Bloomingdale Community Seeks Help From Experts to Remove Trapped Water

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fish Hawk crew is called in to test moisture after standing water is identified.

Moisture and standing water are substantial threats for Bloomingdale homes after water damages

Burst pipes or invading water from roof leaks and damaged fixtures can leave inaccessible areas of the house struggling with water damage. With porous materials like drywall and carpeting quickly absorbing standing and migrating water, costly damage to these structural and cosmetic elements can result.

The Advantages of Controlled Demolition

Trapped water damage in Bloomingdale homes must get removed with careful strategies. Several unique approaches exist depending on the impacted material, ranging from weighted extractors for carpeted floors to more complex drying mats and injecti-dry and tenting systems. Pulling caught moisture from porous materials prevents this flooring or construction material from becoming disfigured or unusable.

How Does Moisture Spread Through Area Homes?

Much of the movement of moisture and water damage in homes after ceiling leaks or flooding can be attributed to natural processes where properties seek to find a balance, wet goes to dry. Reaching an equilibrium of temperature and moisture causes the migration of water through porous materials and open areas of the residence. High porosity materials are conduits to impact multiple spaces in the house simultaneously before thorough drying can resolve the situation. Some of these affected materials include:

• Drywall
• Wood framing
• Ceiling systems
• Carpeting
• Structural openings

Because of how quickly water damages can get out of control in area homes, fast action is preferable when drying and restoration are possible. Many area residents have trusted the reliable response of our SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk team to help. We are available 24/7 at (813) 460-0204.

Lightening Dangers and Damage Your SERVPRO Emergency Response Experts Can Help With

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water/storm damage technician loads up truck to service the Central Bloomingdale community.

How Lightning Forms

Did you know that lightning is the second highest cause of death by severe weather in the United States, and that lightning strikes are more deadly than hurricanes or tornadoes? Summer thunderstorms are common in Florida and most lightning flashes start inside the cloud. If the lightning is going to strike the ground, it will form a channel pointing downwards inside the cloud toward the surface. When it gets close enough, roughly a hundred yards from the ground, trees and bushes start sending sparks up to meet the electricity in the cloud. When a spark from the tree or bush connects with the electrical energy in the cloud it causes the electrical current to surge rapidly down the channel to the object that sent the spark. SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk has years of experience providing storm damage cleanup and restoration services in Tampa and is ready to respond to any size emergency.

Call Us Today

If lightning causes damage to your home or commercial business, SERVPRO^® of Central Bloomingdale is Here to Help. ® We have a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond to your call 24 hours a day and we can be onsite to immediately begin the repair process within four hours.

5 Common Water Damage Restoration Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in Bloomingdale home being serviced by SERVPRO restoration experts.

Fixing water damage in your home requires knowing what can hinder your progress. Here are common water damage restoration mistakes:

Water damage can cause a myriad of problems for your property, your wallet, and your peace of mind. When it comes to being a homeowner, you can't afford to make mistakes if you need to have water damage issues corrected.

Read on for a list of five common water damage restoration mistakes to avoid so you can get back to living in a dry, safe home.

1. You Wait for the Issue to Go Away
Whether it's a major storm or a burst plumbing pipe, one of the most common water damage restoration mistakes that homeowners make is waiting too long to get help. You might think that everything will dry out on its own and that your home will return to normal. The truth is, water can wreak serious havoc on your home's structure even more than what you can see, so contacting a water damage cleaning service ASAP is key.
2. Water Damage Restoration Mistakes: Doing Things DIY
Fixing water damage yourself is almost impossible except for the initial cleanup and doing things like bringing furniture outside to dry. Otherwise, there are many things that you'll need to leave in the hands of the professionals. The pros have the water damage equipment needed to repair things the right way so that serious problems don't creep up later when you least expect them.
3. You Think It's No Big Deal
Water damage to homes can cause all kinds of issues with the structural integrity of your house. Mold and mildew can also grow, so it's important to make sure that everything is restored the right way the first time. If you shrug your shoulders and think that water damage isn't so bad, you might end up with a lot more issues later that could've been avoided if repairs were made upfront.
4. Not Knowing Signs of Water Damage
If you're recovering from a disaster, you might not easily recognize the signs of water damage right away. When this happens, problems can start to multiply without you even realizing it. Look for signs like discoloration of walls and floors, warping, and mold growth so that you're aware of serious issues before they get out of hand.
5. You're Using the Wrong Tools
Mops and towels can help to absorb excess water on the floors, but they're not enough to get the job done right. A water damage cleaning service has the proper water damage equipment to get things cleaned up the right way. These pros have a variety of specialized equipment and tools in their arsenal that will help to restore your home back to its original condition.

