Essential Water Damage Restoration Terms: Your Glossary for SERVPRO Services

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

Whether you're facing water damage in your home or business, knowing the language of restoration can empower you to make informed decisions.

When it comes to water damage restoration in Tampa, FL, understanding the terminology is key to navigating the recovery process effectively. This glossary of essential terms will help you better comprehend the services, techniques, and strategies used by professionals like SERVPRO®. Whether you're facing water damage in your home or business, knowing the language of restoration can empower you to make informed decisions.

What Is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning, drying, and repairing a property after water damage occurs. This process involves multiple steps, including water extraction, dehumidification, and reconstruction, to return the property to its pre-damage condition. SERVPRO’s trained professionals use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure effective water damage restoration, minimizing the risk of further issues.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounts for nearly 28 percent of all homeowners insurance claims. This statistic highlights the prevalence of water damage and the importance of prompt and professional restoration services.

Key Water Damage Restoration Terms You Need to Know

1. Water Mitigation

Water mitigation is the initial process of preventing further water damage after a flood, leak, or other type of water intrusion. This involves removing water from the property, securing the area, and stopping the spread of moisture to avoid additional damage. Mitigation is a critical first step before full restoration can take place.

2. Water Extraction

Water extraction refers to the removal of standing water from a property. This process typically involves the use of high-powered pumps, vacuums, and specialized equipment to remove water as quickly as possible. Immediate extraction is essential to prevent mold growth, structural damage, and further complications.

3. Dehumidification

Once water is extracted, dehumidification helps remove excess moisture from the air and building materials. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are used to accelerate the drying process. Proper dehumidification prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, ensuring a safer environment.

4. Moisture Mapping

Moisture mapping involves using specialized tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate areas of hidden moisture. These tools are vital for ensuring that all areas of a property are thoroughly dried, even those that might not be immediately visible to the naked eye.

5. Category of Water

In the restoration industry, water is classified into three categories based on its contamination level:

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Water from a clean source, such as a broken water supply line or a faucet leak.
• Category 2 (Gray Water): Water that may contain some contaminants, such as water from dishwashers, washing machines, or sump pumps.
• Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated water, often from sewage backups, flooding from rivers or streams, or standing water that has begun to grow bacteria.

Understanding these categories helps determine the appropriate restoration strategy and safety measures.

6. Drying Goals

Drying goals are established benchmarks for restoring the moisture levels of affected materials to their pre-damage state. These goals are based on industry standards and are critical for preventing long-term damage. Technicians use moisture meters to monitor progress and ensure the property is thoroughly dried before declaring the job complete.

7. Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water builds up around the foundation of a building, exerting pressure on the walls and potentially causing cracks, leaks, and structural damage. This pressure can result from heavy rain, poor drainage, or flooding, and addressing it often involves waterproofing and other preventative measures.

8. Structural Drying

Structural drying is the process of thoroughly drying the structural elements of a building, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. This is done using specialized drying equipment, and it is essential for preventing long-term damage like wood rot or warping.

9. Air Movers

Air movers are powerful fans used to increase air circulation and speed up the drying process. By placing air movers strategically around the property, restoration professionals can direct airflow across surfaces to evaporate moisture more quickly.

10. Subfloor Drying

Water can seep into subfloors, which are the layers of flooring beneath the visible surface. Subfloor drying involves using specialized equipment to ensure that moisture is removed from these hidden areas, preventing mold growth and damage to the structure.

Why Understanding Water Damage Restoration Terms Matters

Familiarizing yourself with these key water damage restoration terms can make the recovery process smoother and less stressful. By understanding what professionals like SERVPRO are doing, you can ask the right questions, understand the process, and be confident that your property is being restored effectively and efficiently.

For expert water damage restoration services, SERVPRO's team is Here to Help®, utilizing these methods and more to restore your property. With the knowledge of these terms, you are better equipped to partner with restoration professionals and get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Whether you're dealing with a small leak or extensive flooding, SERVPRO’s expertise ensures that you receive high-quality restoration services tailored to your specific needs.

