SERVPRO® Mold Remediation Service

4/18/2024 (Permalink)

If you see, smell, or suspect mold, call SERVPRO of Wellington South!

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

Mold occurs naturally in the environment.  It reproduces from microscopic and tiny spores that grow when they land on wet surfaces.  Outdoor molds help to break down dead organic materials in nature - like fallen leaves and dead trees.  When mold starts growing indoors, it can be a problem. 

The first sign of a mold problem is often when you notice a musty odor.  You may also see fuzzy or slimy patches on surfaces.  Mold needs water to grow.  Trying to resolve a mold problem without addressing the water problem will fail as the mold will just grow back.  Moisture reduction is the most effective means of stopping the growth of mold.   
   

Call SERVPRO of Wellington South at 561-800-3450
for reliable mold remediation, abatement, and restoration 

   
If you know or suspect you have mold growth indoors on your property, call SERVPRO® today.  Mold is a fast-growing organism with the damage increasing the longer it grows.  Our IICRC certified technicians are specially trained to have the expertise to quickly and discreetly mitigate mold from your home or business.  While every situation is different and requires unique handling, mold remediation protocols generally follow these steps:    

Step 1:  Call SERVPRO of Wellington South at 561-800-3450
Step 2:  Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
Step 3:  Mold Containment
Step 4:  Air Filtration
Step 5:  Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Step 6:  Cleaning Contents and Belongings
Step 7:  Restoration
   

SERVPRO of Wellington South is locally owned and operated.  We are right here when you need us, ready and able to respond immediately.  SERVPRO® specializes in mold remediation, fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, and more. 

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Service

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Delray Beach has specialized equipment to provide 24-hour water damage restoration service in Palm Beach County

SERVPRO of Delray Beach is here for you 24/7 to help when you have a water emergency.  We have teams available around the clock to get to you as fast as possible – usually in less than an hour!  Delays can be costly when dealing with water so immediate action is crucial. 

Call any time – day or night:  561-272-5180

SERVPRO of Delray Beach is here for you whenever you need us.  Our technicians have specific training to help you through your water damage emergency. 

The best thing you can do is act quickly 

1. Shut off the water at the source
2. Turn off the electricity in the affected area
3. Call SERVPRO of Delray Beach: 561-272-5180
4. Our 24/7 response team will quickly dispatch to your location
5. Professionally trained SERVPRO technicians will arrive with specialized equipment for efficient water extraction and drying.

SERVPRO of Delray Beach specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property. Our personnel has extensive training in restoring property damage. You can be confident that SERVPRO's team has the skills necessary to restore your property since they have received both initial and continuous training at the company's training center and frequent IICRC industry certification.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Service

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Delray Beach is here to help remediate disasters caused by fire.  Whether you’re dealing with a home or office fire, we can help.  Our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Disasters are upsetting for everyone involved.

• Focus on the positive
• Recognize your own feelings
• Realize that emotional recovery can take time
• Call SERVPRO of Delray Beach: 561-272-5180

SERVPRO of Delray Beach has the IICRC certified skills to provide restoration services in compliance with globally recognized standards. Our specialty is extracting water left over from extinguishing fires. Our skilled crew will evaluate the extent of the fire's damage and take care of the cleanup and restoration of the damaged areas. Our expert team will thoroughly clean your home, removing soot from the walls, rugs, and furniture. We will also take care of clearing smoke and eliminating smoke smells.  We thoroughly document all damages, take numerous photos, and work with your insurance to give you complete peace of mind throughout the restoration process. 

Fire Safety Tips for Your Family

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, if there is a fire in your home, you may have as few as two minutes to escape. Two minutes sounds like an impossibly small amount of time. However, through fire safety techniques such as prevention, preparedness, and practice, you can keep your family safe. Use the following tips to minimize fire damage to your loved ones and your home.

Fire Prevention

Effective fire prevention measures minimize the risk of fire damage to your home. These are things you can do before a home fire is even a threat.

