When You Need Help SERVPRO of Dunedin Is There For You

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

When you need help SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is there with the equipment and experience to handle it.

When severe home damage occurs it can be a devastating problem to deal with. When you find yourself in need of restoration services, SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is ready to help. What sets this team apart from the rest? Here is what you can expect when you hire an outstanding company like SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South:

We Are There For You With 24 Hour Emergency Services

Disasters and storms happen without a warning, often resulting in unexpected damage to your property at the worst times. If you have residential or commercial properties, you can count on the team at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South to be there when you need us, even when the problem happens on a weekend or at 3 a.m.

We Have A Quick Response Time

Everyone knows restoring your home or business to preloss condition is a race against time. Skilled and trained restoration contractors know how to salvage and restore many of your belongings and assets to their pre-damaged state. With our specialized tools and advanced restoration as well as cleaning equipment, we help families return to their homes quickly.

We Are Highly Trained and Experienced Technicians

Our team is comprised of trained technicians. Our years of experience have led to continued growth in our skills and expertise. Our ongoing training and IICRC certifications mean that we are up-to-date and knowledgeable in all the most effective restoration techniques. That, along with the latest advances in equipment, means that our team is ready and able to provide you with the restoration and cleaning assistance you need.

We Are Locally Owned and Run

We are proud of the fact that SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is a local business. Our company is a member of a network, that allows us access to a lot of resources and materials for restoration solutions. With this network, we are able to provide even more accurate, faster, and better response services.  

If you ever find yourself in need of a restoration company, your first choice should be SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South. 

We are available to take your call 24/7 at (727) 793-1333

What To Do When You Spring A Leak In Your Palm Harbor Home

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

When leaks happen call our expert team at (727) 793-1333 and allow us to leave your home “Like nothing ever happened.”

When You Have Water Damage It’s Time To Call A Professional Water Cleanup Service

Water can quickly do a lot of damage to a home. When a leak occurs in your Palm Harbor home, you should pay close attention and address it right away. Even if it seems small, water can sink deep into floors and walls quickly. If you think you have a leak or you see water in an unexpected place let an expert team verify how deep into your home the water travels. Our company can offer the latest in technology to detect water hiding throughout your house. We follow an assessment with a complete plan focused on removing water and correcting the humidity level of your home.

When you live in Palm Harbor, address any water damage with our expert staff at SERVPRO. We have years of experience and formal education in matters of water restoration. We understand what it takes to clean up your home after water leaks into it. Call our 24/7 hotline, it serves as the most important conduit to professional help your time of emergency.

What is water extraction?

Water extraction goes beyond just removing water from your home. Successful water extraction requires understanding what the average humidity levels are for your home and each of its elements. It also requires knowing how water can affect different surfaces depending on their composition. Our team knows which cleaning solutions and techniques to use to avoid further damage to your home, including deodorizing and disinfecting. Here is some of the equipment we may use in your home:

•   Air movers to improve air circulation and evaporation
•   Air scrubbers to rid your home of any unpleasant odors left behind
•   Wand extractors to complement the work of submersible and truck-mounted pumps designed to remove larger volumes of water

Regardless of the size of your water damage SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is here to help. Call our expert team at (727) 793-1333 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

5 Major Steps for Fire Restoration

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Residential fires can be devastating. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South have the experience to restore your home quickly.

There are several steps involved when your property needs restoration from fire and smoke damage. The team at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South will begin with an assessment, the removal of your belongings, and the cleanup of the debris. Once those steps are complete they will move on to the structural repairs. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Secure the Foundation

The first step is to secure the foundation. The team will assess and then secure the foundation to make sure the structure is safe to enter. Never rely on an ‘eyeball test’, hire pros to check for potential danger from weakened trusses, floor joists, etc. 

2. Clean and Remove Soot

The next step is to clean and remove soot and smoke damage. Don’t tackle the smoke and soot on your own. Smoke and soot leave stains behind and it takes specialized techniques to clean and neutralize them and prevent them from making the damage worse. 

3. Moisture Control

Due to the amount of water used to put out the fire moisture can be a real problem. Pumping and airing out the moisture is an essential step in the cleanup process. With expert assistance, you can prevent mold growth and rot. Our team has specialized equipment to dry out your home and prepare it for the repairs it needs. 

4. Perform the Repairs

When it comes to your home and belongings it's important that the repairs are done right away. The longer your items are left exposed to the soot and smoke the harder it may be to restore them. If you don’t start making repairs on the building itself you may end up needing more work done like mold removal or rot. Make sure that you talk to the restoration firm to learn more about the restoration timeline and any of the workaround solutions they offer.

5. Do the Renovation

Due to extensive fire, smoke, and soot damage, a lot of people opt for a complete renovation. Talk to the restoration firm about your situation and the best solution. Experienced restoration contractors know when property owners like you are much better off going for a total renovation. 

The IICRC certified team at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South has experience in fire and smoke damage restoration and renovation. 

You can call them anytime 24/7 for a quick response to your emergency. Just call (727) 793-1333.

How SERVPRO of Dunedin Can Help You After A Storm

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let storms and moisture ruin you home. Contact SERVPRO right away.

What's the Difference Between A Broken Pipe and Storm Water?

There is a risk with any water in Palm Harbor homes. The biggest difference between a broken pipe and stormwater is that storm flooding contains soil and other contaminants. These contaminants, if left untreated, can stain property and make carpets so unclean that they can’t be restored or used again. Quick removal and cleaning can restore much of a home's carpets and furniture to their pre-flood condition. 

What Are The First Steps When Dealing With Storm Water Damage?

The first thing our specialists’ do when cleaning Palm harbor flood damage is to spray an anti-bacterial agent over the water and affected surfaces. This reduces the risk of sickness to anyone that steps into the water or removes the contaminated property from the water and takes it to a dry location. They then follow up with these actions and equipment:

• Specialists use pumps and other extraction devices to pull out any standing water or water trapped in carpets and floorboards. Doing this reduces any additional damage while also making carpet removal far easier. 
• They then use additional anti-bacterial cleaners with sponges. They use cloths to clean and disinfect affected surfaces. For items, such as upholstered property, they have the option of using injectors to apply a cleaner to spots where the flooding reached. They will also use foggers to generate a cloud of cleaning particles that penetrate deeply to eliminate contaminants and any odors they can leave behind. 

How Do They Know It’s Dry Enough?

Our technicians use Moisture Meters calibrated for the type of property they are inspecting. As an example, a gypsum wall panel with too much moisture can give a reading at 40 points, which is too high to allow for natural evaporation before it begins to crack and crumble. Technicians use a combination of fans and air movers, along with regular checks, to bring the number down to an acceptable 12 points. 

At SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. To schedule a service call, you can contact our office today at (727) 793-1333. 

What To Look For When Hiring A Restoration Firm for Your Commercial Property Damage Restoration

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

This apartment/condo complex experienced heavy water damage when the water line in a unit broke when the resident was out of town.

When water damage emergencies happen at your business, it is critical for you to get in touch with responsible professionals who can help restore, rebuild and reopen your business quickly. There is a lot of work to be done, and many things need to be done in a very specific way if you are to minimize damage and restore your property quickly, and efficiently. Our team at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South has the tools and resources to help you every step of the way.

Are They Licensed?

When choosing a company to handle this type of work, you want to be sure they are fully licensed to do the work for you. This means they should be a licensed general contractor for residential or commercial projects, depending on what your needs are.

Can They Do It All?

When you have extensive damage to repair you need a team that can do it all. Whether it is water damage, fire damage, storms, or floods, you want a team that can take care of you, instead of bringing in various contractors for each portion of the job. Your Team should be able to help you completely restore all damage properly, to ensure there is no risk to your property, employees, or customers after you reopen. 

Are They Sensitive to Your Need to Reopen?

At SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South, we do it all for you. We have the most experienced and highly-trained technicians available and use the latest specialized equipment to do the work. We understand how important it is for your business to reopen quickly. We do everything possible to minimize the loss of revenue from your business while it’s closed to your customers by working quickly and efficiently. 

If you have any type of damage to your commercial property, call us anytime 24/7 at 727-793-1333.

Let The Pros Restore Your Belongings After a Fire

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can carefully restore many of your belongings even after extensive fire damage.

Numerous tasks make up the restoration process in Palm Harbor homes after a fire loss incident.  Because effects like soot and odors can spread almost continually without intervention from restoration technicians like our SERVPRO team, the contents of your house are at a higher risk for irreversible damages.

Content management is one of the unique offerings we provide during fire damage restoration in Palm Harbor homes. This entire process is devoted exclusively to protecting your personal belongings, furniture, and other contents from migrating effects like soot, odors, smoke residues, and other threats. We have in-house strategies that begin with relocating your possessions to an untouched area of the home. When combined with surface cleaning techniques, deodorizing, and other corrective actions, we can recover many items without off-site strategies.

Is Pack-Out the Best Option for Your Belongings?

When damages are too considerable for on-site recovery options, we rely on the pack-out procedure. This technique carefully relocates your belongings to our nearby SERVPRO facility. We can return your belongings to their original condition through focused attention and restoration techniques in most cases. While there are dozens of techniques and technologies at work in our warehouse to recover your belongings, fire-damaged contents can benefit from:

• Ozone Chamber for Deodorization of Multiple Items
• Ultrasonic Submersion Tank for Soot Removal
• Advanced Drying Techniques for Water-Damaged Materials
• Safe, Climate-Controlled Storage of Your Belongings

Despite how damaging a fire loss can be, our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team can help to protect the things that matter most with content management solutions and the full restoration and reconstruction of your home as necessary. Give us a call anytime 24/7 at (727) 793-1333.

Trust SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South for Professional Mold Monitoring and Remediation

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

A condo in Palm Harbor is an excellent piece of real estate. The area offers plenty of amenities and retains a small-town vibe while providing reasonable access to bigger shopping areas, golf courses, and places to eat. Residents of the area want to take good care of their buildings – and that includes dealing with mold as soon as they spot it.

If you are looking for mold remediation in a condo in Palm Harbor, it is vital to choose a company that monitors the remediation process and does not rely on sight alone. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is here for you. Our technicians are trained and certified in the best monitoring and remediation techniques.

Does monitoring mean identifying the mold species?

It is a common misconception that mold monitoring means identifying the species of mold. In many cases, identifying the specific type of mold is not necessary. The remediation process is the same regardless of species. However, if the mold growth is out of control, there might be a need for mold testing to determine which species are present. 

What does SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South monitor?

During mold remediation, we monitor:

• The amount of moisture present in the area, including walls, baseboards, carpets, and floors
• The extent of moisture present in building materials
• The humidity of the air

We take these readings before we begin mold cleanup, and repeat them as necessary throughout the remediation process. We retake them at the end to make sure the moisture and humidity are at optimum levels to prevent mold regrowth.

Why is monitoring critical?

Sight alone does not tell us if remediation is complete. Looking at the area can only tell us whether we have dealt with visible mold growth. Monitoring is vital because:

• There may be moisture in hidden places such as inside walls or under carpets, which provides an unseen breeding ground for spores
• If we do not reduce moisture, the mold spores will be able to form new colonies
• If the area is too humid, there is a greater risk of the mold returning
  
  

Monitoring gives us accurate data that we can use to draw up a personalized mold cleaning plan that suits your condo. We use the figures from monitoring to decide:

• How and where to set up containment
• How many fans and dehumidifiers to use for drying, and where to position them
• Whether we need to investigate moisture behind baseboards, inside walls, or in storage areas and crawl spaces

What equipment does SERVPRO use?

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbour South technicians bring a range of powerful monitoring equipment for every job.

Moisture sensors detect moisture in carpets and padding and let us know whether there is moisture on the subfloor. Moisture sensors are useful if you have mold in a carpeted area, or if you already know the carpet has suffered a spill or leak.

Moisture meters measure the amount of moisture present in a specific material. Some meters are ready-calibrated to a particular material such as wood or drywall, while others are adjustable for different materials. We use penetrating moisture meters, where it is safe to do so. In situations where it is better not to cause even minor surface damage from a penetrating meter, we can use a non-penetrating meter instead. For example, we would use a non-penetrating meter on plaster or drywall, rather than risk piercing it with a penetrating meter.

We use thermal cameras to measure the temperature across the walls and ceilings of your condo. Temperature differences can indicate moisture's presence and let us track the movement of water throughout your living space. This helps us see where we need to examine more thoroughly.

We use thermo-hygrometers to measure the relative humidity in the air. As well as measuring humidity in the affected area, we also measure the humidity of air:

• In unaffected areas
• Outside your condo
• Exiting the HVAC system
• That has been processed through dehumidifiers

Comparing different air readings helps us determine whether drying is working and whether we need to make any adjustments.

What happens after monitoring?

When we are satisfied that the mold situation is under control and your condo is dry, we deodorize your space. Condos are typically smaller than houses, so thorough deodorization is key to leaving your home "Like it never even happened." Some of the tools we use during remediation, such as air scrubbers and microbial cleaners, help with deodorization. We can also add odor-eating pellets or spot-clean stubborn areas of upholstery. We might also use thermal foggers or ozone machines if necessary.

For mold remediation you can rely on, call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

Specialized Equipment and Techniques Help Detect and Remediate Water Damage in Dunedin Homes

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Shower leaks can quickly become a water damage source that gets out of hand before homeowners even realize it is present. This unfortunate fact holds for one-piece molded fiberglass showers as well as tile surrounds in Dunedin homes. Without fast action, this water can potentially accumulate in an adjoining room or lower level ceiling.

If bathroom water damage affects your Dunedin property technicians from SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South are prepared to return your home to a preloss condition per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

What Causes Shower Water Damage?

• Seeping through tiles. It can be possible for water to seep through defective grout or caulking in tile surrounds and joints near the rim of your bathtub.
• Shower valves and supply lines. Malfunctioning or damaged valve cartridges can create leaks inside your shower valves. Old washers or supply line leaks can also create hard-to-clean damage behind enclosures and walls.
• Drains seals and floor pipes. A worn or damaged seal between the drain and the bottom of your tub can allow water to accumulate immediately below your shower. Drainpipe leaks can create similar types of leakage.

How Can SERVPRO Restore a Water-Damaged Shower?

SERVPRO technicians take a methodical approach to water extraction and drying. An essential aspect of this is moisture measurement. Techs can use a variety of measuring equipment to evaluate the moisture content in and behind surfaces, including:

• Penetrating and nonpenetrating moisture sensors and meters
• Infrared cameras designed to examine areas behind surfaces
• Thermohygrometers detect relative humidity, which helps calculate specific humidity for structural and contents drying.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is ready to mitigate damage to homes within hours of your initial contact. Call (727) 793-1333 to find out more about receiving cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is Uniquely Qualified to Handle Mold Infestation

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can remedy mold infestations in HVAC ductwork.

One of the worst times to find out you have a mold problem is during the renovation of your home. When homeowners need cleanup for damage from mold infestations, their HVAC ductwork is often an afterthought. When SERVPRO handles mold remediation, technicians take air samples in the home, and within the air handler closet for the HVAC system. If the results come back at levels that necessitate cleaning of the handler and ductwork, the technicians have the training and equipment to get the job done.

Air Conditioners Can Cause the Need for Mold Remediation/HVAC Cleaning

Unfortunately, the primary way an air conditioner works as a condensation cooling system creates a friendly environment for mold, which necessitates the need for mold remediation/HVAC cleaning in Palmdale homes, mainly when the collected moisture does not get adequately diverted away, most often due to a clog in the condensate drain.

