Calling 911 should be the first thing you do after exiting the building.

Did You Think About Water Damage?

After the fire, the reality of what transpired inside becomes clear. Apart from the fire damage, there is soot damage, water damage, and visible smoke damage. The fire hose pressure can destroy contents and walls, too.

This devastating scene can only be properly rectified by professionals who are familiar with commercial fire damage restoration.

Professionals Know What To Do

Hiring professionals for fire restoration gives peace of mind. Professional commercial fire damage services like SERVPRO® take a record of the items destroyed and remaining. SERVPRO of South Orlando repairs and cleans content that can be salvaged. They wrap and store those items and appropriately dispose of the rest. They also find out where data backups could be salvaged, such as the computer hard drives. 

The soot damage, water damage, and smoke damage are some of the things that must be cleaned fastest to restore the interior. Soot damage is cleaned using a dry brush. Water is drained and vacuumed from the rooms. This drying prevents mold from growing. The smoke is pulled from upholstery and other areas that could have absorbed odor. After the main cleaning is done and our construction team has rebuilt any remaining damage, items that underwent repair are brought back. 

We are Here to Help® when you need us. When fire and water take control of your life, we help you take it back.

Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Have a storm plan in case of an emergency!

Protect Your Business from Water Damage

Any building has the potential for flood damage. Even properties nowhere near water can incur damage from toilets overflowing, pipes bursting, roof leaks or intense rains. To avoid having to put your business on hold for massive flood cleanup, follow these tips to protect your building from significant damage.

Inspect Building Before Bad Weather

While sticking to a seasonal inspection schedule is recommended, if the forecast indicates that a strong storm is approaching, it makes sense to inspect it again. Look for cracks and leaks in exterior walls, foundation, and roof. If you find any, contact storm damage experts for repairs that can be done before the storm hits. 

Clean Drainage

Giving excess water a place to go is vital to keeping it out of the cracks and crevices of your roof and walls. Clean gutters and downspouts of debris, particularly during storm season. Directing the downpour away from the roof and foundation of your building can help prevent seeping flood damage. 

Test Sump Pump

If your building has low-lying ground that holds water after rain, a sump pump is beneficial to pump out the extra water—but only if it is working properly. These pumps are designed to get rid of water as soon as sensors are triggered. Regular testing, particularly before a major storm hits, is advisable.

Have an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan can help everyone understand clearly what they are supposed to do in any case of damage. Make sure it is up to date and that all employees have access to the latest version. Assign tasks that designate what each person needs to do in the event of a flood emergency. SERVPRO of South Orlando creates emergency plans for businesses, call us today at (407) 985-3200 to find out how you can protect your business and make it as flood-resistant as possible.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Orlando is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs. We are proud to be an active member of the Orlando, FL community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

Orlando, FL

Conway, FL

Pine Castle, FL

Wadeview Park, FL

Belle Isle, FL

Sky Lake, FL

Holden Heights, FL

Edgewood, FL

Barber Park, FL

3 Ways FEMA Can Save the Day

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

While individuals struggle to pick up the pieces after recent natural disasters, those unaffected might wonder how communities recover from these crises. Although a thunderstorm might not sweep across a neighborhood with the force that could flatten buildings, an average storm can bring a significant amount of flooding. Below are three ways the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help during such difficult times.

1. Financial Support

FEMA steps in when a natural disaster takes over. After a governor confirms a state of emergency, FEMA formulates a method to respond to the crisis effectively. The organization can also work with the states to form funding before an expected storm.

2. Organization

When a flood strikes, it can seem as if a catastrophe has suddenly affected life in general. Since FEMA works at the state level, victims may check whether their specific area can receive support. Through a straightforward system, they may then apply for disaster assistance. Even if you have insurance, connecting with all programs before moving forward might be a wise step.

3. Promptness Matters

Despite the differences in each situation, FEMA can respond to disasters that prioritize victims first. When you register, an inspector specializing in disasters generally visits within a week. From there, the agency can work with homeowners to determine the right assistance plan. To ensure speedy support, victims may also need to work with the agency to specify damages.