• Equip your house with smoke alarms on every floor, and both inside of and outside of wherever people sleep.
• Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries when needed.
• When cooking, keep fire safety at the forefront of your mind. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
  • Never use the oven or the stove in an impaired state.
  • Keep children away from hot ovens.
  • Always stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, broiling, and grilling food.
  • Keep flammable items away from the stovetop.
• Never leave portable heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, candles, etc. unattended. Keep flammable items at least three feet from these types of heating devices. Children and pets should be kept away from space heaters.
• No smoking in the home.
• Keep an eye out for damaged or frayed electrical cords and wires. Replace these types of fire hazards to minimize fire damage to your home.
• Matches and other fire starters should be kept in a locked cabinet away from children.

Fire Preparedness

Many home fires are preventable. Still, accidents happen. When fire prevention strategies fail, ensure you and your family are prepared to deal with a potential fire.

• Install fire extinguishers in your home. Contact the local fire department for training on how to use the fire extinguisher. Use proper fire extinguisher protocol and do not delay in calling 911.
• All fire safety measures call for a fire escape plan. Create a home fire escape plan with your family. Ensure all family members know what to do and can escape within two minutes. Include animals in the plan.
• Have a designated meeting place outside of your home once all family members have escaped.
• In the case of a fire, get out of the home and stay out of the home!
• Part of the fire safety plan should be to teach children how to get out of the house on their own, in the event an adult is unable to get to them. Tell children that they should never hide in an emergency fire situation.
• Once everyone is in a safe place outside of the home, call 911.

Fire Practice

Establish your family’s fire safety plan and be certain that everyone practices at least twice per year. Practice during the day and during the night to adequately prepare for any emergency fire situation.

• Educate all family members in fire safety protocol.
• Ensure your family knows about the fire escape plan. Go over the plan with younger family members in an age-appropriate manner.
• Practice the fire escape plan at least twice per year. Test the speed with which family members evacuate the home. Try to move at a quicker pace with each drill.
• Instruct children when to stop, drop, and roll, and to low crawl.
• Reiterate the importance of remaining calm in an emergency situation. The adults should set a positive example for a deliberate, practiced, composed escape from the situation.

Fire damage can be a catastrophic event. Fires destroy homes and lives. The best way to protect your family and your home is to be prepared. Institute fire safety precautions and have a plan in place should the precautions fail. As always, call on the fire damage experts at SERVPRO of Delray Beach for all of your fire and smoke cleanup needs.

Detecting Mold Damage in Your Kitchen

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth and kitchens go together all too well. When it comes to being proactive against mold damage in your kitchen, it all starts with being informed.

Beware of Mold in the Kitchen

Mold needs very few things to grow and multiply – nutrients, a place to grow, and moisture. Areas of high humidity and moisture, like a kitchen, are very inviting to molds. In your kitchen, mold is most often found under the sink, around the sink or tap, near window sills, behind appliances, and in or behind cupboards.

Mold inside your home increases the risk of potential health problems ranging from allergic illness to toxic effects. In addition to harming your health, mold can also damage home building materials, household goods and furnishings. In order to protect your family and your home, learn what you can do to prevent, detect, and remediate mold.

Prevent Kitchen Mold Damage

The humidity and moisture in kitchens (and bathrooms) make it a perfect breeding ground for mold. A minor area of mold can rapidly turn into a major mold problem. Aim to keep humidity levels in your home below 60%. The first step in preventing kitchen mold is ensuring your kitchen is well-ventilated. A range hood will remove humidity from the air when you are cooking.

Also, when feasible, open a window to remove further humidity. Inspect your window weatherproofing to be certain no humidity is entering the kitchen from outside your home. Finally, make sure your plumbing is functioning properly.

Identify Kitchen Mold Damage

In most cases, indoor mold can be seen or smelled. Visible mold growth may appear cottony, leathery, or velvety. Mold can come in a variety of colors, including white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green. On furniture or walls and ceilings, mold looks like a fuzzy growth, or staining. Always check for signs of water damage and moisture. Moreover, trust your nose. Mold has an earthy or musty odor. If you smell something odd or see visible water damage, inquire further as to whether you have a mold situation on your hands.

