How To Prevent Mold After Water Damage

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Air Blowers drying water damaged space

After experiencing water damage at your business in Coral Gables, FL, you should do everything you can to prevent mold growth. These tips will help you clean up standing water and prevent molding.

Steps

To prevent molding, you should perform the following steps as soon as possible:

• Remove standing water
• Dry the area
• Disinfect surfaces

Without quick mitigation, mold will grow within 24-48 hours of a flood, so you have to act quickly.

Removing Water
You must first remove water from the building. How this is done depends on the amount of water present. If there is only a small amount, you may be able to clean it up with towels, a mop, or a wet-dry vac. If there is an excessive amount of water, you will likely need pumps or industrial vacuums. You should also make sure the liquids are not in contact with any electrical wiring or contaminated with any harmful bacteria. If there are excessive amounts of water, an electrocution risk is present or that water is contaminated, you should call a water damage restoration service to assist you.

Drying the Area
Opening doors and windows will help dry the area more quickly. Once the bulk of the water and any wet items have been removed, you can set up fans to aid in the drying process. Fully drying the area will prevent mold growth and further damage.

Disinfecting Surfaces
After surfaces are dry, they must be disinfected to kill bacteria and prevent the growth of mold. Any surface that the water touched should be thoroughly disinfected, including flooring, furniture and belongings.
Flooding can cause mold growth in addition to other types of water damage. To mitigate the development of mold, you should remove standing water, dry the area completely and thoroughly disinfect surfaces. If there are excessive amounts of water or risks of electrocution or contamination, you should contact a professional to help clean up and repair the damage.

How Restoration Professionals Repair Water Damage

2/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Professional air blowers drying water damaged business

Water damaged homes are no DIY project. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water restoration services needed.

SERVPRO offers West Miami residents proven methods for rapid water damage restoration

When you have water damage within your West Miami home, SERVPRO has multiple strategies for removing standing water and efficiently ensuring your interior dries. We make it “Like it never even happened,” so that your home gets Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned when all is said and done.

We utilize several methods and tools to help with water damage restoration in Coral Gables. We may use one or more of these actions to get the results you deserve:

• Powerful Pumps – Our Green Fleet comes stocked with equipment like high-pressure extractors and electric submersible pumps to pull up as much water as possible in a short period.
• Industrial-Grade Vacuums – Having portable vacuums handy to move around your property to pull up water is crucial for results. Quite often, we use our wet vacs in conjunction with attachments to get into all areas. 
• Specialized Attachments – We use wands and other attachments that make our submersible pumps and vacuums even more useful. They allow us to get into smaller spaces so that no moisture gets left behind.

Water damage restoration is best when left to skilled water restoration technicians (WRT). Call on our team at SERVPRO of West Miami when you need someone at your door and ready to get to work at a moment’s notice. We can be reached for 24/7 emergency service by calling (786) 789-3963.

Kitchen Fire Restoration

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Pot Fire in Kitchen

A fire damage event is difficult for the home or business owner on many levels, and the restoration process that follows can be intimidating. Today we are sharing what you can expect from a fire restoration project. Each fire event is a little different, and each will require a unique solution, although the overall general process stays the same. The steps we are listing below will illustrate the SERVPRO process for the average fire damage emergency.

• Emergency Contact. Your restoration process begins the moment that you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us to respond with the appropriate equipment and resources for your particular situation.
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. Our team will carefully inspect and test all the adjoining rooms of your home or business to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is vital to us, allowing us to develop the perfect plan of action for your property.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage will often compromise the condition of windows, walls, and roofing. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we will board up missing windows and walls, and place tarps on damaged areas of the roof.
• Water Removal and Drying. If water damage is present, the water removal process will begin almost immediately, with the goal of removing the majority of the water. Our team will then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water and complete the drying process.
• Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces. SERVPRO of West Miami uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and all other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. Our team uses a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to the condition they were in before the fire. We are also trained to remove lingering odors, using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• Restoration. This is the final step - getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or painting surfaces, or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas.

Here at SERVPRO of West Miami, we are ready to help if your home or business suffers from damage due to fire or water. You can also count on us when it comes to mold remediation and prevention.