No matter the extent of the damage, discovering that your home has become the setting for a flood can be shocking, challenging, and stressful. However, this is the point at which FEMA can step in to help you get your space – and subsequently, your life – back on track.

Storm Damage Restoration 

Once the storm has passed and those affected start to rebuild, SERVPRO of South Orlando is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Our team of highly trained restoration specialists is trained in storm and water damage restoration. We can respond to emergency situations 24/7 and work with your insurance company to take added stress off of you. Call us anytime at (407) 985-3200.

SERVPRO Can Help You Cope After a Flood Causes Damages to Your South Orlando Home

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Coping With the Effects of Flood Damage in South Orlando

Floods can happen any time there is a torrential downpour. Because of paving and other infrastructure in a city setting, the ground barely absorbs the rainwater, leaving a significant percentage to flow freely. Constraints or blockages in the drainage systems can redirect the water to properties, damaging them. We offer cleanup and restoration services that can help you cope with the damage that occurs in your South Orlando home.

When dealing with incidents of flood damage in South Orlando, you need to address several issues simultaneously. These might include removing mud or silt dumped by water, removing porous materials like carpets submerged by the floodwaters, and drying the structure, among other issues. IICRC certification means the SERVPRO crew that helps you restore your structure is trained to handle all these aspects, guaranteeing a positive outcome.

Since every flooding incident is unique, the planned response must also be unique. This is why an exhaustive inspection of the affected property is necessary. The homeowner shouldn't enter a flooded property to do such an inspection because of the risks involved. For example, if the power is still on, there is a risk of electrocution. Floodwaters are contaminated heavily with sewage and other hazardous chemicals. Our experienced SERVPRO technicians can handle such situations, so we take all necessary precautions, including turning the power off before venturing into the affected property. We also wear protective clothing such as boots, rubbers, gloves, and full-body suits, among others.

An inspection helps establish the level of damage determining the resources needed for the task. If there's mud and silt, tools like shovels are necessary for removal. If the water level is high, it may be necessary to tear down drywall and remove porous materials such as insulation. Our SERVPRO technicians perform a flood-cut 2 feet about the waterline allowing easy access to the wall cavity. Additionally, we use various moisture detection tools to determine how much water affects different materials. Other tools like thermal hygrometers help determine the humidity level in affected and unaffected areas around the property.

Floods can be very destructive, but with professional help, it is easier to cope. Call SERVPRO of South Orlando at (407) 985-3200 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster!

Proven Tips for Dealing With Flood Damage Issues in South Orlando

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Addressing Saturated Vinyl Flooring in Your South Orlando

Flooding can cause devastating effects throughout your South Orlando home, especially to elements like flooring materials. Many homeowners have sought the aesthetic appeal and functionality of vinyl flooring planks with renovations and even initial construction projects. While these simulate hardwood flooring, they can often get installed more cheaply and easily. Much like actual hardwood, these flooring materials require immediate attention when exposed to standing water, and that's where our trained IICRC-certified water restoration specialists can help.

Severe storms can produce vulnerabilities that allow flood damage to occur in your South Orlando home. While many materials can become affected by the spreading water, your flooring is often a point of collection for this water flow, pooling over this material and beginning to saturate it immediately. A fast response can often prevent the need for removing the material and replacing it, which requires quick reaction times from the homeowner to reach out to our SERVPRO professionals to get us there.

Once our team arrives, we'll work to begin our effective mitigation tactics. Extraction is a critical component of this process, as it reduces the volume of water to continually affect the flooring. We have portable sump pumps, wet-vacs with extraction wands, and even gas-powered trash pumps for rapid removal of standing water. When the excess is removed, our team can begin work to dry out the damaged areas and have specialized equipment to start drying out saturated vinyl flooring.

Water can penetrate seams and cracks in the vinyl planks, mainly where the tongue and groove installation occurs. Our Injecti-dry system can address saturation into the subflooring, slowly drawing out moisture in a controlled fashion. We can consistently monitor moisture content to ensure that these planks do not become overly dried, which can also damage them.

