3 Common Measures That Will Not Get Rid of Mold

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Bleach works on many things, but it will not effectively kill mold

Here Are A Few Measures That Will Not Work Against Mold

If you are in need of a fungus cleanup for your business in Hialeah Gardens, FL, it is important to take the proper steps to remove mold. Unlike mildew, mold is a tenacious fungus that requires specific measures to eradicate. Mold penetrates porous surfaces and sends out roots that cling to carpeting, upholstery, and wood. If you notice areas of dark color that appear fuzzy or even slimy, you will likely need the surfaces of a professional mold mitigation team. Certified experts will use advanced techniques that kill persistent fungus. 

1. Wipe and Spray. While it might seem that mold is no more difficult to clean than dirt or grime, the truth is that mold grows into a number of different surfaces, sending roots deep into the material. Even if your fungus cleanup appears effective, more than likely enough spores remain to sprout again as soon as your back is turned.

2. Bleach. This all-purpose cleaner works on many things, but it will not effectively kill mold. A professional mold team will know the best antimicrobial and antifungal agents to use to get your house a clean bill of health. Industry leaders consistently assess the best cleaning products to tackle mold growth. A restoration company that stays current on the latest information will know the most effective and safest products to use.

3. DIY. When you clean up mold on your own, you might encounter problems you are not equipped to deal with. For example, you might paint over mold hoping that this will deal with the problem. In reality, unless you kill the mold spores first, the mold will often grow right back. Also, cleaning porous materials infected with mold is notoriously difficult and often requires professional help.

A successful fungus cleanup requires more than basic cleaning measures. A trained, professional team is the surest way to remove mold from your company.

What Equipment You Need Before Performing Mold Removal

7/9/2022 (Permalink)

Mold removal in a Miami Lakes, FL home

Mold Equipment Removal

When your home in Miami Lakes, FL, suffers from mold, you need proper protective equipment in order to thoroughly and safely eradicate the offending spores. Before tackling such a project on your own, research the options before you in relation to your overall budget.

Required Protective Equipment

If you elect to handle the matter yourself, you must first acquire:

• Face masks, to protect from inhalation.
• Air movers, to push away spores.
• Dehumidifiers, to lower chances of mold worsening.
• Air scrubbers, to destroy any floating particles.
  
  

Some of these items can be expensive, so consider this before attempting to fix the problem independently. Instead, it may make better financial sense to hire a professional mold removal service. Also, ridding yourself of mold damage can be both complicated and unsafe, so be honest about your abilities before attempting to go it alone.

The Right Protective Equipment
Of all the equipment you and your team will need, making the right choice regarding face masks is the most critical. Consider your sensitivity to mold, as well as what type of growth your house is suffering from, as certain infestations require tougher measures. Whatever your scenario, seek out the best protection possible, taking care to remember that high quality can come with an equally lofty cost.

The two key elements of protective masks are filtration and style. Only choose HEPA-rated filters that are either P100 or N100 quality, guaranteeing 99.7% of harmful particles will be dispatched. Select a mask that covers your entire face, as spores can infiltrate not just your mouth and nose but also your eyes. Consider comfortability, too, especially for extensive projects that require a serious time investment. Keep in mind that improperly fitting masks only provide partial protection.

Face masks are just one piece of necessary gear required for handling mold cleanup. Should deciding what you need ever become overwhelming, hire an expert to tackle the job for you.

Quick Response Means Faster Claim Process

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

if you have storm damage call SERVPRO of Miami Lakes

A Faster Response Means A Faster Claim Process.

When the next big storm hits Hialeah, FL, there is a good chance that many businesses will need storm restoration services. Ensuring that the claim and restoration processes happen fast is essential for the business owner to get back on track. When you choose a trusted leader in the restoration industry, you get a team of experts to make that happen.

Ongoing Training

A fast storm response time is vital to minimize secondary damage, which is beneficial to all parties involved. Along with that, there are key benefits to choosing SERVPRO that ease all processes involved with getting back to preloss condition.

24/7 Availability: Storms aren’t on a regular timeline, which means you need a reliable company that is available 24/7 to take the emergency call.
Certified Technicians: Once help arrives, you can be confident that your storm restoration team includes a point person and IICRC-certified technicians who receive ongoing training and focus on restoring instead of replacing.

Corporate Support: Every franchise is backed by a corporate team that provides support at every level to ensure that every disaster is handled fast and accurately.

Smooth Claims Process: Along with helping clients understand the restoration process, these trained professionals are also well-versed in the insurance world. Thanks to an electronic claims service, every step of the process if documented with precise details, updated regularly, and accessible to all pertinent parties.

Services for All Flood Damage

Along with getting a trusted water and mold damage restoration brand that is always ready and able to ease the claims process, clients also get the services they need from beginning to end. From the initial assessment to board-up services to clean-up and restoration, the right professional will be able to handle everything that needs to be done to get clients back to normal.