Damages Resulting from a Fire

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire and Smoke Damage Image

Fire Damage

Fire damage is caused by the actual fire. This can include damage to the structure of the property. Often materials are melted and can ignite other materials with this type of damage. 

Fire damage can also cause different toxins to react causing explosions or they can act as accelerant spreading the flames and causing additional damage. 

Water Damage

Water damage is always present with fire damage because the flames have to be extinguished. Often the damage caused by the sprinklers in a building is much more significant than the initial fire damage. 

Smoke Damage

Soot from a fire can be found in every room of a house that has been badly burned, even those rooms that were not burnt. Often homeowner's belongings, furniture, clothes in drawers, important documents, paintings, and more are completely covered in charcoal black soot. Some items are not salvageable and the items that are have to be properly cleaned or the soot can permanently destroy them. 

Mold Damage

After experiencing a house fire, the water damage has to be professionally handled, because when it is not properly dried mold can grow. Mold is a toxin that can cause numerous potential health problems for those living in the property. It is important to make sure the water damage is taken care of by professionals like those at SERVPRO of West Miami. 

Water Damage And the Insurance Process

1/31/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Miami today at 786-789-3963!

Water damage and insurance at your property in the Coral Gables can be a confusing process.

Different types of water damage are insured by different types of policies.

Homeowners and renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Generally speaking, water that comes from the top down—such as rainfall and burst sprinklers—is covered by a standard homeowners policy.

Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider to your homeowners or renters coverage.

Typically, water that comes from the bottom up—such as an overflowing river—is covered by a separate flood insurance policy, which can be purchased from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and from some private insurers. If you live in a flood prone area, learn more about appropriate coverage.

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage from water disasters.

https://www.iii.org/article/how-protect-your-home-water-damage

SERVPRO of West Miami is here for all of your restoration needs.

Making Fire Restoration Easier

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration in Coral Gables commercial building

Fire damage restoration in Coral Gables commercial building

How To Make Fire Restoration Easier

A fire can do major damage to your Coral Gables, FL, business. Fortunately, following the three steps outlined below can help the fire restoration process go more smoothly, so you can get back to work quickly.

1. Contact Insurance Company and Document Damage
After the fire has been extinguished and everyone is safe, your first task is calling the fire insurance company and filing a claim. Follow all instructions your agent gives you, and be sure to document the damage thoroughly.

2. Secure Property
Before you or a certified restoration service begin cleaning up, it is important to secure the property. There may be broken windows and other openings resulting from either the fire or the extinguishing efforts. Board up or tarp over these areas to protect the property from inclement weather and prevent wildlife and trespassers from entering the building. If your commercial building is particularly vulnerable, consider installing a security fence for another layer of protection.

3. Prevent Further Damage
Unfortunately, water damage from the fire extinguishing efforts can lead to mold growth. Additionally, both smoke and soot are corrosive. Leaving any of these elements to sit can lead to further damage and the need for a more extensive fire restoration process. In some cases, insurance companies will not pay for damage that occurred after the fire was extinguished if they feel you did not take adequate steps to prevent it.
Dry up the water within 24-48 hours using pumps or wet/dry vacuums, and begin the soot and smoke cleaning process as soon as possible. Make sure you know what type of soot you are dealing with before you begin cleaning. Using the wrong cleaning solution or technique could make the damage worse.
By contacting the insurance company, securing the property, and preventing further damage, you have ensured that the fire restoration process will go as smoothly as possible. The more quickly you begin cleaning up, the more of your items you will be able to fully restore.

Common Sources of Commercial Water Damage

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded Downtown City Street

Your Coral Gables, FL, building can be affected by water damage from a variety of sources, from a broken pipe to severe weather. This is a common problem that should be taken care of quickly to prevent secondary damage from occurring. The following are a few ways in which you could experience this.

1. Backed Up Plumbing
Backups in your toilets and sinks can result in damage involving contaminated water. One reason that this can happen is simply from disposing of items in the wrong way. Only flush toilet paper down the toilet, and put up signs reminding others to do the same. You should also avoid pouring food or grease down any sinks.

