Risks of Poor Fire Clean Up

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

If your in need of restoration services, give SERVPRO a call!

When you think of a fire, your mind probably conjures up images of smoke, flames, and charred remains. You likely don’t think about the long-term effects that these dangerous flames can have on your family, home or business. Unfortunately, fire damage is not always visible to the naked eye and can remain hidden for months or even years after it occurred. If you suspect that the damage was not taken care of properly, then there are steps you can take to protect yourself from further problems down the road.

What Happens if Fire Damage is Unmitigated?

If fire damage is not properly mitigated, the fire damage can spread to other parts of the building. This is especially true if you have a wooden structure. In fact, it’s estimated that 80% of all fires spread and are not contained within their original area. The fire damage can spread to other buildings on your property or nearby. If you don’t clean up properly after a fire, there could be severe consequences for your neighbors as well as yourself, especially if they're in close proximity. The smoke and soot from a mishap like this could cause permanent damage to your home even after it's been cleaned up (more on that later).

What to Look for After a Fire

Smoke can damage the structural integrity of a building, as well as its contents. The color of the walls and ceiling may be discolored or have a dull appearance, and there may be water stains or soot deposits on these surfaces. If you see any evidence that points to smoke damage, it is important to consult with professionals who can provide an assessment of the extent of the problem before proceeding with repairs.

Signs of water damage. Water used in firefighting efforts may cause severe structural problems due to crumbling walls and ceilings as well as mold growth if left untreated for too long after cleanup has been completed. If you notice any signs that point toward possible flooding due to firefighting activities – such as puddles under windowsills – contact professionals immediately so they can assess how best to proceed with cleanup efforts without further damaging your property's structure or contents

Contact a Professional

The longer you wait, the more damage can be caused by fire and water damage. Don't try to do it yourself, if you aren't sure what to look for contact a professional immediately.

Don't wait too long to call a professional. If there is smoke damage in your home, it's best to act quickly so that the dangerous bacteria and spores from ash, don't get a chance to grow into something worse.

The team at SERVPRO is here to help you with all your fire damage needs. We have the expertise and experience to get your home back to its pre-fire condition. We can also help you find replacement items for those items that were damaged or destroyed in the fire. Call us today!

Types of Molds found in Homes

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of molds that can grow in your home.

Mold growing in your Margate, FL house can cause a lot of damage, so it's important to know the types of molds that can grow in your house. If you see mold or suspect that there is mold growing in your house, contact a professional to test for and remove any mold from inside your home.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is an airborne mold that can be found in soil and decaying plants. It can grow on wet, damp surfaces such as walls, basements, and crawl spaces, around toilets and other plumbing fixtures, and in shower stalls.

Alternaria

Alternaria is a common mold that can grow in homes. It can be found on plants, wood, and soil. It will also grow on fabrics and other household items if they are left damp for long periods of time. This type of mold grows best in dry areas with high temperatures, such as attics or basements where there is little ventilation. Alternaria may also be present when there has been a flood or any other water damage to your home.

Aspergillus

This mold often grows on things like fabrics, ceiling tiles, and carpeting. It is a common type of mold to see after a water loss has occurred in your home or business. 

Penicillium

Penicillium is a type of fungus that can grow on many different types of food. It can be found in the soil, on plants, and on fruit and vegetables. Penicillium grows best when it's warm and damp, so you'll often find it indoors where there is high humidity or moisture from leaks or flooding.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium is a fungus that grows on organic materials, such as house dust and plants. It can be found in homes, schools, and offices. This mold can grow on a wide variety of materials including wood products like particle boards or plywood; paper products such as books; and even upholstery fabrics like cotton or wool. 

Mucor

Mucor is a fungus that can grow on food and other organic materials. It can be found in soil, air, and water; it grows on damp building materials such as wood, and cardboard. and plasterboard. Mucor spores are microscopic so they may not be visible to the naked eye.