Finding the right storm restoration company doesn't have to be a difficult choice. When you find one with local professionals backed by a corporate team and have proven fast response times, you can feel confident you are making the right choice.

Why Working With a Local Restoration Franchise Matters

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Miami Lakes captures this idea, “Faster to any size disaster.”

Why It's Important to Work with a Local Restoration Franchise?

If your company is one of the thousands that must deal with a disaster in any given year, you will have options for who you partner with to get your business up and running again. Working with a local commercial restoration company in Miami Lakes, FL makes a lot of sense, especially one that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. A company that is on call 365 days a year, day or night, means technicians will arrive on the scene in two hours or less after being called. This has important implications for your company as it could speed up your recovery and reduce damages and expenses.

The Value of a Fast Response
No matter the nature of the disaster, whether it is a storm, flooding, or a fire, a quick response by trained workers makes a big difference. Within the first few hours, SERVPRO technicians can accomplish a lot:

• Secure the scene against additional damages
• Take safety precautions for employees and clients
• Remove water from the building, if needed
• Inspect the building for damages
• Make a plan for recovery and restoration
• Begin to document damages and repairs

A Faster to Any Size Disaster philosophy places a priority on quick and effective action. Technicians come to the scene prepared with the right equipment and the knowledge to handle any situation.

The Importance of the Insurance Claim
A restoration company that is a preferred vendor for many U.S. insurance companies, will help with the facilitation of insurance matters. That means taking advantage of the efficiency of an electronic claims service that provides quick and accurate documentation for your insurance carrier. This enables claims to be processed quickly and accurately, resulting in timely reimbursement for covered damages.

A local company that stakes its reputation on a Faster to Any Size Disaster approach understands the needs of your company in a difficult time.  It offers the quickest path forward after a storm or fire.

Fungal Fraternal Twins: The Differences Between Mold and Mildew

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Mold problems are a common nuisance and trait for homes. However, with SERVPRO, you can reduce your costs and potential risks.

Mold and Mildew Are Fungal Fraternal Twins: What's The Difference?

Mold and mildew, while similar are not the same and are resolved in drastically different ways. For instance, mold damage may require a specialist, but any number of household cleaners likely remedies mildew. While these fraternal fungi are related, it is important to Know their differences to reduce your level of anxiety should you come across either.

1. Prominence Versus Subtleness

Mold is a little bit of a trickster, when it appears, it may only show up in blotches on walls or surfaces, but it has likely been growing for some time in wall cavities and crawlspaces. Mildew growth, alternatively, is considered a surface fungus, meaning that it is what you see.

2. Bold Black and Green Versus Lighter Gray and White

While mold damage and mold growth are distinctive for many reasons, one is the color of the fungus. Mold can be a multitude of colors, depending on the type of mold, but the most common colors are black and green. Mildew, however, is not as colorful, only showing up in gray and white.

3. Fuzzy Versus Smooth

When staring at a mold specimen and a mildew sample, you will likely notice the apparent texture difference. Mold is almost fuzzy while mildew is flat. Also, mildew will resemble a stain more than a growth.

4. Infestation Versus Nuisance

Mildew can be considered a nuisance, something that is annoying but easy to clean and remove. Mold, however, can be a part of a larger infestation that has set up base camp in your walls and crawlspaces. If you find mold, it may be wise to contact a mold remediation specialist in the Miami Lakes, FL, area to help.

Mold damage can be expensive to remedy, but just because you find a discolored growth behind a kitchen cabinet does not mean you are dealing with mold. Mold and mildew, while similar, are vastly different, so know which fungus you are dealing with before you panic.

Fire Alarms: The 3 Most Common Causes of False Alarms in Smoke Detectors

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Likely the most common cause of a false fire alarm is low or dying batteries.

Fire Alarms: The Three Most Common Causes of False Smoke Detector Alarms

While a fire alarm is a terrifying noise, not all alarms require the Miami Lakes, FL, Fire Department or the recovery assistance of a fire restoration company. Some alarms, especially from smoke detectors, are false, but what causes these essential contraptions to produce a false alarm? Keep reading to find out.

1. Malfunction/False Alarm

Sometimes the only explanation of a false alarm is a malfunction. A smoke alarm is a piece of machinery, and as such, it is prone to some unexplainable quirks from time to time. That being said, every smoke detector that is labeled with the UL logo is rigorously tested for effectiveness and performance.

2. Low or Dying Batteries

Likely the most common cause of a false fire alarm is low or dying batteries. The recommendation is that you replace your smoke alarm batteries at least once per year, but because they are inconspicuous and rarely used, smoke detectors are easy to forget. It may be helpful to write a reminder on your calendar or set up an alarm on your phone to remind you to replace the batteries.

