Flooding in Escambia County: What to do if Water Damage Hits You.

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment used to remedy water damage for Escambia County residents.

Flooding, which is defined as the “temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry” by The Ready Campaign, can occur at nearly any time and is an especially prevalent concern for the Panhandle of Florida.  Whether caused by a hurricane, severe thunderstorm, or man-made occurrence, flood waters can be both dangerous for you and your loved ones, as well as damaging to homes and businesses.  Following are a few guidelines for staying safe during a flood event:

• Do not walk, swim, or drive into flood waters, as the water may be much deeper than expected.
• Do not drink, cook with, or bathe in flood waters, as harm bacteria and microorganisms may be present.
• Always follow the guidance of local authorities, including water advisory notices and evacuation orders.

When flood waters cause damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County at 850-466-3089 for professional water extraction, mitigation, and drying.  Our highly trained team is Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Grilling Safety For Summer and Fall: SERVPRO Solutions for Escambia County

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team loading service van to grill with team.

Outdoor grilling can be a favorite family activity during the warmer months in Florida.  It is very important when operating an outdoor grill, whether charcoal or gas, to be aware of the following grilling safety tips to keep yourself and your home safe:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. You do not want walls, overhangs, or carports catching fire from flames created by the grill.
• Clean your grill regularly. Grease buildup can serve as a fuel source for flame ups that can easily get out of hand.
• Check for gas leaks. Gases can easily go undetected when leaking in small amounts, which can lead to the potential for an explosion when lighting.
• Keep a spray water bottle and fire extinguisher handy while grilling. A spray water bottle can be used to quickly extinguish small flare ups, while a fire extinguisher may be necessary if flames become too large or out of control.

In the unfortunate event that outdoor grilling leads to structure damage, call the professionals of SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County at 850-466-3089 for help.  We have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to take care of fire damages, both large and small.  

SERVPRO Reconstruction Process Acts As The Final Stage Of The Restoration Process

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

Homes in Pensacola are damaged from storms hitting the Panhandle. After water damage restoration experts came in, the reconstruction team steps in.

SERVPRO’S reconstruction process is designed to restore a property to its pre-damage condition after it has suffered from damages caused by water, fire, mold, or other disasters. The process involves several stages to ensure a comprehensive and efficient restoration. Here is an overview of our  reconstruction process:

1. Initial Contact and Assessment: When a client contacts SERVPRO for reconstruction services, their team will gather relevant information about the incident and schedule an on-site assessment. During the assessment, they will inspect the property, determine the extent of the damage, develop a reconstruction plan, and provide an estimate for the project.

2. Coordination with Insurance: If the client has insurance coverage for the damages, SERVPRO will work closely with the insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process. They will provide the necessary documentation and updates to the adjuster, helping to speed up the process and reduce complications.

3. Removal of Damaged Materials: Before the reconstruction process can begin, SERVPRO will start by removing and disposing of damaged materials that cannot be salvaged. This includes drywall, flooring, insulation, and other building materials that have been affected by water, fire, or mold.

4. Structural Drying and Stabilization: For cases that involved water damage, SERVPRO will use advanced drying equipment and techniques to thoroughly dry the affected areas before beginning reconstruction. This step helps ensure a stable environment and prevent future problems, like mold growth and structural deterioration.

5. Reconstruction and Repair: Once the affected areas have been prepared, the actual reconstruction process begins. This may include replacing or repairing structural elements like drywall, flooring, and ceilings, painting walls and ceilings, and installing new fixtures and cabinetry. SERVPRO's skilled construction team handles these tasks to ensure a seamless and efficient restoration process.

6. Content Cleaning and Restoration: Throughout the reconstruction process, SERVPRO also focuses on restoring damaged personal belongings and contents. They use specialized cleaning methods and equipment to restore items like furniture, textiles, electronics, and personal effects.

7. Final Walkthrough and Quality Control: Once the reconstruction work is complete, SERVPRO will conduct a final walk-through with the client to ensure all tasks have been completed to their satisfaction. Any outstanding issues or concerns will be addressed at this time to ensure a successful project completion.