Because airborne mold spores are ubiquitous, they float harmlessly both inside and outside homes and do not germinate until they encounter the right conditions for growth such as: 

• Somewhere to grow (dust in air ducts is ideal)
• Air moisture that is 50% or higher
• These conditions maintained for 48-72 hours

Once established, the colonies can grow at a rapid pace and spread throughout the home via the HVAC ductwork. If spores from these colonies encounter conditions elsewhere in the house favorable to the establishment of new colonies, the infestation can spread rapidly.

SERVPRO technicians found in this home that the mold spread into a closet where there was an air leak due to improper installation of the HVAC air handler unit. The technicians adhere to the mold remediation protocols as developed by a licensed industrial hygienist as required by law.

The techs removed the air handler to dry out the collected moisture and perform abatement on the mold growth inside. They also cleaned the ductwork throughout the home. Unfortunately, some of the sheetrock and the carpet with mold damage required disposal. 

Once the remediation efforts were completed, an industrial hygienist conducted a clearance test to determine through air sampling if the mold infestation had been cleared.

If your home needs mold remediation/HVAC cleaning, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South (727) 793-1333. Our IICRC certified technicians work to ensure your home gets proper remediation as required by law for the best outcome after a mold infestation of any size.

Here's What Makes SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South Your Top Choice

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

There is nothing you want more after storm or fire damage occurs than to just have someone tell you exactly what you need to do to get your home or business back in order. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is one of the most reliable professional organizations to call on. Because of our extensive experience and industry experts, we can help ensure that the damage is properly assessed and all of the work you need to have completed is done properly. We highly encourage you to take the first step in getting that help.

A Local Company You Can Trust

One of the reasons why you can trust us is because we are a locally owned company that is part of a national network. We are dedicated to serving the community and providing the highest level of service. We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry. To achieve this goal, each of our employees has had extensive training. We continuously work to ensure that we can always provide the best level of service.

Faster Than Any Other Provider

Another key reason to turn to our team is that we aim to be faster to your disaster than anyone else. We understand just how important it is for you to get the help you need--now. You cannot afford to wait. You need your home or business back in order, and you need to know it is safe for your family or your employees and customers. We can do that for you.

At SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South, you can trust us to provide exceptional services and on-time arrival to meet your needs when you need us. Just call us anytime 24/7 at 727-793-1333. We'll be there in no time!

Proactive Steps to Prevent Storm Damage in Your Palm Harbor Home

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can handle your storm damage restoration no matter how serious.

Florida gets intense weather throughout the year, including flash floods, more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the United States, and occasionally, hurricanes and tropical storms. In particular, the storm surge that accompanies hurricanes can lead to copious amounts of water hitting your Palm Harbor property. There are some steps homeowners can take to minimize the potential loss, such as:

    •    Landscape your property to direct water away from the home
    •    Ensure weather stripping and seals are intact on doors and windows
    •    Trim tree limbs near the roof and windows so high winds do not cause damage
    •    Clean gutters from debris and ensure they do not drain near the home, add extensions if needed

What is The First Thing I Should Do When My Home Has Flood Damage?

If you do not already have a plan for handling flood damage in your Palm Harbor home, make one. A good solid idea includes things like:
    •    Locations of valuable items and important papers
    •    The number for SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South to begin cleanup for you
    •    Account and phone numbers for your utilities so you can halt service if necessary
    •    Your banking and credit card information
    •    Personal information for each family member including copies of prescriptions and doctor phone numbers
    •    A plan for what to do with your pets during cleanup in case it happens where you are staying does not allow pets
    •    Items family members need for day-to-day activities

It is crucial to begin the restoration process as soon as possible because even one day can make a difference in whether or not something has restoration potential.

How Does the Flood Damage Cleanup Work?

SERVPRO techs have years of experience and IICRC certification for the handling of floodwater, which carries a rating as a class three biohazard because of the frequency with which the water contains harmful elements such as debris, chemicals, and sewage. The techs test the water, so they know what they are dealing with and apply the appropriate cleaning agents to lessen the risk when handling the water.

Non-porous items have the best potential for restoration, so your Great-Grandmother's vase with sentimental value may have the possibility of reuse through the gentle cleaning methods by the techs, while the composite wood accent table the vase got displayed upon turned out to be a loss due to exposure to floodwater.

Area rugs, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and mattresses exposed to the floodwater usually require disposal as they cannot get cleaned to the point they are assuredly sanitary for reuse in the home.

A structure with damage from flooding generally undergoes a dramatic transformation when the areas that got affected are widespread. It is not uncommon for the flooring to require removal down to the subfloor or slab. This is an important step, however, because when seepage occurs, the structure needs drying from the bottom up to eliminate the potential for secondary issues such as mold or foul odors to compound the mitigation efforts.

Along with flooring, walls also bear the brunt of the loss. Once the water is inside the home, it migrates rapidly and runs up against baseboards, under cabinets, and any spaces it can find. When it encounters sheetrock, the building materials readily wick the water and continue absorbing it until SERVPRO techs halt the process through the use of flood cuts. This removes the ruined sheetrock and leaves undamaged walls in place. This action also opens up the interior of the wall around the framework for complete drying. When insulation gets ruined with floodwater, the techs have specialized vacuums to collect it for disposal. At this time, the vapor barrier also gets inspect to determine if it requires replacement.

When SERVPRO techs dry the structure, they monitor the process carefully to ensure that pre-set drying goals get attained. The property receives a second scoping post-drying to ensure no areas of moisture remain on-site. Then the cleaning of the property and any application of mold preventatives takes place.

Once the efforts are complete, the techs walk the homeowner through the property and go over the actions taken and the repairs or reconstruction needed to bring the home to its original state. This information is also compiled into a report to assist with filing any insurance claims.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size flood damage to your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly on-site, and make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Can Severely Impact Flooring

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

When many property owners consider water restoration and recovery, they fixate on the drying and extraction average necessary to protect their Palm Harbor shop. In addition to the mitigation and restoration actions required to preserve many of the exposed materials and content in the building, it is expected that a certain degree of structural repair and other reconstruction efforts are necessary. Substantial water loss situations, such as burst pipes or malfunctioning sprinkler systems, can leave high volumes of water saturating into the flooring materials throughout the shop area.

Is Water Damage Repair Necessary?

While it might be challenging to initially determine the extent of water damage repair necessary for Palm Harbor jobs like yours, the sooner that you can secure professional restoration contractors, the better. Water damage worsens quickly and leaves a 48-hour window to restore many of the structural elements. When migrating water penetrates beyond the surface flooring material, subflooring and underlayment materials can become damaged. Identifying whether or not subflooring has become too damaged involves a series of advanced detection devices including:

• Surface Moisture Meters
• Probing Moisture Detectors
• Thermal Imagery (Infrared)

Can SERVPRO Repair and Reinstall Flooring Materials?

We do not waste time with the restoration of materials that could be too damaged to properly restore. It is often more cost-effective to discard saturated materials and replace them rather than spending time working to dry what might not be salvageable. Removing surface material and underlayment can allow our technicians a better opportunity to dry subflooring before irreparable damage occurs to this area. With in-house contractors, we can replace discarded materials immediately following mitigation services. We do emphasize the goal of restoring and not replacing building materials and members whenever feasible.

Many structural elements in your shop could become damaged by migrating water. We have contractors and certified recovery technicians that can work quickly to help. Give our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team a call today at (727) 793-1333. We're available for you 24/7.

A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan Can Help You Prepare for Water Damage Restoration

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can keep you on the mats if your yoga studio sustains water damage.

Palm Harbor Business Owners Looking For A Smooth Water Restoration Process

Running a yoga studio in Palm Harbor can be very satisfying. Yoga is an exciting exercise that helps local residents take time out of their busy lives and enjoy some me-time. To keep your yoga studio thriving, it is a good idea to prepare ahead for potential disasters.

There are many reasons you might need water restoration in your Palm Harbor yoga studio:

• Heavy winds and rain broke a window and let water in
• Broken or overflowing guttering caused water to seep under the studio door
• A broken pipe or faucet soaked the floor or caused a small flood in the bathroom
• The kitchen dishwasher broke and flooded the floor

Unfortunately, yoga studios often have lots of soft furnishings, such as yoga mats and foam blocks, that are susceptible to water damage. Water can also warp wooden fittings such as desks and cabinets. It can also pool across the floor, and soak into essential papers such as customer records or staff training manuals.

Why is preparation key to handling a disaster?

If you have a disaster in your business, time is of the essence. The risks of leaving water damage untreated include:

• Water can soak further into rugs and yoga mats.
• Water might spread to damage baseboards, drywall, wallpaper, and drapes
• The risk of microbial growth gets more significant with every passing hour

We suggest calling us as soon as you spot the need for water damage restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and our teams are waiting to clean and restore your business.

What Can SERVPRO Do If I Need Water Restoration?

We can help with every aspect of water restoration. Our process includes:

• An assessment so we can devise the best remediation plan and discuss it with you
• Pumping out water using handheld wands, free-standing pumps, and truck-mounted pumps
• Remedying water damage using wet and dry cleaning, spot cleaning, and fogging
• Drying out your studio with air movers and dehumidifiers
• Deodorizing with air scrubbers and odor-controlling pellets, so your premises smell fresh again

We can also coordinate with insurers on your behalf.

Is Any Job Too Small?

No – we are here to help with any incident, big or small. Even a tiny leak can cause you to have to shut your studio. Every day your studio is closed is a day you cannot earn money from it. SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South understands that you need to get your business up and running again as soon as possible. That is why we designed the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP).

What is an Emergency READY Profile Plan?

A ready profile is an action plan you can put into place as soon as an incident occurs. An ERP shaves valuable time off the restoration process because it allows you to act quickly. 

To get started download the app here: https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp. You will need to log vital information, such as:

• Water shut-off valve location
• Assembly points for employee and customer safety
• Priority contact information
• insurance details

Having all the right information on hand means you do not have to search for it when a disaster is progressing and you may be stressed.

Your profile also includes a concise document with only the most critical information, so your staff does not have to search for essential details in the middle of a crisis. You will also draw up a plan for getting your business running again.

How Does the ERP Work?

When you need water restoration, you can launch the app and contact us in just a few clicks. You can submit the first notice of loss, or call us directly from within the app. Your ERP will automatically populate much of the information, saving you valuable time. The app even comes with mitigation tips you can follow while you wait for us to arrive, further hastening the process and helping your business recover faster.

Who Should I Share My Plan With?

We recommend sharing your plan with all key decision-makers in your business and staff members who might be on-site in the event of water damage. The plan gives your staff steps to follow and makes it easier for them to act.

You must email your ERP to SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South, so we have all the studio information. We hope you will not need us, but we should have the data to hand if you do.

If you are worried about water damage restoration, do not hesitate to get in touch. We will take care of every aspect and leave your business Certified: SERVPRO Clean.

For help with water restoration, call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Handle Flood Damage in Your Palm Harbor Home

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience flooding in your home, the consequences can be long lasting unless you have professional help.

After flooding occurs, it is essential to act fast to prevent further damage. Floodwater can cause several hazards to your property, including weakening the structure and causing health problems to your family. SERVPRO technicians in Palm Harbor can help minimize damage and restore your property to its pre-incident state.

What safety measures should I take after flooding?

If you have to leave your property because of the flood, pay attention to the authorities, and follow their instructions before you move back into your property. Flood damage in your Palm Harbor property may continue to occur even after the water subsides. Check for signs of structural damage, such as cracks on the foundation before getting into the home.

Can you help me deal with my insurance firm?

We understand how overwhelming flood damage can be. Our technicians can help you document the damage by taking photos and videos of the affected areas. We also offer a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) that helps streamline the insurance filing process.  Our technicians categorize contents as non-salvageable, salvageable, or questionable. By inventorying every item, you can handle content decisions efficiently. If we find it necessary to move some contents out of your home while it undergoes restoration, the CCIS inventory can act as a vital tracking tool for moving and managing contents.

What do you use to dry the affected area?

We have a wide range of advanced equipment and tools that help us speed up the drying process in flood-damaged homes. We can use axial air movers to increase air circulation and draw out the moisture in the affected areas. The equipment draws in a large amount of dry air to replace the moist air in the structure. Since water can seep into cavities and hard to reach areas, we can use structural cavity drying equipment to drive airflow into the cavities. The warm air increases the surface temperature and lowers the vapor pressure. That increases the rate of evaporation, leading to faster drying.

Can technicians do something about the persisting odor?

Even after cleaning and drying the property, it is normal for odors to persist. Odors from dead animals and decaying plants require special skills and techniques to eliminate them. We can use instant odor counteracting beads to mask the odors.

Do not let flood damage leave you devastated. Contact SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for effective restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Palm Harbor.

Quick Response to Flooding Helps to Lessen the Loss

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Florida gets intense weather throughout the year, including flash floods, more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the United States, and occasionally, hurricanes and tropical storms. In particular, the storm surge that accompanies hurricanes can lead to copious amounts of water hitting your Palm Harbor property. There are some steps homeowners can take to minimize the potential loss, such as:

    •    Landscape your property to direct water away from the home
    •    Ensure weather stripping and seals are intact on doors and windows
    •    Trim tree limbs near the roof and windows so high winds do not cause damage
    •    Clean debris from gutters and ensure they do not drain near the home, add extensions if needed

What is the First Thing I Should Do When My Home has Flood Damage?

If you do not already have a plan for handling flood damage in your Palm Harbor home, make one. A good solid idea includes things like:
    •    Locations of valuable items and important papers
    •    The number for SERVPRO to begin cleanup for you
    •    Account and phone numbers for your utilities so you can halt service if necessary
    •    Your banking and credit card information
    •    Personal information for each family member including copies of prescriptions and doctor phone numbers
    •    A plan for what to do with your pets during cleanup in case it happens where you are staying does not allow pets
    •    Items family members need for day-to-day activities

It is crucial to begin the restoration process as soon as possible because even one day can make a difference in whether or not something has restoration potential.

How Does the Flood Damage Cleanup Work?

SERVPRO techs have years of experience and certification for the handling of floodwater, which carries a rating as a class three biohazard because of the frequency in which the water contains harmful elements such as debris, chemicals, and sewage. The techs test the water, so they know what they are dealing with and apply the appropriate cleaning agents to lessen the risk when handling the water.


A structure with damage from flooding generally undergoes a dramatic transformation when the areas that got affected are widespread. It is not uncommon for the flooring to require removal down to the subfloor or slab. This is an important step, however, because when seepage occurs, the structure needs drying from the bottom up to eliminate the potential for secondary issues such as mold or foul odors to compound the mitigation efforts.

Along with flooring, walls also bear the brunt of the loss. Once the water is inside the home, it migrates rapidly and runs up against baseboards, under cabinets, and any spaces it can find. When it encounters sheetrock, the building materials readily wick the water and continue absorbing it until SERVPRO techs halt the process through the use of flood cuts. This removes the ruined sheetrock and leaves undamaged walls in place. This action also opens up the interior of the wall around the framework for complete drying. When insulation gets ruined with floodwater, the techs have specialized vacuums to collect it for disposal. At this time, the vapor barrier also gets inspected to determine if it requires replacement.

When SERVPRO techs dry the structure, they monitor the process carefully to ensure that pre-set drying goals get attained. The property receives a second scoping post-drying to ensure no areas of moisture remain on-site. Then the cleaning of the property and any application of mold preventatives takes place.

