Steps for Successful Water Damage Restoration in Largo Homes

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Green Fleet is always stocked and ready to mitigate storm damage in Largo. We are Faster to any size disaster.™

Types of Damages Left in a Largo Property by Water Damage

Your Largo house might be facing disaster if a storm is imminent. There are numerous ways storms destroy homes, from subjecting them to extreme winds and lightning to water running down roof beams onto the walls. Wind can hurl heavy debris around, causing significant roof damage. The wind can also be strong enough to lift and rip roof shingles, causing your roof to leak. These leaks can result in significant water damage inside your home, leaving you with substantial damages to repair.

One of the main ways to limit moisture damage is executing rapid water damage restoration in Largo homes. This involves removing water from the house, thus preventing secondary issues such as mold from developing and spreading. Microbial growth often begins within 48 hours of water exposure. Mold can be inhibited by rapidly extracting the water from the affected areas. We remove standing water with extraction equipment like wet/dry vacuum, deep extraction tools, and submersible pumps, increasing the chance of saving your belongings and structural components. SERVPRO® responds quickly to assess the damage, make a restoration plan, and assist with the cleanup and repair processes.

Common property damages from a storm

? Structural and foundation damage

? Damage to utilities

? Equipment and furniture damage

? Insect infestations

Different equipment in your home is vulnerable to flood exposure, including the power surges that storms often bring. Hot-water boilers, air-conditioning systems, computer equipment, and telephone systems in your home can also be damaged by storms. Moisture build-up creates an attractive environment for insects and other pests, worsening the likely damage to structural elements.

Essential steps that help save belongings

? Thoroughly inspecting house contents

? Creating a staging area to hold equipment

? Pack outs to save vulnerable contents   

Taking definitive steps to save content can limit a flooding incident's impact on your property.

Our SERVPRO crews take different actions, including inspecting and moving your valuables.

SERVPRO of Largo is a reliable water damage restoration service. Call us at (727) 586-0060 for assistance. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Assessment and Planning for Largo Water Cleanup

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know that part of our storm damage mitigation includes tarping roofs?

SERVPRO Preparation for Storm Water Removal

When storms result in overland flooding, the mixed-in mud and debris complicate fluid extraction and drying of properties. Effectively responding to flood water damage requires securing the structure, establishing containment, and clearing out solids and debris safely before extraction and drying can begin. Sewage backups during severe storms are common and can expose occupants to pathogens that can cause illness or even death.

Damage Inspection 

When SERVPRO crews arrive in response to storm flooding in Largo, water cleanup pauses until a hazard assessment precedes the development of a mitigation and remediation agenda for our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained team. Steps ensuring accurate recording of damage data and stabilization of work areas include: 

We visually inspect affected areas, checking for:

• Weakened structures that might not sustain the weight of workers or equipment
• Water depth and presence of debris, mud, and silt, and sewage or other hazardous items that mandate space containment protocols (wrapping with heavy-duty polyethylene and use of air scrubbers) and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for technicians  
• Signs of trapped water (blistering and peeling paint, bulging and sagging structures, warped floors)

We also utilize moisture detection and metering with sensitive instruments to confirm hidden moisture and provide baseline data for drying goals.

Emergency Services Planning and Implementation 

SERVPRO service vehicles are packed with tools and equipment to set the stage for Largo water cleanup. Depending on the circumstances, the plan could involve the following:

• Tarping and boarding up exterior damage and following containment procedures
• Barricading or shoring up weakened structures
• Mucking out mud and debris with shovels, scrapers, and brooms
• Releasing trapped water threatening structural collapse through weep holes, drilling near the base of walls or in mortar joints, and flood cuts

Once SERVPRO completes these preliminary steps, submersible pumps and technician-operated extractors (truck-mounted and portable) continue the essential task of liquid removal. After extraction eliminates the bulk of fluids, applied structural drying concludes the water cleanup.

SERVPRO of Largo is ready 24/7 to provide water cleanup, scaling up resources when the forecast is for severe storm activity. Call (727) 586-0060 for prompt damage assessment and intervention.

Largo Fire Damage Cleanup: Crucial Areas of the Home

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Don't deal with fire damage on your own. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services right after the firefighters leave for the best results.

