The Power of Master Service Agreements: Fast Response and Strong Relationships

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

A Race Against Time

SERVPRO® Team Nicholson's Scott Askew and his crew proved the power of an MSA recently. Within hours of receiving the call, our team was on-site, ready to help. Seven hours later, cooling equipment was up and running - thanks to our subcontractor, Coastal Mechanical. We even had a team of welders fabricating quick hose connections in the hospital parking lot in order to connect the mobile chillers to the hospital's existing cooling system.

By the evening, the hospital was cooling to a comfortable temperature, all without displacing patients or disrupting critical operations. The team avoided an evacuation and multiple diversions, where a hospital has to transfer patients to another hospital. In the end, all this was possible without having to tell an MSA client, "no," — the word doesn't exist in our vocabulary anyways.

Building a Bridge to Swift Solutions

The MSA is more than just a contract - we become your logistics team, your trusted solutions provider. The last thing a business owner wants is to face a double emergency – the primary situation and its repercussions. Like the scramble to evacuate patients, and to secure specialized equipment, like chillers, at odd hours in order to prevent high temperatures from spoiling medication. An MSA eliminates the chaos, minimizing the complexity and severity of interruptions to business.

The Value of Strong Relationships

In the realm of crisis management, strong relationships are worth their weight in gold. Our connections with clients, subcontractor partnerships, and a network of SERVPRO teams across the nation, our bonds serve as the cornerstone of effective and efficient solutions. When challenges arise, leveraging our network's capabilities means clients have access to additional equipment and resources quickly.

In a world of emergencies, a Master Service Agreement isn't just a contract – it's a promise - to provide rapid response, leverage strong relationships, and transform potential chaos into smoothly managed solutions. It's the assurance that when a crisis arises, our team of professionals is ready to shift the perspective - becoming your total solutions provider for whatever happens.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Orlando restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.

Different Types of Water Damage

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.

Primary Damage

When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage. 

Secondary Damage

Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.

What Controls Humidity?

Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues. 

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.

Specific Humidity 

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number. 

If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of South Orlando at (407) 985-3200, available 24 hours a day.

4 Easy Ways to Prevent Water Damage

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

1. Be Careful Where You Plant. 

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean Out Your Roof Gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high or you do not have the correct tools, be safe and get a professional to check and clean them.

3. Use a Drain Snake Instead of Unclogging Chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive; you can get these thin, plastic sticks with thorn-like teeth at your local hardware store. Depending on the drain snake, they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes. 

4. Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. Grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease in an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. 

We know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Call SERVPRO of South Orlando at (407) 985-3200.

Water Damage 101: What Are the Categories of Water Cleanup?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Unexpected water in your home—where it shouldn’t be—isn’t something that should be overlooked. Whether the water damage appears to be minimal or overbearing, understanding the type of water and accompanying damage is important to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Types of Water

Any kind of flooding needs to be immediately addressed to ensure further damage doesn’t occur. Before grabbing the mop and bucket or wet vacuum, it is vital to understand the type of water that is being dealt with because there are three categories of water. These three categories vary by what type of contaminants makes up the water. The categories of water damage that restoration companies like SERVPRO of South Orlando use are:

Clean Water: As its name suggests, this type poses little threat. This damage occurs when a water supply line leaks, a sink or bathtub without contaminants overflows, melting snow, or rainwater infiltrates the home.

Gray Water: Once water mixes with chemicals or minimal biological contaminants, it moves to this category. Sources may include a leaking dishwasher, urine-only toilet overflow, or water condensation.

Black Water: This is unsanitary water full of bacteria and microorganisms which bring potential harm to humans and animals. If there was a recent flood, it could mean those rising water included sewage and other debris. Flood water from storms is usually in this category. 

Types of Damage

When assessing water damage to determine repairs, understanding the types is important.

Class 1: The least harmful kind, it typically means that a minimal amount was absorbed in the affected areas. It is usually easy to clean.

Class 2: Known for quick evaporation rates, it can quickly absorb into carpeting and other porous materials. This damage typically requires more extensive repairs.

Class 3: If a sprinkler or pipe bursts, it can rapidly drench floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings. The rapid rate of evaporation requires quick action and water remediation measures to ensure the damage doesn’t spread or promote microbial growth.

Class 4: Excessive flooding means massive saturation of integral home components. Consulting a water damage and remediation expert is the best bet containing the situation and ensuring further damage doesn’t happen.

I Have Extensive Water Damage—What Should I Do?

While there are many levels of water damage, quick action in all situations is key to getting your home back to normal. If you are unsure which cleaning method to take after any type of flooding, call us. We are available 24 hours. Our number is (407) 985-3200. We'll assess the level of contamination quickly to advise you on the safest course of action.

