4/9/2024 (Permalink)
Luxury Home Cleaning
This custom home in Lakewood Ranch was near completion and the builder needed a reputable company to do the cleaning after construction. SERVPRO was called in to take care of the details of cleaning this beautiful home and make it ready for the new owners.
4/2/2024 (Permalink)
Fire/Water
Are you passionate about what you are doing in your career? I had coffee this morning with a realtor friend and this topic came up, being passionate about what you do. I can say with confidence, YES! I AM Passionate about what I do – helping people when they are experiencing their worst moments.
I routinely deal with disasters both large and small. I can tell stories for hours about all the water leaks, fires, and other similar disasters in people’s lives. Some are funny and I can laugh after the fact, some are tragic and tug at my heart. I deal with fires that ruin businesses. I deal with fires where the business is recoverable. I am up at 2am for water leaks and sewer backups. I have seen hoarding at its worst and seen many positive life changes.
This is my passion – helping people. This is why I work for SERVPRO® I am always at the ready to help – no matter what happens and I love to work towards the goal “like it never even happened.” Everyone in my office shares this passion. We all care about our clients. We all work hard towards the same goal – to help.
Should you or someone you know ever need my help – I am here 24/7/365. Water Damage, Fire Damage, Mold, Bio Hazard. We serve Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, and Ellenton.
4/2/2024 (Permalink)
Mold on Wall
How do I identify a mold problem?
Check the air and surfaces in the area. If you notice a musty smell, then you have a mold problem. Additionally, different types of molds discolor surfaces with black and/or green specks. Look for mold in bathrooms, windows, crawl spaces, air conditioners, ventilation systems, leaky roofs, attics and basements.
Why have I found mold in several areas?
All fungi, like mold, release spores that travel along air currents. Unless a mold-infested area is sealed off, the spores spread throughout a building. Outdoor mold spores can also cling to the surfaces of people, pets and objects.
Why does mold grow in air ducts?
Poor duct maintenance and moisture from humidity or plumbing, wall or roof leaks give mold spores the perfect dark habitat for growth. The experienced team at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch use time-tested techniques to remove any mold growth and fix the source of the problem.
Can I use bleach to remove mold?
Liquid bleach is the wrong choice for several reasons: Bleach can't successfully penetrate all surfaces -- especially some porous materials -- and since it is wet it will help any missed mold regrow. Worse yet, bleach can hide a deeply rooted mold problem from a mold restoration and remediation firm like SERVPRO®.
Do I need additional testing if I already know that I have mold in my home?
Testing determines the type of mold and the amount of cleaning that must be done to completely restore an area.
Can I use a DIY test kit?
Although DIY kits are inexpensive, they often provide false positive results. They also don't offer the data needed to determine the type of mold or the amount of spores in the air.
How can I remove mold growth and spores from my home?
The best way is to hire a licensed mold remediation firm. Only a qualified and licensed expert, such as SERVPRO, can evaluate the problem and perform the correct tasks to remove mold from the air and surfaces, clean the infested area and safeguard against future growth. Call in a PRO – Call SERVPRO!
Understanding Mold
Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:
4/2/2024 (Permalink)
Hoarding in Kitchen
Have you heard someone mention “hoarding” but aren’t sure what it is? Well, it’s a mental illness that can eventually lead to dangerous conditions in a household, including an increased risk of fires and mold growth.
So, what is hoarding? Hoarding is classified as an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder that causes people to resist discarding objects and seek to acquire possessions (and sometimes animals, too) in large quantities that can take over a home.
Those affected by the condition cling to those items because they believe in their value, but most often the items have little to no value.
As these possessions are allowed to pile up in the home, they present fire hazards and can hide pests or mold growth.
But if you discover someone you love has been hoarding, what are you supposed to do? Your best step—call in a team of professionals to make the space usable again.
When you encounter a space filled up with useless or trivial items, your first inclination might be to toss the items out and clean up. But in reality, cleaning up after hoarding requires special preparation.
A professional team will provide a comprehensive clean-up that mitigates any safety hazards that may be hiding.
