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.

5 Reasons NOT To Drive on a Flooded Street

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Drive on a Flooded Street

Heavy rainfall, severe storms, melting snow, and other natural events can cause a single flooded street or affect all of West Delray Beach, FL. As people try to go about their normal routines when this happens, they are sure to come across several flooded roads. The most important of all travel tips during flooding is not to drive on those roads. Here are just a few of the reasons why to steer clear of streets covered by water.

1. Water Hides Many Disasters

There may be downed power lines, sinkholes, washed-out pavement, and other disasters could be lurking below the surface of the waves. Even if there's only an inch or two, your tires could be damaged by debris lying out of sight.

2. It's Hard To Tell How Deep the Water Is

Without obvious clues, it's hard to estimate how deep the water is on a flooded street. This is particularly dangerous at night and on unfamiliar roads. It doesn't take long for you to get into water that is too deep to navigate.

3. Tire Buoyancy Can Float You Into Trouble

Weather-sealing and plenty of air pressure make it possible for your car to float just enough that you can't accurately tell how deep the water is. A tiny bit of buoyancy also removes any chance of friction, so you and your car are at the mercy of the flow of water. It isn't uncommon for cars in this situation to get sucked into drainage systems, rivers, and other bodies of water.

4. Engines Suck Up a Lot of Water

Engines create a powerful vacuum, sucking in air, debris, or water. When you drive on flooded roads, enough water gets sucked up to cause very expensive damages. In addition to this problem, you may find the computer destroyed, carpeting ruined, and wiring systems corroded.

5. Water Damaged Cars Require a Complete Overhaul

Water damage specialists will completely dismantle your car. Each piece of the automobile will be either dried or replaced, treated with chemicals, sealed, and then reassembled.

A flooded street is deceptively dangerous. Don't ever drive on them because of the risks to yourself and your car.

Reasons To Get Interruption Insurance

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Why Should You Get Business Interruption Insurance?

A heavy storm in West Delray Beach, FL, can cause a lot of damage. While storm damage restoration specialists can help you rebuild the structure itself, who will help you keep your business running? In addition to your property insurance, you should ask your provider about a business interruption policy.

Loss Compensation
If a storm destroys even part of your building, you already have your hands full getting it back to normal. You shouldn't have to worry about the survival of your business, too. There are many expenses that business interruption insurance may cover:

• Temporary relocation costs
• Lost income
• Payroll
• Loan payments
• Monthly expenses such as rent and utilities
  Taxes

It always costs money to stay in business, but you may be surprised to find that it can cost just as much to shut down for a couple of weeks. A good interruption policy can help you bridge the gap.

Partnership Protection
The compensation that an interruption policy can provide protects not only you but also the partners who depend on consistent payment while you rebuild. Your inventory suppliers, the bank that handles your loans and delivery services all rely on your continued success to ensure their own. If you are unable to pay them, they may be unable to pay some of their partners, creating a disastrous domino effect. You need a policy to help keep these relationships in good standing.

Customer Retention
Another important relationships to consider are the connections you have with your customers. Even if they are loyal, a temporarily closed business is a risk. It doesn't take a lot of time for them to find a competitor who offers similar goods or services, and they may not return if you stay closed for too long. Interruption insurance allows you to continue offering the customer service they expect.

You can rebuild your structure after storm damage, but it may be harder to regain business lost during a temporary closure. Interruption insurance can ease some of this struggle.

How Do You Clean Up a Leaking Roof?

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

What Is the Best Way To Clean A Leaking Roof?

Cleaning up from the aftermath of a storm at your Delray Shores, FL business is curical if you notice problems such as a roof leak or substainal damage, like missing shingles. Here are the steps necessary to go through to keep your structure in the best condition possible when handling storm cleanup.

Remove Wet Materials

It's crucial to remove any wet materials that are on the roof area prior to repairing. This prevents mold from growing within the roof, which could cause more problems later on. A professional restoration team ensures that you start with a dry area before performing further work. This creates a clean base that can promote longevity and protect any repairs that are made.

Dry And Disinfect

The roof area needs to be dry before replacing any material. A company that specializes in storm damage restoration can disinfect and properly clean everything prior to beginning work. With the area dry and dieinfected, it's easier to have a solid base that can last for a longer period of time, espcially since a roof leak can cause a lot of damage without you realizing it.

Start Restoring the Roof and Ceiling

Once the wet materials are removed and everything is cleaned and dry, it is time to start the process of rebuilding the roof and celing. Although you might need to close your business during this time, it's important to tackle a damaged roof right away so the rest of the structure doesn't weaken. A clean and safe building can provide a better experience for both employees and customers alike.

Commercial storm cleanup for a roof leak in Delray Shores, FL can protect the current setup of your business from further damage. With time, following the right steps, and the help of a professional restoration company, your roof can return to its former glory, allowing you to return to business once again.

3 Steps To Take in Case of Water Damage From Severe Storms

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Three Steps To Take In the Event Of Severe Storm Water Damage

When flood water enters a building in Kings Point, FL, the results could lead property owners to spend thousands of dollars on repairs. Knowing what to do and acting fast after water damage from severe storms could save building owners money. Water damage from severe weather conditions can result from:

• Floods
• Burst pipes
• A leaking roof

Here are 3 steps to take in case of water damage from a bad storm.