Stachybotrys Atra

Stachybotrys Atra, also known as black mold, is a fungus that can grow on many surfaces, including wood, paper products, and textiles. Black mold is especially common on the wallboard.

It is important to know the types of mold that can grow in your house.

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp areas and doesn't need light to survive. It can be hard to see unless you're looking for it, but if you know what to look for and where to look, you'll be able to spot mold before it becomes a serious hazard.

Mold likes humid places with poor ventilation like basements and crawl spaces, as well as inside walls or behind skirting boards. If there's enough moisture in your home or an area where there has been moisture build-up (like an old bathroom), mold will grow there too.

We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of molds that can grow in your home. If you're concerned that there might be mold in your house or business, please contact SERVPRO of East Coral Springs!

Smoke Odor Removal Requires Special Equipment And Knowledge

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

One of the main causes of smoke odors is industrial fire damage.

Smoke Odor Removal Requires Special Equipment And Knowledge

Smoke Odor Removal

Smoke odor in your home can be an embarrassing and frustrating problem. It's not uncommon for people to try to remove smoke odors from their homes, only to find that the smell returns. This is especially common if you've tried using products or methods that didn't work well in removing the odor. But as with most things, it's important to go into this process with knowledge about what caused the smell and how best to treat it. So let's take a look at why smoke odors return after you think they are gone.

Removing Smoke Odor

There's no one-size-fits-all solution to removing smoke odor. The nature of the problem and the equipment used are both very important in determining what will work best for your home. Smoke damage is often so severe that it can't be fully cleaned, but there are steps you can take to minimize the impact and restore some of your home's former beauty. 

Removing Smoke Odor Can Take a While

There are a number of reasons that smoke odors return after you think they have been removed. The first is that the smoke odor removal process can take weeks, if not months. That’s why we recommend that you hire a professional company like SERPVRO of East Coral Springs to do your smoke odor removal work for you. We will be able to identify any hidden sources of smoke odor and remove them so that your home smells fresh and clean again!

If you have smoke odor because of an indoor smoker, you might still smell the smoke because there may be some remnants of tobacco left in your home. Tobacco tends to build up on walls and ceilings over time, especially in areas where people regularly smoked such as kitchens or living rooms. This buildup can cause mildew growth which releases an unpleasant smell when it begins decaying due to exposure to sunlight or other environmental conditions like humidity levels being too high indoors (which happens naturally during summer).

Fire Damage and Smoke Odor

One of the main causes of smoke odors is industrial fire damage. When a factory catches fire, it’s not uncommon for firefighters to have trouble extinguishing it completely due to the quantity of materials being used. This could include plastics, rubber, petroleum products and other volatile substances that burn easily and produce strong smells when they do so.

Even after these types of fires are extinguished, business owners may still experience lingering smoke odors because any material left behind can continue releasing fumes for years afterward. In some cases these fumes can also be toxic if there was chemical exposure during the fire itself or if an industrial process created them onsite (such as oil refineries).

Product and Equipment Matter

The type of product you use will affect how effective it is at removing smoke odors. Some products are better than others, but not all products are effective when it comes to smoke odor removal.

The most important thing to remember is that there's no single best solution for removing smoke odors from your home or car or office. You'll need to choose the right products for your particular situation and circumstances.

Knowing the Source and the Solution

Smoke odor removal requires knowledge to know what has caused the smell and how to treat it. This is where we excel. Our technicians are trained in all areas of smoke odor removal, and they work with you every step of the way. 

They'll ask questions about your home or business and then come up with a plan for removing odors from your property.

A critical part of our process is determining what caused the smoky smell in the first place. For example, if you're trying to remove odors from food leftovers burning on a stovetop or in a microwave, there will be different solutions than if your home caught on fire because you forgot to empty the dryer lint tray. The key is finding out what caused the smoke odor so that we can apply the right treatment method.

After identifying where an unwanted scent comes from, we'll talk about potential solutions with you; together we'll determine which products will best address your specific needs—whether that means using ozone generators or simply airing out rooms until fresh air blows away bad smells from previous occupants' cooking experiments gone wrong.