Because hoarding leads to piles of clutter and other objects, it can conceal dangerous hazards, including toxic mold and other pathogens, along with rodents and insects.
To ensure you are safely cleaning the space and not putting yourself at risk, partner with a team of professionals educated in safe removal principles and outfitted in the appropriate safety gear.
This is the literal clean-up phase—and it involves clearing the space of everything that’s piled up, including items like newspapers and even trash.
Because these items can become hazardous over time, professionals will ensure safe removal.
After the space has been cleared out of hoarded objects and contaminated household items like furniture and carpets, a deep-clean is the next step. During this process, professionals will take steps to remove all debris and residue, as well as mitigate any odors or stains.
In need of a team to help restore a space where hoarding has been an issue? Contact our team at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, and we’ll make it like it never even happened.
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape, according to the American Red Cross. A fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly, along with an early warning from a working smoke alarm can save lives. For more information on protecting your family and home check Red Cross Fire Tips
Very few circumstances can be more traumatic and stressful than the aftermath of fire damage in your home or business.
Beyond smoke and soot damage; the structure will be soaked with water. The brave firefighters may also need to cut holes in roofs, knock down doors, and break windows to ensure the fire is extinguished. SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 has the experienced restoration professionals to mitigate the damage and restore your home or business to preloss condition.
If your home is damaged by fire, don't wait, call professional emergency service right away. Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.
If you need to remove odors from your home or business, you can hire professionals in SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.
They can help you identify the source and eliminate the problem. Many odors can be removed without a trace. Home deodorization can also include pet odors, spill odors and other foul smells. Oxidization is just one of many ways specialist might remove offensive smells. Sometimes special equipment and treatments are necessary to clean air ducts, carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces.
SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
Contact SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
One of the most important initial steps for you to do following a water damage or flooding event in your Lakewood Ranch home is to contact your insurance agent and then to call a water damage restoration company.
The insurance agent will be able to send an adjuster to the property to complete the water damage assessment. If you call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, a field operator who is always available, will also arrive at your property.
SERVPRO has extensive relationships with insurance companies, adjusters, management companies and government agencies. This offers a unique opportunity for your adjuster and the SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch inspector to assess and develop a plan of action for your home.
The water damage restoration expert will complete a report known as the CCIS. The Contents Claim Inventory Service technology inventories items room by room and categorizes these items as salvageable, non-salvageable or questionable. This form arms you with information to work with your insurance adjuster to come to an agreement on how SERVPRO can best serve you. With a "Work Authorization Form" in hand, the expert technicians can immediately start the water damage restoration process. The importance of a quick implementation of the water damage restoration plan cannot be over-emphasized. Standing water within your home can only compound the damage the longer it remains.
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. SERVPRO® East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important.
A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Call SERVPRO® of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333
6/13/2022 (Permalink)
However big or small the damage left behind, flooding is the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with. With ruined floors, items being washed away, and damage around every corner, you may look around and wonder: what now? Let SERVPRO guide you through the next steps, call (941) 747-2333.
Until Help Arrives
While getting a jumpstart on the restoration process is important, even more important is your safety. First and foremost, decide if it is safe for you to remain inside your home, or if you’d be in less danger outside of your home. Regardless of your location, be careful that the activities you perform don’t put you in a position to get harmed. Post-water damage, some actions which may have been inconsequential before are now potential hazards. Be cautious as you move around, as the most severe dangers water damage can leave behind is electrical damage and slick floors which increase the risk of falling. Be careful when handling wet materials, as these may become heavier than expected.
After a Flooding
Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to secure your safety, it’s time to deal with the aftermath of the flood. There are various actions you can take to minimize damage. Likely, you will find plenty of excess water around your home. Mop this up as you find it, especially when found on wooden furniture. Then you’ll want to begin moving items. Wet upholstery should be moved and put away to dry, as should art, loose items found lying on the floor, and colored rugs. With this done, there are a few more precautions you can take. Use wood blocks or aluminum foil and wedge them between furniture legs or wet carpeting. To dry out any remaining moisture in your home, turn on your air conditioning.
What no to do
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Keep these tips in mind to avoid making costly mistakes.