2. Damaged Pipes
A damaged or broken pipe can keep water from draining properly and may also result in water filling your building. These should be checked regularly to prevent serious problems. Replace your pipes if they are getting too old.

3. Leaks
Even small leaks can cause problems for your business. They can cost you money in the form of higher water bills and can contribute to the growth of mold. They can also cause damage to building materials. Have water repair done to fix leaks as soon as you spot them.

4. Fire Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers are a great way to keep your building safe in the event of a fire. However, they can cause some problems as well. The water used by these devices can cover large areas of your building, resulting in damage to equipment and the surrounding area. If they are not working correctly, they may cause flooding even when there is not a fire.
Performing regular inspections and keeping your building maintained can help prevent damage from a broken pipe or other water sources. If you do experience damage, it is a good idea to contact a professional water damage remediation company that can perform both cleanup and repairs. This will help return your building to its previous condition more quickly.

Why SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

flooded downtown streets in Miami Florida

SERVPRO of West Miami is trained to safely clean and restore your customer's home, utilizing the following procedures: 

• Identify the Source/Type of Water
• Measure Temperature and Humidity for Drying Analysis
• Survey the Extent of Damage and Inspect the Premises
• Perform Emergency Water Extraction
• Move and Block Furniture
• Provide Floor Service
• Inspect Carpet Pad/Carpet and Provide Service
• Apply Necessary Treatments
• Utilize Drying Equipment and Monitor Drying
• Dispose of Refuse

About SERVPRO of West Miami

SERVPRO of West Miami specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

For help restoring your home or business after a water loss, call SERVPRO of West Miami at (786) 789-3963. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Are You Prepared for a Fire?

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

Is your smoke detectors fully charged?

Any office, even one in Coral Gables, FL, needs to be prepared in case of a building fire. Creating a fire escape plan is a critical action step in minimizing potential disaster, and making just a few easy safety checks can also greatly reduce one’s legal liability.

What To Do

As recommended by the American Red Cross, here is a select list of steps all businesses should carefully execute before calamity strikes and they need the help of fire damage restoration services.

1. Install and check all smoke alarms. Test them every month and be certain batteries have not expired. Place them in strategic locations so it will be impossible for employees on any floor to not hear them. Note: Smoke alarms can double your chance of survival.
2. Fire extinguishers and other equipment, like axes or flashlights, should be placed in easily accessible areas. Take time to consider where best to store these items.
3. Make certain that fire escape plan information is posted in conveniently readable, key locations and clearly communicate with staff regarding proper fire emergency protocol.
4. Hire a professional to check electrical systems for potential trouble spots. Pay extra attention to common dining areas, as most fires start in kitchens. Microwaves can be particularly dangerous.
5. Know your routes. Map out exit plans from every area of your building. All employees should know at least two paths leading outside.
6. Designate a proper meeting spot (or more, if necessary) where head counts can be taken.
7. Run impromptu practice drills of your emergency escape plan at least twice a year. Never let anyone back into the building until all safety requirements have been completed.

What To Remember
Maintaining an effective fire escape plan and taking preventative measures will always remain a primary responsibility for any commercial entity. Failure to do so could have serious ramifications, so it is incumbent upon companies to take all reasonable precautions before anything happens. Don’t leave anything to chance.

Your SERVPRO Response Actions

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Miami Team Group image

The Response Steps of SERVPRO West Miami

Storm damage can interrupt your clients' businesses and make it difficult for them to get back on track. When you need fast, professional mitigation services in Coral Terrace, FL, you can recommend SERVPRO with confidence. Its 24-hour service ensures that no matter when you call, you can depend on quick service. With one call to the corporate hotline, you set in motion a response that's Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

1. Respond Within Under an Hour
When you contact SERVPRO for emergency restoration, you can count on a fast response within an hour of your call. When the responder calls, he or she will gather information to plan how to approach the restoration of your client's building:

• Location of building
• Type of damage
• Extent of damage
  
  

Local technicians use this information to gather the appropriate supplies and equipment and to enlist any extra help they may need to address the problem.