How to Recover from Water Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

Once the area is clean and dry, it's time to begin the restoration process.

Water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for homeowners, but knowing how to recover from it effectively can make the process smoother and more manageable. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to take to recover from water damage and restore your home to its preloss condition.

Stop the Source

If the water damage is due to a leak or burst pipe, the first step is to stop the source of water. Shut off the main water supply to your home to prevent further flooding and damage. If the water damage is due to a natural disaster or external source, focus on securing the property and minimizing additional water intrusion.

Assess the Damage

The next step in recovering from water damage is to assess the extent of the damage. Take stock of affected areas and items, including walls, floors, furniture, and personal belongings. Identify any safety hazards such as electrical issues or structural damage and prioritize addressing them.

Remove Standing Water

Once the source of water has been stopped, begin removing standing water from the affected areas. Use buckets, mops, or wet vacuums to extract water from floors and surfaces. Open windows and doors to promote airflow and aid in the drying process.

Dry Out the Area

Proper drying is essential to prevent mold growth and further damage. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to circulate air and speed up the drying process. Thoroughly dry affected areas, including walls, floors, and furniture, to prevent moisture from lingering and causing additional problems.

Clean and Disinfect

After drying out the area, it's important to clean and disinfect surfaces to remove any contaminants and prevent mold growth. Use a mild detergent and water solution to clean affected surfaces, and then apply a disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria or mold spores.

Restore and Repair

Once the area is clean and dry, it's time to begin the restoration process. Repair or replace damaged materials such as drywall, insulation, flooring, and furniture as needed. Work with professional restoration experts like SERVPRO® to ensure that repairs are done correctly and safely.

Monitor for Mold

Even after water damage has been addressed, it's important to monitor the affected areas for signs of mold growth. Keep an eye out for musty odors, discolored patches on walls or ceilings, or visible mold growth. If mold is present, take steps to address it promptly to prevent further damage and other risks.

Consult with Professionals

Throughout the recovery process, don't hesitate to seek help and guidance from professional restoration experts. Companies like SERVPRO of South Orlando have the experience, expertise, and resources to handle water damage restoration safely and effectively, ensuring that your home is restored to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

Recovering from water damage can be a challenging process, but by following these steps and working with trusted professionals, you can successfully restore your home and move forward with peace of mind. If you need assistance with water damage restoration, don't hesitate to reach out to our SERVPRO team for help.

SERVPRO of South Orlando Lesser-Known Cleaning Categories

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Orlando has the means to help your commercial property—whether a main service or a lesser-known cleanup category.

So...What Does SERVPRO Do?

With so many restoration companies out there, it’s hard to know which company is the right fit. And in the midst of a crisis, calling for emergency service, that decision can seem impossible and overwhelming. We are a restoration company defined by quality. While we have built a reputation for our top tier fire and water restoration services, (seriously, see our 5-star reviews), we also service many other cleanup categories. 

SERVPRO’s Lesser-Known Cleanup Categories

On top of water damage cleanup, fire restoration, mold remediation, commercial and residential cleaning, contents cleaning—which includes drapes, blinds, walls, floors ceilings, upholstery and carpets—SERVPRO of South Orlando also does:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Air ducts and HVAC cleaning, not repair
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Vandalism and graffiti removal
• Trauma and Crime Scene cleanup
• Biohazard cleaning
• Sewage cleanup

Wow, what a list, right? That’s not all we do. We also professionally sanitize your home or business with our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned process. We have a proprietary blend of disinfectants to deal with biological contaminants.

Specialized Training — Certified: SERVPRO Clean

The Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC)  set forth protocols, and we are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business to high standards. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants. We go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs daily.

The CDC encourages cleaning high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment
• Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line, available on Amazon, carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. Do you need proactive cleaning of your commercial property or any of our lesser-known cleaning services? Call SERVPRO of South Orlando today at 407-985-3200.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Orlando restoration experts today to mitigate primary and secondary damages caused by storms, flooding, and water.