Don't make these water damage restoration mistakes if you've recently undergone water-related issues in your home. Never ignore the signs of water damage, and always contact the professionals to help you navigate this stressful time.

For more information about our water damage restoration services and how we can help, feel free to contact us today.

Holiday Vacations Are Upon Us! Let Us Help With Peace of Mind Tips on How to Avoid Water Damage.

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Tampa resident with water damage after a pipe burst while family traveled on vacation.

Vacation is the best time to let your guard down! SERVPRO experts have a “tip list” to execute, so you don’t return to disaster after! 

Lots of things can go wrong in your home while you’re on vacation. Most commonly, leaks and water damage. Read our steps below to learn how to help prevent and reduce the risk of water damage when you’re away:

Check for Leaks

Before you leave on vacation, be sure to check around your house for any leaks. Pipes under sinks, your water heater, anything resembling rust, cracks, or other damage. It’s important to check the seals around your windows and the exterior of your home as well. If you find any leakage, be sure to fix it right away so everything can be repaired and in good condition before you leave. If you have trouble identifying all of the places to check, you can count on the best plumbing experts in our area to help!

Inspect Appliances

Important appliances such as your dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator are all connected to your home by hoses. If these hoses are damaged in any way, they can cause major water damage to your home. Inspect your appliances and, if needed, replace their hoses prior to leaving on vacation.

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning leaves and other debris out from your gutters before taking a vacation is an easy way to prevent potential blockage and build up. To learn more about the advantages of clean gutters, click here.

Turn Off the Water

Whenever you leave your home for an extended period of time, it’s important to turn off the water main and make sure the pipes are completely drained. This will stop any water from continually leaking in your home while you’re away. Simply run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water.

Have Someone Check on Your Home

Coordinate to have someone come over and check on your home while you’re away. Having a friend, neighbor, or family member keep an eye on your property can help keep it in good shape, and they can notify you immediately if something goes wrong.

With these tips, you can truly enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that your home is safe from any potential water damage that could occur in your absence. If your home does suffer from water damage, call our team at SERVPRO of Bloomingdale/Fish Hawk. We can help remove, repair, and restore any damage to your home.

What Needs Checking at My Bloomingdale Home After Water Damage?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and training to restore your home to pre-damage condition after water damage.

SERVPRO Does the Broad Checks Bloomingdale Homes Require Before Water Restoration

Various actions are necessary for a home after water damage. Evaluation after the incident is crucial since it provides material information on the best course of action. When you want to check things, an appropriate approach is to do it comprehensively, touching on your home's directly and indirectly affected areas.

It is easy to think that since your Bloomingdale home has water damage only in one area, checks should only concentrate on that area. However, moisture migration does not follow uniform patterns. It is not constrained by physical barriers such as walls since it can wick through materials or dissipate into the air as humidity. Our SERVPRO crews can inspect your house since we use different tools which simplify inspection.

Where to Concentrate the Inspection

• Concealed areas like floors and walls
• Electronics and appliances
• Any discoloration patches or dark spots

Inspecting a house after water intrusion should help reveal any urgent and obscure issues, minimizing the chances of serious problems later on. Recessed areas within the structure form perfect holding ground for moisture to accumulate and remain hidden until severe problems such as rot, mold, or odors alert the homeowner of the hidden water damage. At such a stage, the level of deterioration is intense, requiring significant work and huge costs. Our SERVPRO technicians concentrate on walls and floor surfaces when doing the checks since the likelihood of moisture accumulation is high in these sections.

Checking whether there is water damage in concealed areas is challenging since there is no direct access. Opening up the areas merely for inspecting is not ideal because it is time-consuming and destructive. Our SERVPRO technicians use alternative means such as thermal cameras to identify wet patches beneath other materials. Penetrative moisture meters are also helpful, especially when establishing the moisture percentage, a crucial metric for water cleanup processes.