SERVPRO Can Handle Top to Bottom Fire Restoration in Largo Properties

Typically, the most common area of a Largo home likely to need fire damage mitigation is the kitchen. A resident in a house doing the simple act of making a meal on the stove can cause massive amounts of damage by leaving a hot pan with grease in it unattended. Another issue is putting a frozen piece of meat or another frozen item into a hot pan with oil. The result is the same for both scenarios: a fire occurs in the kitchen. Water used on the fire can compound the situation further. When water encounters hot oil, it vaporizes immediately and brings the flames upward with it. This situation allows a small pan on fire to destroy an entire kitchen quickly. Other issues that cause fire damage in Largo properties within a home include: 

• HVAC malfunctions
• Lit cigarettes left unattended in bedrooms
• Overloaded fuses or faulty wiring
• Candles too close to flammable objects
• Fires caused by lightning strikes

SERVPRO Uses Professional Cleaners for Fire and Smoke Damage Removal

Unfortunately, there is no single magic secret formula for smoke and fire damage cleanup in Largo. SERVPRO technicians rely on various factors when choosing the right cleaning agent for the job. The techs undergo extensive training to obtain FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians certification. They use an organized method to drill down to the best approach for cleaning. This process involves:

• Visual inspection to determine residue type
• Identifying surfaces and building materials
• Mixing solutions with solvents as needed

Why is the Smoke Damage Type So Important? 

Determining the residue type on a surface impacts the technicians' cleaning application against the smoke damage. For example, high heat fires leave lightweight soot around the job site area. SERVPRO technicians know the proper way to clean up this issue by using dry cleaning sponges to lift off the soot gently. Adding a liquid solution to this smoke can damage a porous surface by driving the particles deeper into the article instead of removing it. Furthermore, the other common fire damage residue that SERVPRO team members handle is wet smoke. This kind usually needs extra effort because it tends to be greasy and stick to surfaces. The techs choose or mix their own liquid solutions with solvents based on the surface type getting wiped down. Part of selecting a method for cleaning involves the color fastness and durability of the surface to handle the cleaning method used for a successful outcome to the restoration. 

Fabrics, Textiles, and Carpet with Fire Damage

A carpeted home that experiences fire damage is not necessarily looking at removing the carpet. If there is no heat damage, fire restoration services may clean it for reuse by utilizing vacuums with HEPA filtration, steam cleaning with proprietary agents, and odor control methods. Washable fabrics and textiles can undergo restorative cleaning with the Esporta Washing System. The powerful piece of equipment removes soot and odors, saving property owners the cost and stress of replacing them. 

SERVPRO of Largo at (727) 586-0060 offers professional fire damage restoration services to the Largo area. Their fire cleanup team is available 24/7.

Largo Homeowners Consider Tankless Water Heaters to Avoid Water Damage

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen very quickly and often without any warning. Contact SERVPRO right away after damage for the best results.

SERVPRO Techs Handle Large Scale Water Cleanup Jobs in Largo Properties

A water heater in a Largo property lasts for eight to twelve years in service on average. Most tanks fail in two ways; the first is through a slow leak. The second way is a sudden failure of the containment resulting in tens of gallons of water suddenly getting dumped within the home. Even if the water gets shut off at the main, the water spreads throughout the area once the tank opens. SERVPRO technicians use specific devices depending on the surface getting scoped to determine the migration path of the water.

Why is the Migration Path Important During Water Cleanup?

Something as small as tracking water damage within a Largo structure can significantly impact the water damage mitigation service outcome. If moisture gets left behind, it can cause issues from softened sheetrock from wicking to creating a perfect environment that invites mold growth. SERVPRO technicians bring multiple types of equipment to water restoration services to locate the accurate scale of the water removal needed, such as:

• Moisture sensors
• Moisture meters
• Thermo hygrometers
• Infrared cameras

Common Areas Water Damage Collects After a Water Tank Failure

The average size water heater is around thirty gallons. Many homes have larger sizes to accommodate multiple residents and extended showers. When that amount of water leaves the tank, it typically spreads and runs down, creating issues such as:

• Water damage to floor joists or the subfloor
• Foundation harm
• Ruining the adhesion of glue-down tile and carpet

Can Homeowners Avoid Water Damage With Tankless Water Heaters?

The perks of a tankless water heater for a homeowner are many. These appliances do not require a tank to hold and heat water which lessens the chances of a large amount of water getting discharged within the property. Additionally, there's no waiting for the water to heat up for use, and it arrives hot out of the tap. Best of all, these appliances are energy-savers and use up to 50% less energy to provide hot water to the home than traditional tank heaters.

