Containment Barriers

2/11/2024 (Permalink)

In addition to protecting valuable items, containment barriers are often incorporated to aid in the drying process.

Why call the experts? Because there’s a science behind what we do.

In addition to protecting your valuable materials from dust and harmful particles, Containment Barriers can aid in the drying process and help eliminate problems resulting from inadequate drying techniques.
Containment barriers can play a crucial role in the drying process. These barriers are necessary for preventing the diffusion of water and ensuring effective control of moisture. By incorporating these barriers into the drying process, the drying efficiency and effectiveness can be significantly improved.
Here at SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson, we are passionate about education and the science in what we do. Our industry-leading teams are on call and ready to handle any size loss.

SERVPRO TEAM CUTHBERTSON

ALWAYS LEARNING, ALWAYS GROWING, ALWAYS READY

Not just Fire; Smoke and Soot too.

2/11/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can travel far distances and infiltrate even the tiniest cracks and crevices.

When a fire occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic. While some areas and belongings may be directly impacted by the fire, there are other items that may not have been in the vicitity of the flames, and reamaind unscorched. However, smoke and soot have the ability to travel and infiltrate different surfaces and objects within a building, impacting not only the room but also the items in them, sometimes even when the room is located on the opposite side of the building. This can happen due to the spread of smoke particles and soot particles, which can reach far distances within a building.  These particles are so small that they can easily enter even the tiniest cracks and settle on walls, furniture, and personal belongings.

SERVPRO is equipped with specialized equipment and techniques that can effectively remove the residue of smoke and soot that lingers following a fire and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Signs of Mold

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Here are a few signs that you might have mold growth.

Are you at risk of mold resulting from recent water damage?

When water damage occurs, it is crucial to address the issue promptly. Water damage can lead to the growth and spread of mold in various areas of a building. Mold thrives in moist environments and can quickly develop after a water leak or flood. It can be found on walls, ceilings, floors, and even in hidden places such as behind wallpaper or inside insulation.

Here are a few of the signs that indicate the presence of mold resulting from water damage: a musty odor, visible discoloration on surfaces, peeling or bubbling paint, and the presence of water stains. If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to take immediate action to identify and address the source of the water damage and remove the mold.

SERVPRO Partners With The University of Florida

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

This new agreement marks a significant milestone in SERVPRO's commitment to supporting collegiate sports and the Florida Gators!

SERVPRO proudly announces its continued partnership with Florida Gators athletics for the 2023-24 athletic season. This new agreement marks a significant milestone in SERVPRO's commitment to supporting collegiate sports and the Florida Gators' commitment to providing successful and memorable experiences for their fans.

Through this agreement, SERVPRO and its franchises will continue to provide a wide range of services, such as on-site cleaning, restoration, and management solutions for all of the Gators' athletic venues. The company will also provide additional support through marketing initiatives and sponsorships. This relationship is a testament to both parties' dedication to delivering excellent service and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

The Impact of Hurricanes on Lake Mary, Florida

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

This is a photo that shows what water damage on a business can look like in Lake Mary, Heathrow, Florida.

Hurricane Preparedness for property owners in Lake Mary

On September 28, Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida. Our SERVPRO team in other states got ready to go to Florida as Floridians began to evacuate. Vehicles from our teams across the nation were ready to stand by property owners' sides and provide assistance to any Hurricane damage in Lake Mary when needed. 

Overview of Hurricane Damage in Lake Mary

Our team in restoration team in Lake Mary helped local residents and businesses with storm damage. Businesses in Lake Mary were boarded up for days and some even a week. To reopen and operate as soon as possible, our teams were working day and night to ensure that we can get a business open. 

Right next door to us in Lake Mary we have Sanford. Sanford had flooding for over a month and didn't recede until a month after Hurricane Ian. There was a famous pizza shop in Historic Downtown Sanford that was anticipating opening every weekend, unfortunately, that pizza shop could not make it through the closure. 

Right after our teams got back to normal operations, Hurricane Nicole was lurking in the ocean. Luckily there was not too much damage but there were some vulnerable moments from the first hurricane. We went from having water damage to mold damage due to unknown water intrusion in homes in Lake Mary, Florida.

Identifying Mold

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you need mold remediation call SERVPRO of Lake Mary/ Heathrow.

Identifying Mold

If you see mold or mildew in your Lake Mary, FL home, it's important that you identify it correctly. Mold can look very similar to mildew and the two types of fungus may be difficult to tell apart. But knowing what each looks like will help you decide whether or not you need to call in a professional remediation team.

Appearance of Mold

Mold can be white, black, green, yellow or any other color. It also comes in powdery and slimy forms. However, mold is typically a white or gray color, and it can be found in the same places as mildew. However, there are some key differences between these two organisms. The main difference is that mildew is usually powdery and can be found in whites, blues, grays, or greens. People who are allergic to mold may also experience an allergic reaction from mildew spores.

Mildew has many different names because of its appearance and ability to grow on different types of materials; "sugar fungus" is one common name for this organism because it grows on sugary substances such as bread or fruit juice.