2. Arrive Within Four Hours
Disaster doesn't wait for a time that is convenient for your client. That's why it's so important to choose a company that operates on a 24-hour basis. No matter when the damage occurs, the SERVPRO team arrives on-site within four hours of the initial call. The team members assess the damage to your client's building and compile a list of the repairs that need to be made. They can then estimate the overall cost and time it will take to complete them.

3. Brief Within Eight Hours
Because SERVPRO is always open, the restoration team that will complete the work on your client's billing will be ready to brief him or her on what is needed to get it back to normal within eight hours of the initial call. Technicians give building owners an overview of what to expect from the process and answer any questions they may have.
You and your clients can depend on SERVPRO for professional, 24-hour response. Regardless of when the disaster occurs, SERVPRO will be there to help in a timely manner.

Plumbing Issues in Commercial Buildings

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing Issues in Commercial Buildings

Plumbing Issues in Commercial Buildings

Plumbing issues come in all shapes and sizes, and you never know when they will appear. Toilets, in particular, cause their share of problems. A toilet overflow in Coral Gables, FL, has the potential to result in several issues:

• Water spilling out onto the flooring
• Water seeping into wood or tile flooring
• Water filtering through to the ceiling below
• Contaminated or black water causing safety issues
  
  

A non-working toilet is also an inconvenience to employees and customers. A toilet flood is both an aesthetic issue and a health concern and could require the services of a professional water remediation team.

Health Concerns

A toilet overflow comes with several potential health concerns. Any time there is water damage, the extra moisture creates favorable conditions for mold growth. Some people are especially sensitive to mold, which is both an irritant and an allergen. Standing water should be removed as soon as possible and should be treated by workers trained in mold mitigation techniques. Also, any time time the source of a water leak is from the toilet there is a possible concern with contaminated water. Dirty water could contain harmful bacteria and other substances that should not be touched by untrained workers without access to personal protective equipment such as gloves.

Cleanup Matters

Another issue in a commercial building is when a toilet will not stop flushing. This happens when the flushometer keeps running, resulting in a constant flushing action. The steps to stop a toilet from flushing are complicated enough that you might want to call in a licensed plumber. If a water spills out into the floor, you might need a professional cleanup. Water damage technicians will bring in specialized equipment to remove and extract all water and will dry out the area to ensure the humidity level is back to normal. A fast response helps limit the amount of damage caused by a toilet overflow and prevents mold growth.

Faster To Any Disaster

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO West Miami Available 24/7/365

Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Commercial water damage affecting your business can be very scary. As much as 50% of businesses never recover from an unexpected disaster. That's where we come in.

When you choose a water cleanup or fire cleanup provider, you want to make sure you select someone you can trust. When you choose SERVPRO of Brickell, you're choosing a company that's licensed, insured, and has a trusted reputation among the community.

Our team will arrive onsite within an hour to help mitigate damage and get right to work with water extraction if needed. 

We will be with you every step of the way, and we will work to always do the right thing. It's our guarantee! 

Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We're the guys that hospitals, restaurants, HOAs, medical buildings and clinics, and others choose to do their emergency water cleanup.

We can be reached at 786-789-3963, 24/7/365.

3 Ways To Deal With a Business Fire

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Image of file storage in flames at local business

Business fire in Coral Gables, FL

How To Move Forward After A Fire

When your business in Key West, FL, suffers fire damage, it can be overwhelming to know how to move forward. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get back to business as soon as possible. These three simple tips can help you be prepared and file a fire claim with all the necessary information.

1. Keep Good Records
When dealing with insurance, things go faster when your records are clear and organized. The best time to prepare for filing a claim is now, before you’ve had a fire. Always have up-to-date insurance and ensure your records are easy to find. Keep proof of business ownership and a ledger of all business expenses in a safe storage place or online.

2. Preserve Everything While Evaluating the Damage
Go through the entire property and take detailed notes about what has been damaged or destroyed. Be comprehensive and evaluate everything. Take pictures of the damage where possible. You may be tempted to clean up, but it’s in your best interests to keep everything as it is at first to help you prove the damage.

3. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately
Contact your insurance agent quickly to start processing your fire claim. The company will want to know exactly what was lost, when the fire happened, where it happened, who (if anyone) was involved or injured, what is the condition of the building, and what repairs you’ve made. The agent may ask for access to the police report if there is one.
This process will not be quick, and it involves a lot of communication. Keep everything and take detailed notes of all conversations you’ve had with the insurance company or anyone involved.
Dealing with a fire is difficult. While quickly submitting a fire claim can help you get reimbursed for the damages, a quality fire restoration service can help repair your property. Be prepared, act quickly, and find a professional to help with the damage.

How to Remove Smoke Damage From Your Commercial Building

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Soot Damage in commercial building

Soot damage in West Miami, FL

How to Remove Smoke Damage From Your Commercial Building

If there has been a fire in your Coral Gables, FL, building, then you may have a significant amount of damage to take care of. While primary damage from the flames might be your biggest concern, you shouldn’t disregard the smoke damage. Smoke and soot can cause plenty of trouble on their own, even if the fire itself wasn’t too severe. The following are a few things that will need to be done to bring your building back to its previous condition.

1. Scrub Surfaces

Because smoke and soot can travel through the air, it is important to do smoke cleaning even in areas that the flames didn’t touch. With non-porous surfaces, this process is fairly simple. Any excessive amounts of soot will need to be removed first, and then the area should be treated with cleaners to remove any remaining residue.

2. Clean Belongings

Along with the structure of the building, soot damage can affect many objects as well. Smoke can penetrate porous materials, which can make them more difficult to clean than hard surfaces. However, the damage can sometimes be removed with dry cleaning. Smoke can also make its way into electronic devices and equipment, so you should have these inspected and cleaned before attempting to use them. Otherwise, they may be permanently damaged.

3. Remove Odors

Even after smoke damage has been cleaned from surfaces and items, you may still notice some lingering odors in the building. In order to remove these, you may need to clean smoke and soot particles from the air. You can use air scrubbers and filters to do this.
To get the best results and have your building looking as good as new, you should hire a professional service to remove smoke damage and make repairs. A fire damage remediation company will inspect the building, perform cleanup and restore your building and belongings. With their training, expertise and professional equipment, they can have the job done well in a timely manner.

When Our Logo is on your Door, your Commitment to Clean is Clear

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Signage on Restaurant door

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes, we're helping businesses across the country open safely. So make the commitment to keep your employees and customers safer. Make sure your space is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

CONSULT

A Tailored Cleaning Program to meet your needs.

• We will assign you a Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands your business.
• Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.

CLEAN

Proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning program.

• Trained and experienced in bio-hazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
• EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

CERTIFY

A Commitment to Clean for your Employees, Residents and Consumers.

• Leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
• Communication touch-points include a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblem, signage, marks for your digital footprint and more.

Have Questions? Call today 786-789-3963

#1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based on Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019.
** Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchisees perform the job according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) with EPA-approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience and result.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Miami technicians' enter a commercial building to perform COVID-19 Deep cleaning.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of West Miami, (786) 789-3963.

Is Your Building Prepared for a Wind Event?

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Miami Technicians reviewing water damaged commercial facility.

Is Tropical Storm Eta heading towards the Coral Gables? - Prepared for a Wind Event?

Tropical Storm Eta is expected to miss Coral Gables, FL, however, powerful winds can cause significant damage to buildings and homes. Broken windows, leaks and residential roofs damaged or torn partially or completely off. 

Assessing Your Risks

While buildings are constructed to withstand strong winds, there are still steps that a building owner can do to ensure that your property does not suffer significant damage during a catastrophic wind event.

Downtown Miami including neighborhoods like Wynwood and Midtown Miami may experience high winds from Tropical Storm Eta which can cause damage to your property.

Protect Your Roof

Whether you are in a residential home or a commercial building you should conduct regular roof inspections. Examine the roof for any loose or missing materials or loose perimeter flashing. During a large wind event loose flashing can cause water to seep inside causing a potential interior flooding. When inspecting a commercial rooftop make sure there is no loose equipment and all entries and doors are secure.