The good news is, you don’t have to worry about this one. We know exactly how to remove smoke odors from your East Coral Springs home and help you get back on track. Just give SERVPRO of East Coral Springs a call and we’ll be glad to help!

5 Common Causes of Noisy Water Pipes

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

There are many reasons for noisy pipes, so it’s important to have them checked out by a professional.

5 Common Causes of Noisy Water Pipes

Noisy pipes are a headache to deal with, especially if they're in your Coconut Creek, FL home and not just an annoying neighbor. Luckily, fixable causes aren't hard to pinpoint. Here's what you can expect from noisy pipes and how to silence them once and for all!

Water Hammer

Water hammer is a banging or knocking sound in your pipes. It’s caused by rapid water movement in the pipes and can be caused by either a sudden change in water pressure (such as when you turn on or off a faucet) or a sudden decrease in water pressure (such as when the dishwasher starts).

Loose Mounting Straps

Loose pipes can cause a variety of problems, including noise, leaks, water damage, and flooding. If your water pipes are loose or not secured properly to the wall, they may vibrate whenever the water is flowing through them. This vibration causes a loud buzzing sound that you might hear throughout your house.

If this continues for an extended period of time without being addressed by a professional plumber, it might cause structural damage to your home's walls and foundation! This can result in costly repairs down the road — so it's best to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible if you suspect that something isn't right with your plumbing system.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure is another common cause of noisy pipes. Excess pressure can result in a leaky faucet or cracked pipe, but it can also cause excessive wear on the components in your plumbing system. It’s worth noting that high water pressure is not always a bad thing; there are instances when you may want to increase the pressure coming into your home. If you live in an area with hard water, for example, you may be able to reduce mineral deposits by increasing the amount of force with which it enters your home.

An easy way to reduce the amount of pressure coming into your home is by installing a pressure regulator on all incoming faucets. A regulator will take care of any excess pressures and ensure that everything functions properly without having any negative impact on other parts of your plumbing system—or yourself!

Loose Pipe Joints

If you hear loud banging noises when using water in your Coconut Creek, FL home, there's a good chance that the problem is caused by loose pipe joints. Loose pipe joints can cause leaks, water hammer, and other problems.

A loose joint is an area where two pipes are touching without being secured together with a union or coupler. This happens when the pipe shrinks slightly due to temperature changes or other factors. The result is that one side of the joint moves more than the other, causing vibration and noise as it rubs against other connected pipes nearby. When this happens over time, it can create more serious issues like cracking and even breaking apart entirely!

Mineral Buildup on Pipes

Mineral deposits, or scale, which are made up of calcium and magnesium compounds, form on the insides of pipes over time due to natural water chemistry. As this buildup increases in size, it becomes more difficult for water to flow through them smoothly—and that can cause clanking noises as well as an increased risk of leaks.

There are many reasons for noisy pipes. If you’re experiencing a clanking sound from your pipes, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional plumber right away. This can help ensure that the problem is caught before it becomes worse and potentially causes leaks or other issues down the road. 

Why You Should Call SERVPRO After a Fire.

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Coral Springs is here to help. We can take care of everything from removing soot and smoke damage to restoring your property.

Why You Should Call SERVPRO After a Fire.

Smoke, soot, heat, and water can all cause damage to your Coral Springs home or business after a fire. If you're not sure how to handle the aftermath of a fire, it's wise to call in the experts. They'll be able to help you assess just how severe the damage is and what you need to do next.

Soot and smoke can cause problems.

Even though the fire may not have caused much damage to your home, you still need to call a restoration professional. Soot and smoke can cause health effects, damage to your home's structure, and mold growth. They can also cause water damage and electrical problems.

By calling a restoration professional after an accident in your home or business, you'll avoid these potential issues!

You could be putting your property at risk.

If you don't call a professional, you could be putting your property at risk. Fire damage can cause mold, structural damage, electrical problems, and more fires. This can lead to even more damage on top of what was already done.