Once the efforts are complete, the techs walk the homeowner through the property and go over the actions taken and the repairs or reconstruction needed to bring the home to its original state. This information is also compiled into a report to assist with filing any insurance claims.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size flood damage to your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly on-site, and make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Restoration Services Are a Specialty of SERVPRO Dunedin

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Team Vehicle

The Experienced, Certified SERVPRO Technicians Are Available 24/7 and Arrive Quickly to Cleanup Post-Fire in Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor is a beautiful locale located just 22 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg. This is a mostly residential community with some areas of commerce around the city. One of the most vibrant areas of the town is the historic downtown district. Numerous craft fairs, art exhibitions, and festivals take place in this area every year. The first Friday of every month is "Palm Harbor's First Friday Celebrations," and youngsters and adults are welcome at the venue to create a sense of community. There are rides and games to play for the kids and food featured from many local eateries. 

Another popular annual event takes place every October with the Taste of Palm Harbor happening. The Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club sponsors this event, and proceeds go towards their "Making a Difference" grants & scholarships program. Along with excellent foodstuffs to try, mainly the locally sourced seafood is the highlight, this venue has live music, and an average of 20 local restaurants participate each year. 

Local Government 

The town of Palm Harbor remains an unincorporated part of Pinellas County. The last bill to incorporate the city died in committee in 2009, and it has not been readdressed. The Pinellas County legislators voted that same year and supported a bill that voters would have the final say on whether it would incorporate in the future. A feasibility board is on the books to determine if it is financially feasible and in the best interest of the city to incorporate. 

Recreational Opportunities Abound in Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor has a large number of excellent venues for activities. There are numerous parks, such as:

• John Chesnut, Sr. Park
• H.S. "Pop" Stansell Park
• Steve Putnam Park
• Palm Field 
• Sunderman Recreation Complex

History

In 1888, the original name of Palm Harbor was Sutherland, which was a shortening of the name of the holding company, the Southern Land and Development Company. In 1925, the name change occurred, and the area began to get settled. Notably, J.C. Craver was the first settler that hailed from the Northern U.S. to call this area of Florida home permanently. Craver kept a diary and wrote that his physicians advised him to settle in Palm Harbor. Briefly, the post office was known as Yellow Bluff, but that name was changed to the Palm Harbor post office due to the negative connotations with the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged the area. 

Palm Harbor Climate

This Florida area would get considered wet as it gets an average of 51 inches of rain yearly. The average rainfall across the United States is 38 inches. Consequently, snow is never an issue as there are 246 sunny days per year, and the Winter lows average around 51 degrees Fahrenheit. The summers are hot and muggy, with an average July temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This area recorded 68 hurricanes since 1930. The most massive named storm to hit Palm Harbor was Frances in 2004, with sustained winds of 130mph. 

Notable People From Palm Harbor

A significant number of sports stars have come from this city, such as: 

• Christopher B. Coghlan an MLB star that got named Rookie of the Year in 2009
• John James Davis, an American Football guard
• Dakoda Dowd an American Amatuer Golfer
• Johnny Ray Huston, a professional golfer that won seven PGA tours
• Theodore Larsen, an NFL guard
• Justin Mark Miller, an MLB player

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue

In the summer of 1956, an early version of the current fire department started as the "Ozona, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department." The goal was to give residents peace of mind through organized fire protection to answer calls expediently. Volunteers built the first fire station in the 1960s and it remained in place until Station 65 replaced that structure in 1988. In the summer of 2000, the department's legal name changed to Palm Harbor Special Fire Control and Rescue District. This fire rescue service services the local community of approximately 62,000 residents with a total of four fire-rescue service stations in operation. 

Is Fire Restoration By SERVPRO Techs Possible for Furniture in Palm Harbor Properties?

After a fire in your Palm Harbor home, the fire restoration should begin as rapidly as possible. The sooner the cleanup efforts start the less chance of cross-contamination throughout the property. SERVPRO technicians have a great deal of comprehensive training and state-of-the-art equipment to clean up and restore many items that may not look like they have the potential. The technicians carefully test all fabrics and surfaces before applying any type of cleaning method to ensure that they do not mar any object through their chosen application.

In particular, furniture may get covered in soot and still have the potential for restoration and reuse. Here are some of the most common types of furnishings and how SERVPRO technicians clean them: 

• Leather and faux-leather furniture - The technicians often use dry cleaning sponges to lift away the layer covering the leather gently and use specially developed restorative cleaning agents for use on the leather. 
• Upholstered furniture - first, the techs inspect and test the fibers to determine the type of construction materials and if the piece has the potential for restoration.
• Hardwood furniture - The techs utilize different kinds of wood soaps, along with wet and dry cleaning agents, to address the different types of smoke that settle on the wood. In some cases, a wood paste or solvent gets needed to remove a thin layer of finish to rid the item of smoke damage successfully. 

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 supports the local Palm Harbor community with fire restoration services. Through the use of their training, expertise, and equipment, the technicians make the damage, "Like it never even happened."

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Dunedin

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Identifying the type of smoke damage is critical for restoration to be effective.

SERVPRO Provides Dunedin Residents with Expert Fire Damage Restoration Technicians.

What is the best method for cleaning smoke residues?
After a house fire in your Dunedin home, there is likely to be significant blackening of walls, ceilings, and surfaces due to smoke. Cleaning these residues requires careful planning. Not all smoke residues are the same, with each residue requiring different methods of cleaning. There are four broad categories for smoke damages that technicians need to be aware of when performing restoration. An excellent way to identify smoke residue is by asking what type of material, or fuel combusted to cause the fire. The material composition that burns is an influential factor in smoke damages.

What are the four types of smoke residue?
    •    Dry smoke residues which are usually the result of natural materials combusting
    •    Wet smoke residues, which include synthetic materials like plastics
    •    Protein smoke residues are the result of burning animal fats and common in kitchen fires.
    •    Fuel oil smoke residues can occur from furnace puff back or other fires involving an oil fuel source.

What ways are useful for identifying protein fire residues?
A kitchen is a common site for fire damage restoration to take place in your Dunedin home. Kitchen fires typically involve burning meat such as poultry, rudiment meat, and fish. An excellent way to identify protein smoke residues is by inspecting the color of the soils. These soils are typically greasy and yellow or amber. Wiping a small part of the wall can help determine smoke residues since these are often pale yellow or amber but can be invisible. A sure sign that protein residues exist is pungent malodors. SERVPRO uses an oil-based solvent to tackle these greasy deposits and typically resort to deodorizing the area to deal with malodors.

What other factors influence smoke residues?
    •    Fast-combusting fires with much oxygen produce dry smokes.
    •    Slow-burning fires typically produce a wet smoke residue.
    •    Material composition, either natural or synthetic, can produce wet or dry smoke, respectively.

Identifying the type of smoke residues in your home is vital to performing the necessary restoration steps. Contact SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

Select SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South to Restore Water Damaged Property

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring water damage from a storm or a broken pipe is a job for professionals.

SERVPRO Restoration Specializes in Returning Homeowners to a Dry, Safe Residence After a Storm.

Is There a Difference Between Storm Flooding and Water from a Broken Pipe?

There is a risk with any water in Palm Harbor homes. SERVPRO specialists know that storm flooding contains soil and other contaminants that can stain property and make carpets so unsafe to use again that we do not attempt to restore them. Quick removal and cleaning can restore much of a home to its pre-flood condition. 

How Else Does It Affect Restoration?

Specialists’ first step in Palm harbor flood damage is to spray an anti-bacterial agent over the water and affected surfaces. This reduces the risk to anyone that steps into the water or removes contaminated property to a dry location. They follow up with these actions and equipment:

• Specialists use pumps and other extraction devices to draw out any standing water and water trapped in carpets and floorboards. This reduces further damage and makes removing the carpets far easier. 
• They next use additional anti-bacterial cleaners with sponges and cloths to clean and disinfect affected surfaces. For items like upholstered property, they have the option of using injectors to directly apply a cleaner to spots where the flooding reached, and foggers to generate a cloud of cleaning particles that penetrate deeply to eliminate contaminants and the odors they can leave behind. 

How Can Technicians Know They Removed Enough Water Before Damaging Something?

Our technicians use Moisture Meters calibrated for the type of property they are inspecting. As an example, a gypsum wall panel with too much moisture can read at 40 points, too high to allow for natural evaporation before it begins to crack and crumble. Technicians use a combination of fans and air movers, along with regular checks, to bring the number down to an acceptable 12 points. 

At SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. To schedule a service call, you can contact our office today at (727) 793-1333. 

Water Damage is Especially Problematic in Your Business

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Leaking or Unwanted Water is Tough on Flooring.

Unwanted Water Can be Destructive to Your Building, and Flooring Materials Can Often Experience This Damage the Worst.

When many business owners consider water restoration and recovery, they fixate on the drying and extraction necessary to protect their Palm Harbor shop. In addition to the mitigation and restoration actions required to preserve the exposed materials and content in the building, a certain degree of structural repair and other reconstruction efforts are often necessary. Substantial water loss situations, such as burst pipes or malfunctioning sprinkler systems, can leave high volumes of water saturating into the flooring materials throughout the building.

Is Water Damage Repair Necessary?

While it might be challenging to initially determine the extent of water damage repair necessary for Palm Harbor jobs like yours, the sooner you can secure professional restoration and competent contractors, the better. Water damage often leaves just a 48-hour window to restore many of the damaged structural elements. When migrating water penetrates beyond the surface flooring material, subflooring and underlayment materials could become damaged. Identifying whether or not subflooring has become too damaged to preserve involves a series of advanced detection devices including:

• Surface Moisture Meters
• Probing Moisture Detectors
• Thermal Imagery (Infrared)

Can SERVPRO Repair and Reinstall Flooring Materials?

We do not waste time with the restoration of materials that could be too damaged to protect. It is often more cost-effective to discard saturated materials and replace them rather than spending time to dry what might not be salvageable. Removing surface material and underlayment can often allow our technicians a better opportunity to dry subflooring before irreparable damage occurs to this area. With in-house contractors, we can replace discarded materials immediately following mitigation services. We do emphasize the goal of restoring and not replacing building materials and members whenever feasible.

Many structural elements in your shop could become damaged by migrating water. We have contractors and recovery technicians that can work quickly to help. Give our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team a call today at (727) 793-1333.

Water Damage in Your Yoga Studio? You Need Help Fast!

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

No Matter What Type of Business You Have, Water Damage Can Be Devastating.

Palm Harbor Business Owners Looking For A Smooth Water Restoration Process

Running a yoga studio in Palm Harbor can be very satisfying. Yoga is an exciting exercise that helps local residents take time out of their busy lives and enjoy some me-time. To keep your yoga studio thriving, it is a good idea to prepare ahead for potential disasters.

There are many reasons you might need water restoration in your Palm Harbor yoga studio:

• Heavy winds and rain broke a window and let water in
• Broken or overflowing guttering caused water to seep under the studio door
• A broken pipe or faucet soaked the floor or caused a small flood in the bathroom
• The kitchen dishwasher broke and flooded the floor

Unfortunately, yoga studios often have lots of soft furnishings, such as yoga mats and foam blocks, that are susceptible to water damage. Water can also warp wooden fittings such as the front desk, pool across the floor, and soak into essential papers such as customer records or staff training manuals.

Why is Preparation Key to Handling a Disaster?

If you have a disaster in your business, time is of the essence. The risks of leaving water damage untreated include:

• Water can soak further into rugs and yoga mats.
• Water might spread to damage baseboards, drywall, wallpaper, and drapes
• The risk of microbial growth gets more significant with every passing hour

We suggest calling us as soon as you spot the need for water damage restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and our teams are waiting to clean and restore your business.

What Can SERVPRO Do If I Need Water Restoration?

We can help with every aspect of water restoration. Our process includes:

• An assessment so we can devise the best remediation plan and discuss it with you
• Pumping out water using handheld wands, free-standing pumps, and truck-mounted pumps
• Remedying water damage using wet and dry cleaning, spot cleaning, and fogging
• Drying out your studio with air movers and dehumidifiers
• Deodorizing with air scrubbers and odor-controlling pellets, so your premises smell fresh again

We can also liaise with insurers on your behalf.

Is Any Job Too Small?

No – we are here to help with any incident, big or small. Even a tiny leak can cause you to shut your studio. Every day your studio is closed is a day you cannot earn money from it. SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South understands that you need to get your business up and running again as soon as possible. That is why we designed the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP).

What is an Emergency READY Profile Plan?

A ready profile is an action plan you can put into place as soon as an incident occurs. An ERP shaves valuable time off the restoration process because it allows you to act quickly. 

To get started, download the ERP app and follow the on-screen instructions to carry out a no-cost assessment of your yoga studio. You will log vital information, such as:

• Water shut-off valves
• Assembly points
• Priority contact information
• insurance details

Having all the right information to hand means you do not have to search for it when a disaster is progressing.

Your profile also includes a concise document with only the most critical information, so your staff does not have to search for essential details in the middle of a crisis. You will also draw up a plan for getting your business running again.

How does the ERP Work?

When you need water restoration, you can launch the app and contact us in just a few clicks. You can submit the first notice of loss, or call us directly from within the app. Your ERP will automatically populate much of the information, saving you valuable time. The app even comes with mitigation tips you can follow while you wait for us to arrive, further hastening the process and helping your business recover faster.

Who Should I Share My Plan With?

We recommend sharing your plan with all key decision-makers in your business and staff members who might be on-site in the event of water damage. The plan gives your staff steps to follow and makes it easier for them to act.

You must email your ERP to us, so we have all the studio information. We hope you will not need us, but we should have the data to hand if you do.

If you are worried about water damage restoration, do not hesitate to get in touch. We will take care of every aspect and leave your business Certified SERVPRO Clean.

For help with water restoration, call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

Fire Restoration for Your Dunedin Home

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage require specialized techniques for the best possible restoration outcome.

A Deeper Understanding of the Combustion Processes Delivers the Right Outcomes for Your Restoration 

When mitigating damages caused by fire, homeowners should know that they have to dispose of some items and save others. Having a deep understanding of fire damage helps determine whether affected materials are restorable and clears things up with insurance adjusters. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South has the know-how Dunedin homeowners need to streamline recovery. 

Which fire damage problems does superior knowledge help resolve better?  

The entire fire restoration process at your Dunedin home can derail if you fail to understand some basic things about fires. For instance, you might fail to realize that:  

• Fires pose risks even after they are put out 
• Even harmless residue can cause permanent damage 
• Fire residues reach areas that you might not expect 

Apart from damaging your valuables, the combustion process produces a wide range of by-products. For instance, when a fire burns organic compounds, it produces nitrogen oxide, while sulfur dioxide is the by-product of burning inorganic compounds. Other substances such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide are also left in the air. Venturing into the damaged property without protection can lead to bodily harm. Our SERVPRO technicians prepare by wearing protective gloves, boots, or respirators when entering the property.  

What are the best examples of harmless residues that lead to damages?  

Fires leave various residues on surfaces, including ash and soot. The seemingly benign nature of soot can fool you into thinking that everything is safe and can stay the same until you are ready to restore it. However, soot has acidic properties and can cause permanent damage to some materials, including:  

• Chrome or other metallic finished materials 
• Granite or other stone surfaces 
• Plastics or related materials  

Soot causes staining or discoloration on materials given sufficient time. Our technicians use simple approaches such as pre-cleaning and applying protective oil films to prevent such damage.  

A deep understanding of the processes that cause damages is the best skill when restoring fire damage. Call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 to send highly skilled technicians that help resolve any issue, “Like it never even happened.”

If you experience fire damage in your Dunedin home, call the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South anytime 24/7. We're ready to help you! Call 727-793-1333.

More about Dunedin.

When Flooding Happens in Your Home You Need a Quick, Professional Response

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home requires a quick, professional response in order to restore as much of the structure and furnishings as possible.