SERVPRO Techs Have Comprehensive Training in Water Removal

The ongoing education and many IICRC certifications SERVPRO techs hold can directly affect the damage from a water heater failure. The team may need to call upon their training as Applied Structural Drying Technicians, Floor Care Tech, Carpet Repair, Reinstallation, and Water Damage Restoration Tech credentials.

At the root level, the science shows the less time the water remains within the structure, the less harm it can do. SERVPRO technicians find and perform water removal using a diverse array of equipment depending on the amount of water that requires extraction.

Special Areas of Consideration During Water Mitigation

The flooring tends to take a beating after a water heater incident. Our SERVPRO techs work quickly to extract the moisture to stop the deterioration of carpet, area rugs, and hardwood floorboards. There can be wet printed materials such as newspapers and magazines bleeding ink onto damp surfaces. In many cases, the techs can remove the staining through various methods using their cleaning agents. Laminate flooring often does not fare well after exposure to this amount of water damage. The materials in the boards' core react badly to excessive moisture and get ruined rapidly.

Calling SERVPRO of Largo at (727) 586-0060 when local Largo property owners need water removal in their homes is the right choice. The technicians stand ready 24/7 with their professional equipment to make the damage "Like it never even happened."

The Difference Between Largo Mold Damage Remediation and Removal

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Discovering mold in your home can be a difficult situation to deal with. Contact SERVPRO for an investigation and remediation services.

SERVPRO Handles Mold Remediation Safely in Largo Properties

The terms mold remediation and removal get used almost interchangeably, but they mean different things. Remediation refers to removing building materials and articles that have no restoration potential. The term mold removal is not accurate regarding the mitigation in a Largo home. Mold spores are naturally occurring in most environments, except for spaces where the air and surfaces received a hospital-sterile level of cleaning. 

SERVPRO technicians have several applications to handle mold damage remediation in Largo. First and foremost, while the technicians define the scale and scope of the infestation, they also root out the cause creating the ideal environment to sustain mold colonies. Reasons for a mold damage situation vary from: 

• Mold spores float harmlessly both inside and outside structures
• When the climate is warm and humid, the likelihood of spores germinating and growing increases
• Although mold can exist in temperatures ranging from just over the freezing mark to 120 degrees F, it prefers a range from the seventies to the nineties. 

How Does Mold Damage Look on Flooring?

It is impossible to look at the flooring and know if mold colonies exist beneath. However, there are tell-tale signs that the need for mold mitigation exists: 

• A musty odor in the room that never dissipates
• Pushed up nails in floorboards
• Visible mold growth on boards or carpet
• An area of carpet that feels damp consistently

Common Reasons for Mold Within a Home

Mold damage behind a wall is not unusual and commonly results from a leak the homeowner was previously unaware existed. Another frequently seen issue SERVPRO technicians deal with regularly is improperly installed or the lack of a vapor barrier between the interior and exterior walls.

How Much is Too Much Damage From Mold?

When sheetrock-constructed walls have mold colony growth, this type of mold damage is too severe to clean and reuse the building materials, requiring disposal. While fiberglass insulation can often get washed and dried for reuse after a water damage incident, the presence of mold changes the outcome. SERVPRO technicians have vacuum attachments specifically designed to collect insulation from within walls. 

When the mold damage affects areas of the property, such as closets where clothing items are present, the Esporta System can clean and sanitize washable fabric items in a single cycle. While SERVPRO technicians have access to powerful steam cleaning equipment, upholstery with mold damage rarely has the potential for use due to the probability of mold spore penetration and existence within the piece of furniture.

Special Considerations for Homes With HVAC Systems After Mold Damage

When SERVPRO technicians handle mold remediation services, they carefully section off the worksite to limit the number of spores traveling to another area. The techs can also inspect the ductwork in the home to see if it needs cleaning due to the mold infestation. 

Mold Damage Treatments 

After removing the mold-damaged articles, SERVPRO’s AMRT applied microbial remediation techs to verify the issue causing the infestation. By following the IICRC guidelines S520, our team can address and work to apply lasting mold mitigation treatments to inhibit the return of the problem. These applications range from antimicrobial cleaners to sealants. 

SERVPRO of Largo at (727) 586-0060 brings decades of experience and professional equipment to handle any size mold damage remediation safely within Largo residential properties.