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.

SERVPRO Helps Control 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.

How to Dry Water Damaged Flooring in Orlando

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

A gleaming hardwood floor or expanse of beautifully soft carpeting is the first impression family and guests have when walking into your Orlando home. If a water loss spreads across the oak, cherry, or exotic wood or saturates the carpet and padding, a bucket and mop or household fan are inadequate to resolve the problem. Engaging a reliable full-service remediation company to help with recovery is the approach that delivers the most successful results.

Water damage in Orlando stems from many causes. Plumbing leaks and appliance breakdowns are by far the most common. Fortunately, supply line breaches are usually a Category 1 water emergency, meaning that fast action can save structural components and fixtures like carpets in many cases. The water is relatively free of contaminants, and if removed within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth potential minimizes. After your call, the SERVPRO team arrives as soon as possible, and an assessment and project planning complete quickly. Using equipment stocked on our service vehicles, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Reconstruction Certification (IICRC) trained technicians to implement the plan immediately.

When hardwood flooring receives water damage, we use pumps and extractors to remove visible water. Then we set up negative air pressure systems by sealing mats to the floor and hoses connected to powerful extraction machinery to suction water from between the planks and subfloor. Our technicians use state-of-the-art moisture metering and thermal imaging equipment, ensuring no water lie trapped beneath as we work across the surface of the floor. Hardwood floors can appear dry yet wick up moisture from saturated substrate. Development of cupping or crowning if moisture persists the surface's smoothness and signals continuing water deterioration.

Carpeting needs special attention. SERVPRO experts inspect the extent of the water damage and use wanded extractors to mitigate or limit moisture migration to unaffected areas of the floor covering. Once we contain the spreading moisture, weighted wands allow us to dry many carpets in place. Removal of the padding might be recommended as it is inexpensive to replace yet holds large water quantities. Our technicians use great care when extracting the water, avoiding stretching the carpet's fabric, causing delamination, which's the separation of the carpet from its backing. Multiple passes ensure we remove all water eventually. Thorough removal makes the final drying phase with heated air movers and dehumidifiers less time and energy-consuming, and more effective.

SERVPRO of South Orlando invests in the training and the equipment needed to return your water-damaged floors and carpet to "Like it never even happened." One call, day or night, sets the remediation process in motion. Call (407) 985-3200.

How to Locate a Shower or Bathroom Leak

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Though some water leaks throughout your Orlando home can be easy to spot, there're a vast amount of others that require more than a casual glance.

A shower or bathtub leak, for example, can fall into the latter category because there's a variety of places for leaks to emerge from in these areas.

Read how to locate one without much hassle effectively. Once identifying the source, contact a trained water restoration team to clear of any water damage, as well.

Check the Common Sources First

Before tearing into the tile work or uprooting your tub, it pays to investigate the more apparent areas first. After a shower, inspect familiar sources such as the:

• Showerhead face;
• The O-ring between the showerhead and arm,
• Faucet handles and the areas surrounding them, or
• The caulking at the base or surrounding of a shower/tub combination

Leak issues are generally noticeable in these spaces and are detectable by sight after running water through your shower.

Have a Professional Inspect Your Shower Pan, Whether New or Old

A shower pan leak is another usual spot for an issue, especially in tiled shower designs. These leaks can occur due to the pan being too old and faulty or being installed incorrectly. Therefore, it pays to have someone inspect this space as a potential cause for any shower or bathtub leak.

Determine the Severity of the Issue by Searching the Levels Below

There's no clearer indication of a bad water leak within your shower floor than through the ceiling or flooring directly below the shower itself. Look for signs of water damage or condensation on the ceiling beneath a second-story shower or throughout your crawl space below a first-floor shower.

When you're hoping to eliminate a shower or bathtub leak in your home, follow any efficient methods for a quick solo inspection before contacting a professional for further assistance.

Does My Carpet Need to Be Replaced? Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

If a pipe breaks, a tub overflows, or dishwasher leaks water can spread quickly throughout your home. Moisture from one of these instances can soak into the carpet, damaging the porous fibers.