3. Dust and Smoke Damage

Oddly enough smoke and fire damage can cause a false alarm, as well as dust buildup. If a smoke detector has been exposed to fire and smoke before, the remnants of that damage can interfere with the detection process and trigger an alarm. Additionally, if dust builds up in the housing of the alarm blocking either the ionization or the photoelectric pulse, then it too can trigger a false alarm.

4. Accidental Test

Also, the accidental pressing of the test button can trigger a false alarm. Whether you were dusting around the smoke alarm, replacing the batteries, or trying to put the housing cover back on, the test button can easily set off a false alarm.

A false fire alarm may be one of the biggest frustrations a homeowner can experience. However, while false alarms may be a nuisance, there are several explanations for why they occur, and despite the irritation, you still can agree that a false alarm is better than no alarm at all.

How to Tell Mold and Mildew Apart

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you notice mold growth on a commercial property, contact SERVPRO of Miami Lakes.

How To Tell The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

When you have the creeping crud taking over your home, it’s hard to care if it’s mold or mildew. You just want it gone. But mold and mildew have very different effects on your home and on you; could you tell the difference between mold and mildew if you found it in your Miami Lakes, FL home? Let’s take a look at what makes the two fungal growths so similar – and what makes them completely different.

Mold vs. Mildew: Which Is More Dangerous?

Mildew is mostly harmless, though there are a few breeds of mildew that can do damage to your home. While it’s more common than mold, it’s mostly an eyesore and unpleasant to the touch, with a powdery feeling that many find nauseating. Mold, on the other hand, is much more invasive and can cause significant mold damage to vulnerable areas of your home. Mold tends to be more fuzzy and varied in color than mildew. Signs that you might have mold include:

• Musty odors coming from secluded places in your home
• Dark stains on walls
• Leaks and water damage
• Fuzzy growths on organic matter, including walls, floors, and food
• Unexplained health effects with no other allergen sources present

So How Do You Get Rid of Mold and Mildew?

Mold and mildew remediation can be difficult, but not impossible. While you are constantly inundated with free-floating mold spores, it’s possible to take preventative steps to ensure your home isn’t a hospitable environment for either parasitic growth to breed. Mitigate any leaks or water issues in your home, and clean up quickly after any floods. Adequately ventilate your home, and use a dehumidifier if needed to prevent growth in moist, humid areas. If you suspect a mold or mildew infestation, you can call in a professional to perform necessary testing and isolate the causes in your home.

Why Does Mold Grow in Houses?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Miami Lakes if you suspect mold is lurking in your home.

What Causes Mold to Grow in Homes?

Have you ever wondered why mold grows in houses? The short answer is that mold spores are already everywhere. A combination of moisture and organic material provides the conditions necessary for these spores to land, multiply, and spread. The presence of a moisture problem in your home substantially increases the possibility that various types of mold, including black mold, may develop.

Here are three major reasons mold grows in houses:

• A portion of your home has been exposed to excessive moisture. Moisture is the most common cause of mold growth in residential structures. If you have recently experienced a broken pipe or supply line, sewage backup, or a leaky appliance or roof, your home may be at risk for developing some type of mold.
• Moisture has been allowed to linger for 24 hours or more. Limit the secondary damage that results from water damage and lower the risk of mold developing by making sure that excess moisture does not linger after a leak. Use towels that you plan to promptly wash and dry, a mop, or a wet-dry vac and run a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in areas affected by leaks.
• Mold spores land and multiply. Mold spores are present indoors and outdoors, but they will not land and begin to grow unless certain conditions exist. All types of mold, including black mold, grow on the surfaces of organic materials when sufficient moisture is present.

If you see evidence of mold or suspect that hidden mold is growing in your home, contact a mold testing and remediation service in Miami Lakes, FL, as soon as possible. Experts who are skilled at identifying black mold can help you determine which type of mold is growing. Mold starts to form quickly, so it is a good idea to follow up on testing with mold cleanup sooner rather than later.

Emergency Tips for Dealing With Mold Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Finding black mold can be a scary thing, however, you can count on SERVPRO, we want to help you!

Mold Damage: What To Do If You're In A Hurry

When you find black mold in your Palm Springs North, FL, home, the cleanup process needs to start immediately. Your first step should be to make an appointment with a trusted residential mold remediation team. However, unless the professionals can come to your home immediately, you will need to take some additional action.