Flooding Has the Potential to Hit any Property in Palm Harbor, and Fast Cleanup Lessens the Loss

Florida gets intense weather throughout the year, including flash floods, more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the United States, and occasionally, hurricanes and tropical storms. In particular, the storm surge that accompanies hurricanes can lead to copious amounts of water hitting your Palm Harbor property. There are some steps homeowners can take to minimize the potential loss, such as:
    •    Landscape your property to direct water away from the home
    •    Ensure weather stripping and seals are intact on doors and windows
    •    Trim tree limbs near the roof and windows so high winds do not cause damage
    •    Clean gutters from debris and ensure they do not drain near the home, add extensions if needed

What is the First Thing I Should Do When My Home has Flood Damage?

If you do not already have a plan for handling flood damage in your Palm Harbor home, make one. A good solid idea includes things like:
    •    Locations of valuable items and important papers
    •    The number for SERVPRO Dunedin/Palm Harbor South to begin cleanup for you
    •    Account and phone numbers for your utilities so you can halt service if necessary
    •    Your banking and credit card information
    •    Personal information for each family member including copies of prescriptions and doctor phone numbers
    •    A plan for what to do with your pets during cleanup in case it happens where you are staying does not allow pets
    •    Items family members need for day-to-day activities

It is crucial to begin the restoration process as soon as possible because even one day can make a difference in whether or not something has restoration potential.

How Does the Flood Damage Cleanup Work?

Technicians from SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South have years of experience and certification for the handling of floodwater. Floodwater carries a rating as a class three biohazard because of the frequency in which the water contains harmful elements such as debris, chemicals, and sewage. The techs test the water, so they know what they are dealing with and apply the appropriate cleaning agents to lessen the risk when handling the water.

Non-porous items have the best potential for restoration, so your Great-Grandmother's vase with sentimental value may have the possibility of reuse while the composite wood accent table the vase got displayed upon may turn out to be a loss due to exposure to floodwater.

Area rugs, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and mattresses exposed to the floodwater usually require disposal as they cannot get cleaned to the point they are suitable for reuse in the home.

A structure with damage from flooding generally undergoes a dramatic transformation when the areas that got affected are widespread. It is not uncommon for the flooring to require removal down to the subfloor or slab. This is an important step, however, because when seepage occurs, the structure needs drying from the bottom up to eliminate the potential for secondary issues such as mold or foul odors.

Along with flooring, walls also bear the brunt of the loss. Once the water is inside the home, it migrates rapidly and runs up against baseboards, under cabinets, and any spaces it can find. When it encounters sheetrock, it will readily wick the water and continue absorbing it until SERVPRO techs halt the process through the use of flood cuts. This removes the ruined sheetrock and leaves undamaged walls in place. This action also opens up the interior of the wall around the framework for complete drying. When insulation gets ruined with floodwater, the techs have specialized vacuums to collect it for disposal. At this time, the vapor barrier also gets inspected to determine if it requires replacement.

When SERVPRO techs dry the structure, they monitor the process carefully to ensure that pre-set drying goals get attained. The property receives a second scoping post-drying to ensure no areas of moisture remain on-site. Then the cleaning of the property and any application of mold preventatives takes place.

Once the efforts are complete, the techs walk the homeowner through the property and go over the actions taken and the repairs or reconstruction needed to bring the home to its original state. This information is also compiled into a report to assist with filing any insurance claims.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size flood damage to your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly on-site, and make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Make Sure Ductwork Gets Cleaned After Mold Remediation

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can often be spread throughout the home via the HVAC ductwork. It's important that SERVPRO technicians clean the ductwork of mold infestations.

SERVPRO Applies Extensive Knowledge and Advanced Methods to Remediate any Size Mold Infestation in Palmdale Properties

One of the worst times to find out you have a mold problem is during the renovation of your Palmdale home. When SERVPRO handles the cleanup for damage from mold infestations, the ductwork often has issues from the airborne mold spores. Air samples in the home, and within the air handler closet for the HVAC system, need to be taken. If the results come back at levels that necessitate cleaning of the handler and ductwork, our technicians have the training and equipment to get the job done.

Can My Air Conditioner Cause the Need for Mold Remediation/HVAC Cleaning?

Unfortunately, the primary way an air conditioner works as a condensation cooling system, creates a friendly environment for mold. This often necessitates the need for mold remediation/HVAC cleaning in Palmdale homes, mainly when the collected moisture does not get adequately diverted away. This happens most often when there is a clog in the condensate drain.

Because airborne mold spores are ubiquitous, they float harmlessly both inside and outside homes and do not germinate until they encounter the right conditions for growth such as: 

• Somewhere to grow (dust in air ducts is ideal)
• Air moisture that is 50% or higher
• When these conditions are maintained for 48-72 hours

Once established, the colonies can grow at a rapid pace and spread throughout the home via the HVAC ductwork. If spores from these colonies encounter conditions elsewhere in the house favorable to the establishment of new colonies, the infestation can spread rapidly.

SERVPRO technicians found in this home that the mold spread into a closet where there was an air leak due to improper installation of the HVAC air handler unit.

The techs removed the air handler to dry out the collected moisture and perform abatement on the mold growth within. They also cleaned the ductwork throughout the home. Unfortunately, some of the sheetrock and the carpet with mold damage required disposal. 

Once the remediation efforts were completed, an industrial hygienist conducted a clearance test to determine through air sampling if the mold infestation had been cleared.

If your home needs mold remediation/HVAC cleaning, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South (727) 793-1333. Our certified technicians work to ensure your home gets proper remediation as required by law for the best outcome after a mold infestation of any size.

A Full Range of Restoration Services Are Available from SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Disasters do not occur at convenient times, so you need qualified professionals to respond quickly and knowledgeably to the damage no matter when emergencies arise.

Because you cannot predict when disasters strike your Palm Harbor home or business, many homeowners and property owners are caught off guard by the destruction. Many have looked to the fast response and reliability of our SERVPRO team to address these concerns as they happen. We understand the value of quickly reaching loss incidents, as mitigation can be vital in reducing the spread and severity of emergencies. We offer a variety of restoration services to help in every major area, as well as specialty niches like biohazard cleanup and reconstruction.

Commercial

How your business gets treated after a loss incident can make a substantial difference in your recovery time. Common threats such as water, fire, and flood losses can spread rapidly throughout the facility, requiring a fast and confident response to begin mitigation and emergency services as soon as possible. Appropriate containment efforts in your Palm Harbor structure can often prevent the need for closing your doors while restoration continues.

Cleaning Up Your Facility Without a Disaster

Disasters do not always make up the full reason that your Palm Harbor business requires cleaning. We have multiple clients scheduled for ongoing appointments to continually renew and revitalize their structure's look and feel. While no two properties are the same in what they need to look their best, we can evaluate each of these situations on a case by case basis, and work with our customer, to meet the priorities and expectations to provide the best final product every time. Some of the cleaning and restoration steps that we take include:

    •    Vandalism Removal
    •    Surface Cleaning
    •    Deodorization
    •    Floor Cleaning
    •    Carpet Cleaning

What Disinfection and Sanitization Practices Exist?

Cleaning services and disinfecting communal areas is a significant effort during this time in our nation's history. Because of situations like the global COVID-19 pandemic, Palm Harbor commercial structures began to see where they lapsed inappropriate sanitation and cleaning of shared surfaces. Our defensive cleaning program called Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, ensures that your business gets the most comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing possible by our experienced technicians.

Storm

With our position on the Gulf Coast, Palm Harbor residents and property owners have experienced several devastating storms in our lifetime. Preparedness for these events means that you always have qualified professionals available whenever disasters strike. This preparation ensures that mitigation can begin as it should, and it also allows our in-house contractors to respond to the damage as well. We can also provide temporary construction solutions where needed.

What Repairs Must Occur Before Flood Mitigation?

Mitigation is a vital phase of restoration and recovery. However, it cannot be successful until the appropriate steps get taken to seal up breaches in the exterior of your home. Often roofs and siding can become entry points for runoff and wind-driven rain, flooding the immediate areas. Our contractors offer specific repairs, so the mitigation can begin as scheduled. These include:

    •    Roof Tarping
    •    Board Up
    •    Controlled Demolition

How Does Flooding Get Addressed?

It is challenging to avoid flooding altogether when structural breaches exist in your home, or natural flooding affects the entire community where you live. No matter how standing water has affected your Palm Harbor property, we must promptly address these concerns with our efficient extraction tools and equipment. With machines like submersible pumps, trash pumps, and wet vacuums, we can remove standing water and surface moisture concerns quickly to prevent the migration of floodwater throughout the property.

Water

Water loss incidents are among the most common callouts that our SERVPRO professionals undertake in Palm Harbor homes and businesses. We must first address the severity of these concerns with a thorough inspection of the property conducted by our project manager. This competent inspector utilizes sophisticated tools and technologies like surface moisture meters and thermal imagery to identify moisture pockets and the migration of water loss effects throughout your home.

Are Repairs Needed Before Mitigation?

Before mitigation and drying efforts can be successful, many repairs, and even controlled demolition, are necessary. Our teams arrive with our restoration technicians to assess the integrity of structural elements in your Palm Harbor home to determine what must get discarded and later replaced. Also, plumbing breaks and other fixture malfunctions must get repaired by our building trade professionals.

What Tools Are Necessary for Water Removal and Drying?

Extraction and drying are vital efforts to the recovery of your water damaged Palm Harbor home. These are fundamental tasks that can ensure we return your property to preloss condition. These phases include multiple tools and devices designed exclusively for the recovery of water losses. These include:

    •    Submersible Pumps
    •    Wet Vacuums
    •    Carpet Wands
    •    Air Movers
    •    Dehumidifiers
    •    Positive Pressure Systems

Fire

Fires can be a significant challenge to overcome in your Palm Harbor home or business. We have an entire roster of dedicated fire and smoke restoration professionals that can respond to these emergencies as they happen. We stay alert to changing conditions and breaking disasters in our communities so that we can be prepared to roll out from our facility when we get the word. Because of our preferred status with many insurance companies, we can often be alerted to these structure fires before a customer calls.

What is Content Management?

Protecting your personal belongings is also a considerable challenge after fire loss incidents in your Palm Harbor home. We must assess these items on a case-by-case basis to choose which of three options is best for recovering these possessions and reducing your loss. These options include:

    •    On-Site Relocation
    •    On-Site Cleaning and Deodorization
    •    Off-Site Cleaning and Recovery in Our SERVPRO Facility

How Can Fire Loss Effects Get Removed?

We have many tools and equipment designed for multiple phases of fire recovery, including residue removal, debris removal, air quality control, and deodorization. We can help make losses “Like it never even happened,” for your Palm Harbor property.

Disasters do not wait for a convenient time to strike, so you need restoration professionals to be there when you need it most. Our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team is available 24/7 at (727) 793-1333.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Harbor,_Florida

Preventing Flooding in Your Palm Harbor Home

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

No matter how bad the water damage from flooding, burst pipes, or storms, SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can handle it for you.

SERVPRO knows flooding has the potential to hit any property in Palm Harbor, and fast cleanup lessens the loss

Florida gets intense weather throughout the year, including flash floods, more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the United States, and occasionally, hurricanes and tropical storms. In particular, the storm surge that accompanies hurricanes can lead to copious amounts of water hitting your Palm Harbor property. There are some steps homeowners can take to minimize the potential loss, such as:
    •    Landscape your property to direct water away from the home
    •    Ensure weather stripping and seals are intact on doors and windows
    •    Trim tree limbs near the roof and windows so high winds do not cause damage
    •    Clean gutters from debris and ensure they do not drain near the home, add extensions if needed

What is the First Thing I Should Do When My Home has Flood Damage?

If you do not already have a plan for handling flood damage in your Palm Harbor home, make one. A good solid idea includes things like:
    •    Locations of valuable items and important papers
    •    The phone number for SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South to begin cleanup for you
    •    Account and phone numbers for your utilities so you can shut off service if necessary
    •    Your banking and credit card information
    •    Personal information for each family member including copies of prescriptions and doctor phone numbers
    •    A plan for what to do with your pets during cleanup in case it happens where you are staying does not allow pets
    •    Items family members need for day-to-day activities

It is crucial to begin the restoration process as soon as possible because even one day can make a difference in whether or not something has restoration potential.

How Does the Flood Damage Cleanup Work?

SERVPRO techs have years of experience and certification for the handling of floodwater, which carries a rating as a class three biohazard because of the frequency in which the water contains harmful elements such as debris, chemicals, and sewage. The techs test the water, so they know what they are dealing with and apply the appropriate cleaning agents to lessen the risk when handling the water.

Non-porous items have the best potential for restoration, so your Great-Grandmother's vase may be restored through the gentle cleaning methods by the techs, while the composite wood accent table the vase got displayed upon will likely turn out to be a loss due to exposure to floodwater.

Area rugs, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and mattresses exposed to the floodwater usually require disposal as they cannot get cleaned to the point they are guaranteed to be sanitary for reuse in the home.

A structure with damage from flooding generally undergoes a dramatic transformation when the areas that got affected are widespread. It is not uncommon for the flooring to require removal down to the subfloor or slab. This is an important step, however, because when seepage occurs, the structure needs drying from the bottom up to eliminate the potential for secondary issues such as mold or foul odors to compound the mitigation efforts.

Along with flooring, walls also bear the brunt of the loss. Once the water is inside the home, it migrates rapidly and runs up against baseboards, under cabinets, and any spaces it can find. When it encounters sheetrock, the building materials readily wick the water and continue absorbing it until SERVPRO techs halt the process through the use of flood cuts. This removes the ruined sheetrock and leaves undamaged walls in place. This action also opens up the interior of the wall around the framework for complete drying. When insulation gets ruined with floodwater, the techs have specialized vacuums to collect it for disposal. At this time, the vapor barrier also gets inspect to determine if it requires replacement.

When SERVPRO techs dry the structure, they monitor the process carefully to ensure that pre-set drying goals get attained. The property receives a second scoping post-drying to ensure no areas of moisture remain on-site. Then the cleaning of the property and any application of mold preventatives takes place.

Once the efforts complete, the techs walk the homeowner through the property and go over the actions taken and the repairs or reconstruction needed to bring the home to its original state. This information is also compiled into a report to assist with filing any insurance claims.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size flood damage to your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly on-site, and make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Specialized Technology Helps Detect and Mitigate Water Damage in Dunedin Homes

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South stands ready to help you detect and repair water damage in your home or business.

SERVPRO Technicians Use Sophisticated Technologies to Mitigate Water Damage in Dunedin

Shower leaks can quickly create water damage that gets out of hand before homeowners even realize it exists. This holds for one-piece molded fiberglass showers as well as tile showers in Dunedin homes. Without fast action, this water can potentially find its way into an adjoining room or the ceiling of a lower floor.

If bathroom water damage affects your Dunedin property, technicians at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South are prepared to return your home to a preloss condition per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

What Causes Shower Water Damage?

• Seeping through tiles. Water can potentially seep through defective grout or caulking and joints near the rim of your bathtub.
• Shower valves and supply lines. Malfunctioning or damaged valve cartridges can create leaks inside your shower valves. Old washers or supply line leaks can also create hard-to-clean damage behind enclosures and walls.
• Drains seals and floor pipes. A worn or damaged seal between the drain and the bottom of your tub can allow water to accumulate immediately below your shower. Drainpipe leaks can create similar types of leakage.

How Can SERVPRO Restore a Water-Damaged Shower?