SERVPRO Offers Premier Mold Removal Services in Largo

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Largo at (727) 586-0060 for fast and efficient service

Property Owners in Largo Look to SERVPRO for Mold Removal  

Effective mold removal from your Largo home requires careful assessment, proper equipment, and expert knowledge. Hiring specialists like SERVPRO can ensure mold is safely and completely removed from the affected area as quickly as possible. 

SERVPRO techs use state-of-the-art technology during mold removal from your Largo home. Once the techs establish the scope of the damage, they create a mold remediation strategy following the IICRC S520 guidelines. The goal is to ensure the safety of the techs and occupants and to prevent the spread of mold on unaffected areas of the property. 

Structural Mold Remediation Strategies 

The most crucial objective of structural mold removal is to prevent mold spores and fragments from the surface to the indoor air. Removing mold contamination without taking proper precautions can lead to the aerosolization of the spores and increase the risk of cross-contamination. 

SERVPRO techs use the following engineering controls to prevent this from happening:

• Isolation of the contamination area
• Establishing pressure differentials between the contaminated and uncontaminated areas
• Using air-moving devices to control the airflow
• Using HEPA vacuums 

SERVPRO mold specialists use engineering controls as the first line of defense for ensuring the safety of workers and occupants. 

The Role of Pressure Differentials

It is crucial to prevent the contaminated air from leaving the containment zone and mixing with the air in uncontaminated regions of the building. SERVPRO techs use pressure differentials to accomplish this goal.  

We use negative air machines (NAMs) fitted with HEPA filters to create low pressure in the containment zone. As air moves from a high to a low-pressure region, the chance of contaminated air leaving the containment zone is significantly reduced using this strategy. SERVPRO techs maintain a pressure differential of about 5 pascals between the contaminated and uncontaminated area. 

Call SERVPRO of Largo at (727) 586-0060 if you need a quick and effective mold remediation of your residential or commercial property.

Affordable, High-Quality Fire Damage Remediation in Largo

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO rushes to your fire damaged Largo home and leaves making you feel "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Helps Largo Residents Overcome Fire Damage

Largo homeowners constantly face the very real threat of a house fire. Such catastrophic events could result from one or more of several different causes. Among these potential catalysts are cooking mishaps, often involving hot oil or grease, carelessness while smoking, children playing with matches or heating appliances, and faulty electrical wiring.

Whatever causes your Largo home’s fire damage, your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO can help. Our house fire clean-up experts have routinely completed all smoke remediation and fire damage restoration stages. After your initial call, we usually arrive at your residence in less than four hours to begin addressing its fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO technicians then:

 Following Established Protocols

• Thoroughly inspect your home, evaluating its overall level of impact, and determine what needs to be done to return your property to its pre-fire state
• Tarp damaged or destroyed ceilings and walls, board up compromised doors and windows, erect fencing around your residence, and post warning signs about possible hazards
• Remove irreparably damaged items/materials and professionally dispose of them
• Use fire remediation industry-approved techniques to eliminate all types of residues from household surfaces
• Sanitize HVAC networks with specialized cleaning systems, thereby helping to prevent fire-related particles from spreading around your house, and deodorize interiors with powerful deodorant-filled injection devices and foggers
• Address any destruction present by repainting fire-damaged surfaces, repairing or rebuilding significantly impacted rooms, and replacing destroyed household contents

Once these actions have been taken, fire-impacted residences often show no signs that a blaze ever occurred. This responsiveness is why SERVPRO has gained a strong reputation as one of the area’s best cleanup and restoration firms.

Know that SERVPRO of Largo can help you remediate your fire damage. So, if you ever need assistance overcoming the effects of a house fire, call us at (727) 586-0060.

Water Restoration Services for Commercial Establishments in Largo

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, to mitigate the water damage in your Largo commercial property

Mitigate Water Damage to Your Largo Business by Calling the Experts

A leak in a Largo home is inconvenient and can hurt the household budget. The stakes can be quite high when a ceiling, plumbing, or window leak happens in a commercial or business setting. The impact on the bottom line is felt in terms of resources spent on water remediation services and time lost if the water intrusion disrupts regular business operations. Calling a certified team of experts is the most efficient way to handle the problem while protecting your business.

SERVPRO provides water restoration services in Largo, and its track record of helping the business community speaks for itself. We have staff available around the clock every day of the week, so we can dispatch a crew shortly after receiving your call. When water threatens your assets, inventory, and operations, time is of the essence, and our rapid response is crucial. Being quick is just as important as having the know-how and tools to perform an effective water remediation job, and at SERVPRO, we have it all.