• Stop the Airflow: Mold spores are light enough to be carried to the far reaches of your home through airflow. This means spores often travel through ventilation systems to get to new parts of your home. Because you don't want black mold to get to new areas, you need to close down this mode of transportation. Without special equipment, you may not be able to completely stop the airflow in your home. However, you can severely limit it. Turn off the HVAC system in your home. Remember, you should also turn the fan off.
• Stop the Water Supply. A moisture problem often creates a breeding ground for mold. If you don't know where the excess moisture is coming from, you can cut off the water supply at the source by turning off your home's water. This should stop any leaks from continuing to grow and spread.
• Control the Humidity. Turning off the water may not be enough to actually remove the current problem. You can start to reduce the humidity in your home by running a dehumidifier in the space. Cleaning up any standing water could also help, but this may be better to leave to the professionals. The mold cleanup process can be intensive, but it is important it get done correctly as soon as possible.

Finding black mold can be a scary thing. You may not know how long it's been there or how far it has spread, but you do know that you need to address the issue as quickly as you can. Fast action may help reduce the damage done by mold growth.

Saving Fine Art From Mold Damage: What You Need To Know

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Artwork restoration.

Preventing Mold Damage to Fine Art

Water damage in the home can be frustrating, but when water touches fine art, it can be devastating. If your artwork survived the initial influx of water, you still have mold damage to deal with. Cleaning mold off antique artwork is easier said than done, as you cannot just employ the typical mold remediation techniques given to you by your Hialeah Gardens, FL, mold cleaning team. If you want to keep your fine art free and clear of mold even after mold spores have taken root, here is what you need to do:

• Act quickly
  
• Work smart
  
• Work with a conservation specialist
  
  

Act Quickly

When dealing with mold growth on fine art, you need to act fast. It’s important to note that even if water never touches a painting, that painting can still be affected by mold spores that sprout nearby. Additionally, your home didn’t even have to be in a flood for mold to affect your paintings; damage from mold can occur to paintings that have been stored in dark, damp areas for extended periods of time. Begin mold cleaning efforts as soon as you discover mold, as once mold is present, it can spread at a rapid rate.

Work Smart

When removing mold damage from fine art, you need to be much more diligent than you would be with normal household items. Start by removing and cleaning all frames and any non-art surfaces. Then, research what type of artwork you’re dealing with. Each type of painting needs to be dealt with differently, and approaching the mold remediation process the wrong way may ruin your painting entirely. In most cases, it’s best to work with a conservation specialist regarding processes and techniques.

Hire a Conservation Specialist

If you have never removed mold damage from a piece of fine art before, the best thing to do would be to call a conservation specialist. Professional conservators deal with these kinds of issues all the time and can help you restore your painting without sacrificing its integrity.

If you have fine artwork that was damaged by mold, you need to be diligent in your mold cleaning efforts. If you don’t feel comfortable restoring the painting yourself, call in the professionals.

3 Things You Should Know About Mold Removal

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold removal should be done as soon as you notice the growth.

Mold Removal: 3 Things You Should Know

If you have black mold in your Miami Lakes, FL, building, it is important to have it removed as quickly as possible. If you have not experienced this problem before, you may be wondering exactly what to expect. The following information may help you to better understand the process.

1. Mold Removal Times Can Vary
While you may want to know exactly how long it will take to remove the growth from your building, this will vary for each case. Mold grows quickly and can, therefore, spread to a large area before you’ve noticed. If this has happened, you can expect the cleanup to take longer. If you have caught the mold early, removal may only take a few days. On the other hand, more severe cases can take up to a week or longer.

2. Mold Can Sometimes Return
It would be great if you could remove the mold growth and simply be done with it. However, this is unlikely to be the case. If mold has appeared in your building once, then it may eventually do so again. To prevent this, you should be careful to repair leaks and remove water damage quickly when it occurs. Keep moisture levels low and clean the building regularly.

3. Mold Can Be Spread During the Removal Process
If not performed properly, the mold removal process can actually end up spreading mold even further throughout the area. For this reason, it is best to have this done by a professional mold remediation specialist who has the necessary training and equipment. To keep mold spores from traveling, the area should be contained, and disposable protective clothing should be worn at all times. These should be removed before entering clean spaces.

If you do not act quickly, the mold can spread which will result in a long cleanup process. Remember to take preventative steps once it has been removed to keep it from returning.

4 Ways SERVPRO Helps With Claims

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Take advantage of the claim services offered by emergency response specialists.

4 Ways SERVPRO Helps With Claims

Experiencing a disaster at Hialeah Gardens, FL, business causes feelings of frustration and stress. Frustration is a common reaction because disasters hinder your normal workday. Stress is also a typical response to emergency situations because there is increased concern for the well-being of employees, as well as the need to work with insurance companies to handle claim services. Fortunately, there are four ways that an emergency response team assists business owners with claims to reduce these stresses.

1. Emergency Disaster Response
Fire, flooding and storms wreak havoc, and the longer the situation is left unattended, the more damage is done. SERVPRO offers a team of professionals with the training and skills to quickly attend to any situation. Restoration specialists are available 24/7 to clean up after fire, water, mold and more. A fast response to any disaster reduces damage by enabling businesses to restore items rather than replace them.

