Why regular water inspections are important.

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

Check pipes frequently to protect your property against water damage.

Water damage can be expensive. It's not just about the cost of replacing your carpet and furniture, it's also about the cost of cleaning up water damage and secondary damages.

Regular water inspections are an important part of maintaining a healthy home environment by preventing mold growth from occurring inside or outside of buildings where people live or work each day including schools, hospitals/healthcare facilities etc.

Quick fixes aren't always the best option

The first step to fixing any problem is to recognize it. When you notice your water is not as clean and clear as it should be, it's time to take action.

Regular inspections can help prevent costly problems down the road by identifying potential issues before they become big problems. By conducting regular tests and inspections, you'll be able to spot problems before they get out of hand, so they can be addressed in a timely manner instead of after-the-fact when they've already damaged your property or equipment.

Quick fixes aren't always worth their cost. Sometimes a more comprehensive approach will pay off better over time. SERVPRO is the leader in the water restoration industry.

Water damage can lead to mold and mildew.

Mold is a fungus that feeds on organic matter, such as dead plants or leftover food. The mold can grow in excess of 15 square feet and produce spores that spread throughout the air. If you have water damage from a leaky roof or pipe burst, mold may be present in your home!

Mildew is a more localized version of mold that grows on fabrics like carpeting, towels and clothing.

It's easier to prevent water damage than repair it.

Water damage can be expensive, but you don't have to suffer the consequences. If your home has been damaged by water, there are steps you can take to make sure that it doesn't happen again.

Take care of any leaks before they become major problems. Leaks in pipes and pipes that run under floors or ceilings often cause major issues for homeowners because they have nowhere else to go but through walls and ceiling and those are not easy places for repairs.

Never ignore signs of mold or mildew. If you see any kind of blackening on walls or ceilings near sinks or showers

Water Damage Repair Costs.

The average cost per square foot for replacing drywall in an ordinary size room is $2-$5 per square foot (depending on the type of material used). This means that if you've got a small bathroom with about 10 feet x 15 feet worth of drywall being replaced then it would cost around $200-$400 just for materials alone!

In some cases when dealing with mold or mildew growths within walls we recommend using professional contractors who specialize in these types of projects. The professionals know how much time will be needed during this stage before getting started again once everything has been cleaned up properly over time. Proper ventilation is important to help reduce cost by preventing secondary damages to your property by hiring the professionals at SERVPRO of Lakeland.

Water damage can be hard to detect, but it's still important to make sure you know what to do. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lakeland if your home or business suffers from a water loss.

DIY Water Restoration in my home?

1/27/2023 (Permalink)

When your home suffers from a water loss, give SERVPRO of Lakeland a call today.

Water damage can be devastating, but it's also preventable. If you're looking to restore your home after an unfortunate incident, consider hiring a professional water restoration company. These experts have the equipment necessary to remove water and ensure your space is restored back to pre loss conditions.

Structural Components

Structural components of the home can easily rot when exposed to water. Wood, metal and concrete are all susceptible to decay and damage. When these materials are in contact with water for extended periods of time, they can become weakened and eventually rot away completely. Water can also cause paint to peel off walls, flooring to warp, drywall cracks and more.

Professional Equipment

Professional restoration companies have equipment for removing water. They have industrial dryers and dehumidifiers that can be used to speed up the drying process, which helps prevent mold and secondary damages.

They also use specialized equipment for removing water from walls and floors, furniture, electronics and other items in your home.

In addition to dehumidifiers and industrial dryers, water damage restoration companies also use desiccants. Desiccants are chemicals that absorb moisture from the air and can be used in conjunction with a dehumidifier or an industrial dryer. The moisture-absorbing powers of these products make them ideal for restoring water damage.

Save you Time and Money

Water damage can be a big problem. It can lead to secondary damage and expensive repairs, not to mention mold growth and structural damage.

To protect your property from further damage by water, while waiting on the professionals it’s important to begin drying out the affected area immediately after the water emergency. Remove all items damages, and use any type of fan or dehumidifier to help dry the damages to prevent further damage.

Water damage can be devastating to a home or business. If you experience water damage, it is important that you seek the help of professionals right away. Avoid the DIY approach and hire a restoration company who will get your property back to normal pre loss conditions quickly and affordable.

Does a Leaking Faucet Always Lead to Mold?

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a dripping faucet, then mold could be growing in your home

Does a Leaking Faucet Always Lead to Mold?

You're at home relaxing when you hear a drip coming from the kitchen sink. You walk over to investigate, expecting to see water leaking out of the faucet, but instead, you find a small puddle of water on the floor. What happened? How did that puddle get there? And is it dangerous? You've probably heard of mold. It's a type of fungus that can grow on almost any material, as long as there is water or moisture present. Some molds are harmless, but others can be toxic and cause serious problems.