Moisture in Contents

Apart from structural areas, moisture also finds a way into contents. Electronics and other appliances are vulnerable since moisture contact with internal components leads to rusting and electrical shorts. Such items may not show any outward signs of damage since their outer shells are made of nonporous plastics, metal, or glass.

The moisture can find its way inside such components through direct exposure or when humidity in the air condenses inside the item. Our SERVPRO technicians can take action to prevent or minimize water damage in this category of things by covering them with plastic sheets, moving them away from affected rooms, and maintaining temperatures above the dew point to prevent condensation. If any item is visibly wet, we expedite water extraction and set up a dehumidifier in the storage area. Such items also require cleaning and restoration by a specialist.

Wherever the checks reveal moisture presence, adequate measures are necessary to counter its effects. Some early signs of water damage include discoloration and changes in physical form. Our SERVPRO technicians probe the areas where we note changes for signs of severe problems like mold. For example, probing a material like drywall or solid wood reveals whether it is sturdy or soft, indicating rot or mold deterioration. If none of the advanced problems are noted, we can use various controlled drying procedures, including drying chambers, to save the materials.

SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk, can help you establish the level of water damage in your home early enough. Call us at (813) 460-0204.

After My Bloomingdale Home Sustains Fire Damage, What Is the First Thing to Do?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Call our experts after you experience a fire disaster, we have the training and tools for fire & smoke restoration.

Timely Fire Mitigation Limits the Effects of a Fire at Your Bloomingdale Home

If you feel confused after a fire incident at your Bloomingdale home, you should not worry. It is a common outcome considering how such incidents leave widespread damages and clutter. Finding a way to mitigate the damages, especially the secondary ones, is essential at the earliest opportunity.

Mitigation in a Bloomingdale home after fire damage takes several actions. Most of these actions have to be taken simultaneously to be effective, which leads to confusion. Assistance from SERVPRO plays a crucial role in establishing order and resolving the problems.

Essential Early-Stage Actions

• Inspection
• Structure protection
• Moisture management

Inspecting a fire-damaged property might sound unnecessary since issues like charring, soot deposit, and odors are readily noticeable. However, the easily identifiable problems are not the only ones left by fire damage. An inspection helps reveal hidden issues or the true extent of the obvious ones. For example, observation makes it easy to tell whether surfaces are charred or covered in soot residues. However, determining the charring depth or the type of soot deposits collected on surfaces requires better evaluation.

Char depth matters because when it extends beyond 15%, a material loses structural integrity, thus making any fire restoration efforts futile. After stripping down covering materials like insulation and wall panels, our SERVPRO technicians use char gauges on critical structural areas such as frames and trusses ( ¼" depth is acceptable for salvaging). Soot deposits vary in physical and chemical properties. The most common variation noted is dry and wet soot which influences the cleaning processes. Dry soot is readily removed through dry cleaning procedures like vacuuming, feather dusting, and cleaning with sponges. Wet soot residues necessitate the use of solvents and other cleaning agents.

Protection During Fire Damage Restoration

• Protecting the structure from external elements
• Protecting the valuables in your home
• Protecting interior structural areas

Safeguarding your home immediately after fire damage is essential. Otherwise, the damages started by combustion can escalate beyond control. The level of clutter and disorganization at your home might also force you to dispose of things en-masse if no safeguards are established from the start. Our SERVPRO crews take care of these issues in different ways. We set up various controls to organize the fire damaged site. For instance, having large trash cans and setting a staging area for storing restoration equipment and cleaning products enhances efficiency and reduces unnecessary clutter.

The interior sections of your house are highly vulnerable in the aftermath of a fire. The water that quells the flames can become problematic if the moisture left in the structure is not managed. Controlling moisture under the circumstances imposed by a fire is much more challenging because actions such as moving items might be curtailed by soiling and hazards. Drying is also challenging because using air movers to boost evaporation would spread soot residues and other debris all over the property. Our SERVPRO crews provide the necessary help to remove the moisture and protect your home. We set up containment barriers with plastic sheets to separate the burnt home sections from the rest of the property, ensuring that disturbed residues do not reach unintended areas. We also have low airflow dehumidifiers for drying with minimal disturbance to debris.

SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk, helps mount a proper response in any case involving fire damage making it "Like it never even happened." Call us at (813) 460-0204.

Who Should Clean Up My Bloomingdale House After Mold Damage?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

If mold is left unchecked, it can spread very quickly. Contact our IICRC certified mold damage remediation team for an assessment today.

SERVPRO Helps When Bloomingdale Homes Require Knowledgeable Mold Cleanup Teams

When mold develops at your Bloomingdale home, many problems follow, mainly the soiling of different materials that appears as patches of dark or whitish spots on surfaces. Granular debris from deteriorating surface finishes like paint is also common. Cleaning these soils is not only challenging but can also be hazardous, so involving a trained person is advisable.

After mold damage, cleaning a Bloomingdale home takes several steps since the soiling is widespread in visible and concealed areas. Cleaning must also involve physical and chemical processes to address all aspects of the mold appropriately. SERVPRO sends well-equipped restoration teams to handle any level of contamination that develops in your property.

Mold Remediation Procedures

• HEPA vacuuming
• Damp wiping
• Abrasive cleaning

Deciding which cleaning method is necessary for your mold-damaged property is not always easy. The chosen method should remove the soiling effectively but must not create other problems such as spreading debris or leaving materials wet. Mold primarily develops because of unresolved moisture issues, so any more wetness left on structural areas or contents is detrimental. Also, spreading debris and spores in the air or other house sections is not ideal. Our SERVPRO IICRC Certified technicians combine different cleaning techniques to complete each cleaning stage conveniently and safely.

HEPA vacuuming is good at the initial stage to lift off all loose mold debris before subjecting the soiled areas to other cleaning procedures. It can also be a complementary method to complete other approaches such as abrasive cleaning, which leaves fine residues. For such cleaning, we use a dry vacuum fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters which trap particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, ensuring all residues deposited on surfaces or embedded in crevices are removed.

Dry cleaning methods are not always capable of removing soiling from mold contamination. If surfaces are wet or stained, an alternative way is necessary. The affected material also matters since soiling and stains tend to be more stubborn in fabrics and upholstery items. Using detergents helps in such cases if done correctly. Our SERVPRO technicians use the damp wiping approach when wet cleaning surfaces since it permits the use of detergents without introducing too much moisture. We also apply products with antimicrobial properties to inhibit further mold development.

Finalizing Cleaning

Cleaning is not over after dealing with the changes noted on materials and surfaces. Mold damage causes additional changes and inconveniences in your property that you should address during the cleaning process. One such problem is the musty odor that makes it uncomfortable to stay in contaminated rooms even after being cleaned. Our SERVPRO technicians take care of the problem in different ways, including:

• Deodorization
• Drying all moisture remnants
• Air filtration

Deodorizing after mold cleanup may seem daunting, especially when the house is still damp since humidity dissolves odors making them more apparent. Our SERVPRO technicians set up dehumidifiers to dry any moisture remnants. Then we use a method like dry fogging or activated oxygen to neutralize the odor sources.

With the different procedures and hazards to avoid when cleaning a property after mold damage, the input of a skilled team is crucial. SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk, can help. Call us at (813) 460-0204. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Proper Water Removal Can Protect Your Bloomingdale Hotel

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Prompt water removal helps to prevent secondary damages. SERVPRO is always standing by for your commercial water damage restoration needs.

Water Removal Fends Off Costly Secondary Damage

SERVPRO wants to help you restore your hotel’s elegance before it requires water removal. Bloomingdale residents might rarely spend the night under your roof, with most of your guests arriving from out of town. Unfortunately, one small leak can become so widespread. SERVPRO can help make this a thing of the past and keep it from developing into a worse nightmare.

Leaks happen without warning and can create an urgent need for your hotel in Bloomingdale to have water removal specialists take care of the situation. SERVPRO’s technicians have the experience and training perfect for these terrible circumstances. Our goal is always to restore our customer’s property so it becomes just “Like it never even happened.” Part of this prevents secondary damage that turns a prosperous hotel into a local eyesore.

Secondary damage that correct and proper water removal prevents includes:

• Microbial infestations like mold or mildew,
• Uncomfortable humid conditions, 
• Continued deterioration of the interior construction, and
• Unpleasant odors.

These microbes can grow out of control wherever cellulose and excess moisture co-exist. The effort required to prevent this is slight but targeted.