2. Pretesting
Another way that emergency specialists assist with claim services is by performing pretesting. Trained technicians inspect items before throwing them out, evaluating furniture and belongings to see if they can be restored.

3. Electronic Claims
Business owners and insurance adjusters are busy people, and disasters only add to their amount of work. Fortunately, SERVPRO has a claims information center that enables all parties to see claims electronically. Electronic job files contain important information such as loss info and photos, estimates, pending jobs and completed jobs.

4. Best Practices
Finally, insurance companies want to ensure that a restoration job is handled correctly. SERVPRO outperforms the competition by ensuring that all franchises meet the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration’s certification requirements. Insurance companies and business owners can rest assured that their cleanup and restoration project is done correctly.
Take advantage of the claim services offered by emergency response specialists. The amount of frustration and stress you experience can be decreased by utilizing their expertise.

4 Steps for Preventing Mold in Humid Climates

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

A dehumidifier likewise helps by maintaining a beneficial percentage of humidity in the air

Steps To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Place Of Business

Humid climates make mold a challenge to control. As a business owner in Miami Lakes, FL, you are probably familiar with the difficulties of keeping your commercial space mold-free. Excessive moisture combined with the right (or wrong) temperatures can promote mold growth in basements, around window frames, and in attic storage, among other places in your building that are frequently exposed to high humidity levels. While a challenge, there are steps that you can take to prevent mold growth in your place of business.

1. Use Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
You may not think of an air conditioner as helpful in preventing mold in your office, but one that is run and maintained properly can do a lot. Keeping your A/C unit at 70 degrees during the summer and setting it for "auto" instead of "on" ensures that condensation has a chance to drain rather than blowing moisture back into the building and contributing to high humidity. A dehumidifier likewise helps by maintaining a beneficial percentage of humidity in the air in otherwise damp places like basements.

2. Maintain Your Building
Exterior and interior maintenance help to prevent mold damage. Inspect your roof for leaks and check that your windows are sealed properly and that there aren't cracks in the foundation or around pipes that allow moisture to get in.

3. Clean Regularly
Mold spores land on dusty surfaces and can grow there. By cleaning and vacuuming regularly, you prevent mold spores from being able to settle and spread.

4. Remove Affected Items
Once you discover mold at your business, it's important to remove anything that has already been damaged. Spores can spread to other surfaces, so contact a mold remediation professional to clean and disinfect your space, or throw the item away.
If you fail to control high humidity in your building, you will have difficulty preventing mold growth. Taking the appropriate precautions now is a lot more pleasant than dealing with mold clean up later.

Why You Need a Certified Mold Remediation Professional

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Why is it important to hire a certified mold remediation company?

Why You Need a Certified Mold Remediation Professional

A certified mold cleanup and remediation contractor has completed coursework, developed specific skills, and met certain requirements established by industry organizations. This type of professional may even have validation from more than one standard-establishing organizations. There are many ways to earn these credentials:

• Completion of coursework through the United
• States Environmental Protection Agency
  
• Participation in classes recommended by the
• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
• Restoration Certification
  
• Successful completion of licensing and certification courses locally or online
  
  

When you need a reliable technician to handle mold cleanup in your Miami Gardens, FL, home, it's important to choose a licensed, certified agency.

The Importance of Hiring Professionals
Why is it important to hire a certified mold remediation company? One of the first reasons for you to hire a certified mold professional is that your insurance provider probably prefers this step. When you choose a technician who has met the requirements to achieve these credentials, there's a better chance that the work will be completed satisfactorily.

The Risks Associated With Mold Contamination
Another decisive reason to hire professionals with mold certification is that it gives you confidence that remediation services are completed reliably. Mold can cause serious long-term damage, especially if pockets of mold growth are overlooked. Homeowners without a thorough understanding of mold could unknowingly cause further damage:

• Improperly treated mold can negatively impact your property value.
  
• Extensive mold growth can mean that you need to replace the entire flooring and structure of rooms in your home.
  
• When mold threatens the structural integrity of your home or foundation, the home could end up being condemned.
  
  

The Need for Specialized Equipment
Professionals with appropriate training and certification often have access to equipment and supplies that other companies don't have. These qualified technicians are prepared to contain spores during remediation to prevent further spread. The workers can often locate the presence of mold using testing devices in areas of the home that you haven't yet identified. Thorough mold remediation requires specialized supplies; traditional cleaners aren't sufficient.
If you suspect mold in your home, reach out to certified mold cleanup and remediation professionals. This is the best way to be sure mold is cleaned up appropriately.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Control Moisture and Humidity

Bathroom mildew is a common problem in many homes. Fungus needs a warm, moist environment, making the bathroom a prime location for growth. There are several things you can do to take control of your bathroom and prevent mold growth.