Mold Damage Remediation

Once you have identified mold, despite your best attempt at prevention, what steps should be taken toward mold remediation? Minor mold concerns may be remediated without a professional. Act quickly and wear gloves and goggles. Most specialists caution that bleach will only remove mold from non-porous surfaces. Thus, if you use bleach to remove mold from a wall, cupboard, or other porous surface, it will return. Use a detergent or soapy water or commercial mold cleaner as your line of first defense. Thoroughly dry the area after cleaning. Throw away rags and sponges used to clean the mold.

If the mold promptly returns or spreads, further investigation should be taken. You may have a water leak or other problem. At this stage you may consider hiring a specialist like SERVPRO of Delray Beach. The Florida Department of Health does not recommend at-home mold testing kits. According to floridahealth.gov, “Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals.” At home mold testing kits are known to show false positives or false negatives.

Remain Calm

Keep an eye and a nose out for signals of mold. Promptly clean areas that appear to show mold. When in doubt, check the Florida Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency websites for further information. Finally, professional mold remediation services are available to keep your family and your home mold-free. At SERVPRO of Delray Beach, our mold remediation specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today to learn more.

Water Damage Things to Watch for

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Things to Watch for

Water damage is a major concern for homeowners, but it can strike at any time and from any number of sources. The longer that excess water remains in your home, the worse it will get, so respond quickly to problems. There are several ways you can control water damage before it gets out of hand. Here are some things you should know about water damage:

Water Damage Can Be Devastating

Water damage can be a very serious matter. Although most of us don’t typically think about it, the truth is that water damage can have a lasting impact on your home and belongings. Water damage can lead to mold growth, structural issues with your home, and even health concerns if left untreated.

When you are faced with this kind of crisis situation it is important that you act quickly in order to minimize any further damage to yourself or your property.

Water Damage Comes from Anywhere at Any Time

This can range from a leaky roof to an overflowing bathtub to a burst pipe. It's important to be aware of the dangers of water damage and have a plan in place for what to do if it occurs. You don't want to find yourself without options when things go wrong!

The most obvious source is rain or snow that finds its way into your home through gaps in the roof or walls. The best thing you can do here is to make sure everything is sealed tight so that no water gets inside at all!

Another common cause is clogged drains, which can lead to backflow into other parts of your house—like under sinks or behind appliances—and eventually damage them beyond repair if left unchecked for too long. This kind of work is important. When left untouched, water can cause some serious problems, including increased cost of repairs and potential health issues.

As you can imagine, the longer that excess water remains in your home, the more damage it will do. The result of this is wood rot, which is harmful to your home and may cause structural damage if left untreated. Another problem that can arise from leaving water in your house for too long is electrical fires. Electrical fires are extremely dangerous and can quickly become very serious due to their speed of spread and intensity.

Steps to Take Once Water Starts Entering Your Property

There are several ways you can control water damage before it gets out of hand.

• Turn off the water supply to the leak. If you see a pipe leaking or hear gurgling, turn off the valve or knob in order to stop the flow of water and prevent further damage.
• Stop the flow of water by covering any open drains with towels or rags and shutting down faucets if possible (some older faucets may not have shut-off valves). If your basement has a sump pump and it's running, turn it off immediately; otherwise, your basement will fill up with water very quickly!
• Remove any wet items from the area where they're being damaged by moisture (i.e., carpet, wood floors), which could lead to mold growth if left untreated for too long."

Call the Professionals

You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of homeowners experience water damage in their homes or businesses. And when it happens, you should be sure to call a professional water restoration company or contractor when you notice larger issues to avoid further damage.

At the same time, however, there are some preventive measures that can help prevent water from causing damage in the first place. If there are any signs that your home has been exposed to water (such as standing puddles or mold growth), contact us right away so we can assess your situation and establish a plan of action together.

There are lots of water damage-related things you should be aware of. From leaks and flooding in the home to sewage water, there are a lot of ways water can cause problems. You need to respond quickly when you notice small issues in your Delray Beach home or business, so they don't turn into larger ones. Give SERVPRO of Delray Beach a call!