In this article, we'll explain what could be causing your leaky faucet and how it could cause mold growth in your home.

How can a leaking faucet cause mold?

A leaking faucet may not immediately lead to mold, but it can certainly be the perfect environment for it to grow. If water is left to sit for a long time, the spores of various types of molds will begin to form. These spores are often carried by air or on the fur of animals. They can also be carried through dust particles in the air after being disturbed on other surfaces.

Once these spores have been introduced into a Lakeland, FL home, they'll begin to grow and thrive if conditions are right—such as warm temperatures and humidity levels above 50 percent. The moisture from a leaking faucet can provide just such an environment!

How to tell if you have a mold problem.

You can tell if you have a mold problem by looking for certain signs. If you see black spots or stains, water damage, and discoloration in areas where there was no moisture before, or musty smells that seem to be growing stronger over time, then it's likely that mold is present.

What to do if you have a mold problem.

If you have a mold problem, it's time to call in the pros. A professional can help you determine what is causing your leak and fix it in a safe and efficient manner. They will also be able to assess whether or not more extensive repairs are needed and advise you on how to deal with any further mold problems that may arise as a result of the leak.

A dripping faucet can lead to mold - but sometimes it won't, depending on the situation.

Mold spores are everywhere: in the air we breathe, on the food we eat, inside our homes on items like carpeting and drywall, and they're especially common under floorboards. Sometimes it grows outdoors in places like forests or gardens where there is plenty of moisture - this type of mold is called "saprophytic" which means it feeds off dead organic matter like leaves or roots from plants rather than live ones (like mushrooms do).

If you have a leaky faucet in your Lakeland home, then in theory yes - there could potentially be some mold growth around that area. Especially if the humidity levels are high enough for long enough periods of time. 

If you have a dripping faucet, then mold could be growing in your home. If you notice spots on your walls or ceiling or smell an unusual odor coming from somewhere in the house, then it's time to call a professional and get the leak fixed ASAP.

What is Smoke and Soot Damage?

10/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you have any questions or are in need of emergency fire cleanup services, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

What is Smoke and Soot Damage?

In the aftermath of a fire on your commercial property in Lakeland, FL, you are going to want a fast and thorough restoration effort performed right away. A professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Lakeland can get your property back to normal quickly. Here's what you need to know about smoke damage, soot damage, and fire damage:

Smoke damage

Smoke damage is caused by the smoke and soot that is produced by a fire. The smoke and soot are released into the atmosphere, where they settle on surfaces in your building. Smoke damage can be caused by a fire that is contained to one room or area, or a fire that spreads throughout the building.

Removing the smoke and smoke odor from your property can be very difficult and often requires professional experience and equipment to be done properly.

Soot Damage

Soot is a byproduct of combustion. It can be caused by many things, including fires, wood stoves and furnaces, candles, and incense burners. Soot is made up of carbon particles that can get trapped in your carpet or on the walls of your business. Its dark color means it can cause damage to property that may not be visible right away but will become apparent over time.

Soot damage can also be cleaned up if you have a professional cleaning service, like SERVPRO of Lakeland, handle it for you.

Fire Restoration Services

If you have fire, soot, or smoke damage in your building, our SERVPRO team can help. Our team is highly trained and experienced in commercial fire damage cleanup and restoration services. Fire, soot, and smoke usually go hand in hand after a loss, and in many cases, it is also common to see water damage present as well. Though this sounds like a never-ending list of damage, it can be comforting to know that our SERVPRO team can take care of it all!

Call SERVPRO today.

At SERVPRO of Lakeland, our team is available 24/7 to help you get your home or commercial space back to normal. We’re a locally owned and operated team of professionals who specialize in all phases of fire and smoke damage repair, including:

• Removing debris
• Inspecting and assessing the extent of the damage 
• Repairing structural damage
• Contents Restoration

Conclusion

Even the smallest fire can leave your business with extensive soot and smoke damage that calls for professional expertise to mitigate. We offer the best fire restoration services in the Lakeland area and our technicians are ready to help you get back on track after this unfortunate event occurs. If you have any questions or are in need of emergency fire cleanup services, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Why You May See Mold After Flooding

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth after storm damage in Griffin, FL

Mold Growth After Storm Flooding

After a storm leads to flood water in your Griffin, FL, home, there’s a chance you may see mold growth as well. There are a few reasons for this. Here’s what you may want to know.