Control Humidity

The main culprit in mold growth is excess moisture. A humidity problem can make the entire room vulnerable to fungus spores looking for a place to land and thrive. You can control humidity in your bathroom in several ways:

• Ensure proper ventilation and air flow.
• Maintain swamp coolers.
• Wipe down the shower and tub after every use.
• Clean up spills immediately.
  

If you can maintain a humidity level of 40-50% in your home in Hialeah, FL, you are less likely to have problems with mold.

Clean Frequently
Another thing mold needs to survive is food. Dust, hair, and other organic matter provide fungus with sustenance. If you allow the floor tiles to get grimy, you may soon find that you have bathroom mildew in the grout. Once mold sets in, you may need professional remediation to get rid of it.

Mitigate Thoroughly
Stubborn black or brown spots in the grout in your shower are telltale signs of mold. No matter how much you scrub, it is likely to come back. Mold mitigation specialists can provide a thorough cleaning to get rid of the source of the mold, but you will probably also need to replace the grout where the growth is showing up. A thorough cleanup is vital to prevent a mold problem from returning in the same place.
Preventing bathroom mildew isn't impossible, but it takes a certain amount of vigilance. Start by removing the conditions that contribute to mold growth, including high humidity and dirt. If you do find mold in your bathroom, hire certified experts to remove it and get rid of the problem for good.

The Benefits of Working With a Company That Can Handle a Big Disaster

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Finding migrating water

Any event that causes harm to your business in Miami Lakes, FL, is major when it happens to you. This could include a small fire contained to a single room or a leak from a plumbing line. Other events truly fall under the category of a catastrophic loss. This can happen in a large community fire, a major storm like Hurricane Katrina or massive flooding like the recent breaching of dams in Midland, Michigan. At this time, the community resources are stretched to the limit. It can be beneficial in times like this to work with a local disaster response company that has the ability to call on a large reservoir of resources.

The Importance of a Local Presence

With more than 1,700 locally-owned franchises, SERVPRO has a presence in many communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. This means there is likely to be a franchise in or near your community. Trained experts will be able to respond quickly to a small problem of storm damage or to a catastrophic loss. A fast response gives rise to the following benefits:

• Reduced costs
  
• Increased safety
  
• Faster recovery
  
• Minimized damages
  
  

A team of qualified professionals can arrive to your building in less than four hours in most situations. Franchise professionals are available 24/7 365 days a year. After all, storms and fires don't take time off during the holidays or on weekends.

The Need for Additional Resources
During a catastrophic loss, a company with large resources can call in for additional help. SERVPRO has a history of deploying teams from throughout the country to provide services and bring in much needed equipment. This has happened many times in recent years and will continue moving forward as big events happen. The company also has developed solid relationships with large insurance companies across the country. This means your company can get the restoration help it needs to recover from a large loss.

5 Essential PPE Items to Avoid Exposure to Mold

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to protect yourself whenever around mold damage

Five Essential Items Needed When Tackling Mold

Coming across mold growth at your Pembroke Pines, FL, business is frustrating. Along with annoying lingering odor, it can mean damage to important items, as well as the building structure. If the affected area is more than 10 square feet, it is recommended to have a professional mold remediation and restoration expert handle the problem for you. Even if there is only a small area of infestation, it’s important to protect against potential health risks associated with exposure. Below are five essential items needed when tackling mold.

Gloves
It’s best to use disposable gloves. Vinyl, latex, and rubber are suitable for the task. Ensure the gloves fit properly to avoid mold spores from making their way into them. Dispose of immediately after use and put on a new pair before beginning any further work.

Shoe and Hair Covers
These disposable covers are another way to prevent mold spores from spreading beyond the affected area. They easily slip over hair and shoes. They should be tossed when leaving the area and replaced with new ones each time.

Clothing
There are special disposable suits that can be obtained. If it’s a small job, personal clothing can be worn. It is important to wear pants and a shirt with long sleeves to minimize exposure. Clothing should be washed immediately after leaving the area to ensure the mold doesn’t spread to other areas of the business.

Goggles
Mold spores are invisible, but they can easily be stirred up, along with dust and debris during the cleanup process. Tight-fitting safety goggles are essential to protect your eyes from harmful irritants.

Respirator
It is ideal to use air-purifying respirators, which are designed to filter out microscopic particles that can easily be inhaled. These respirators are available as both disposable and reusable.
Although seemingly small and simply annoying, mold can be quite harmful. Be sure to protect yourself whenever around mold damage.

Restoring Items After Mold: What To Know

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Mold cleaning in Miramar, FL

Here's What You May Want To Know

When your Miramar, FL, home faces a mold problem, mold cleaning may be the best option. During this time the prospect of decontaminating your home can seem daunting. Fortunately, a local team of professionals can help. This even includes restoring your household items. Here’s what you may want to know.