Secondary damage includes problems such as drywall becoming considerably weaker. The carpeting might begin showing signs of dry rot or thinning of the backing, allowing vacuum cleaners to remove loosened fibers. Wooden features can discolor or warp, losing their beauty. Metal fixtures can rust, creating rough surfaces that can snag expensive clothing. We treat these items with specialized care to prevent these costly conditions.

When something becomes wet, its surface’s molecules slowly become airborne, creating an unusual if not unpleasant odor. We use unique methods to counteract this phenomenon, so guests only detect pleasant scents at your hotel.

To receive the specific services your hotel needs, call SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk at (813) 460-0204. We are close by to respond to your emergency.

Prompt Fire Damage Restoration for Cookout Mishap in Bloomingdale

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can make your fire damage "Like it never even happened."

A Grill Accident Calls for Fire Damage Restoration

Summer months are full of cookouts and get-togethers, often using the backyard gazebo or a covered patio. While we hope everyone has a safe summer, accidents are inevitable. When one does occur at your Bloomingdale party, fire damage restoration can get your summer back on track.

Residents of Bloomingdale who need fire damage restoration can depend on SERVPRO to get the work done quickly. We know you want to return to your normal activities, and we can help. The high heat from your grill can cause damage that lasts long after the event. Charcoal remains hot for quite a while after everything is finished cooking and can melt or burn anything it ends up in or on. Too much lighter fluid can send flames higher than expected. We can help fix:

• Fire damaged flooring and walls,
• Electrical wiring, outlets, switch plates, and
• Any part of the roof that also sustained damage.

Depending on what your gazebo or patio floor is made from, it might burn or melt. We can replace damaged areas with similar materials, scouting out matches to reduce the required materials. When possible, we change out only those materials that sustained damage instead of the entire floor. Walls and columns can become weak enough that they no longer can give the support they were intended to provide. 

Often, we find the wiring for exterior lighting on the surface of walls, along window and door frames, and underneath the extended part of siding panels. This exposure can lead to the cables melting if flames get too close. Our team can repair these so lights can continue lighting up your property at night.

Our general construction team is prepared to keep a roof over your future parties. We can rebuild the underside, as well. Our goal is to make it all “Like it never even happened,” with expertly carried out fire damage restoration. 

We are always here, so call SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk at (813) 460-0204 for help with this and any other disaster that affects your home.

Slight Flood Damage Now Can Mean Bigger Issues Later in Fish Hawk

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

It only takes a small amount of floodwater to cause a lot of damage.

You Cannot Win the Waiting Game with Flood Damage

The sound of thunder and the subsequent flashes of lightning bring out different reactions in people. Some residents enjoy a storm as it passes over Fish Hawk; others hate it. One thing everyone dislikes is flood damage, even minor flooding. If your home sustains inundation from rainwater, you must react quickly.

The fresh scent after a storm is a pleasant treat in Fish Hawk, but flood damage is something nobody needs. SERVPRO assists with even slight flooding. Repeated events like this can lead up to significant damage. Protect your home - don’t wait until the damage becomes severe. 

Even without repetitive flooding, damaged areas continually worsen. They cannot get better nor restore themselves without help. SERVPRO is that help. We also scale our services to your exact needs. Just like no job is too large, the same is true that no job is too small.

It only takes a tiny bit of flood water to cause:

• A bad odor,
• Dry rot to start in on carpeting, and
• Floorboards to warp, buckle or loosen.

Flooding is notorious for smelling foul because of the tainted mixture of chemicals and soils soaking into your home. One type of flood damage seems to worsen in one area but affects the entire house. Scents travel, and anything within the area can tend to pick up these unwanted scents.

Since flooding brings in filthy water, IICRC regulations require replacing flooded carpets. Small areas, however, can be cut out and an accent piece installed as a replacement. Our carpeting specialists can repair or install new carpeting after our mitigation team gets everything cleaned and dry.

Water might seep underneath wooden floorboards, making it difficult to ascertain how much water entered your residence. This moisture can sit underneath and cause boards to swell and curl or cup. We use specific techniques to undo this damage.

Call SERVPRO of Central Bloomingdale, Fish Hawk at (813) 460-0204 for assistance with this and other issues that harm your home.