1. Mold Is a Fungus

One of the first things to understand is that mold is a fungus. This means that it grows by consuming organic material and water and then creating spores. This prime location for this fungi growth is in the area of high moisture and dim light.

2. Flood Water Can Create a Mold Habitat

The availability of standing water after a storm flood has occurred can create a prime habitat for mold growth. This is because flood water can get into small dim areas, such as under the baseboards, where the flood water creates plenty of moisture and the drywall and wood material provide an energy source. Fortunately, a restoration professional should know that such areas are at risk for this problem and include them in their damage assessment.

3. Flooding Can Get into Unseen Areas

It’s important to understand that water can seep into little used spaces of your home as well. This is why it’s a good idea to call a storm damage restoration professional to help any time this type of problem occurs. These professionals can handle water removal as well as any secondary damages that may occur such as mold, or sanitizing to prevent bacteria growth. They will also know what unseen areas in your home should be checked for these damages based on where the flooding occurred. This may include basement or crawlspace areas, under flooring, and between some walls.

Because mold is a fungus there’s a chance you could see mold growth after issues with standing water, like storm flooding, occur. This water can seep into unseen spaces and create a desirable habitat for the spores to grow. Fortunately, a professional can help.

4 Candle Alternatives

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Reed diffusers are the best bet

How Candle Alternatives Can Be a Good Option for Your Home

If you have pets or kids, a candle fire can be a scary possibility. Fortunately, there are inexpensive alternatives out there. Read on to learn what candle alternatives can be a good option for your home in Lakeland, FL.

1. Essential Oil Diffuser

If you want something that can do more than one job, this may be a good idea because it both fills your home with your favorite scents and acts as a humidifier. These come in a variety of sizes and colors so you can find one that will fit perfectly in your home. Simply pick one out, fill it with your favorite oil, and enjoy it.

2. Reed Diffuser

This is another option that uses your favorite essential oils. The main reason people like this is because you only have to put the sticks in once every few weeks to get a constant scent in your home. This is the most low-maintenance option with no wax, flames, or plug required. Plus, you can easily cover it if it doesn't match your decor.

3. Incense Sticks

These candle alternatives still let you light something, although this may not be for you if you are sensitive to smell. You may also have to play around with different types before you find one that smells good, isn't overpowering and doesn't make you think of dark churches. This option can be fun because you get to search for the incense holder that goes with your decor.

4. Room Sprays

If you can find one that lasts longer than five minutes, these are great candle alternatives. They are often available in the same scent as your favorite candles and good sprays will last all day without a flame.

Whether you are looking for a flameless alternative or just something new, essential oil diffusers, reed diffusers, incense, and room spray are your best bets. These can help you avoid fires, hiring restoration professionals, and other damage that candles can bring.

How To Use a Home Fire Extinguisher

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

By learning how to operate a fire extinguisher you can avoid a home fire in your home.

Tips On How To Operate A Fire Extinguisher

Many residents keep a fire extinguisher in their  North Lakeland, FL, homes, but it's essential to know how to use it correctly. You don't want to spend time figuring it out during an emergency. If you're not sure how to operate an extinguisher, here are some tips.

The PASS Method
Using an extinguisher is best explained with the PASS method. PASS is an acronym that stands for:

• Pull
• Aim
• Squeeze
• Sweep

Pull
In the handle of every extinguisher is a pin that prevents accidental discharge. Pull the ring on the side of the handle until the pin comes out. The extinguisher is now ready for use.

Aim
Point the nozzle, horn or hose away from you and aim it toward the base of the fire. While your first reaction might be to aim the extinguisher at the flames, you will not prevent fire damage because the material will simply go through them. Aim low where the fire gets its fuel.

Squeeze
Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing material. If you're using a CO2 fire extinguisher, take care to avoid touching the discharge horn as it gets very cold during operation.

Sweep
Using a side-to-side motion at the base of the fire, sweep the extinguisher until the fire appears to be out. Keep an eye on the area for recurring flames. If they start up again, repeat the steps of aiming, squeezing and sweeping. If you have any concerns about your ability to put out the fire, evacuate immediately. After the fire, you can have a fire damage assessment done to see what repairs need to be made.

Extinguishers in Your Home
It's best to have an extinguisher on each floor of your home. The first place to have one is in your kitchen, as a kitchen fire can happen during cooking. The garage is another good location for an extinguisher.

Taking time to learn how to use your fire extinguisher can help you react quickly in the event of an emergency.

What Is the IICRC?

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

We employ IICRC-Certified technicians

Basic Information About This Organization

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification serves as the primary certifying organization for this industry. If you are searching for a damage restoration company to do work on your business, ensuring they have a mitigation certificate from this organization guarantees that you will receive high-quality work. Here is some basic information about this organization and the rigorous standards certified firms and technicians must meet.