1. Items Can Be Restored

One of the first things to understand about mold damage is that it can affect your household items as well as the structure. Fortunately, many of these items may be salvageable. Contact a professional for mold remediation services, including item cleaning, and consult them about which items can be restored as well as the best restoration method to use.

2. Methods May Vary By Item Type

It’s important to note that there are many different ways to conduct mold cleaning when it comes to household items. Each cleaning method will depend on the mold damage severity the item has incurred, and well as what material components make up the item. In many cases, cloth items can be washed with a special cleaner, while paper documentation may need to be sent to a restoration professional.

3. A Professional Can Help

Anytime you believe you have a mold problem it’s important to contact a local mold remediation service for help. These professionals have the training needed to test for and remove any present mold from your home while preventing it’s spread to other locations. They will also have the tools and cleaners needed to help restore any household items that may have been affected.

During a mold cleaning, you may feel comforted to know that many of your personal items can be saved. It is, however, important to consult a professional about which items are salvageable, and what cleaning solution to use. The exact cleaning method will depend on the item type, and how bad the damage is. Fortunately, a mold restoration service can help.

3 Advantages of Partnering Your Franchise With a Storm Cleanup Service

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Finding migrating water in Palm Springs North, FL

Advantages to Know Before Choosing a Service

Planning for disaster recovery can be an important part of protecting your Palm Springs North, FL, franchise. Powerful storms may produce flooding and cause dirty water and debris to enter your commercial property, which can be difficult for you and your employees to clean up on your own. Partnering with a professional storm cleanup service may help your franchise survive a natural disaster. There are several advantages to know about before you choose a service.

1. Peace of Mind During Flooding

Violent storms can cause serious flooding, ruin inventory and electrical systems, and even cause potential structural damage to your building. Having a storm response team on your side may safeguard the most important areas of your business with remediation techniques that prevent floodwaters from spreading, which can give you peace of mind when severe weather hits the area.

2. Quick Response

A storm disaster recovery team can respond quickly to flooding and other types of storm damage, including problems caused by wind and hail. This immediate response may help to minimize any storm damage and offer you a variety of solutions for remediation and restoration that could help you streamline the process. The quicker the response, the better you can safeguard your franchise.

3. A Plan for the Unknown

It can be difficult to know when a sudden storm will strike, even with today’s weather forecast technology. Having a flood response and restoration service on-call can help you avoid having to search for an available response team in the midst of flooding, something that may be difficult when other businesses in the area are experiencing the same problems as a result of bad weather. Partnering with a service before disaster strikes can give you the means to reach out right away and allow you to work with a company you already trust.
When violent weather strikes Palm Springs North, FL, the results can be devastating. Partnering with a disaster recovery team can help you protect your business franchise from irreparable damage, no matter its size or niche.

3 Things You Should Do After a Fire in Your Commercial Building

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

Contact your insurance company to file a fire insurance claim

3 Things You Should Do After a Fire in Your Commercial Building

Experiencing a fire in your Miramar, FL, building can be stressful. In the panic, it can be difficult to determine what should be done first. It is, of course, important to have fire restoration done as quickly as possible, so you can reduce the chances of further damage. Finishing the process sooner will also allow you to get back to work as usual. The following are some things that you should do right away.

1. File an Insurance Claim

One of the first things that you will need to do is contact your insurance company to file a fire insurance claim. Because the process can be lengthy and include a lot of paperwork, it is best to begin as soon as possible. In some cases, waiting too long to report damage can also cause your claim to be denied. You may want to document damage while you wait for an adjuster to arrive. If it is safe to do so, you should take pictures and create a list of affected areas and items.

2. Have Mitigation Done

After contacting your insurance company, you should have a remediation service perform mitigation on the building. This can include boarding up broken windows and doors as well as missing areas in walls and roofing. If sprinklers went off or a fire hose was needed to put out the flames, water will also need to be removed before fire restoration can begin.

3. Begin Cleanup and Repairs

Once mitigation has been done, restoration can begin. Smoke cleaning will need to be done in the surrounding areas, and some parts of the building may need to be rebuilt. Smaller tasks, such as replacing carpets and repainting walls, will happen during this step as well.
To get your building back into top shape quickly, you should hire a fire damage remediation company to do fire restoration as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cause damage to worsen, which can increase the time and money needed to make repairs.

How Media Blasting Can Repair Your Crawlspace's Mold Damage

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

If you are unfamiliar with the practice, continue reading to learn more about what it is, how it works and why professionals employ it.

Heavy rain and flooding can affect every corner of your home in Miami Lakes, FL. While it can be easy to repair the resulting mold and water damage in some areas, the crawlspace presents a unique challenge for mold remediation specialists. One of the most reliable techniques they use is called media blasting.