8. Post-Construction Cleanup: After the reconstruction is complete, SERVPRO provides post-construction cleaning services to ensure the property is left in a clean and comfortable condition. This includes removing dust, debris, and other residues that may have been produced during the reconstruction process.

Overall, SERVPRO’S reconstruction process strives to return a damaged property to its preloss condition efficiently and with minimal disruption to the property owner. The process tightly integrates damage remediation, content restoration, structural repairs, coordination with insurance, and final clean up to provide a comprehensive and seamless restoration experience.

When flood waters cause damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County at 850-466-3089 for professional water extraction, mitigation, and drying.  Our highly trained team is Faster to Any Size Disaster!

The Water Damage Timeline is a Perfect Guide to Action Steps You Need to Take.

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Escambia County home shows water damage in several rooms that appears to have been building up for over a week period.

When water damages occur at your home or business, a quick response is key to limiting the amount of damage sustained.  SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County offers 24 hour a day, 365 day a year emergency response to begin the water damage remediation process.  What begins as a minimal water damage can easily become a catastrophe if left unattended.  Following is a timeline of how water damages can progress:

Within Minutes

• Water spreads throughout your property, beginning to saturate everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs & Paper Goods become damaged

1-2 Hours

• Drywall Swells
• Metal Surfaces Tarnish
• Furniture and Flooring begin to warp/mold
• Odors begin to form

48 Hours-1 Week

• Mold Grows
• Metal begins to rust
• Doors & Windows begin to swell and warp
• Biohazard contamination becomes possible

Over 1 Week

• Structural safety becomes compromised
• Mold Growth spreads
• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically
• Biohazard contamination poses a serious risk

If you home or business has suffered a water damage, call SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County at 850-466-3089 for help.  We have the expertise, experience, and equipment to take care of you and your property as quickly as possible.

Why SERVPRO Uses Water Removal Techniques in Escambia County After Any Size Water Emergency

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage technicians are called in to extract water from affected home in Escambia County.

Why SERVPRO Uses Water Removal Techniques in Escambia County After Any Size Water Emergency 

Broken pipes leading to an upstairs bathroom can drench a home's walls and floors in Northwest Escambia from the area where the pipe broke down to the ground floor. The interiors of walls often hold water, and if the exterior walls become saturated, any insulation inside them can also become affected. Smaller drips on loosened connections create damage in localized areas that grow slowly but steadily.

The multitude of ways and varying amounts of water that can affect a residence in the Pensacola Area is why SERVPRO professionals always use industry standard water removal methods and equipment. We can mitigate the damage caused by substantial water losses that threaten an entire home as well as those with isolated areas. We recommend calling for mitigation services, including water removal, as soon as possible.

Water continues to spread to dry areas, regardless of the amount involved, and as it flows into dry sections of your house, it also damages these newly dampened areas. We know that to stop this from happening to currently dry regions, we have to remove all the water as quickly as possible. We use highly accurate devices that locate the presence of moisture and determine the percentage of moisture content in affected materials.

Without the knowledge these instruments provide us, we might leave some areas untreated and able to continue becoming worse. Unmitigated regions can suffer from extensive deterioration, weakening of structural framework elements, and microbial infestation. Our water removal equipment stops these from happening, but only when we know where to use them inside your dwelling.

When we extract water from a home, we use the air as a way to transport moisture from different elements of the house and its contents into our desiccant machines. Once near our equipment, these powerful dehumidifiers pull the moisture out of the air. As this continues, your home's interior steadily becomes drier.

We monitor how rapidly things become dry to keep materials that generally contain higher amounts of moisture from becoming too dry. Items made of or containing wood around your house, from tables to grandfather clocks must hold some moisture to keep them from cracking or splitting along the grain.  

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County wants to restore your home “Like it never even happened” by using effective water removal methods that protect your home and its contents from damage.

5 Signs You Could Have Hidden Water Damage in Wood

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in Pensacola home gets restored by SERVPRO water damage restoration experts.

5 Signs You Could Have Hidden Water Damage in Wood

Do you know how to check for hidden water damage in wood? Protect your home today and use our easy guide to assess your need for restoration.