What does water do to a carpet?

If the water saturates the carpet, padding will disintegrate and glues will weaken, causing the backing to peel away from the fibers. The moisture also causes microbes to develop on the surface of the subfloor. Water will ruin the whole carpet if left too long, so how long is too long? How would a person know if a carpet is salvageable or not?

The answer depends on a few factors. A professional restoration company will examine the cause of water damage and determine if the water is Category 1, 2, or 3. These categories describe the levels of toxicity of the water. Flood water and sewage water are seen as unsafe and are categorized differently than tap water overflowing from a sink or bathtub.

A professional will also lift the different layers for cleaning and drying. The carpet padding will likely be thrown out, no matter how long it’s been sitting, because it is relatively inexpensive to replace. This saves a lot of time, effort, and money cleaning a potential breeding ground for microbial growth. 

In general, many carpets can be restored by technicians without needing replacement—even when water seeps deep into the fibers. If the water type and severity of damage poses a risk, though, a professional will know to rip out the carpet and replace it.

Water Extraction

After technicians inspect the danger and its source, lift layers, and remove pieces, they will extract water from the carpet fibers using specialized equipment. This equipment pulls the water up through a vacuum and sends it to a tank. Heavy-duty weighted extraction tools will be used for highly saturated carpets. Weighted extraction tools use the operator's weight to compress the carpet, allowing more moisture to be extracted.

Drying

After water extraction, a professional will set up drying equipment. Air movers—SERVPRO’s name for industrial, high-powered, blower fans—push air in a circular motion speeding up the evaporation process. Dehumidifiers are simultaneously set up to pull moisture out of the environment and lower the property’s relative humidity.

Finally, a professional will disinfect the carpet. For additional information, call our office today at (407) 985-3200!

Storm Restoration Experts Know How to Dry Your Property

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Orlando are Leaders in the Storm Restoration Industry for a Reason

Harsh weather conditions like flooding, wind, and storms cause devastating damage to homes and businesses. Property damage due to storm damage and flood water overwhelms many with concerns for personal safety and properties' security.

When this form of damage occurs to your home or business, the first step is to find safety, then contact a trustworthy storm damage restoration company.

An immediate restoration response reduces the extent of damage done to a property. Since roof damage is likely to be accompanied by water damage—a gaping hole is a recipe for moisture and storm water to make itself at home—a quick emergency response reduces the risk for internal and structural water damage and microbial growth.

When contacted, storm restoration experts will analyze the level of damage and make a judgment regarding how to begin. Professionals' main priority is to secure property before cleanup, repair, and restoration. Once a property's debris is removed from the exterior and roof repair is completed, experts move to drying and the internal cleanup of furniture, carpets, clothes, and other items. 

The Drying Process of SERVPRO of South Orlando

Oozing groundwater, especially in places prone to flooding, could cause damage, especially if no flood pump has been previously installed. SERVPRO of South Orlando has a thorough drying process.

First, our team sets up industrial-strength drying equipment such as air movers and HEPA filtered dehumidifiers. Special care is taken to thoroughly dry the area around the original leak or cavity.

If water has seeped to the surrounding areas, special drying equipment is used. It can take 3-5 days for traditional drying. However, hard-to-dry materials, such as wood floors and crawlspaces, can make the process longer.

After the property is dry, the restoration of any damaged materials can start. Restoration is the most time-consuming part, but is very important and the bulk of returning the property to its preloss condition. We strive to make a property look, “Like it never even happened.”

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us at (407) 985-3200.

SERVPRO of South Orlando Gets Rid of Mold

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety.

Make sure you stay out of affected areas and turn off the HVAC system and fans. Then contact SERVPRO of South Orlando for mold remediation services.

Remember, significant mold growth can occur in as little as 48-72 hours. You might notice a strong, musty odor; this may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting; mold isn’t always visible, but the odor can help identify it. Mold can cause health effects.

If you suspect mold growth in your home or business, give SERVPRO of South Orlando a call at (407) 895-3200.