What Is Media Blasting?

Media blasting occurs when someone uses an air-powered gun, the blaster, to fire and spread a substance throughout large areas at a high speed. This method used to be known as sandblasting, but now technicians use a variety of substances for different purposes. In mold cleanup, the abrasive substance sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used to remove the mold. This procedure is sometimes known as soda blasting.

What Is the Process?

Every mold case is different and requires specific treatment. However, media blasters follow a general routine for each crawlspace:

Mold inspection and assessment
Soda blasting of wooden surfaces and corners
Wiping and vacuuming the area to remove all mold
Detecting and controlling remaining humidity to prevent further mold damage

Each step is essential in the mold removal process. The specialists check the area carefully and use the right treatment to stop further damage.

Why Is This Method Used?

Mold removal via media blasting is ideal for areas that are difficult to access physically. Blasting the baking soda with air pressure allows the cleanup technicians to quickly spread it throughout the effected area. Additionally, baking soda is a harmless substance that does not damage wood, is not toxic to others and is environmentally friendly.
Water can damage any part of your Miami Lakes, FL home, including the crawlspace. Consult a remediation professional to see if media blasting is the right solution for your mold situation.

What To Do When You Smell Natural Gas

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

A visit from your local emergency services is far cheaper than risking your life or having to repair your home after a gas fire.

Natural gas leaks are nothing to joke about. When ignored or left unnoticed, in the worst-case scenario, a gas explosion can occur, causing incredible damage and casualties. Unfortunately, these types of accidents happen more frequently in Hialeah, FL than they should, so it’s important to know what you can do to stop the problem immediately or at least keep your family out of harm’s way.

Rotten Egg Smell in the House

If you have been sitting at home and just suddenly begin to smell natural gas, especially accompanied by a hissing or high-pitched whistling noise, it’s ultimately up to you to determine whether it’s safe to find the source of the leak.

Verify that gas stove knobs are all turned off. Bumping them without noticing is very easy!
Do not turn any lights on or light any matches, as that could spark a gas fire.
Open all windows and doors until you can no longer smell the rotten-egg smell.
If the gas is not coming from your stove or any other easily identifiable location, find your gas meter and turn it off. This may require a wrench to adjust the valve to the “off” position. Gas meters are often located in the basement or outside the home. Ideally, you will know where it is and how to do this before an emergency situation or potential gas fire occurs.

Safety First

Only take these steps if you are fully confident that the situation has not escalated into an emergency. Natural gas is incredibly flammable, and a gas fire can far too easily break out. If you haven’t been home and walk into a house filled with that rotten egg smell, it is probably safer to stay outside, preferably some distance away like across the street, and call 911.

Time permitting, open a window from the outside and if your gas meter is outside, turn it off. If you have trouble deciding what to do, take the safest route and evacuate. Visit https://www.SERVPROmiamilakes.com/ for more information on fire damage. 

Eliminating Pet Odors In Your Home

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Pet Odor removal can be challenging

You love your pets, but that doesn’t mean you have to stand the way they make your house smell. Pet odor is something you can manage with a few simple actions and changes. They key is focusing on the source before addressing any lingering odors.

These are the cleaning activities you should do:

1. Vacuum regularly the entire house

2. Use an enzyme cleaner

3. Clean the carpets

4. Clean the Furniture

5. Give your pet a bath

6. Wash your Pet’s bed

7. Wash your bed sheets and covers

8. Clean your pet’s toys and accessories.

9. Replace the Litter

10. Clean their cage

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Miami Lakes is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Biohazard Cleaning

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Biohazard Cleaning at a Condo Unit

Biohazard cleaning is the process of removing, disinfecting and sanitizing materials and/or structures affected by biohazardous waste such as bodily fluids, blood, chemicals, and other substances that poses a threat to humans, animals or the environment.

Although certification is not a requirement to clean up a biohazard loss, due to its potentially infectious nature, it is highly advisable to hire a company who is trained in OSHA standards to remediate safely and properly. SERVPRO of Miami Lakes has been trained in OSHA standards and has an operating permit from the State of Florida Department of Health for Biomedical waste.

Did you know that the final disposal of all biohazardous waste must be in accordance with local state regulations? (See https://www.osha.gov/law…/standardinterpretations/2009-06-02 for more details). It may seem like you can just mop up the hazardous waste but there are health risks involved if you are not properly protected. If you choose to clean up the mess and dispose of the waste in a regular garbage receptacle, you run the risk of penalties and hefty fines.

We at SERVPRO of Miami Lakes are trained and equipped to restore a property from crime scenes, unattended deaths, filth, hoarding and other infectious hazardous cleaning. We are here to relieve the burden of clean up and restore your home back to clean, sanitary and safe conditions.

For more information call 305-558-6211