SERVPRO technicians take a methodical approach to water extraction and drying. A critical aspect of this is moisture measurement. Techs can use a variety of measuring apparatuses to evaluate the moisture content in and behind surfaces, including:

• Penetrating and nonpenetrating moisture sensors and meters
• Infrared cameras designed to examine areas behind surfaces
• Thermohygrometers detect relative humidity, which helps calculate specific humidity for structural and contents drying.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is ready to mitigate damage to homes within hours of your initial contact. Call (727) 793-1333 to find out more about receiving cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Look for These Things When Hiring a Restoration Firm for Your Business

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can handle your commercial restoration needs no matter what type of damage you experience.

Are you restoring your facility after water or fire damage? Hiring the right crew should be one of the first things on your list. Finding a commercial restoration firm may not be difficult, but be careful to evaluate the following factors to make sure you're getting the crew that will give you the best results.

Experience

When you look around for cleaning and restoration services for commercial properties, check out firms that have a history of successful projects. You should also look for companies that are IICRC certified. IICRC is the organization that sets rigorous standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. If the firm you are considering is IICRC certified you are on the right track.

Competency

How capable is the firm or its staff? A professional restoration service should understand what restoring a commercial building entails and is likely to have an established process to ensure stellar results. You’ll want to ask them about what the crew intends to do, how they’ll get started, and more.

Equipment

So much depends on having the right equipment. That’s something you’ll want to be certain of when you hire a crew for the project. If the firm doesn’t have the proper tools, you might end up with a longer timeframe. Also, results might not be up to your standards. The team at SERVPRO of Dunedin and Palm Harbor South maintains the very latest in equipment and technology to make sure your project goes quickly and efficiently.

Timetable

How long will it take? You'll want to find a firm that understands why a business needs to get the work done quickly, so your business can be open and generate revenue again. This is one of the reasons so many people in Dunedin and Palm Harbor trust SERVPRO. They have proven processes and the latest equipment to make sure your process happens quickly and efficiently and you can get back to doing what you do best--running your business!

Services

What is the extent of the services you can expect? Do you have requests that aren’t included in the package? You'll want to make sure that the firm you hire can handle your entire restoration project. You don't want to have to go looking for a separate company to complete portions of your restoration that your main firm can't handle. 

A trusted restoration and cleaning resource is SERVPRO of Dunedin and Palm Harbor South. No matter what kind of property damage your business has suffered, their IICRC certified professionals can handle it completely and quickly for you. They're available to take your call 24/7 at (727) 793-1333

SERVPRO Technicians Are Highly Trained Experts

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire or storm damages your home or business, the effects are both physical and emotional. One of the most comforting things is to have someone that can give you the advice and guidance necessary to put your property back together and instill the confidence that you can overcome this setback. The people you rely on for this need to be well-trained professionals, with years of experience they can rely on to ensure your property is properly and quickly restored.

What to Look for in Those Technicians

As you consider who will handle your damage restoration services, one of the most important considerations is finding technicians that are well trained. You want to ensure they have extensive training and are properly licensed to provide the types of services you need.  IICRC training and certification is the industry standard. They should be trained extensively in areas such as water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation according to IICRC standards. Not all companies offer the same level of service.

You also want to choose a team that is routinely training and keeping their education up to date. You want to know they are using the most advanced equipment and methods for getting your property back to a safe environment again.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South.

When you are facing a disaster like this, turn to SERVPRO of Dunedin Palm Harbor South. Our team goes through a rigorous training process. We work closely with you to ensure you understand everything we are going to do, and we follow all the best practices in the industry. Our technicians and our processes are IICRC certified so you can be confident that we are using the latest techniques and equipment to restore your property. When you have damage to your commercial or residential property, choose SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South. Call us 24/7 at 727-793-1333.

Water Damage Inspections Are Critical After a Water Emergency

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be widespread and hard to detect. When water enters your home you need a professional inspection to pinpoint damage.

When water enters your home, it can seep into various areas rapidly. Even though you may think it is rather localized, that is often not the case. It can be hard to know where exactly the damage is. Our team can help you to determine the extensiveness of your water damage with a complete, professional inspection. Using the latest techniques and sensitive advanced detection equipment, we can find areas where moisture is present.

Advanced Inspections Are Necessary

When a water line breaks, a storm causes water to enter into the home, or any other water event occurs, the water that was in your home can easily travel throughout the space. This includes adjoining areas. It can also saturate the drywall. It can saturate your furniture, too. During an advanced water damage inspection, we can find exactly where it went and ensure that we can properly remove it and any damage it causes.

Sanitizing the Space

Water damage inspections also tell us where we need to clean and sanitize. The goal is always to limit the risk of mold growth. Our team will take every step possible to prevent mold from occurring. If mold is present, we can offer mold remediation services.

Call SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South for the help you need with water damage. Let us provide a full inspection to determine the scope of the problem. We are ready for your call anytime 24/7. You can reach us at 727-793-1333.

What to Do When You Have Storm Damage in Dunedin

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage is serious. When severe storms strike know what to do. Call SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South for help 24/7.

Storm damage can be dangerous to handle by yourself. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South.

When a storm causes damage to your property, it is critical to react quickly but properly. If the area is unsafe, leave it. Do not stay in a home that has significant damage, increasing flooding, or potential electrical failures. Once you are safe, call the experts at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South to handle the storm damage cleanup for you.

Managing Debris Cleanup

Having a professional handle the storm damage ensures you do not put yourself or your home at risk of increased damage. The first step will always be to remove any excess and standing water from the home. Proper drying using professional equipment and techniques helps prevent the buildup of mold.

It is not possible to save many types of wet materials, including damaged drywall and some types of flooring. For furniture and other hard surfaces, removing the moisture and professionally cleaning these services is important.

Handling Difficult Tasks

Many times, storm damage is much more significant than this. You may have a tree or a tree branch on your roof. You may have a hole in the roof or damage to your roof trusses as a result. You may have sewage backed up into your home. Having a professional handle this type of storm damage clean up is essential to ensure the work is done safely and properly.

The good news is help is available to you right away. Protect your family while the team at SERVPRO Northwest Spokane handles the cleanup.

Get Immediate Help by Calling SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South

When you have storm damage, do not wait to get help. Call SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South for immediate assistance and support. We are here for you. You can reach us 24/7 at 727-793-1333.

When Fire Damage Strikes Call a Professional Restoration Company

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Even extensive fire and smoke damage and be restored with help from the professionals at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South.

Even extensive fire damage can be restored when you get the professionals involved. Call SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South anytime 24/7 for your fire damage emergency.

Fires are devastating to structures. Not only does the fire damage surfaces, but smoke and water damage can make things even worse. 

Handling the Fire’s Damage

The fire damage itself may not only include the actual furnishings and items burned, but also the structural components of the home such as studs, floor joists, and roof trusses. All damaged furnishings need to be removed. Additionally, electrical wiring and plumbing repairs may be necessary.  Restoring the structural integrity of the home is the first priority.

Minimizing Water Damage

Cleaning up the water damage fast is important since mold can begin to grow in a matter of hours. Removing all wet surfaces, including damaged drywall and flooring, is necessary. Once this is done, those surfaces need proper cleaning and treatment to prevent mold growth.

Overcoming Smoke Damage

Fire damage cleanup nearly always involves smoke damage care. This may include cleaning surfaces, sanitizing the HVAC system, and painting rooms to lock out the scent of the smoke. Discoloration on surfaces also needs to be taken care of professionally to restore the property.

Invest in a Team Dedicated to Restoring Your Home

Getting your home to pre-fire condition is a complex process, but the team at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can help you with it right away. Give our team a call to learn more about the work we do in fire damage restoration. We are here for you 24-hours a day. Just call 727-793-1333.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration is Best Left to the Pros

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Residential fires are both physically and emotionally devastating. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South can handle the restoration.

Fire and smoke damage can be physically and emotionally devastating. If this happened in your home, it could potentially destroy everything you own. To make sure you restore your possessions and your property you’ll need to hire the services of a fire and smoke damage restoration team. Here are a few tips to help you deal with the aftermath.

Remove the Soot and Smoke

Don’t leave the soot, fire, and smoke unattended for too long. Once you get the go-ahead that it is safe to enter your property, your restoration team will need to start removing your belongings as soon as possible. The faster your team can remove those items, the more successful the restoration efforts will likely be.

Don't Touch Anything

Cleaning your carpets and belongings of smoke and soot is more difficult than it appears. It is best to leave the work in the hands of experts. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South has the experience and tools to take care of this for you. 

Replace Your Belongings

Cleaning efforts can only do so much. This applies to your belongings and your property. If your restoration team suggests that you replace your carpets or rebuild parts of your home, you’ll need to follow that advice. Experts know best, so trying to fix those belongings or structures yourself will mean you’ll only be tossing money out the window.

Be Careful with Clothing

It’s easy for soot to get into your clothing, just as it can get into your curtains. When you clean your clothes, don’t rub them, or throw them into the wash with the rest. Doing so will contaminate the rest of your clothing. If your SERVPRO team tells you that the damaged clothes are beyond repair, toss them and get new ones.

SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is Your Best Resource for Fire Damage Restoration

The experts at SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South have decades of experience in restoring fire and smoke damaged structures and belongings. Their professionals are IICRC certified. They have all the latest equipment and processes that will make certain you get the best results from your restoration. They are available anytime 24/7.  Call them at 727-793-1333.

Dunedin Residents Can See Van Gogh In A New Light

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Storms may cause flood damage in your area. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for fast and great service.

A New Van Gogh Exhibition Is Sure To Delight People In Dunedin

Art lovers in Dunedin will want to visit the Dali Museum in nearby Tampa during their Van Gogh Alive exhibit. This unusual exhibition is designed to let you experience the famous painter’s work like never before. The Dali Museum is the first museum in North America to show this sign.

• See Van Gogh’s most famous works, including Starry Night and Sunflowers blown up to a larger-than-life-size.
• View the paintings through high definition projections for an experience like no other.
• It is synchronized to a powerful classical music score for a fully immersive experience.

This is a multi-sensory exhibit that features large moving images, loud sounds, and theatrical lighting. Van Gogh Alive runs till April 11, 2021. Tickets cost $25 and must be pre-booked via the museum website.

Hopefully, a visit to the exhibit will be the only dramatic thing that happens to you this season. However, in the unfortunate event of flood damage due to storms, SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is here to help. Call us at (727) 793-1333.

Enjoy Rides And Games For All Ages Near Palm Harbor This December

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage will slow down business for sure. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the fire restoration services to get you up and running again.

Stop Kids Getting Bored In Palm Harbor With A Family Trip To A Holiday Village

If you are looking for some family fun this winter, look no further than Ellenton Holiday Village, about an hour’s drive from Palm Harbor. The village is well worth the trip, so make a day of it and make some festive memories with your family.

• Have fun with thrilling midway rides for all ages, including the brand new Jumbos ride and Bertazzon Himalaya ride.
• Traditional fair food is available.
• Listen to lively music from the community entertainment stages.

The Ellenton Holiday Village is at Ellenton Premium Outlets in Ellenton. The village is open from noon – 11 PM (4 PM – 11 PM on Christmas Day) until January 3. Ride tickets are $1.50 each or purchase an unlimited rides wristband for $30.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is here to help businesses cope with fire damage this festive season. If your premises has fire damage, call us at (727) 793-1333.

Enjoy Holiday Lights And Rides Near Palm Harbor

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage slow down business for you. Call SERVPRO for fast, and experience help. We will be on the job within four hours.

The Festive Season In Palm Harbor Is Looking Bright

There is nothing quite like holiday lights for getting you in the festive spirit. Holiday Lights & Rides In The Park, in the nearby City of Largo, offers seasonal fun for all the family.

• Be amazed at the impressive holiday lights displays.
• Ride on the whimsical Jumbo-themed ride.
• Get a bird’s eye view from the magnificent seven-story Ferris wheel.
  

Largo Central Park will be decorated with over 2 million sparkling LED lights for the occasion. Park entry is free, and rides cost $5 each. You can also take advantage of savings when you buy five ride passes for $20. There are plenty of food and drinks vendors on-site for when you need refreshments.

Holiday Lights & Rides runs until January 3, from 5 PM – 11 PM (light displays are switched off at 10 PM.)

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is here to help businesses cope with water damage this festive season. If you notice water damage or water stains, call us at (727) 793-1333.

Soak In Some Arts and Culture In Palm Harbor

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be a handful for someone who doesn't know what to do. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water restoration help you need.

Sun, Sea, and Culture Abound In Beautiful Florida

Palm Harbor is a popular town in Florida, situated close to Tampa and St Petersburg.

The Southern Land and Development Company originally plotted the town back in 1888. They initially called it "Sutherland," as a short form of their name. There are one or two references to the area being called Bay St. Joseph and Yellow Bluff before it was named Palm Harbor. Unfortunately, the name Yellow Bluff came to have negative connotations with the Yellow Fever, so it changed. By 1925, the town was known as Palm Harbor.

These days Palm Harbor is a popular residential area with a population of 64,301. The town boasts several sports facilities and parks and is home to the famous Innisbrook Golf Resort. The resort boasts four championship courses, a spa, and luxurious rooms for guests to stay in. You can book luxury golf packages, receive instruction, and tee off in the place where champions love to play.

However, golf is not all there is to Palm Harbor. The community, and surrounding areas such as Tampa and St Petersburg, offers ample opportunity to enjoy arts and culture.

Get Into The Festival Vibe 

The area is rich in festivals for everything from blues music to local cuisine.

• Palm Harbor boasts two popular festivals. The annual Taste of Palm Harbor benefits local charitable organizations and features a lineup of local restaurants, many of whom specialize in seafood. There is also live music to enjoy. On most months, you can enjoy Palm Harbor's First Friday Celebrations, where there are rides and games for the children, plus local arts and crafts displays and local food to sample.
• Across in St Petersburg, the annual Shine Mural Festival sees the city come to life with unique murals. Each year has a different theme, and the artists paint beautifully intricate murals all around the town.
• No list of local festivals could be complete without mentioning Gasparilla Pirate Festival in nearby Tampa. A large pirate ship sails into Tampa, accompanied by hundreds of smaller boats. They demand and receive the keys to the city, which kicks off a vibrant parade. The area is busy with Gasparilla events from January to March every year, including multiple arts festivals, a children's parade, and a lit-up parade.

Other popular local events include Bluesfest, The Green Thumb Festival, The St Petersburg Grand Prix, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Parade. No matter what time of year you visit the area, you are sure to find something to entertain you. If you go to nearby St Petersburg, you will find seven distinct arts districts, each with a unique flavor. You'll find everything from modern art and murals to antique books and a lively music scene. Drop by the Duncan McClellan Gallery to see more than 3000 square feet of vibrant glass art, or visit the up and coming M L King North district, where you'll find a fun cafe culture vibe that inspires local artists and writers.

Visit The Local Museums and Learn Something New

As well as arts and festivals, the Palm Harbor area has plenty of museums to explore. There are so many you might feel spoiled for choice. Why not start with some of these favorites:

• Palm Harbor Museum features artifacts and exhibits dating from when Palm Harbor was first established to the present day. Notable exhibitions include the Faith Mission, where you can learn all about the mission and orphanage, and Citrus Is King, where you can learn all about the history of citrus farming in the Palm Harbor area.
• Great Exploration Children's Museum is fun and educational for children of all ages. The exhibits are hands-on and include a house where children can learn about being a plumber or engineer and a children's market, where youngsters can learn about budgeting, shopping, and healthy eating. Kids will also love the aquatic-themed play areas and climbing wall.
• The Museum Of Fine Arts in St Petersburg boasts an impressive collection of more than 20,000 artworks by luminaries such as Bourdelle, Monet, Rodin, Pearlstein, and O'Keeffe. The photography collection is exceptionally well-respected, and you can also view a lovely collection of Tiffany glasswork.
• Art lovers will not want to miss the Dalí Museum, where you can view an extensive collection of works by the Spanish surrealist artist. There is also an interactive garden exhibit, and when you need a rest, you can enjoy some authentic Spanish cuisine at the on-site Spanish Cafe.
• Get hands-on with history at the Cracker Country Living Museum. Living history interpreters, knowledgeable artisans, heritage animal breeds, and local plants all enhance the experience and let you taste a real slice of life from the settlers' time.