As a homeowner, it's important that you know how to identify problems and hazards within your home before they cause a catastrophe. One of these potential problems is water damage in wood. When you have water damage, mold and mildew can build up. It could cause potential health effects and worsen your air quality, as well as ruin the structural integrity and longevity of your home.

How do you identify and repair water-damaged wood? We're here to tell you 5 signs so you can protect wood from water damage and catch the problem early. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Bubbling or Cracked Walls
Have you noticed small "bubbles" on your wall? Do you see cracks that you can't identify? These might be signs that your home has water damage.

When a wall gets wet, it causes the paint or wallpaper to lift from the surface. This presents the "bubble" look. A wet wall can also cause small amounts of expansion beneath the surface, causing a crack.

While there are many reasons that a wall might have small cracks, consider checking for underlying water damage first.

2. A "Musty" Smell
There's a telltale "musty" or damp smell associated with water getting deep into the wood. It may start off smelling like the outdoors after a rainstorm, but over time, it gets less pleasant.
This smell means that somewhere in your home, dampness is causing mildew or mold.

3. Visible Mold
This is a more obvious sign that you have water damage. Where there's mold, there's water.
You might have to do a thorough inspection to find mold. Sometimes mold spores are too small to see, but other times, mold presents as dark green, brown, or black patches with lighter edges around the sides where the mold isn't as dense.
Mold can be dangerous, so don't hesitate to call in professionals if you see it.

4. Dark Spots
Dark spots in your ceiling or walls are a clear sign that there's a leak somewhere. These spots can spread quickly, but they're obvious enough that it's easy to catch the problem early.

Look for spots that seem almost like coffee stains. Check the area above the spot (if it's accessible to you) to find the source of the water.

5. A "Spongy" Texture
By the time this has occurred, you know that you need professional restoration or damage control. When wood has enough water damage, it softens and becomes spongy.

If the wood is part of the structure of your home, this can cause serious problems. Don't hesitate to contact someone to inspect and repair your wood damage before it's too late.

When your home has water damage in wood, it can lead to structural issues in the future. In the short term, it can lead to mold in the air and ruined paint or wallpaper.

If you identify water damage in your home, it's best to hire professionals to fix it. That's where we come in. When you need an experienced professional to assess and restore your home in Pensacola, we're here for you. Contact us at any hour of the day and we'll be there to help.

Storm Season Tips: How to Weather Damage and Prevent Further Challenges.

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Businesses and Residents of Coastal Areas Pick Up the Pieces After the Storms.

Tis the season for STORMS! 

If you have experienced a Florida storm season, you know turbulent weather can cause serious damage to vegetation, homes and buildings alike. Wind damage is a leading cause and can loose shingles and tiles on the roof structures. When this happens, rain and snow can seep into the protective surfaces of the roof and cause wood swells and lead to mold in the future. The most common elements- wind, hail, rain, lightning can cause catastrophic damages and greatly impact your life. For that very reason, restoration companies, like ours, exist. Here are some of the activities you can expect from the  SERVPRO storm restoration service professionals.

For both businesses and residential needs, our team will come to the affected property with the best of the best, trained experts to do a detailed examination of the inside and outside of the building. This discovery process can help determine the level of damage. Most often, we will discuss the service needs with the client and the insurance adjuster.

Once the conversation has reached the agreement phase, the work can begin. With various levels of damages, the plan with map out time needed very clearly to meet all expectations of the customer and insurance company. Often, flooding requires specialized pumps and vacuums to remove the water and moisture.

In addition to those, generators are typically brought in to provide power to the air movers and other machinery so as to avoid mold and future damages. Cleaning supplies patented to SERVPRO are used as well for best results. Any carpet or tangible items that can be salvaged are presented to the client to keep.

If contacted in time, our team will be able to rescue your building from greater structural issues, by inspecting the roof and replacing the dilapidated areas. After sealing and renovating the roof, they will then address the ceiling and restore to its former condition.

As you can see, when you suffer from natural disasters, the storm damage restoration process is something our experts can handle.   If you've recently suffered from storm damage and are looking for storm damage repair or water damage cleanup, contact our team today.