Water Removal is a Process in South Orlando

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Orlando is ready to serve you!

SERVPRO Arrives with Water Detection and Water Removal Equipment

Natural flood, pipe leaks, sewer backup, washer overflow, toilet problems, and pump failure can wreak water havoc to your home in South Orlando. You may feel like you have lost all control of your home, and it can only get worse if you hire a company that rips and tears your walls, furniture, carpet, and other personal belongings out of its place. This process can leave you clutching your chest in agony as well as a hole in your wallet.

Water removal in South Orlando is not an easy task. Homeowners often try to clean the water problems without consulting the experts, causing more damage and problems. Some components are involved in water damage restoration. It's not something that a beginner should consider tackling. You would need to replace everything that was involved in the water damage immediately. If you ignore this process, then mold, mildew, fungus, and bacteria can grow in your house. Hiring a water restoration company is a smart decision because they have all the necessary tools to take out extra water to prevent further damage. Plus, a thorough cleaning and drying process would require experienced water damage restoration services.

A SERVPRO technician would contact you to arrange a service within one hour of notice that water damage has occurred. Within four hours, uniformed, trained techs would be on-site to start the mitigation service, a fast-acting method of extracting water out of the area. These technicians would use advanced technology such as moisture sensors, moisture meters, and Thermohygrometers to detect moisture in the air. This equipment helps them determine the best drying process that would get the job done.

SERVPRO has other high-tech equipment such as extractors to help remove water from carpets and other flooring material. Air movers would enhance evaporation to reduce drying time. Dehumidifiers would extract water vapor from the air. After removing all the water, they would use deodorizer equipment such as thermal foggers to neutralize any odor caused by the water damage. Afterward, these technicians would perform a thorough walk-through with you to ensure that you are delighted with the service.

With SERVPRO of South Orlando, you can expect reliable and excellent customer services and experts to get the job done. Call (919) 790-1222 to set up an appointment to speak with our skilled and experienced technicians.

5 Easy Solutions to Water Damage Mitigation in South Orlando

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

5 Situations Where In-Place Drying is Inappropriate for South Orlando Homeowners

Water removal and restoration is an extensive process. To clean, dry, and restore your home to pre-water damage conditions, experts use advanced technology. There comes a time when in-place drying seems like the best choice. Well, there're situations where it's inappropriate.

Black or Gray Water Damage

Blackwater contains unsanitary agents, harmful fungi, and bacteria. As water removal experts in South Orlando, we always warn homeowners not to contact Blackwater. Doing so can result in sickness. Classified as Category 3, sources include sewage, standing water, and rising water from rivers. Gray Water is Category 2 water and contains contaminants too. This water can also cause illness if exposed to it. Often this water originated as clean, potable water but absorbed undesirable and contaminated elements from the environment. Is your home flooded with Gray or Blackwater? Then in-place drying is not recommended.

Presence of Sensitive Items

Have damaged electronics, papers, books, and even artwork with water? Top-down drying is not recommended. In-place drying calls for the removal of water without moving anything out of your home. Since sensitive items cannot be dried in place, this method is inappropriate. We can offer lyophilization where we freeze-dry papers and documents. Under a vacuuming process, draw the sublimated moisture directed from the frozen state to the gaseous phase. This will eliminate the wetness effect of liquid. It just takes the right equipment operated by a skilled SERVPRO technician.

Evidence of Structural Damage

If water removal experts detect structural damage to your subflooring, they cannot proceed unless the support can hold the equipment's weight. Typically, if it cannot, a controlled demolition can stymie the water damage from continuing unabated.

Evidence of Mold Growth

If flooding has lasted for more than 72 hours in your home, mold growth may have already started. In this case, in-place drying cannot be used. Using this method can spread the spores to other rooms. Exposure may cause your family to health effects.