Many materials and structural elements can become exposed to spreading floodwater. Our SERVPRO of South Orlando team can work on drying out saturated materials and reduce the need for tear-out and reconstruction when possible. Call 24/7 at (407) 985-3200.

When Foul Odors Plague Your Orlando Residence You Need To Call Our Crew!

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Removing Flood Odors From Your Orlando Residence

While many homeowners tend to think of the structural and immediate effects of a flood incident in their Orlando property, many other damaging symptoms can prove challenging to live with or endure. Resolving even these secondary effects can become simple with the appropriate choice in restoration specialists. Our team has the experience and advanced equipment to address primary and secondary effects after a flood damages your home to get things back to normal as promptly as possible. 

Odors can often be flood damage effects that get overlooked in Orlando homes because they are not as pressing or immediately damaging as standing water, oversaturation, or the facilitation of mold and fungal growth. With natural disasters with rising water levels from creeks, streams, and bodies of water around your home, the threat for contaminated water is high, which can allow for significant damages on its own, including a lingering foul odor that must get addressed. 

Our SERVPRO team has strong cleaning agents that are environmentally friendly. By cleaning nearby surfaces and structural elements, we can protect your property areas that were not directly affected and damaged by the floodwater. Contamination is a significant threat when black water exists, and exposed surfaces can absorb bacteria, dirt, and other harmful particulates. The existence of these threats can be the source for foul odors that persist even after extraction and drying have taken place. 

The professionals that head out to your flood-damaged address arrive with many tools to address lingering harsh odors on the property, including our hydroxyl generators, which can both clean out potentially harmful particulates and debris in the air, including mold spores along with addressing the foul odors. Our SERVPRO professionals can also use direct machines like our thermal and UV fogging units that can directly impact the presence of strong odor molecules. 

We have many tools and machines that can help address the many effects of flooding in area homes. Our SERVPRO of South Orlando water restoration specialists can work quickly to make flood effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call whenever disaster strikes at (407) 985-3200.

SERVPRO Secures and Restores Orlando Residents' Contents After a Flooding while Mitigating the Structural Damage

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Pack-Out Possibilities When Flood Damage Strikes in Orlando

The chaos and stress of post-storm flooding in your Orlando home can paralyze you. With water and debris everywhere in your home, and quite possibly severe damage to your roof, windows, doors, and siding, you need fast, reliable help. Our team of disaster remediation experts has proven strategies to help you and your family through this difficult time. 

We often recommend a pack-out after flood damage to your Orlando home. Furnishings, household goods, documents, and personal possessions can be moved to a dry and safe space on your property or transported to our production facility. Removing the items permits our crews to move throughout flooded areas in your home unimpeded, extracting water, doing demolition if and where needed, and drying out the structure faster without the need to work around contents.

SERVPRO uses a detailed and secure Content Claims Inventory System (CCIS) to document and track the items we move out. Lists, digital pictures, and barcoding ensure we have a complete record of the articles. We collaborate with your insurance company to make sure the efforts we make to clean, dry, and restore the pack-out inventory are covered to the extent of your contract. It is typically less expensive to restore items than to discard and replace them. We help you save time, money, and memories.

Our production facility technicians are skilled in innovative techniques such as freeze-drying for document and picture restoration. Floodwaters can be contaminated, so we work to ensure the packed-out items receive effective disinfectant treatment. SERVPRO provides temperature and humidity-controlled smaller chambers to dry out furnishings and electronics. Be advised that modern electronics often need precise cleaning from specialty companies. We have piston-driven Esporta washing equipment to clean soft items and immersion tubs and ultrasonic equipment to loosen flood debris soiling from blinds and intricately detailed decor and other items.

Meanwhile, SERVPRO crews at your house secure the exterior damage with boards and tarp, moving on to extracting, containing, and disposing of the floodwaters according to local regulations. We can spray and treat soiled areas with EPA-registered disinfectants before using commercial-quality air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to ready your home for the return of the packed-out items. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of South Orlando awaits your call at (407) 985-3200. Contact us to evaluate your flood damage and rapid remediation of your home and a professional pack-out of floodwater-damaged items.