Cleaning up even a small fire isn't a DIY job.

While cleaning up may be the first thing you do after a fire, it's not the only thing. If you don't know where to start, call a restoration professional. A professional can help ensure that your property is protected while they're working on repairs and minimize further damage caused by water or smoke. The fire restoration experts can also assist with filing insurance claims and making sure everything gets covered—including belongings that were damaged in the fire but weren’t initially declared as part of your claim (like smoke-damaged clothing). They also know how to handle hazardous materials so that these dangerous materials aren't spread around your home when you try to clean up on your own!

There are a lot of considerations after a fire, but their restoration experts can help.

A fire is a traumatic event, and you'll need to take care of the aftermath. There are many factors that should be considered when deciding what to do after a fire, including the extent of damage and how much time has passed since it happened.

People often think they can handle cleaning up even a small fire themselves, but this isn't usually true. In addition to damage caused by the actual flames, there are other elements that can cause problems later on: soot and smoke residue will stick around for months if not cleaned regularly; water used in fighting the fire may have damaged your belongings; chemicals used to extinguish fires might have left behind lingering odors or stains; electrical wiring might need repair or replacement due to damage from heat exposure; plaster walls might crack from excess moisture.

If you've suffered a fire in your home or business, don't worry. The team at SERVPRO of East Coral Springs is here to help. We can take care of everything from removing soot and smoke damage to restoring your property back to normal. It's important that you act quickly after a fire to avoid serious problems for your home or business. If you need any assistance please call us today!

Outside Grilling Fire Safety

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these BBQ cooking tips and grill safely this summer.

According to National Fire Protection Association July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by the months June, May, and August. 

During the summer season when the days are longer and the weather is warmer, more families cook food outside.  Whether you use gas, propane, charcoal, or a smoker, SERVPRO of East Coral Springs wants you to keep these fire precautions in mind. 

For gas/propane grills:

*Check the gas tank for leaks before using it.

*Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting.

For charcoal grills:

*Use only charcoal-started fluid to start the fire.

*Make sure the coals are completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

For smokers as well as all grills alike, these common-sense tips apply.  Make sure the placement of the grill is away from the house. Don't place it under eaves or trees. Never leave the grill unattended and ensure the kids and pets are at least three feet away. Remembering to remove the grease and fat buildup from the trays and grills after each use is important. 

SERVPRO wants you to have a safe, enjoyable summer while feasting on the delicious foods you cook. We hope the delicious smokey fire smell is the only fire smell you remember this summer.  

Help is only a phone call away, (954) 406-7771.

Your Commercial business should have an Emergency Ready Profile

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

The importance of getting your Emergency Ready Profile from SERVPRO of East Coral Springs.

No matter what size business you operate, handling an unexpected disaster can be chaotic. Being physically present at your business 24/7, just for emergencies is nearly impossible. That's why SERVPRRO created a complimentary Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) specifically for your business that provides valuable information needed during emergency situations whether you're there or not.  

To perform an ERP, SERVPRO of East Coral Springs can conduct a site visit and create a custom document with your building specifications.  Square footage, access points, and emergency contacts are notated. The locations of shut-offs for gas, water, and electricity are documented and photographed.  This way if your business suddenly has a water leak, quick access to the shutoffs can be found and the damages will be minimized. 

Your company will get a hard copy ERP report to keep on-site. You and your employees can download the free ERP app where your emergency information can be stored. This gives you quick access at your fingertips.

From then on if you experience a fire, water, or mold problem, you and your staff can open the app, click the icon for your emergency, and fast track your way to getting help from SERVPRO. 

Call 954-406-7771

Why You Should Call SERVPRO of East Coral Springs?

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Residents of East Coral Springs feel safe and protected in the arms of SERVPRO

Why you should only call our SERVPRO?

Our franchise was established in 2005 as an independently owned and operated business focused solely on serving our community with pride and honor. In fact, our family motto is all about customer satisfaction and appreciation. This mindset lays the foundation for everything that we do.