Palm Harbor also features a small historic district in the downtown area, so you can see the historic architecture for yourself and get a feel for Palm Harbour's past. You'll also find a wealth of boutique shops and restaurants.

SERVPRO Helps Local Businesses Deal With Flood Damage

All businesses in Palm Harbor are concerned about flood damage. Several areas of Palm Harbor have flooded, or nearly flooded, in the past, and so it is essential to be prepared and have a plan of action in place.

SERVPRO encourages local businesses to sign up for a free SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP.) An ERP helps organizations to prepare for a flood. This is how it works:

• You sign up for a free account and input your organization details.
• Walkthrough your facility and put in information when prompted.
• Take photographs when the app asks you to.
• Add all the vital information such as the chain of command, contact details for key staff, and what to do in an emergency.

Your ERP makes it easier for staff to know what to do in an emergency. Being able to act quickly increases the chances of getting your business back up and running. You can also establish SERVPRO as your go-to flood damage remediation company, which means you can quickly organize a site visit from our technicians. 

Do not let flood damage impact your business. We are here to get your business back on its feet, "Like it never even happened." Call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

Golf for a Good Cause in Palm Harbor on December 7th

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South enjoys a good golf game, especially for a good cause.

Proceeds from the Palm Harbor Golf Tournament Benefit Anti-Child Trafficking Efforts

Get in a great game of golf at the Palm Harbor Copperhead Golf Course and support ending child trafficking through the work of Operation Underground Rescue at this charity tournament sponsored via a partnership with VTech io and Dell EMC. Registrants get 18 holes of golf, a golf cart that seats two, access to the driving range, and a lunch ticket. A sampling of the tournament prizes includes a three-night, two-day stay at the resort with an estimated value of over $1400. Complimentary round of golfing for a group of four at any of the Innisbrook Resort courses, and this prize has a value of over $1200. Other prizes participants can win Microsoft Surface tablets and a weekend with a Jaguar for Hole-in-One.

• December 7 - Four-person scramble
• Lunch from 11:30am-12:30pm 
• 1pm - Shotgun Start for Golfers
• 5:00pm - Prizes Awarded

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size mold removal in Palm Harbor properties. The certified technicians use their experience and equipment to make mold damage a thing of the past.

Kick Off The Holidays in Dunedin

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Go out and enjoy and support the local youth of Dunedin this holiday season.

The Dunedin Youth Guild Offering Their Annual Tour of Homes

This year, the Dunedin Youth Guild is offering their Annual Home Tour as a virtual event and an in-person offering. The tour showcases the diverse array of architectural styles used in the construction of the local properties. There are unique works of art, stunning kitchens, cozy fireplaces, serene libraries, and holiday-decorated Christmas trees, plus so much more to see in the houses. The cost of ticket sales goes to support youth scholarship programs and other youth-focused community improvement projects. For holiday shopping, there will be vendors showcasing their wares and auctions and the availability of online shopping. The virtual event will feature both live and silent auctions. This event occurs rain or shine.

• December 5 at 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 
• Virtual event streams at 12 pm on December 5
• Tickets are $25.00

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 proudly assists the local community with flooding cleanup in Dunedin properties.

SERVPRO Helps Local Palm Harbor Residents Get Life Back to Normal Through Fire Restoration Services

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South after a fire damage. They are ready to help you as soon as possible.

The Experienced, Certified SERVPRO Technicians Are Available 24/7 and Arrive Quickly to Cleanup Post-Fire in Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor is a beautiful locale located just 22 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg. This is a mostly residential community with some areas of commerce around the city. One of the most vibrant areas of the town is the historic downtown district. Numerous craft fairs, art exhibitions, and festivals take place in this area every year. The first Friday of every month is "Palm Harbor's First Friday Celebrations," and youngsters and adults are welcome at the venue to create a sense of community. There are rides and games to play for the kids and food featured from many local eateries. 

Another popular annual event takes place every October with the Taste of Palm Harbor happening. The Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club sponsors this event, and proceeds go towards their "Making a Difference" grants & scholarships program. Along with excellent foodstuffs to try, mainly the locally sourced seafood is the highlight, this venue has live music, and an average of 20 local restaurants participate each year. 

Local Government 

The town of Palm Harbor remains an unincorporated part of Pinellas County. The last bill to incorporate the city died in committee in 2009, and it has not been readdressed. The Pinellas County legislators voted that same year and supported a bill that voters would have the final say on whether it would incorporate in the future. A feasibility board is on the books to determine if it is financially feasible and in the best interest of the city to incorporate. 

Recreational Opportunities Abound in Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor has a large number of excellent venues for activities. There are numerous parks, such as:

• John Chesnut, Sr. Park
• H.S. "Pop" Stansell Park
• Steve Putnam Park
• Palm Field 
• Sunderman Recreation Complex

History

In 1888, the original name of Palm Harbor was Sutherland, which was a shortening of the name of the holding company, the Southern Land and Development Company. In 1925, the name change occurred, and the area began to get settled. Notably, J.C. Craver was the first settler that hailed from the Northern U.S. to call this area of Florida home permanently. Craver kept a diary and wrote that his physicians advised him to settle in Palm Harbor. Briefly, the post office was known as Yellow Bluff, but that name was changed to the Palm Harbor post office due to the negative connotations with the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged the area. 

Palm Harbor Climate

This Florida area would get considered wet as it gets an average of 51 inches of rain yearly. The average rainfall across the United States is 38 inches. Consequently, snow is never an issue as there are 246 sunny days per year, and the Winter lows average around 51 degrees Fahrenheit. The summers are hot and muggy, with an average July temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This area recorded 68 hurricanes since 1930. The most massive named storm to hit Palm Harbor was Frances in 2004, with sustained winds of 130mph. 

Notable People From Palm Harbor

A significant number of sports stars have come from this city, such as: 

• Christopher B. Coghlan an MLB star that got named Rookie of the Year in 2009
• John James Davis, an American Football guard
• Dakoda Dowd an American Amatuer Golfer
• Johnny Ray Huston, a professional golfer that won seven PGA tours
• Theodore Larsen, an NFL guard
• Justin Mark Miller, an MLB player

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue

In the summer of 1956, an early version of the current fire department started as the "Ozona, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department." The goal was to give residents peace of mind through organized fire protection to answer calls expediently. Volunteers built the first fire station in the 1960s and it remained in place until Station 65 replaced that structure in 1988. In the summer of 2000, the department's legal name changed to Palm Harbor Special Fire Control and Rescue District. This fire rescue service services the local community of approximately 62,000 residents with a total of four fire-rescue service stations in operation. 

Is Fire Restoration By SERVPRO Techs Possible for Furniture in Palm Harbor Properties?

After a fire in your Palm Harbor home, the fire restoration should begin as rapidly as possible. The sooner the cleanup efforts start the less chance of cross-contamination throughout the property. SERVPRO technicians have a great deal of comprehensive training and state-of-the-art equipment to clean up and restore many items that may not look like they have the potential. The technicians carefully test all fabrics and surfaces before applying any type of cleaning method to ensure that they do not mar any object through their chosen application.

In particular, furniture may get covered in soot and still have the potential for restoration and reuse. Here are some of the most common types of furnishings and how SERVPRO technicians clean them: 

• Leather and faux-leather furniture - The technicians often use dry cleaning sponges to lift away the layer covering the leather gently and use specially developed restorative cleaning agents for use on the leather. 
• Upholstered furniture - first, the techs inspect and test the fibers to determine the type of construction materials and if the piece has the potential for restoration.
• Hardwood furniture - The techs utilize different kinds of wood soaps, along with wet and dry cleaning agents, to address the different types of smoke that settle on the wood. In some cases, a wood paste or solvent gets needed to remove a thin layer of finish to rid the item of smoke damage successfully. 

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 supports the local Palm Harbor community with fire restoration services. Through the use of their training, expertise, and equipment, the technicians make the damage, "Like it never even happened."

Is Professional Restoration and Repair Necessary After Water Damage?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

When water damaged this home, we were ready.

When Water Damage Incidents Impact Your Palm Harbor Home, You Might not Recognize the Extent of the Loss Without Professional Intervention 

Not all water restoration companies are the same, and when it comes to protecting and repairing your Palm Harbor home, you should not leave that to multiple subcontractors. Having the needs of your property met by in-house field technicians and general contractors reduces restoration times and customers' costs.  

There are advantages to choosing water restoration companies for your Palm Harbor residence. A comprehensive approach to recovery ensures that water damage does not develop into more significant concerns for your house. Our SERVPRO professionals can focus on reducing your losses and out-of-pocket expenses through practices like:  

• Monitoring: Knowing the success of drying practices without removing structural elements requires several sophisticated tools, including thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters. 
• Containment: Reducing the spread of water loss effects is critical to preventing costlier restoration. With physical containment barriers and quick-drying practices, we can slow migration.
• Extraction: Removing standing water is a critical element to the mitigation process, and after a water loss, we utilize several tools ranging from wet vacuums to submersible pumps. 
• Repairs: Many water loss scenarios begin with a broken or leaking plumbing fixture, so our team can identify where the problem exists and correct it.  

How Can SERVPRO Reduce Tear-Out?  

By responding quickly to water loss scenarios in your home, we can implement effective drying and recovery practices that prevent moisture spread to other areas of the house. Reducing the need for tear-out and demolition requires managing current water damage effects, such as drying hardwoods and framing before mold damage begins. 

With our expertise and knowledge of restorative practices after widespread moisture damage, our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South can use our inventory of recovery tools to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (727) 793-1333.

Why You Need Monitored Mold Remediation in a Palm Harbor Condo

10/24/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can take over before you even know you have it. Let SERVPRO be the professionals you depend on when it comes to your Palm Harbor condo.

Local Residents Looking for Effective Mold Remediation in their Palm Harbor Condos

A condo in Palm Harbor is an excellent piece of real estate. The area offers plenty of amenities and retains a small-town vibe while providing reasonable access to bigger shopping areas, golf courses, and places to eat. Residents of the area want to take good care of their buildings – and that includes dealing with fungus as soon as they spot it.

If you are looking for mold remediation in a condo in Palm Harbor, it is vital to choose a company that monitors the remediation process and does not rely on sight alone. SERVPRO is here for you twenty-four hours, and we train our technicians in the best monitoring techniques.

Does monitoring mean identifying the mold species?

It is a common misconception that mold monitoring means identifying the species of fungus. In many cases, identifying the specific type of fungus is not necessary. The remediation process is the same regardless of species. However, if the mold growth is out of control, there might be a need for mold testing to determine which species are present. In such cases, we can contact a mold testing company on your behalf.

What does SERVPRO monitor?

During mold remediation, we monitor:

• The amount of moisture present in the area, including walls, baseboards, carpets, and floors
• The extent of moisture present in building materials
• The humidity of the air

We take these readings before we begin mold cleanup, and repeat them as necessary throughout the remediation process. We retake them at the end to make sure the moisture and humidity are at optimum levels to prevent mold regrowth.

Why is monitoring critical?

Sight alone does not tell us if remediation is complete. Looking at the area can only tell us whether we have dealt with visible mold growth. Monitoring is vital because:

• There may be moisture in hidden places such as inside walls or under carpets, which provides an unseen breeding ground for spores
• If we do not reduce moisture, the mold spores will be able to form new colonies
• If the area is too humid, there is a greater risk of the mold returning
  
  

Monitoring gives us accurate data that we can use to draw up a personalized mold cleaning plan that suits your condo. We use the figures from monitoring to decide:

• How and where to set up containment
• How many fans and dehumidifiers to use for drying, and where to position them
• Whether we need to investigate moisture behind baseboards, inside walls, or in storage areas and crawl spaces

What equipment does SERVPRO use?

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbour South technicians bring a range of powerful monitoring equipment for every job.

Moisture sensors detect moisture in carpets and padding and let us know whether there is moisture on the subfloor. Moisture sensors are useful if you have mold in a carpeted area, or if you already know the carpet has suffered a spill or leak.

Moisture meters measure the amount of moisture present in a specific material. Some meters are ready-calibrated to a particular material such as wood or drywall, while others are adjustable for different materials. We use penetrating moisture meters, where it is safe to do so. In situations where it is better not to cause even minor surface damage from a penetrating meter, we can use a non-penetrating meter instead. For example, we would use a non-penetrating meter on plaster or drywall, rather than risk piercing it with a penetrating meter.

We use thermal cameras to measure the temperature across the walls and ceilings of your condo. Temperature differences can indicate moisture's presence and let us track the movement of water throughout your living space. This helps us see where we need to examine more thoroughly.

We use thermo-hygrometers to measure the relative humidity in the air. As well as measuring humidity in the affected area, we also measure the humidity of air:

• In unaffected areas
• Outside your condo
• Exiting the HVAC system
• That has been processed through dehumidifiers
  
  

Comparing different air readings helps us determine whether drying is working and whether we need to make any adjustments.

What happens after monitoring?

When we are satisfied that the mold situation is under control and your condo is dry, we deodorize your space. Condos are typically smaller than houses, so thorough deodorization is key to leaving your home "Like it never even happened." Some of the tools we use during remediation, such as air scrubbers and microbial cleaners, help with deodorization. We can also add odor-eating pellets or spot-clean stubborn areas of upholstery. We might also use thermal foggers or ozone machines if necessary.

For mold remediation you can rely on, call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

Is Getting Rid of Smoke Residue Possible without Damaging Surfaces in Dunedin?

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

Identifying the type of smoke residues in your home is vital to performing the necessary restoration steps.

SERVPRO Provides Dunedin Residents with Expert Fire Damage Restoration Technicians.

What is the best method for cleaning smoke residues?
After a house fire in your Dunedin home, there is likely to be significant blackening of walls, ceilings, and surfaces due to smoke. Cleaning these residues requires careful planning. Not all smoke residues are the same, with each residue requiring different methods of cleaning. There are four broad categories for smoke damages that technicians need to be aware of when performing restoration. An excellent way to identify smoke residue is by asking what type of material, or fuel, combusted to cause the fire. The material composition that burns is an influential factor in smoke damages.

What are the four types of smoke residue?
    •    Dry smoke residues which are usually the result of natural materials combusting
    •    Wet smoke residues, which include synthetic materials like plastics
    •    Protein smoke residues are the result of burning animal fats and common in kitchen fires.
    •    Fuel oil smoke residues can occur from furnace puff back or other fires involving an oil fuel source.

What ways are useful for identifying protein fire residues?
A kitchen is a common site for fire damage restoration to take place in your Dunedin home. Kitchen fires typically involve burning meat such as poultry, rudiment meat, and fish. An excellent way to identify protein smoke residues is by inspecting the color of the soils. These soils are typically greasy and yellow or amber. Wiping a small part of the wall can help determine smoke residues since these are often pale yellow or amber but can be invisible. A sure sign that protein residues exist is pungent malodors. SERVPRO uses an oil-based solvent to tackle these greasy deposits and typically resort to deodorizing the area to deal with malodors.

What other factors influence smoke residues?
    •    Fast-combusting fires with much oxygen produce dry smokes.
    •    Slow-burning fires typically produce a wet smoke residue.
    •    Material composition, either natural or synthetic, can produce wet or dry smoke, respectively.