Actions to Take After a Fire

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Actions to Take After a Fire

Fires can cause extensive damage to Delray Beach, FL homes and businesses, but there are steps you can take after a fire to help minimize the damage. By taking these steps, you'll be able to help speed up the insurance process and prevent mold growth and other issues that could create more problems in the future.

Protect Your Property

There are a few things you should do right after a fire to help protect your property from further damage. You will want to make sure you don’t touch anything in the building that is damaged. Avoid using electronics in the home until you are sure it’s safe. One of the most important things you can do immediately following a fire is to contact SERVPRO of Delray Beach, so we can get the mitigation and restoration process started. 

Documentation is Key

Documentation is crucial for your claim. You should keep a record of all communication with your insurance adjuster:

• all letters or emails you send to the adjuster
• any letters or emails you receive from the adjuster
• a list of all the questions that you asked and their answers

It’s also important to keep track of what happens during each conversation. Write down exactly what was said and who said it to ensure that every detail is accurate. You will also want to document the things in your home or building that were damaged due to the fire. Your insurance adjuster can help with how to get started on this. 

Call the Professionals

When it comes to fire damage restoration, there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best way to proceed will depend on the nature of the fire and the extent of damage caused by it. Fire remediation specialists and contractors will help get you on the road to recovery. A professional who specializes in cleaning up smoke or soot from fires will be able to help you decide what your next steps should be.

For example, if you’ve suffered a kitchen fire that left behind charred walls and cabinets, but wasn't hot enough to cause structural damage, then hiring a contractor for some basic repairs may be all that's necessary before moving forward with cleanup efforts. 

However, if your home sustained significant water damage from putting out a blaze that got out of control, then you'll want someone trained in removing mold by using specialized equipment like foggers or fogging machines (which use high-pressure hoses) instead of just fans alone because they can reach places where mold spores tend not to grow well.

Secure Your Property

It is important to secure your property as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage and make it less likely that vandals will ransack your home. You can do this in a couple of different ways:

• Board up damaged windows and doors with plywood or other materials found around the house.
• Cover holes in roofs with tarps, plastic sheeting, or plywood until you can get them repaired by a professional roofer.

Act Quickly

Part of the healing process after a fire is allowing yourself some time to grieve and recover. But as you're getting back into your daily routine, remember: there are some important steps you should take to restore your home and life to normal. One important step is cleaning up your house as soon as possible after a fire.

Begin with removing smoke odors from walls, rugs, furniture, clothing, and other soft surfaces by washing them with a cleaning solution or vacuuming them. Then clean hard surfaces with soap and water; dry completely before replacing any furnishings on them.

Ultimately, smoke damage and odor can be difficult to clean, and a professional company such as SERVPRO of Delray Beach can help make this process easier for you. 

The first step is to call your insurance agent. They will help you figure out the next steps, but the most important thing is to take care of yourself. Your life has just been turned upside down, and it’s time to find support from friends and family who can help with cleanup or provide food while you recover from this devastating event.

How To Drain Your Flooded Basement

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

What To Do When A Basement Floods?

A flooded basement can be a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when you live in Delray Beach, FL. Whether your home was subject to a natural disaster or there’s been a break in your water line, standing water in your basement can lead to an array of issues:

• Foundation damage
• Ruined possessions
• Water heater and HVAC system damage
• Mold growth

It’s vital to battle your basement flood as quickly as possible to minimize the damage. If you’re not sure how to remove the water on your own, local restoration specialists can do that for you. Otherwise, you can use a submersible pump and sump hose combination to efficiently remove as much water as possible.

Prepare Your House for Pumping

Before you start the process of water removal, turn off your electricity. It’s also important to make sure the source of water has been stopped. If the cause was a burst pipe, make sure it’s been plugged, whereas if your basement flood is from regional flooding, wait until any outside water (in your yard or street) starts receding before pumping.