Signs of Mold vs. Mildew

This is one way to tell them apart. Mold stains are usually black or brown, while mildew stains are usually white or gray. If you're not sure what kind of stain your house has, take out some colored permanent markers and test them on an inconspicuous place (not the ceiling). If it's mold, the color will turn dark almost immediately; if it's mildew, it will remain light after several minutes.

The problem with this method is that sometimes mold won't leave any noticeable stains; in those cases, we look for other signs. 

Where Mold Grows

Mold may be present in and on walls, soft surface items like couches or mattresses, hard surfaces like wood or tile, and outside of the home on vinyl siding or window frames. It can also grow on hard surfaces like wood or tile. Mold can even be present outside of your Lake Mary, FL home on items such as vinyl siding or window frames that aren’t properly maintained.

Drying out a room after mildew growth to prevent further growth should be relatively easy. However, mold growth needs to be professionally cleaned up based on the type of mold and the material affected by it. Mold grows in many different places, making it difficult to identify. Mold can be visible or hidden, and its growth needs to be professionally cleaned up based on the type of mold and material affected by it.

Call the Professionals

If you suspect a mold problem, the first step is to determine what type of fungus you have. Fungi can be identified by sight and smell. For example, if you see discoloration on a surface or smell an earthy odor in your home, chances are that there's some kind of fungus growing there. But what kind?

However, it's important to note that mold and mildew aren't the same things: while both cause similar symptoms (such as black spots), they're caused by different types of fungi. Knowing which kind is growing in your home will help you figure out how serious the issue may be and whether or not it requires professional remediation services from a licensed company like us at All Pro Restoration Services!

If you have mold in your Lake Mary, FL home and need help identifying it, SERVPRO of Lake Mary/Heathrow our team is here to help.

Three Types of Contaminated Water

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

There are three types or categories of water: clean water, contaminated water, and sewer/flood water.

Three Types of Contaminated Water

There are three types or categories of water: clean water, contaminated water, and sewer/flood water. They each fall into categories, (1, 2, and 3 respectively). Each is unique in the source and the way in which it needs to be mitigated.

Clean Water (Category 1)

Clean water is from a clean source and is not contaminated. It can be used for drinking, bathing, and laundry. Clean water is usually clear and odorless. This kind of water can come from an overflowing bathtub or something similar. This type of water does not require any sort of special care outside of the normal mitigation process.

Contaminated Water (Category 2)

A contaminated water supply is usually caused by a break in the system when your water supply is interrupted. Leaking or burst pipes can also contaminate your water supply, as well as overflowing toilets and broken washing machines.

Contaminated or unclean water should not be consumed or used for any purpose. Contaminated or unclean waters include sewage-contaminated floodwaters, greywater (like from a bathroom sink), gray water (like from the washing machine), toilet bowl cleaner, and toilet bowl cleaner residue on your hands after using it to clean the toilet bowl with a rag or paper towel, melted snow/ice and other types of contaminated tap water due to chemical spills like oil spills in rivers/lakes/oceans, etc., storm drains overflow with heavy rains during floods as well as vehicles that have been submerged under floodwaters before help arrives at their location (for example Houston Hurricane Harvey 2017).

Sewer or Floodwater (Category 3)

Sewer or floodwater is the most dangerous type of contaminated water because it can contain bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Sewer or floodwater may also be contaminated by chemicals such as oil and grease.

Sewage systems are a major source of sewer or flood damage in homes. Sewer systems typically include pipes that carry waste away from toilets and sinks. These pipes can break if they're old or damaged by freezing temperatures, causing sewage to leak into your home's structure through cracks in walls and floors.

If you think your home has been flooded with sewage or another type of waste product like industrial chemicals from an accident on-site at work, call 911 immediately so emergency responders can help you get to safety before entering the area again. Also, give SERVPRO of Lake Mary/Heathrow a call for water damage restoration.

If you need to know more about water damage, then you can contact SERVPRO of Lake Mary/Heathrow. We have a team of experts who are always ready to help you out with any kind of water damage in your home or business.

Do I Need Fire Insurance For My Building?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you own a building and don't have fire insurance, then you are putting yourself and your business at risk.

Do I Need Fire Insurance For My Building?

If you own a building and don't have fire insurance, then you are putting yourself and your business at risk. If your property is damaged by fire or smoke, it could take months or years to repair the damage. As a result of these setbacks, your business may suffer from decreased profits, bankruptcy, and even closure if the damage is extensive.

Protecting your home, whether it’s a house or a business, should be one of your top priorities. 

Protecting your home, whether it’s a house or a business, should be one of your top priorities. The last thing you want is for something bad to happen and then have no way to recover from it.

Insurance companies offer fire insurance policies that can help protect you and your property in the event of damage caused by fire. This type of policy covers damages incurred from natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes as well as man-made accidents like fires or explosions caused by faulty wiring.

Fire insurance can be very expensive depending on where you live, so make sure that you understand exactly what type of coverage you need before buying any kind of policy.