Over the last 17 years, we have gone above and beyond for our customers. From tiny leaks in a home kitchen to enormous flooding in a commercial building, we have seen it all and we have solved it all.  We take pride in being a family-owned business because we know what that means for our customers.

Who runs the show at SERVPRO?

SERVPRO of East Coral Springs owners is a father-son duo, Alan and Adam Greenstein. They have a hands-on style and understand the importance of making great first impressions and lasting relationships.

Working with Alan and Adam our Crew Chief Yoandi mobilizes the crew towards jobs, and our Office Manager Evie answers customers' calls. They treat every customer and community member like family.

How does SERVPRO of East Coral Springs operate?

When our phones ring, the person on the other end is in need of help and it is our goal is provide unmatched services to them to save time and money, no matter how large or small the issue may be.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for our community. With a staff highly trained in property damage restoration, we handle the cleanup for residential and commercial buildings. We take pride in being a family-owned business because we know what that means for our customers.

What do we do?

From tiny leaks in a home kitchen to enormous flooding in a commercial building, we have seen it all and we have solved it all. Are you ready to see the difference between a family-owned business?

We are ready to help any time, any day. Give our office a call today to learn more about our services!

954-406-7771

Protect Your Business From Storm Damage

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Inspections done ahead of storm season can help minimalize storm damage

Routine exterior maintenance of your Coral Springs, Fl commercial building can help the structure better withstand inclement weather. Whether you are anticipating strong thunderstorms a strong exterior will keep your business protected.

Inspection: A thorough building inspection will alert you to any weaknesses or problems that make your building more vulnerable to storm damage. A full exterior inspection will cover all of the following areas:

• Roof
• Foundation
• Windows
• Doors
• Brick, stucco, siding, etc.
• Gutters and downspouts

The frequency of inspections depends on a variety of factors, including the age of the building and local weather patterns. At a minimum, have the building professionally inspected once a year, ideally before the stormiest season. Make sure the building is checked for cracks in the walls and foundation, loose gutters, and weak spots in the roof. A trusted building inspector can let you know what areas of your structure may need more frequent inspections.

Maintenance: In addition to routine inspections, it is important to keep your building maintained. Exterior maintenance involves more than simply repairing the issues discovered during inspections. Keep gutters and downspouts clear and make sure they are not loose. Remove debris from the roof. Pressure wash as needed to minimize fungal growth. Make sure all signage is securely attached to the building.
The nearby landscaping also affects the structural integrity of the building and should be properly maintained. Keep limbs trimmed and make sure trees are healthy and strong to prevent them from damaging the building. Consider grading the lawn away from the building and installing plants and mulch to prevent flooding.  
Stormy weather can cause serious problems for your commercial building. However, a little routine exterior maintenance can prevent many situations. 

SERVPRO of East Coral Springs can help restore your business from Storm Damage. Call 954-406-7771.

Practice Fire Safety Drills With Your Family

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

A Fire caused extensive damage to Coral Springs home

SERVPRO of East Coral Springs wants our community to be aware and prepared in case of a fire.

Did you know only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan? 

Here is a list to help prepare:

1) Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.

2) Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

3) Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.

4) Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. Designate a meeting spot outside and a safe distance from your home. Make sure all family members know the meeting spot.

5) Have your family practice escaping from your home, practicing low crawling, and at different times of the day. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

6) Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Make sure everyone in your home learns how to use them ahead of time by reading the manufacturer’s instructions and understanding the steps to use them. Store them near the window where they will be used.

7)Teach your family to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if their clothes catch on fire. Practice this with your children.

8) Once you get out of your home, stay out under all circumstances, until a fire official gives you permission to go back inside.

9) Never open doors that are warm to the touch.

10) If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. If possible, place a towel under the door and call the fire department to alert them to your location in the home. Go to the window and signal for help by waving a bright-colored cloth or a flashlight. Do not break the window, but open it from the top and bottom.

SERVPRO of East Coral Springs is "Faster to any Disaster".  Call 954-406-7771