Begin Pumping Out the Water

Use an extension cord to connect the pump prior to putting it in the basement. Take all measures to keep the cord connection from getting wet; hanging it is highly recommended. Fit a hose to your pump – a garden hose can work, but a sump hose will be much more efficient due to its wider diameter. If flooding is in your insurance coverage, you may be covered for both the pump and hose rentals.

Place the end of the hose facing away from the house and, preferably, on a gradient that leads to a drain or sewer. Carefully lower the pump into the water and begin pumping. Reposition the pump to the lowest level of the basement once the water is only a couple of inches high.

Take Small but Important Steps

It’s inevitable that some of your possessions may have been damaged in the basement flood. Likewise, carpet and drywall can need replacing or a very thorough cleaning. Check with restoration specialists in Delray Beach, FL, to help repair damages and assess for further risks. You and your home will be grateful you did.

A Commercial Roof Leak Will Lead to Severe Water Damage – Unless You Act Quickly

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

A Commercial Roof Leak Will Lead to Severe Water Damage

In time, all buildings will develop a roof leak. When they do, cleanup can be quite complicated. Not only is roof damage a technical subject, but water that gets inside can also begin causing serious damage to a commercial building in Delray Shores, FL, within 48 hours of water intrusion.

Massive Damage
The building envelope is your barrier between the inside and the elements. The structure can typically withstand a small amount of water damage, but absorbent materials can be damaged very quickly, including

• Drywall
• Carpet
• Insulation

Hidden Trouble
If you see a roof leak and catch it quickly, you can save a huge amount of water damage. After a windstorm, check your building for missing shingles or other signs of roof damage. Visible water leaking inside should be obvious to anyone as a symptom, but many leaks are obscured until the waters had time to really cause trouble.

A mildew smell that lingers in a specific area is a sure sign of moisture getting trapped somewhere. It's not unusual for a hidden roof leak to be discovered as the result of a mold inspection.

Quick Action

If you suspect a roof leak, contact local roof damage repair experts to get an immediate response. They'll expedite an inspector to your business to determine if you need to tarp or board exposed areas. If a damaged roof is properly tarped before the next storm, all the water damage should be easy to clean. Any delay is likely to be costly.

Cleanup Experts

Once the inspection is done and the roof has been tarped, the restoration team can begin the storm damage cleanup. They'll tear out wet materials then suck out the moisture with commercial air movers. The entire affected area will be dried and disinfected and any black mold removed. Finally, they can repair the roof and restore your interior as needed.
If your business or commercial building has a roof leak, the key to saving money is to catch it quickly. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Simple Ways To say Goodbye To That Nasty Mold Odor

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Goodbye Nasty Mold Odor

There are many reasons why you want to avoid getting mold in your home. Aside from its unsightly appearance and the embarrassment that comes from discovering it, mold leaves an unpleasant, sometimes-intolerable musty odor. You shouldn’t have to live with the stench in your Delray Beach, FL, home. Luckily, you can take action and get your place smelling fresh once again.

Why It Stinks

First, it may be helpful to understand why the musty, damp odor of mold is so severe and how this happens. Simply put, mold releases a number of mycotoxin materials, which create a horrible smell. Here are other reasons:

• The smell is a mixture of numerous chemicals the mold releases as it grows.
• The smell comes from compounds such as geosmin, borneol, 3-octanone, and others.

Store-Bought

If you head to your local grocery store or department store, you should be able to find air fresheners capable of overpowering the smell of the various mycotoxin compounds. Febreze is a popular choice among homeowners. However, be aware that the products will only mask the odor for a time; eventually, the mold stench will prevail. These products don’t eliminate mold.

Home Made

If you don’t think a commercial product will do the trick, or if you’d rather try something different, you may already have some items in your home that will work. One common combatant is the water-vinegar mixture. Try a half-part of each and put it into a spray bottle. Then, spray on the mold-damaged area.

The Experts

In worst-case scenarios, you may need mold remediation to rid your home of this terrible smell. A professional mold cleanup company can use specialized chemicals or may even tear out and replace drywall or flooring in your home.

Mycotoxin compounds leave a musty odor you don’t want to deal with. Try these techniques to ensure you can have a stench-free home.