Making decisions during an emergency can be overwhelming, but our staff is here to help. 

We are also a resource to guide you through uncharted waters, such as deciding what is salvageable and how to dispose of items environmentally conscious. As we develop an action plan, we document the process and assist you in the insurance claim process as needed. Simultaneously we focus on the following key steps-

• Water extraction with pumps and specialized techniques designed to restore normal moisture levels
• Disinfection with EPA-approved solutions to help discourage excessive mold and bacteria growth
• Deodorizing the space by eliminating odor molecules instead of just masking them with scented products

SERVPRO of Largo is reachable by calling (727) 586-0060 whenever you need us. Don’t hesitate. Invite us and let us leave your business “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Can Repair Your Largo House After Water Damage

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage has a multitude of sources. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective restoration.

Professional Water Damage Repair in Largo is Preferable

Many homeowners have experienced this, coming home to find it flooded due to a burst plumbing pipe or broken appliance. Water can get into unwanted areas in your home in numerous ways, and cleaning up after the incident is always unpleasant. Most people find the job challenging and frustrating, so their best course of action is usually contacting restoration service providers.

There is no need to stress yourself wondering who can repair water damage at your Largo house since SERVPRO is ready to take the burden away from you. We have a ton of experience in the business, industrial-grade equipment, restoration products, and highly-trained technicians. These are some of the guarantees that the work we carry out for you is sure to be of high quality and worth every penny.

SERVPRO’s water damage repair process takes care of various affected structures and items, depending on the situation. We can handle damages in different areas, including the following:

• Insulation
• HVAC systems
• Utility systems like wiring and piping
• Ceiling material
• Flooring like carpets
• Wooden studs and drywall, and
• Framing, among others
  

We can use a wide range of extraction tools to remove water from affected areas. To locate the areas that need our attention, SERVPRO uses inspection devices such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture sensors, thermo-hygrometers, and moisture meters. The moisture sensor helps us inspect padding and carpets for moisture, while thermal imaging cameras help check and monitor the water content in building materials.

SERVPRO uses moisture meters to get the actual moisture contents of the different materials, which helps us determine when the drying process has been done successfully. On the other hand, thermo-hygrometers help us decide whether or not we have successfully rebalanced the internal environment inside your house.

For water damage repair and other related services, contact SERVPRO of Largo at (727) 586-0060. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Damage Repair for Largo Homes After Flooding 

12/2/2022 (Permalink)

Repair work and salvaging your home after storm damage is a SERVPRO priority. We serve Largo after water leaks and hurricanes.

Identifying Common Water Damage Repair Needs

Storm systems are not uncommon in Florida, with a few in recent years showing the destructive side of nature throughout the state. Hurricane Ian recently left his mark on our West Coast. The need for damage repairs can be evident after these storms pass through and you get your first look at the impact.

Controlled Demolition

There is no mistaking the need for controlled demolition when water damage repair for Largo homes gets considered after storms. From the impact on the roofing system to floodwater infiltrating the main level of the house, severe storm systems commonly faced by this coastal community leave behind a pressing need for repairs and reconstruction.

Removing Wall System Components

The infiltration of floodwaters creates an immediate issue for wall systems. Nearly all components of these structural assemblies are porous and absorb water infiltrating from the outside or interior rooms. Flooding can be particularly threatening to these elements as any porous material must be removed if the threat of contaminants exists. Hydrostatic pressures can introduce these threatening blackwater intrusions to materials like:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Utilities
• Wood framing
• Plywood

Replacing Flooded Floors

Many flooring materials used in your home cannot withstand long contact times with pooling water. Flood infiltration can immediately compromise many flooring elements like carpeting, and the possibility of contaminants increases the need to remove these installed floors and replace them with new options. This removal is the only way to overcome introduced contaminants sufficiently.

Is Mold Present?

The presence of mold can also require damage repairs. When these organisms infiltrate porous materials used for building your home, they can degrade structural integrity and force controlled demolition. The presence of mold alone can indicate that structural deterioration is already well underway, though the contaminants and potential bacterial threats brought in with floodwater increase the development and spread of microbial colonization.

Flooding can cause an immediate need for water damage repairs in Largo homes. When these storm damage conditions exist, our professionals act quickly to help. Give SERVPRO of Largo a call today at (727) 586-0060.