Concerned about Coronavirus in Escambia County?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County offers a variety of cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection services!

With Coronavirus (COVID-19) positivity numbers back on the rise throughout Florida, many business owners and community leaders throughout Escambia County are concerned about the impact this trend could have on their business.  As leaders in the cleanup and restoration industry, SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is Here to Help clean, sanitize, and disinfect your commercial properties, providing a safer environment for both your employees and customers.

Due to high traffic in Pensacola this time of year, this is one area within our community with even larger COVID-19 concerns.  To help combat these issues, SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County offers a variety of different cleaning options to best suit your needs.  Along with these options, we will also work with you to schedule a cleaning time that fits into your schedule.

We take great pride in providing the highest possible level of customer service to our clients, and we will work diligently to help your business keep business flowing during these unprecedented times.  To learn more about our different COVID-19 sanitation options, or schedule service, please give us a call at 850-466-3089 today!

Where There's Fire, There's Water...

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your business? Call SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County for help!

You've probably heard the saying, "Where's the smoke, there's fire." In the case of a commercial building fire, you might say, "Where's the fire, there's water." Experiencing a fire can be a very scary event.  Even small blazes can cause extensive fire damage, especially in multi-story buildings Thankfully, our dedicated first responders have the skills and equipment to extinguish the flame. However, this can introduce a new set of problems….

How Fires Start

If there is fire damage in your business, there are a few likely culprits for the incident. Commercial building fires commonly start in the following ways:

• Electrical system problems
• Improper disposal of flammable materials
• People smoking cigarettes on the premises

The Consequences
A fire can rage through your property quickly and destroy building materials, furniture, documents, and electronics. The smoke damage can be just as harmful. Smoke leaves soot and ash on the floor, equipment, and other surfaces.

Water: A Help and a Hindrance
Thankfully, firefighting crews in and around Bay County, are well trained, equipped, and prepared to take care of the blaze.  However, while the water they use to put out the fire is effective at extinguishing the blaze, it also can cause further damage to your building. The water left behind can destroy computers, printers, carpets, and documents. Furthermore, if the water is not quickly cleaned up, it can lead to additional damages, including microbial growth.

A Professional Touch
When fire, and water, damages strike, the highly trained professionals at SERVPRO of Bay County have the equipment, experience, and expertise to respond quickly and begin the mitigation process.  Following guidelines set forth by the IICRC, we will work diligently to make your damage “Like it never even happened.”  To learn more about the services we offer, or request assistance, give our office a call: 850-466-3089.  SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County: “We’re Here to Help!”

Fire Extinguisher Use - How and Which Kind?

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Know what kind of fire extinguisher to have at your property, and how to properly use it!

It is widely known that having an in-date fire extinguisher on your property is imperative to fire safety, but did you know that there are different kinds of fire extinguishers, as well as a proper way in which to use one?  Keeping yourself, your family, and your property protected in the event of a structure fire is paramount, and the below information can help facilitate that process.

Q:  What are the different kinds of fire extinguishers, and what is each used for?

A:  The U.S. Fire Administration defines five primary types of fire extinguishers used to put out different kinds of fires:

1. A – used for ordinary material fires, such as wood, cloth, or paper.
2. B – for use with combustible or flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, or oil.
3. C – for use with electrical equipment like appliances and tools.
4. D – for use with flammable metals.
5. K – for use with animal oils, vegetable oils, and fats in cooking appliances.

Many fire extinguishers may also be multipurpose, in that they carry multiple letter definitions and can put out a variety of material fires.

Q:  What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher?

A: The U.S. Fire Administration suggests the acronym “PASS” as a means of properly discharging a fire extinguisher:

P - Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side

To keep yourself safe, it is important to use extreme caution within a fire damaged structure, and always follow the guidance of local fire authorities.  If a fire does cause damage to your home or business, you want a trusted, local professional to respond and begin the remediation process as soon as possible.  SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County has teams available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergencies, and takes great pride in providing the highest possible level of customer service when disaster strikes.  To learn more, request assistance, or for any other questions, please give us a call: 850-466-3089.