Inspect Areas Surrounding Building 

Having lawn furniture, pool lounge chairs, planters can all become a wind hazard, so be sure to remove or secure anything that may become a projectile. Remove any loose items, or any other debris before high wind storms. You should consider replacing gravel or rock landscaping with shredded materials. Gravel landscaping materials are a major source of windborne debris and can cause significant damage as they can break unprotected windows.

Create and Test a Disaster Response Plan

Having a response plan in place will ensure that when a wind event occurs, you and your team will be prepared that the property will be protected. While many have a disaster response plan in place, it’s vital to also test the plan. Ensure that all staff is aware and educated about all wind-related procedures. You local SERVPRO of Wynwood can help you with setting up you plan with you own custom Emergency Ready Plan - ERP.

Be Prepared

The main takeaway is to be prepared before any wind event. By following the above tips and taking steps to secure your building, you can make sure that your building will be safe and protected from damage in the event of a catastrophic wind event and potential flood repair efforts.

Black Mold after Water Damage?

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Baseboard black mold damage after water leak incident

You may have seen home repair reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many other types of mold can also produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

If you spot any signs of mold, don't be afraid to call the professionals at SERVPRO for a free estimate. Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by visiting Mold Damage Tips. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (786) 789-3963

Several Common Sources of Commercial Water Damage

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Dryer at commercial office water damage mitigation and restoration process.

Here are the Most Common Water Problems Your Company May Face

Over the course of several years, it's not unusual for your company to experience several problems associated with a water leak. These problems can be very large. A broken pipe at the wrong time and place could become a major headache, while a leaky faucet can be taken care of in less than an hour. Some problems happen to company's across the U.S. over and over again. Here are four water problems that your company in West Miami, FL, might face at some time in the near future.

1. Fire Sprinkler Discharge. A fire sprinkler system on your property can stop a fire quickly and limit fire damage. The water flow from the system will saturate areas of your property with hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water. In many cases, this will require the services of a water mitigation team to come in and remove standing water and dry out surfaces.

2. Broken Pipe. A plumbing line break can spill a large quantity of water into your building, resulting in localized flooding. The source of the water can be either clean water or dirty water. Either way, it needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible and the source of the leak fixed.

3. Bathroom Issues. With all of its pipes and sinks and toilets, your company restroom is often a place of water leaks. A toilet overflow or a leaky pipe can damage flooring and other structures. A quick water repair is the best way to limit damage.

4. Supply Line Break. This happens in buildings with older plumbing systems. It can be hard to predict when it will happen, but regular maintenance by a plumbing contractor could limit your vulnerability to this problem.
A broken pipe or other plumbing issue can be expensive and cause secondary damage to your building. Watching out for common problems and acting quickly can reduce the severity of each problem.

Storm Flood Damage - What to Expect After the Storm

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Office flood damage, cleanup and restoration

Types of Damage To Expect After Storm Flooding

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in West Miami, FL

Storm Damage That Can Affect Your Business

After a heavy storm in the commercial downtown Coral Gables, FL area, you may find your business has issues due to flooding which can result in water damage, mold growth, and wind damage. Fortunately, a local storm damage restoration service can help. Here’s what you may want to know about these three types of damage and how they can affect your business.

1. Water Damage

One of the first damage types associated with storms comes from water. Standing water can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold which have their own types of problems. It can also seep into the structure and lead to crumbling drywall, cracked tile, soften stone, and warp wood such as that in flooring or support beams. Fortunately, removing the water quickly may help mitigate large scale damage. A pump may be helpful in this process.

2. Mold Damage

Another type of damage comes from mold growth. Mold can grow when an environment is left damp for an extended period of time, often in areas of water damage. It roots into organic materials such as drywall and spreads by sending out spores. Mold colonies can weaken the structure around their growth.

3. Wind Damage

Another type of damage that can be seen after a storm comes from the winds. Most often people think of the damage the wind can do to a roof if there are any loose shingles. However, the wind can also pick up loose debris such as small stones, branches, or items left on the law, and blow them into the structure. Additionally, the wind can tear loose any overhanging branched from nearby trees.

After a storm, you can expect to see water damage, damage from mold growth, and damage caused by high winds. Your local restoration team should be able to assess and repair each of these damage types, and soon have the company property looking “Like it never even happened.”