Stats
There are certified companies in many countries around the world. Here are some basic stats about this organization:

• Thousands of companies are endorsed
• Thousands of certified employees are employed in the industry
• Dozens of training courses are available for firms and technicians
• These workers and firms must meet over a dozen rigorous requirements outlined in the organization's standards

Standards

The IICRC is the leader in technological advancements in the restoration industry and ensures that its companies follow a certain set of standards to provide high-quality concepts, terminology, and procedures. These standards are based on the most recent scientific developments and are strictly adhered to by companies who wish to maintain their certification.

Certified Firms

There are certified firms all over the world, even in Lakeland, FL. These are easily identified because only IICRC-endorsed companies can access designated marketing material, webinars, and the firm locator on the organization's website. Only companies with a certification from this organization are guaranteed to provide high-quality work.

Certified Technicians

Additionally, the IICRC offers certifications for technicians who are looking to further their careers. Companies that have certified employees are available in many locations and can provide exceptional work on restoration projects.
When you need a company that will provide high-quality restoration work for your business, it is important to look for an endorsement from this organization. This ensures that you are getting trained employees who use the most recent scientific innovations in the industry to provide your business with the highest quality remediation work available.

3 Professional Smoke Removal Methods

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

When trying to deodorize the smoke odor in a room, a thermal fogger may be used

Below Are Five Methods Commonly Used

Along with the visible damage a fire may do to your Lakeland, FL business, there is also smoke damage to consider. If the smoke cleaning isn’t done right, it may mean years of a lingering odor. Unfortunately, traditional cleaning methods often aren’t enough to get rid of the smell. When you trust the restoration of your business to a fire damage and mitigation company, you can count on the most innovative equipment to be used.

Air Scrubbers

Designed to remove tiny pollutants from the air, scrubbers have a filtration system that takes in air and passes it through a filter, which is typically a HEPA filter. Once it goes throw, clean air is released back into the environment. As the process continues, the clean hair mingles with the smoky air to make it less dense. The speed that it works depends on the initial density, size of the room and ventilation.

Thermal Foggers

When trying to deodorize the smoke odor in a room, a thermal fogger may be used. During the process, a heated deodorizer is sprayed. Since it comes out in the form of fog, it is able to reach areas that traditional cleaning methods would mix. The cleaning mixture surrounds the smoke particles and absorbs them, making it an ideal neutralizing method. When this technique is used, the business will need to be evacuated.

Ozone

Another piece of smoke cleaning equipment used is an ozone generator. Similar to oxygen except it has three atoms instead of two, this colorless gas oxidizes odors. The ozone’s atoms attach to odor molecules to neutralize them. The machine breaks them down, along with odor-causing bacteria, to eradicate the smell.

After a fire, charred items and layers of soot aren’t the only concern. Smoke cleaning is essential to ensure your business is back to “Like it never even happened.”

Supply Line Maintenance in Your Bathroom

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

A supply line refers to the pipes that carry water into your home

Bathroom Supply Line Maintenance

A supply line refers to the pipes that carry water into your home. There are main lines that normally measure 3/4 an inch in diameter and go to an appliance such as the water heater, and branch lines that measure 1/2 inch in diameter and go to individual sinks, bathtubs, and fixtures. It is important that the supply lines are in good shape and that they are made of the proper materials such as PVC, copper, stainless steel, or PEX piping. Supply line damage results for many different reasons: pipes are too old, they freeze and burst, they are damaged by an obstruction or they have bad connections.

Simple Maintenance

When a supply line leak happens in your bathroom in Dixieland, FL, you have two main options: fix it yourself or call a licensed plumbing contractor. With a simple bathroom leak, where the problem is accessible, you can fix the problem in an afternoon with the following steps:

• Locate the problem
• Shut off the water
• Remove the piping with a wrench
• Buy the correct amount of new pipe
• Connect the new pipe to the fixture and turn the water back on

Supply line damage comes in many forms, though, and not every problem will be simple. Leaks are sometimes located behind walls or in other inaccessible places. Complicated issues should be left to the professionals.

Complex Water Damage
It's possible that you won't immediately discover supply line damage. The leak could be hidden or in an area that you don't frequent every day. A large or longstanding leak will likely require the services of a local water remediation team. Qualified mitigation specialists will assess the situation and take appropriate action. This often involves water removal with the help of wet vacuums and a program of drying and ventilation. Where damage to flooring and drywall has occurred, it may be necessary to restore and replace materials. The job is finished when your home is restored to its original condition.