Non-Porous Pad

During top-down drying, your carpet is never rolled back. This is the same as the pad. SERVPRO of South Orlando water removal experts uses air movers, dehumidifiers, and water extraction equipment to dry your pad. If it has a non-porous layer, the carpet can trap water underneath. The trapped water makes the water extraction process more complicated. Floating a carpet can be an option as we strive to restore and not replaced materials after a water loss.

SERVPRO of South Orlando is a leader in the water removal and restoration industry. As experts, we provide 24-hour emergency service to help minimize the damage to your home. Call (407) 985-3200 today.

An Effective Plan for Water Damage Remediation in South Orlando

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO Offers Fast Response to South Orlando Pipe Flood Incidents

The same plumbing systems in your South Orlando property that help make life easy can cause considerable misery if a pipe bursts. Most people only associate plumbing systems with the kitchen or washroom, but flooding can happen in any section of your property since the pipes crisscross the entire property. If a pipe bursts in the ceiling, it can cause many problems. The spilling water affects everything from the ceiling, walls, and contents before it reaches the floor. Have a professional help deal with the water damages.

Each case of South Orlando pipe flooding is unique, and therefore any response plan mooted must adapt to the unique conditions faced. The main factors influencing the response include the origin of the spill, how long the property remains submerged, and the materials present in the affected area. Spills that originate from a higher level of the property, whether it is the ceiling or a bathroom on a higher floor, cause more damage. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect the affected areas and your insurance adjuster to determine salvage and the best remedial approach.

Fast extraction of water from the affected property usually forestalls many problems, including mold development and deterioration of materials due to excess moisture. Most homes are packed full of belongings like furniture, clothes, toys, and many others. What should be easy can take longer than usual; however, with our low-tech and high-tech resources to remove the water fast. Low-tech resources include mops, sponges, and buckets. High-tech gear includes wet-dry vacs, dehumidifiers, and air movers. The combination of these resources helps us multitask, thus achieving the water extraction goal faster.

Water spills are likely to necessitate clean-up even when the water involved is from a clean source. As the water affects different materials, dyes are likely to run, leading to stains. The water also sweeps any dirt and debris on its way, soiling carpets, upholstery, and other fabric materials. Our SERVPRO team includes WRT, Water Restoration Technicians, and CCT, Carpet Cleaning Technicians, who handle any necessary cleanup in your property.

For fast response in case of water damage, call SERVPRO of South Orlando to help. You can reach us at (407) 985-3200 at any time.

Water Damage Disaster Occurs in South Orlando

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

If you need water removal in your Orlando property, contact SERVPRO of South Orlando.

Taking Care of Water Removal

In a society reliant on electrical appliances, we tend to expect them to work without fail. However, water removal may prove necessary when a faulty washing machine hose gives way and covers your floor with water. It can be stressful to consider taking on a cleanup task on your own, as missed spots can easily lead to mold growth or structural damage.

When appliance failures result in needing water removal, SERVPRO of South Orlando has the tools necessary to clean, dry, and deodorize your home while preserving your possessions.

When water affects porous surfaces such as carpet, it's vital to thoroughly extract moisture that has been absorbed quickly to preserve carpet, padding, and the subflooring underneath. Suppose water from your laundry room has reached your carpet. In this case, we can use air movers and dehumidifiers both above and underneath flooring to address moisture absorbed by the carpet. Fast-drying, in conjunction with EPA-registered antimicrobial cleaner, is key to preserving your carpet and shielding it from potential mold growth.

SERVPRO of South Orlando can preserve hardwood affected by water. Drying mats with suction devices attached can be placed on the ground level to accelerate moisture evaporation. This process is often aided by plastic sheeting acting as a conduit for directing moist air out of your home. SERVPRO technicians often use a 6-millimeter thick plastic or poly sheeting that, when taped down, isolates moist air for easy collection. This drying method helps collect water from hardwood flooring and plywood subflooring. Additionally, it keeps dehumidifiers from being overwhelmed while they help dry other surfaces. In some cases, dehumidifiers may also be operating inside the plastic tenting to extract moisture.

If you need our services to clean up your disaster, call SERVPRO of South Orlando today (407) 985-3200.