By hiring a cleaning contractor like SERVPRO of South Orlando, you:

• Reduce your likelihood of exposure to pathogens.
• Mitigate long-term problems like microbial growth.
• No longer have to worry about either cleanup or reconstruction—we do both!
• Salvage flooring, furniture and important personal belongings.
• Don’t have to hassle with insurance—we do that for you!

SERVPRO Conducts Routine HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning

5/1/2022 (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.

We are 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.

Understanding: What is Black Water?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial building has a water emergency, call SERVPRO of South Orlando at (470) 895-3200.

Your South Orlando commercial building can be affected by flooding from several sources. Water damage can include warped flooring and moldy drywall, but one immediate issue caused by flooding is the influx of contaminated water. If your business has recently been damaged by flooding, we can help you understand how this type of water can cause long-term damage and what you can do to mitigate it. 

1. It Can Contain Dangerous Chemicals 

Environmental experts often call contaminated water that stems from flooding Category 3 or "blackwater." This means the water did not come from a sterile source and may contain various hazardous components, including harsh sewer and lawn chemicals that entered the water during flooding. These chemicals can make the water dangerous to touch, so calling in flood damage and cleanup service is the safest way to remove it. 

2. It May Make You Sick 

Category 3 water damage can be dangerous in more than one way. For example, standing black water can grow microbes that may cause a variety of illnesses. Urine and feces may also be present, even if they're not immediately visible. It's wise to avoid this type of water entirely and wait for professional cleanup services to arrive. 

3. Acting Quickly Can Be Essential 

Because contaminated water can become more dangerous the longer it sits, it is good to call in a cleanup crew right away. This can be important even if you believe the worst of the damage has already been done. Having the water removed may reduce the chances of long-term issues with your building's affected floors and walls and prevent mold growth, which can be challenging to treat once it grows. 

If your commercial building has a water emergency, call SERVPRO of South Orlando at (470) 895-3200.

What is SERVPRO’s Cleaning Process for a Commercial Large Loss?

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Orlando crews are ready to clean after a commercial large loss. We can handle large restoration jobs in South Orlando, FL.

SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies

From 1980 to 2020, on average, the U.S. endured 7 severe climate events per year. Throughout the past year, that number has more than doubled, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Although statistics help describe the destruction brought on by natural disasters, no measurement can quantify the loss and trauma to individuals, families, and communities. The struggle of those involved as they work to rebuild a sense of normalcy is often not seen.

SERVPRO of South Orlando is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of 17 SERVPRO franchise licenses in 6 locations throughout 3 southern states, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.

Our flexible, efficient team can tackle damage at private businesses, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and more. SERVPRO of South Orlando professionals are highly trained in fire, storm, and water damage mitigation. When mitigating damage on a large scale, our team uses the following framework:

Control the Environment

Commercial-sized desiccant dehumidifiers remove water from the air and dense materials while increasing the air temperature, further drying the structure, and helping to better control the environment.

Remove Contaminated Material 

To ensure a safe and efficient clean-up, SERVPRO of South Orlando crews will remove contaminated material and items that are beyond repair and remove restorable items for off-site cleaning. 

Dry the Structure

Various sized air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the structure to accelerate the drying process. 

Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.” 

How can SERVPRO of South Orlando Help with Hazardous Waste?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Orlando is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (407) 985-3200.

SERVPRO of South Orlando Helps with Hazardous Waste

Although SERVPRO of South Orlando is well-known for fire and water restoration, you may not know that we offer hazardous waste disposal. Our highly-trained professionals can help you or your business with biohazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup. We specialize in removing and cleaning common hazardous wastes such as bloodborne pathogens, sewage backups, illegal drugs, hoarding situations, crime scene residues, and more. We are trained to safely decontaminate these situations in accordance with OSHA and CDC regulations. Our sanitizing agents, antimicrobial treatments, thermal foggers, and deodorization agents help us make your property “Like it never even happened.” 

When you experience a biohazard concern or have hazardous waste on your property, leave the responsibility of hard cleanup to us. Bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other contaminated waste can put you at risk. Follow these steps after contamination. 

• Call SERVPRO of South Orlando  immediately at (407) 985-3200
  for biohazard cleanup. 
• Stay out of infected areas. 
• Call first responders if the situation is life-threatening. 
• Treat all areas and/or bodily fluids as if they are contaminated. 
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage. 

Don’t wait to call us when you have a biohazard emergency. These situations can leave home and business owners feeling vulnerable, violated, and unsafe. SERVPRO of South Orlando is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (407) 985-3200.