Identifying the type of smoke residues in your home is vital to performing the necessary restoration steps. Contact SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

Where Do Homeowners Go After a Storm to Restore Their Homes?

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include storm damage. Don't let the moisture take over your home. Contact SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO Restoration Specializes in Returning Homeowners to a Dry, Safe Residence After a Storm.

Is There a Difference Between Storm Flooding and Water from a Broken Pipe?

There is a risk with any water in Palm Harbor homes. SERVPRO specialists know that storm flooding contains soil and other contaminants that can stain property and make carpets so unsafe to use again that we do not attempt to restore them. Quick removal and cleaning can restore much of a home to its pre-flood condition. 

How Else Does It Affect Restoration?

Specialists’ first step in Palm harbor flood damage is to spray an anti-bacterial agent over the water and affected surfaces. This reduces the risk to anyone that steps into the water or removes contaminated property to a dry location. They follow up with these actions and equipment:

• Specialists use pumps and other extraction devices to draw out any standing water and water trapped in carpets and floorboards. This reduces further damage and makes removing the carpets far easier. 
• They next use additional anti-bacterial cleaners with sponges and cloths to clean and disinfect affected surfaces. For items like upholstered property, they have the option of using injectors to directly apply a cleaner to spots where the flooding reached, and foggers to generate a cloud of cleaning particles that penetrate deeply to eliminate contaminants and the odors they can leave behind. 

How Can Technicians Know They Removed Enough Water Before Damaging Something?

Our technicians use Moisture Meters calibrated for the type of property they are inspecting. As an example, a gypsum wall panel with too much moisture can read at 40 points, too high to allow for natural evaporation before it begins to crack and crumble. Technicians use a combination of fans and air movers, along with regular checks, to bring the number down to an acceptable 12 points. 

At SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. To schedule a service call, you can contact our office today at (727) 793-1333. 

How Can SERVPRO's Emergency READY Plan Help Prepare For Water Restoration In A Yoga Studio?

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO keep you on the mats after your Palm Harbor water damage.

Palm Harbor Business Owners Looking For A Smooth Water Restoration Process

Running a yoga studio in Palm Harbor can be very satisfying. Yoga is an exciting exercise that helps local residents take time out of their busy lives and enjoy some me-time. To keep your yoga studio thriving, it is a good idea to prepare ahead for potential disasters.

There are many reasons you might need water restoration in your Palm Harbor yoga studio:

• Heavy winds and rain broke a window and let water in
• Broken or overflowing guttering caused water to seep under the studio door
• A broken pipe or faucet soaked the floor or caused a small flood in the bathroom
• The kitchen dishwasher broke and flooded the floor
  
  

Unfortunately, yoga studios often have lots of soft furnishings, such as yoga mats and foam blocks, that are susceptible to water damage. Water can also warp wooden fittings such as the front desk, pool across the floor, and soak into essential papers such as customer records or staff training manuals.

Why is preparation key to handling a disaster?

If you have a disaster in your business, time is of the essence. The risks of leaving water damage untreated include:

• Water can soak further into rugs and yoga mats.
• Water might spread to damage baseboards, drywall, wallpaper, and drapes
• The risk of microbial growth gets more significant with every passing hour

We suggest calling us as soon as you spot the need for water damage restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and our teams are waiting to clean and restore your business.

What can SERVPRO do if I need water restoration?

We can help with every aspect of water restoration. Our process includes:

• An assessment so we can devise the best remediation plan and discuss it with you
• Pumping out water using handheld wands, free-standing pumps, and truck-mounted pumps
• Remedying water damage using wet and dry cleaning, spot cleaning, and fogging
• Drying out your studio with air movers and dehumidifiers
• Deodorizing with air scrubbers and odor-controlling pellets, so your premises smell fresh again

We can also liaise with insurers on your behalf.

Is any job too small?

No – we are here to help with any incident, big or small. Even a tiny leak can cause you to shut your studio. Every day your studio is closed is a day you cannot earn money from it. SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South understands that you need to get your business up and running again as soon as possible. That is why we designed the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP).

What is an Emergency READY Profile Plan?

A ready profile is an action plan you can put into place as soon as an incident occurs. An ERP shaves valuable time off the restoration process because it allows you to act quickly. 

To get started, download the ERP app and follow the on-screen instructions to carry out a no-cost assessment of your yoga studio. You will log vital information, such as:

• Water shut-off valves
• Assembly points
• Priority contact information
• insurance details

Having all the right information to hand means you do not have to search for it when a disaster is progressing.

Your profile also includes a concise document with only the most critical information, so your staff does not have to search for essential details in the middle of a crisis. You will also draw up a plan for getting your business running again.

How does the ERP Work?

When you need water restoration, you can launch the app and contact us in just a few clicks. You can submit the first notice of loss, or call us directly from within the app. Your ERP will automatically populate much of the information, saving you valuable time. The app even comes with mitigation tips you can follow while you wait for us to arrive, further hastening the process and helping your business recover faster.

Who should I share my plan with?

We recommend sharing your plan with all key decision-makers in your business and staff members who might be on-site in the event of water damage. The plan gives your staff steps to follow and makes it easier for them to act.

You must email your ERP to your preferred SERVPRO franchise, so we have all the studio information. We hope you will not need us, but we should have the data to hand if you do.

If you are worried about water damage restoration, do not hesitate to get in touch. We will take care of every aspect and leave your business Certified SERVPRO Clean.

For help with water restoration, call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.

What Types of Skills Does Fire Restoration in Affected Dunedin homes Require?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is difficult to restore. Don’t go it alone. Call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO Capitalizes on Deeper Understanding of the Combustion Processes to Guarantee the Right Outcomes from Restoration 

When mitigating damages caused by a fire, it pays to know that you have to dispose of some items and save others. Having a deep understanding of fire damage helps determine whether affected materials are restorable and clear things up with insurance adjusters. SERVPRO helps avail the know-how Dunedin homeowners need to streamline recovery. 

Which fire damage problems does superior knowledge help resolve better?  

The entire fire restoration process at your Dunedin home can derail if you fail to understand some basic things about fires. For instance, you might fail to realize that:  

• Fires pose risks even after they are put out 
• Considerably harmless residue can cause permanent damage 
• Fire residues reach areas that you might not expect 

Apart from damaging your valuables, the combustion process produces a wide range of by-products. For instance, when a fire burns organic compounds, it produces nitrogen oxide, while sulfur dioxide is the by-product of burning inorganic compounds. Other substances such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide are also left in the air. Venturing into the damaged property without protection can lead to bodily harm. Our SERVPRO technicians prepare well by wearing protective gloves, boots, or respirators for protection when entering the property.  

What are the best examples of harmless residues that lead to damages?  

Fires leave various residues on surfaces, including ash and soot. The seemingly benign nature of soot can fool you into thinking that everything is safe and can stay the same until you are ready to restore it. However, soot has acidic properties and can cause permanent damage to some materials, including:  

• Chrome or other metallic finished materials 
• Granite or other stone surfaces 
• Plastics or related materials  

Soot causes staining or discoloration on materials given sufficient time. Our SERVPRO technicians use simple approaches such as pre-cleaning and applying protective oil films to prevent such damage.  

A deep understanding of the processes that cause damages is the best skill when restoring fire damage. Call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 to send highly skilled technicians that help resolve any issue, “Like it never even happened.”

More about Dunedin.

A Heavy Storm Caused Flood Damage in My Palm Harbor Property. Who Can Help Me to Restore it?

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can have lasting effects that are complicated to deal with. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation services.

Hire SERVPRO Technicians to Handle the Flood Damage in Your Palm Harbor Residence.

After flooding occurs, it is essential to act fast within the first 48 hours to prevent further damage. Floodwater can cause several hazards to your property, including weakening the structure and causing health problems to your family. SERVPRO technicians in Palm Harbor can help minimize damage and restore your property to its pre-incident state.

What safety measures should I take after flooding?

If you have to leave your property because of the flood, pay attention to the authorities, and follow their instructions before you move back into your property. Flood damage in your Palm Harbor property may continue to occur even after the water subsides. Check for signs of structural damage, such as cracks on the foundation before getting into the home.

Can you help me deal with my insurance firm?

At SERVPRO, we understand how overwhelming flood damage can turn out. You need to ensure that your property does not sustain much damage, and your family's health is not at stake. Our technicians can help you document the damage by taking photos and videos of the affected areas. We also offer a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) that helps streamline the insurance filing process.  Our technicians categorize contents as non-salvageable, salvageable, or questionable. By inventorying every item, you can handle content decisions efficiently. If we find it necessary to move some contents out of your home while it undergoes restoration, the CCIS inventory can act as a vital tracking tool for moving and managing contents.

What do you use to dry the affected area?

We have a wide range of advanced equipment and tools that help us speed up the drying process in flood-damaged homes. We can use axial air movers to increase air circulation and draw out the moisture in the affected areas. The equipment draws in a large amount of dry air to replace the moist air in the structure. Since water can seep into cavities and hard to reach areas, we can use structural cavity drying equipment to drive airflow into the cavities. The warm air increases the surface temperature and lowers the vapor pressure. That increases the rate of evaporation, leading to faster drying.

Can technicians do something about the persisting odor?

Even after cleaning and drying the property, it is normal for odors to persist. Odors from dead animals and decaying plants require special skills and techniques to eliminate them. We can use instant odor counteracting beads to mask the odors.

Do not let flood damage leave you devastated. Contact SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for effective restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Palm Harbor.

What Restoration Services Does SERVPRO Provide Palm Harbor Homes?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters do not wait for a convenient time to strike, so you need restoration professionals to be there when you need it most.

Disasters do not occur at convenient times, so you need qualified professionals to respond quickly and knowledgeably to the damage no matter when emergencies arise.

Because you cannot predict when disasters strike your Palm Harbor home or business, many homeowners and property owners are caught off guard by the destruction. Many have looked to the fast response and reliability of our SERVPRO team to address these concerns as they happen. We understand the value of quickly reaching loss incidents, as mitigation can be vital in reducing the spread and severity of emergencies. We offer a variety of restoration services to help in every major area, as well as specialty niches like biohazard cleanup and reconstruction.

Commercial

How your business gets treated after a loss incident can make a substantial difference in your recovery time. Common threats such as water, fire, and flood losses can spread rapidly throughout the facility, requiring a fast and confident response to begin mitigation and emergency services as soon as possible. Appropriate containment efforts in your Palm Harbor structure can often prevent the need for closing your doors while restoration continues.

Cleaning Up Your Facility Without a Disaster

Disasters do not always make up the full reason that your Palm Harbor business requires cleaning. We have multiple clients scheduled for ongoing appointments to continually renew and revitalize their structure's look and feel. While no two properties are the same in what they need to look their best, we can evaluate each of these situations on a case by case basis, and work with our customer, to meet the priorities and expectations to provide the best final product every time. Some of the cleaning and restoration steps that we take include:

    •    Vandalism Removal
    •    Surface Cleaning
    •    Deodorization
    •    Floor Cleaning
    •    Carpet Cleaning

What Disinfection and Sanitization Practices Exist?

Cleaning services and disinfecting communal areas is a significant effort during this time in our nation's history. Because of situations like the global COVID-19 pandemic, Palm Harbor commercial structures began to see where they lapsed inappropriate sanitation and cleaning of shared surfaces. Our defensive cleaning program called Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned ensures that your business gets the most comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing possible by our experienced technicians.

Storm

With our position on the Gulf Coast, Palm Harbor residents and property owners have experienced several devastating storms in our lifetime. Preparedness for these events means that you always have qualified professionals available whenever disasters strike. This preparation ensures that mitigation can begin as it should, and it also allows our in-house contractors to respond to the damage as well. We could provide temporary construction solutions where needed.

What Repairs Must Occur Before Flood Mitigation?

Mitigation is a vital phase of restoration and recovery. However, it cannot be successful until the appropriate steps get taken to seal up breaches in the exterior of your home. Often roofs and siding can become entry points for runoff and wind-driven rain, flooding the immediate areas. Our contractors offer specific repairs, so the mitigation can begin as scheduled. These include:

    •    Roof Tarping
    •    Board Up
    •    Controlled Demolition

How Does Flooding Get Addressed?

It is challenging to avoid flooding altogether when structural breaches exist in your home, or natural flooding affects the entire community where you live. No matter how standing water has affected your Palm Harbor property, we must promptly address these concerns with our efficient extraction tools and equipment. With machines like submersible pumps, trash pumps, and wet vacuums, we can remove standing water and surface moisture concerns quickly to prevent the migration of floodwater throughout the property.

Water

Water loss incidents are among the most common callouts that our SERVPRO professionals undertake in Palm Harbor homes and businesses. We must first address the severity of these concerns with a thorough inspection of the property conducted by our project manager. This competent inspector utilizes sophisticated tools and technologies like surface moisture meters and thermal imagery to identify moisture pockets and the migration of water loss effects throughout your home.

Are Repairs Needed Before Mitigation?

Before mitigation and drying efforts can be successful, many repairs, and even controlled demolition, are necessary. Our responding contractors arrive with our restoration technicians to assess the integrity of structural elements in your Palm Harbor home to determine what services must get discarded and later replaced. Also, plumbing breaks and other fixture malfunctions must get repaired by our building trade professionals.

What Tools Are Necessary for Water Removal and Drying?

Extraction and drying are vital efforts to the recovery of your water damaged Palm Harbor home. These are fundamental tasks they can ensure that we return your property to preloss condition. These phases include multiple tools and devices designed exclusively for recovery of water losses. These include:

    •    Submersible Pumps
    •    Wet Vacuums
    •    Carpet Wands
    •    Air Movers
    •    Dehumidifiers
    •    Positive Pressure Systems

Fire

Fires can be a significant challenge to overcome in your Palm Harbor home or business. We have an entire roster of dedicated fire and smoke restoration professionals that can respond to these emergencies as they happen. We stay alert to changing conditions and breaking disasters in our communities so that we can be prepared to roll out from our facility when we get the word. Because of our preferred status with many insurance companies, we can often be alerted to these structure fires before a customer calls.

What is Content Management?

Protecting your personal belongings is also a considerable challenge after fire loss incidents in your Palm Harbor home. We must assess these items on a case-by-case basis to choose which of three options is best for recovering these possessions and reducing your loss. These options include:

    •    On-Site Relocation
    •    On-Site Cleaning and Deodorization
    •    Off-Site Cleaning and Recovery in Our SERVPRO Facility

How Can Fire Loss Effects Get Removed?

We have many tools and equipment designed for multiple phases of fire recovery, including residue removal, debris removal, air quality control, and deodorization. We can help make losses “Like it never even happened,” for your Palm Harbor property.

Disasters do not wait for a convenient time to strike, so you need restoration professionals to be there when you need it most. Our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team is available 24/7 at (727) 793-1333.

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Does My Ductwork Need Cleaning After Mold Damage Remediation?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Growth in HVAC system or plenum? Call SERVPRO for fast remediation in the Palmdale area.

SERVPRO applies their extensive knowledge and advanced methods to remediate any size mold infestation in Palmdale properties

One of the worst times to find out you have a mold problem is during the renovation of your Palmdale home. When SERVPRO handles the cleanup for damage from mold infestations, the ductwork often has issues from the airborne mold spores. Through the use of the services from a trusted mold assessment company, air samples in the home, and within the air handler closet for the HVAC system, get taken. If the results come back at levels that necessitate cleaning of the handler and ductwork, the technicians have the training and equipment to get the job done.

Can My Air Conditioner Cause the Need for Mold Remediation/HVAC Cleaning?