Recovering From Residential Water Damage in South Orlando

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Appliances Are Often the Culprits Causing Water Leaks

While many disasters can threaten your South Orlando home, perhaps one of the most typical of these potential issues is a water emergency. While this could include natural disasters and flash flooding situations, it often boils down to aging materials in your house. Additionally, homeowner errors are attributed to damages that require professional restoration.

Perhaps one of the most common issues that present water damage to your South Orlando residence would be large appliances like your water heater. While everyone is aware that appliances draw more power and cost you additional monthly utilities, they get too old. They're often disregarded. The components within them that keep tight seals for water are aging and degrading. Over time, small and seemingly insignificant leaks can turn disastrous, spewing high water volumes on the floor surrounding the appliance.

Once the water has successfully stopped from the valve attached to the appliance itself, a significant water emergency requires your immediate attention. The longer that water can seep into flooring and walls, the more damage that it ultimately causes these components as well as the structural integrity of your entire home.

While extraction might be necessary for the situation, our SERVPRO team assesses the full scope of the damage throughout both the immediate area and adjoining walls and floors. Areas not easily seen, SERVPRO uses thermal imagery to determine the farthest reaches of the water damage. Equipment like our drying mats can penetrate deep into floors to dry up the area. At the same time, our injection system can remove any moisture from inside of affected walls. For basic drying, a combination of wet vacs for spot extraction and air movers for moisture removal work to rid the area of the remaining water.

When you are battling older appliances, even the best of routine maintenance might not be enough. If your appliance decides to leave you a water emergency to fight, trust SERVPRO of South Orlando restoration specialists to help you clean up the mess. Call (407) 985-3200 today.

Different Types of Humidity Explained by Water Damage Experts

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes are broken down into two categories. When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it can contact contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's delamination, is considered primary 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 as water transfers from the air to not wet materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor is the primary cause of the structural problems, they get classified as secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both types of problems. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation near South Orlando, we monitor relative and specific humidity. Controlling humidity levels in a structure help speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept as low as possible 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 (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.

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity; 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 SERVPRO technicians 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 number.

Using a psychrometric chart can come in handy when rapidly drying structural components. If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, call SERVPRO of South Orlando at (407) 985-3200 24 hours a day.

Is Water Damage Being Stored in Your Orlando Crawlspace?

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

After long periods of heavy rainfall, you may discover excess water in the crawlspaces of your home. These areas can be challenging to restore by yourself for several reasons. Access points may be small, or the ground is dirt or mud resulting in grey or black water contamination issues. Also, ground settling may create uneven footings that could be dangerous and the presence of loose wiring and electrics. Using a professional to restore these areas ensures your safety and the long-term health of your property.

We have expert technicians available for the restoration of water damage in Orlando and the surrounding area. We also have a specific method for restoring crawlspaces that may have excess moisture resulting from slow leaks or heavy rainfall. The biggest challenge we face is finding a way to bring in specific equipment like dehumidifiers or extraction units. We may also need to temporarily remove insulation to gain proper access to the affected area.

Since crawlspaces are often narrow and enclosed, any water residing there's slow to evaporate naturally. SERVPRO can combat this by blocking off foundation vents and putting up drying tents to create a closed drying system. A closed drying system allows us to concentrate our efforts on a particular area of the crawlspace by establishing artificial airflow and dehumidification. We use a combination of rapid air-movers fitted with large flex hoses to evaporate moisture with desiccant dehumidifiers deployed to remove moisture from the air.

Throughout drying a crawlspace, SERVPRO monitors the relative humidity using thermal hygrometers and moisture content readings from insulation or structure. This measuring ensures that the restoration procedure is going as expected. It also provides the conditions inside your crawlspace do not promote mold growth, which can be exceptionally damaging throughout your home. We recommend homeowners install a vapor barrier after the restoration of a crawlspace, which can prevent plumbing rust as well as electrical shorts. As soon as you notice the presence of water in your crawlspace, contact SERVPRO of South Orlando at (407) 985-3200.