Why You Need Fire Insurance

If you have a building, then you need fire insurance. Fire insurance protects you from the financial loss of a fire in your building. This means that if your building is damaged by fire, whether it's physical damage or smoke damage, and you don't have any other type of coverage, then you could be liable to pay for repairs out-of-pocket if there isn't enough coverage on your property.

What happens if my property is damaged by smoke?

If there is no electrical or gas source involved in the cause of the fire and there are no injuries sustained or personal belongings destroyed during that time period, then only smoke damage will apply to this situation—and it's important to note that this can also cover other things as well such as mold removal costs after water has been used on hot spots left behind by fires!

There are different types of fire insurance, but they are all designed to help you get back on track after you have experienced a devastating fire. 

There are different types of fire insurance, but they are all designed to help you get back on track after you have experienced a devastating fire.

The best way to find out if your building needs this protection is to sit down with your agent and discuss your options. You should ask questions about the coverage offered by each type, as well as whether or not it's right for you. Your agent will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your business is protected in case of a disaster.

Damage caused by smoke can also be covered by fire insurance if your policy allows for it. 

Smoke damage is also covered by fire insurance policies. This type of damage can be caused by a fire that is put out, or by a fire that goes out on its own and leaves behind smoke.

If you're wondering if your policy covers smoke damage, it's best to check with your agent before buying the policy. In general, if you have enough coverage in place for your building and its contents, then you should be able to get protection against smoke damage as well.

When purchasing fire insurance for your building, there are several things you will want to consider before signing a contract with an insurance company:

Before purchasing fire insurance for your building, there are several things you will want to consider.

• What type of insurance do you need
• How much coverage do you need
• What is covered and not covered

Conclusion

The best way to protect your business and its assets is with a comprehensive insurance plan. This includes both property and liability coverage. You should also consider adding additional coverages such as Business Interruption Insurance (BI) or Professional Liability Coverage (PL).

Home Tips for Cleaning Your Grill

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Grilling is fun just know the right way to set up and clean your grill.

Cleaning Your Grill at Home

Grilling is a great way to cook food outdoors. Cleaning your grill, though not as fun, is essential. Without it, your grill will start to smell. Extended use may cause a grease fire. Here are some grill cleaning tips for a safe grilling experience.

Knowing the Different Types of Grills

There are several different types of grills on the market today, and each one has its unique cleaning requirements. There are many reasons to clean a grill, including:

• Improved grill longevity
• Bacteria prevention
• Pest prevention
• Tastier food

Charcoal grills are the most popular. They're easy to use and give food a nice smoky flavor. To clean a charcoal grill, remove the ashes after each use and scrub the grill with soapy water once every few weeks.

Gas grills don’t involve lighting charcoal or cleaning up ashes, and electric grills don’t need charcoal or gas. However, grease and food residue can still build up on the grates. Proper grill cleaning starts with removing the grill grates and soaking them in soapy water. Scrub the grates with a brush and rinse them with clean water.

Performing Proper Grill Maintenance

Understanding how to store and maintain your grill is also essential. To prevent rust, clean your grill grates after each use and apply a coat of vegetable oil before storing. Replace broken grill grates as soon as possible to prevent injury.

Preventing Grilling Emergencies

Following the proper grill cleaning procedure will reduce the risk of emergencies such as grease fires. In the case of a fire, use a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher. If it becomes uncontrollable, you’ll want to call the fire department. Consider calling a fire damage restoration service in Heathrow, FL, to assess the damage afterward.

For many people around the country, grilling is a fun activity. Knowing the right way to set up and clean up your grill will help you prevent catastrophe.

Driving Tips During a Flood

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Drive safely in flooded streets

Driving During a Flood

When a bad storm hits Heathrow, FL, floodwaters can rise in no time. Rather than barrel down your flooded street, you should take a few precautions when there is a lot of water on the road. Here are some tips on staying safe if you must drive after a heavy storm.

Steer Clear of Standing Water

Many drivers tend to ignore travel tips and get overconfident when flash floods occur. They expect that standing water is harmless. The truth is that there can be many unseen hazards beneath the surface:

• Branches or other debris
• Potholes or washed out pavement
• Moving water

It is unlikely that you are able to discern how safe it is to drive through water when you can’t see to the bottom of it. Even a few inches can stall your vehicle or even move it off the road. Flood damage experts recommend that you find an alternate route or just wait until the water has a chance to drain.

Slow down

A flooded street is not a racetrack. Even if the water is shallow enough to navigate, you still need to reduce your speed so that you don’t stall your vehicle or hydroplane. If your tires cause water to fan out to the side, you are probably going too fast to be safe.

Don’t Use Others as a Gauge

Just because other drivers make it through flooded roads, that doesn’t mean you should try it. Flood conditions change rapidly. The car in front of you could have inadvertently knocked some debris into your path that will tear up your vehicle. Rely on your own good judgment rather than the whims of other people.

A flooded street is not meant to be a challenge. When in doubt, it is better to turn around and go back the way you came than try to rush through standing water. Safety should always come first.