Professional Mold Remediation in South Orlando Movie Theater

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Quickly Investigates and Remediates a Business Mold Infestation

Movie theaters are a common sight to see throughout the South Orlando area. An iconic date night activity available to people of all ages. Day after day, you might see people come in and out of business looking for entertainment. The last thing that a business owner needs is mold to shut the doors for an extended period while figuring out how to handle the situation.

Many business owners don't understand commercial mold damages they find in their South Orlando properties is that the creation of these colonies is relatively simple. All that omnipresent spores in the environment need to grow and thrive are moisture, warmer temperatures, and various organic material to seat the organism. Once these conditions are met, the business is continually at risk for developing mold and fungal growths.

Often finding the moisture source in the affected areas is sufficient for preventing the present risk, but the damage could have already occurred. The best way to identify the progression of mold in your business, whether there're clear signs of colonies or not, is to allow SERVPRO to conduct an inspection of the property to look for signs of fungal growth and to assess your risks of forming colonies.

Our experienced mold remediation specialists have several unique approaches to restoring the damage that mold can do to your business, and ones that do not have to keep your doors closed a moment longer than needed. The faster our SERVPRO technicians can get the problem under control in your movie theater, the sooner that your regular customers can get allowed back in for their silver screen fixations.

While it might not seem like mold growth is that pressing an issue from a business standpoint, mold may cause health effects for those exposed. This puts your staff in line for these potential effects and every person who comes to the theater. Trust our experienced remediation specialists at SERVPRO of South Orlando can help businesses in the area. Call today at (407) 985-3200.

Your Pine Castle Venue Requires Rapid Water Damage Cleanup

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup

Your South Orlando event venue is likely reaching the time of the year where it gets a steady booking schedule. Parties are coming in and out of the facility every day, leaving minimal time for the staff to clean the place and assess any potential problems. With such a wide variety of patrons and events, you never know what damage a group of people could cause unknowingly. For example, leaving faucets on in the facility bathrooms with the stoppers could lead water throughout the neighboring areas to this room.

With a packed schedule and people counting on your South Orlando venue, the last thing you need to contend with is water damage. Fortunately, you have professional restoration services that can respond quickly and get things back to how they should be as promptly as possible.

Our SERVPRO professionals can quickly assess the full scope of the damage and determine the tools and equipment necessary to restore it. In situations like this, clean up often involves the essential elements of wet-vacs with extraction wants, mops, and air movers to help dry out the floors. Unless this damage has been sitting there for several days, the bulk of the damage itself is just in the floors' widespread water.

Of course, our SERVPRO team implements equipment like infrared thermal imagery to identify moisture inside spaces that cannot get easily seen. This process allows us to see inside the wall cavities, below flooring, and above the ceiling, identifying threats out the line of sight. If found, various equipment gets used to ensure the area is thoroughly dry.

While your business lives by a strict schedule, you can rarely account for the inevitability of something going wrong. Fortunately, our SERVPRO of South Orlando professionals responds quickly to help clean up the mess and limit the time you are without your facility. Call 24/7 at (407) 985-3200.

South Orlando Fabrication Plants Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of South Orlando for your water damage repairs.

Restoring a Factory with Commercial Water Removal Services in South Orlando

Once a factory or other assembly plant in South Orlando sustains an incident involving a water loss, getting things dry again to protect employee health and safety, machinery, and productivity should begin immediately. Relying on drains to take care of the problem can only do so much. Overhead water sources can ruin delicate machines, form pools of water in depressions in pieces of equipment, and supplies, and materials. 

At SERVPRO, we are proud to help other businesses around South Orlando with commercial water removal methods so they can continue serving the public. We want our economy to stay strong, and this is how we can do our part. Removing the water from where it might otherwise remain trapped, slowly evaporating into the air, helps your factory's indoor air quality remain wholesome. It also prevents corrosion of metal and keeps microbial infestations from developing as readily as possible when excess moisture permits them to grow.  

When your equipment retains water, we can suction the water out of these machines and then wipe them down. We arrive with the tools needed, including ladders and buckets, helping ensure that your employees can continue their jobs with little or no interruption from us. Extracting the water and then wiping the machine down with oil when called for by the machinery's maintenance instructions protects your equipment from possible problems.  

Floors and other areas that your employees occupy may also need extraction work performed. Break rooms can become damp and musty when water saturates such areas, ruining food preparation equipment. Your employees need to eat during their breaks to stay energetic. 

We also want to keep your workers safe while in your plant. With water removal, we work to keep corrosion control and eliminate the possibility wherever we can. Air movers help us keep moisture from condensing on surfaces and also directs water vapor toward desiccation machines. These withdraw moisture from the air and release dry air back into the area we are treating. 

Using our various machines and tools, we protect your equipment and building from harm. SERVPRO of South Orlando water removal and extraction specialists can make things safe again so your employees can remain productive. Call (407) 985-3200 for 24-hour service.