Don’t leave items lying around on the floor, especially not colored items like books which can leave behind stains. Move wet fabrics to a dry place, and if you have furs or leathers, hang them up to dry. Don’t use household appliances like your TV, or use your vacuum to try to remove excess water you discover. Avoid turning ceiling fixtures on if you have wet ceilings, and be sure to steer clear of rooms where the damage is so severe that the ceilings have begun to sag.
Let SERVPRO guide you through the next steps, call (941) 747-2333.
6/3/2022 (Permalink)
Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1960 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (941) 747-2333
5/25/2022 (Permalink)
Fires unfortunately happen everyday in homes and buildings across the country, but we’re fortunate to have firefighters available to respond to these crises wherever they arise to prevent catastrophe. However, when the fire trucks leave the scene, many people are left with extensive, costly damage to their properties. The truth is, the aftermath of a house fire is often just as difficult to navigate as the fires themselves. Fire and water damage can ravage a home, so if you’re wanting to repair your home and return it to its condition before the fire, these are the steps you should follow.
The SERVPRO fire damage restoration process
The first step you should take is to make a call. There are professionals who specialize in restoration of homes which have been through considerable damage. Call us at 941-747-2333 and explain to us the details of the fire which caused damage. From there you can begin your restoration process.
The second step you will be taking involves inspection. This will be carried out by the SERVPRO restoration service, as it is necessary for them to examine the site of the fire and any nearby rooms in order to assess the extent of the damage. This forms the basis of a plan to restore the home.
The third step requires for windows and walls to be boarded up, as well as covering the roof with tarps. This protects those areas from any additional damage they may be subject to.
Step four is when water damage is addressed. Your restoration service will take this chance to remove water remaining in the house, and make use of dehumidifiers in order to dry it out.
The next two steps involve cleaning, with step five targeting smoke and soot which soil walls and furniture, and step six entailing surfaces and items with fire damage being sanitized and disinfected.
The final step of this process is restoration. Restoration varies depending on the home, as some homes require massive repairs such as reconstruction of entire rooms, while others require minor repairs like replacing flooring. This can be discussed with the SERVPRO professionals who come to your home.
Connect with us at 941-747-2333.
5/25/2022 (Permalink)
House fires can often be difficult, potentially devastating events for any family on both a financial and emotional level. After such an emotional event, it can be difficult to know the next steps to take. If you ever find yourself in this difficult situation, having these concerns in mind can steer you in the right direction.
Pressing Concerns
First, consider if your safety is threatened by staying in the house. From there, be sure that any activities you undertake won’t put your safety at risk. Take precaution to avoid electrical hazards and potentially dangerous falls, as well as making sure to be careful with wet materials, as these can be surprisingly heavy.
These are just a handful of the actions you need to take after a fire. The most important decision is to call a SERVPRO professional who will make sure everything is done efficiently. Call 941-747-2333 now.
Actions to Take Following a Fire
After a fire, there are a number of measures you should take to limit fire damage. First you should do your best to keep your space clean, by using petroleum jelly or oil to clean and protect chrome, cleaning houseplants (making sure to get both sides of their leaves), avoiding excessive movement while in your home to prevent spreading soot, and washing your hands to prevent getting furniture and walls dirty. With this done, your next moves should entail changing your HVAC filter, covering carpets and furniture with towels or linens, covering air registers with cheesecloth, and finally, emptying and opening your fridge and freezer while the electricity is turned off.
Actions to Avoid Following a Fire
Some actions following a fire may leave you worse off, rather than helping you. One crucial mistake to avoid is not seeking help from the right professionals. Cleaning electrical appliances which have been exposed to fire, heat, or water should be done by a repair service. Cleaning walls, carpet, or furniture should be left to a restoration service like SERVPRO. Connect with us at 941-747-2333.
Even clothing needs to be cared for carefully, as sending your clothes to a regular dry cleaner, may cause the smoke stench to stay. Aside from taking on actions which require professional help, it is also important to avoid ingesting packaged food or beverages which were stored near fire, heat, or water, as well as turning on ceiling fixtures with a wet ceiling.
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