Unfortunately, the primary way an air conditioner works as a condensation cooling system creates a friendly environment for mold, which necessitates the need for mold remediation/HVAC cleaning in Palmdale homes, mainly when the collected moisture does not get adequately diverted away, most often due to a clog in the condensate drain.

Because airborne mold spores are ubiquitous, they float harmlessly both inside and outside homes and do not germinate until they encounter the right conditions for growth such as: 

• Somewhere to grow (dust in air ducts is ideal)
• Air moisture that is 50% or higher
• These conditions maintained for 48-72 hours

Once established, the colonies can grow at a rapid pace and spread throughout the home via the HVAC ductwork. If spores from these colonies encounter conditions elsewhere in the house favorable to the establishment of new colonies, the infestation can spread rapidly.

SERVPRO technicians found in this home that the mold spread into a closet where there was an air leak due to improper installation of the HVAC air handler unit. The technicians adhere to the mold remediation protocols as developed by a licensed industrial hygienist as required by law.

The techs removed the air handler to dry out the collected moisture and perform abatement on the mold growth within. They also cleaned the ductwork throughout the home. Unfortunately, some of the sheetrock and the carpet with mold damage required disposal. 

Once the remediation efforts completed, an industrial hygienist conducted a clearance test to determine through air sampling if the mold infestation had been cleared.

If your home needs mold remediation/HVAC cleaning, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South (727) 793-1333. Our certified technicians work to ensure your home gets proper remediation as required by law for the best outcome after a mold infestation of any size.

Who Can Help After Water Damages my Palm Harbor Home?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Call our expert team at (727) 793-1333 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage to Your Palm Harbor Home is a Job for a Professional Water Cleanup Service

When a leak affects your Palm Harbor home, you need to pay close attention to the damage. Even if it seems small, it is best to avoid assumptions and let an expert team verify how deep into your home the water travels. Only a reputable company can offer the latest technology to detect water hiding throughout your house. We follow that assessment with a complete plan focusing on restoring the humidity level of your home.

When you live in Palm Harbor, address water damage with our expert staff at SERVPRO. Our years of experience and our formal education in matters of water restoration have built a theoretical and practical understanding of what it takes to clean up your home after water leaks into it. Our 24/7 hotline serves as the most important conduit to professional help in times of emergency.

What is water extraction, and what equipment do I need?

Water extraction goes beyond removing water from your home. As our SERVPRO team can explain, it requires understanding what the average humidity levels are for your home and each of its elements. It also requires knowing how water can affect surfaces depending on their composition. For example, wood and granite react entirely different to excess moisture, and cleanup efforts must reflect that difference. Our team knows which cleaning solutions and techniques to use to avoid further damage to your home, including deodorizing and disinfecting. Some equipment we may use in your home includes:

    •    Air movers to improve air circulation and evaporation
    •    Air scrubbers to rid your home of any unpleasant odors left behind
    •    Wand extractors to complement the work of submersible and truck-mounted pumps designed to remove larger volumes of water

Regardless of the size of your water damage SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is here to help. Call our expert team at (727) 793-1333 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Do Water Restoration Procedures Change Over Time?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Each of our team members is IICRC certified so that we can provide excellent restoration services.

SERVPRO Understands the Need to Keep Up with Changing Trends in Water Damage Restoration Standards Guaranteeing Palm Harbor Residents the Best Service 

Restoring your water-damaged property involves a significant percentage of rudimentary tasks such as cleaning and drying materials and a small percentage of advanced tasks such as controlled demolition and refinishing materials. Most restoration work may seem standard since it utilizes procedures that have been there for years. However, professional Palm Harbor restoration companies must keep up with the industry's changes to deliver better or faster results. 

How does a company indicate that it keeps up with changing trends? 

Any provider of water damage restoration services in Palm Harbor can claim to keep up with changing industry trends. However, such a claim needs supporting evidence to be valid. An IICRC certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration, is the best indicator that a company cares about delivering the best service to you as a client. Apart from showing that a company keeps up with changing trends, the certification covers many other aspects: 

• Ethics
• Training
• Handling customer complaints
• Subrogation 

Therefore, hiring a certified company such as SERVPRO should give you confidence that apart from getting the expected quality of service, any problems that arise are likely to be addressed professionally. The company is also ready to take responsibility in case of mistakes from staff or other issues that lead to damages within your property.   

How do companies obtain the certification?  

Your reason for seeking an IICRC certified firm is to ensure that the myriad of issues collectively referred to as water damage do not develop into long-term structural problems or pose health risks to your family. The Institute sets a rigorous qualification process that a company has to satisfy to receive the certification. The method considers aspects such as: 

• Maintaining insurance throughout the operation period
• Training all employees and technicians continuously
• Having a written-down customer complaints policy
• Adhering to IICRC code of ethics 

Regular training ensures that all employees are always current on any changes in renovation trends and, therefore, can handle the restoration, regardless of the type of materials or level of damage you have in your property. For instance, our SERVPRO technicians know what to do when they find delicate materials such as acoustic ceiling tiles or dangerous substances like ACM, Asbestos Containing Materials, in older properties. Training also ensures that we can use specialized restoration equipment such as negative pressure machines or thermal cameras properly to deal with unique challenges. 

Why does it matter whether a restorer is insured? 

The best-laid plans may not always lead to fruition, especially when working with water soaked materials and slick surfaces. Therefore, despite having the best-trained technicians and the best equipment, problems can arise during the renovation process leading to additional damages. For instance, when cleaning upholstery items with floral or other varied coloring, dyes can run from the colored areas, heavily staining the fabric's plain areas. If the restorer causes the damage, you or your insurer might not feel comfortable absorbing this cost. When working with a properly insured restoration company, compensation is catered for by their cover. 

Does IICRC help in case I have a complaint? 

Complains do arise during the restoration of damaged property for a variety of reasons including: 

• Dissatisfaction with the outcome
• High expectations 
• Timelines
• Cost 

An IICRC certified firm like SERVPRO addresses this challenge in many ways. For instance, we have a straightforward communication process allowing you to reach us through the phone, email, or fax when you have a complaint or other forms of feedback. The Institute requires that we maintain a transparent complaint process and, whenever requested, to provide proof that follow-ups are punctually made for the certification to remain valid.  

We follow systemic procedures when restoring the water damaged Palm Harbor property. Before we begin restoring your property, we inspect the entire area and then hold a consultative meeting with you to highlight what our inspection revealed, and what steps we plan to take to fix the damage. We also confirm the presence of pre-existing issues and inform you whether the restoration process can address them. In most cases, we work to restore the property to its preloss state, so any existing issues remain.  

We provide precise estimates of the time needed to complete the restoration and the costs involved. We also find out whether you have personal items within the property that might require special attention or removal before starting the work. Combining these aspects helps minimize the chances of conflict by the time we finish the renovation. 

When you are dealing with a loss, you need reassurance the best solution is available. Call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South to help resolve water spills in your property. You can reach us at (727) 793-1333 at any time. 

How Can Water Damage the Flooring in My Palm Harbor Shop?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Pooling water affecting your Palm Harbor Work Place? We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call SERVPRO for Extraction

The migration of water effects can be destructive to your building, and flooring materials can often experience this damage the worst.

When many property owners consider water restoration and recovery, they fixate on the drying and extraction average necessary to protect their Palm Harbor shop. In addition to the mitigation and restoration actions required to preserve many of the exposed materials and content in the building, it is expected that a certain degree of structural repair another reconstruction efforts are necessary. Substantial water loss situations, such as burst pipes or malfunctioning sprinkler systems, can leave high volumes of water saturating into the flooring materials throughout the main shop area.

 Is water  damage repair necessary?

While it might be challenging to initially determine the extent of water damage repair necessary for Palm Harbor jobs like yours, the sooner that you can secure professional restoration and competent contractors, the better. Water damage often worsens continually and leaves a 48-hour window to restore many of the structural elements exposed. When migrating water penetrates beyond the surface flooring material, subflooring and underlayment materials could become damaged. Identifying whether or not subflooring has become too damaged to preserve involves a series of advanced detection devices including:

• Surface Moisture Meters
• Probing Moisture Detectors
• Thermal Imagery (Infrared)

Can SERVPRO Repair and Reinstall Flooring Materials?

We do not waste time with the restoration of materials that could be too damaged to protect. It is often more cost-effective to discard saturated materials and replace them rather than spending time working to dry what might not be salvageable. Removing surface material and underlayment can often allow our technicians a better opportunity to dry subflooring before irreparable damage occurs to this area. With in-house contractors, we can replace discarded materials immediately following mitigation services. We do emphasize the goal of restoring and not replacing building materials and members whenever feasible.

Many structural elements in your shop could become damaged by migrating water. We have contractors and recovery technicians that can work quickly to help. Give our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team a call today at (727) 793-1333.

What Can I Do to Prevent Flooding in My Palm Harbor Home?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size flood damage to your home.

SERVPRO knows flooding has the potential to hit any property in Palm Harbor, and fast cleanup lessens the loss

Florida gets intense weather throughout the year, including flash floods, more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the United States, and occasionally, hurricanes and tropical storms. In particular, the storm surge that accompanies hurricanes can lead to copious amounts of water hitting your Palm Harbor property. There are some steps homeowners can take to minimize the potential loss, such as:
    •    Landscape your property to direct water away from the home
    •    Ensure weather stripping and seals are intact on doors and windows
    •    Trim tree limbs near the roof and windows so high winds do not cause damage
    •    Clean gutters from debris and ensure they do not drain near the home, add extensions if needed

What is the First Thing I Should Do When My Home has Flood Damage?

If you do not already have a plan for handling flood damage in your Palm Harbor home, make one. A good solid idea includes things like:
    •    Locations of valuable items and important papers
    •    The number for SERVPRO to begin cleanup for you
    •    Account and phone numbers for your utilities so you can halt service if necessary
    •    Your banking and credit card information
    •    Personal information for each family member including copies of prescriptions and doctor phone numbers
    •    A plan for what to do with your pets during cleanup in case it happens where you are staying does not allow pets
    •    Items family members need for day-to-day activities

It is crucial to begin the restoration process as soon as possible because even one day can make a difference in whether or not something has restoration potential.

How Does the Flood Damage Cleanup Work?

SERVPRO techs have years of experience and certification for the handling of floodwater, which carries a rating as a class three biohazard because of the frequency in which the water contains harmful elements such as debris, chemicals, and sewage. The techs test the water, so they know what they are dealing with and apply the appropriate cleaning agents to lessen the risk when handling the water.

Non-porous items have the best potential for restoration, so your Great-Grandmother's vase with sentimental value may have the possibility of reuse through the gentle cleaning methods by the techs, while the composite wood accent table the vase got displayed upon turned out to be a loss due to exposure to floodwater.

Area rugs, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and mattresses exposed to the floodwater usually require disposal as they cannot get cleaned to the point they are assuredly sanitary for reuse in the home.

A structure with damage from flooding generally undergoes a dramatic transformation when the areas that got affected are widespread. It is not uncommon for the flooring to require removal down to the subfloor or slab. This is an important step, however, because when seepage occurs, the structure needs drying from the bottom up to eliminate the potential for secondary issues such as mold or foul odors to compound the mitigation efforts.

Along with flooring, walls also bear the brunt of the loss. Once the water is inside the home, it migrates rapidly and runs up against baseboards, under cabinets, and any spaces it can find. When it encounters sheetrock, the building materials readily wick the water and continue absorbing it until SERVPRO techs halt the process through the use of flood cuts. This removes the ruined sheetrock and leaves undamaged walls in place. This action also opens up the interior of the wall around the framework for complete drying. When insulation gets ruined with floodwater, the techs have specialized vacuums to collect it for disposal. At this time, the vapor barrier also gets inspect to determine if it requires replacement.

When SERVPRO techs dry the structure, they monitor the process carefully to ensure that pre-set drying goals get attained. The property receives a second scoping post-drying to ensure no areas of moisture remain on-site. Then the cleaning of the property and any application of mold preventatives takes place.

Once the efforts complete, the techs walk the homeowner through the property and go over the actions taken and the repairs or reconstruction needed to bring the home to its original state. This information is also compiled into a report to assist with filing any insurance claims.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333 for any size flood damage to your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly on-site, and make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

What is Content Management for My Palm Harbor Home?

6/21/2020 (Permalink)

When you are facing fire damage in your home, you need help. Contact our experienced technicians right away.

After a fire loss, our SERVPRO team can focus on restoring your personal belongings with both on-site and off-site recovery tactics. 

Numerous tasks make up the restoration process in Palm Harbor homes after a fire loss incident. Despite the spread or severity of these disasters, some of the effects that must get addressed remain constant. Because effects like soot and odors can spread almost continually without intervention from restoration technicians like our SERVPRO team, the contents of your house are at a higher risk for irreparable damages.

Content management is one of the unique offerings we provide during fire damage restoration in Palm Harbor homes. This entire process is devoted exclusively to protecting your personal belongings, furniture, and other contents from migrating effects like soot, odors, smoke residues, and other threats. We have in-house strategies that begin with relocating your possessions to an untouched area of the home. When combined with surface cleaning techniques, deodorizing, and other corrective actions, we can recover many items without off-site strategies.

Is Pack-Out the Best Option for Your Belongings?

When damages are too considerable for on-site recovery options, we rely on the pack-out procedure. This technique carefully relocates your belongings to our nearby SERVPRO facility. We can return your belongings to their original condition through focused attention and restoration techniques in most cases. While there are dozens of techniques and technologies at work in our warehouse to recover your belongings, fire-damaged contents can benefit from:

• Ozone Chamber for Deodorization of Multiple Items
• Ultrasonic Submersion Tank for Soot Removal
• Advanced Drying Techniques for Water-Damaged Materials
• Safe, Climate-Controlled Storage of Your Belongings

Despite how damaging a fire loss can be, our SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South team can help to protect the things that matter most with content management solutions and the full restoration and reconstruction of your home as necessary. Give us a call anytime at (727) 793-1333.

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How Do I Detect Shower Water Damage in My Dunedin Bathroom?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Your Dunedin home could be at risk and you may not even know it yet. Call SERVPRO today, we can help.

SERVPRO Technicians Use Sophisticated Technologies to Mitigate Water Damage in Dunedin

Shower leaks can quickly become a water damage source that gets out of hand before homeowners realize it is present. This unfortunate fact holds for one-piece molded fiberglass showers as well as tile surrounds in Dunedin homes. Without fast action, this water can potentially accumulate in an adjoining room or lower level ceiling.

If bathroom water damage affects your Dunedin property’s comfort and safety, SERVPRO technicians are prepared to return your home to a preloss condition per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

What Causes Shower Water Damage?

• Seeping through tiles. Water can potentially seep through defective grout or caulking in tile surrounds and joints near the rim of your bathtub.
• Shower valves and supply lines. Malfunctioning or damaged valve cartridges can create leaks inside your shower valves. Old washers or supply line leaks can also create hard-to-clean damage behind enclosures and walls.
• Drains seals and floor pipes. A worn or damaged seal between the drain and the bottom of your tub can allow water to accumulate immediately below your shower. Drainpipe leaks can create similar types of leakage.

How Can SERVPRO Restore a Water-Damaged Shower?

SERVPRO technicians take a methodical approach to water extraction and drying. An essential aspect of this is moisture measurement. Techs can use a variety of measuring apparatuses to evaluate the moisture content in and behind surfaces, including:

• Penetrating and nonpenetrating moisture sensors and meters
• Infrared cameras designed to examine areas behind surfaces
• Thermohygrometers detect relative humidity, which helps calculate specific humidity for structural and contents drying.

SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South is ready to mitigate damage to homes within hours of your initial contact. Call (727) 793-1333 to find out more about receiving cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.