1. Clean the Water Immediately

If you allow water to sit on your property, the porous natural construction materials will sop it up, leading to water stains, microbial growth and other problems. Use mops, towels or rags to remove as much of the water as possible. If it is a leaking roof or a burst pipe, take the appropriate steps to stop water from damaging more materials. Make sure you wear protective gear if you are dealing with black water, or water that is highly contaminated.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

It is common for insurance companies to cover water damage costs from flood water. Contact your insurance provider before taking any steps to fix the building and prevent unnecessary costs. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars on repairs in addition to your insurance costs.

3. Hire a Professional Service

A professional water damage restoration service can help you clean, dehumidify, and restore your property to its normal state. Cleaning up storm damage can be a rigorous task. Sometimes it is more beneficial for property owners to hire a professional service. Research your local companies to hire the best one for you.

Flood water can lead to irreparable damages, especially if water is allowed to sit on the natural construction materials of a building. Take the appropriate steps to prevent unbudgeted costs of an emergency repair. Doing so could save you time and money, valuable resources that are better spent at your discretion.

The Main Differences Between Mitigation and Restoration

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust our trained team to restore your business or home after a storm, so it's "Like it never even happened."

Mitigation VS. Restoration: What's The Difference?

Although both are essential for returning your company to its original state after a flood or storm, mitigation and restoration are two different processes performed by a flood cleanup company. If a flood has caused extensive damage your business in Delray Beach, FL, it can be overwhelming to try and pick up the pieces afterward. Here are the main differences between both of these terms so you can know what to expect during the restoration process.

Mitigation

The process of mitigation is the first step a restoration company will take after they assess the damage your business has endured. Before rebuilding or addressing damaged items, the company will need to first ensure more damage does not occur and eliminate any possible threats to people who enter the building. While this is a very important step to take, it is a much shorter process than restoration. These are some typical mitigation steps taken after a flood or storm:

1. Water Extraction: To prevent any further water damage or mold growth to occur, professional pumps and vacuums are often used to remove flooded water from the building.
   
2. Sewage Cleanup: If any black water, or contaminated water with untreated sewage, has made its way into your business, this will be addressed immediately.
   
3. Drying: After a majority of water has been pumped from the site, special equipment and dehumidifiers will completely dry whatever moisture is remaining.

Restoration

After mitigation has been completed, the flood cleanup company will then start the restoration process. This includes performing whatever repairs need to be done to restore the building to its pre-flood condition. Rebuilding rooms, replacing drywall, and replacing carpet area a few examples. Also, they will work on restoring damaged items like furniture, important documents, and personal belongings that were damaged.

While mitigation involves preventing further damage after a flood, restoration is the process of repairing damages that occurred. After the flood cleanup company completes both of these, your company will be back in business!

How To Limit Flood Damage In a Commercial Building

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

How Can a Commercial Building Be Protected From Flooding?

Flooding may seem inevitable, but there are many ways to limit flood damage. From inspections to strategic landscaping to gathering emergency equipment to keep out flood waters, here are several steps you can take to limit damage in a commercial property in Delray Beach, FL.

Flood Proof the Building

Start with a thorough inspection to make sure the building is watertight. This inspection should extend to

• Doors and other openings
• Drainage systems
• Flood panels
• Floor slab
• Windows
• Walls
• Roof

Regular inspections can identify breaches or damage that may become a source of leaks or flood damage. This inspection may also lead to recommendations for storm shutters or other preventative features.

Strategically Design Landscaping

Landscaping decisions may help to reduce the severity of flooding. Make sure that the grade of the soil slopes away from the foundation of a building. Seek expert advice on how to use plants or trees to ground soil, prevent erosion, and break up the flow of flood water.

Gather Flood Supplies

It is a good idea to keep a variety of flood prevention supplies on hand. These may include burlap bags, sand, and shovels for making sandbags or reusable alternatives to sandbags such as

• Collapsible reinforced fences
• Water-filled cofferdams or tubes
• Materials designed to absorb water

Alternative designs may be more expensive than sandbag materials, but these methods may also be more environmentally-friendly, faster to fill or deploy, and more cost-effective over time. Effective use of sandbags or alternatives can help to keep water out of a commercial property.

All of these measures can limit the amount of flood damage or storm damage sustained by a commercial building in Delray Beach, FL. Property on a flood plain should be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. If flood waters damage the property, contact a commercial storm and water damage cleanup and restoration service.

Be Smart and Stay Safe in the Aftermath of a Storm With These Storm Tips

9/19/2021 (Permalink)

When a major storm blows through your area, you're not the only person who will be in need of help. Chances are that your Highland Beach, FL, storm damage restoration teams will be tied up with other homeowners' projects, and that first responder will be forced to prioritize residents' levels of need. In these situations, it's important that you don't panic, and that you know what and what not to do to stay safe at this otherwise stressful time. Use the following storm tips to guide you.

What TO Do in the Wake of a Storm

Your first priority after a storm should be your own safety and the safety of your loved ones. That said, if you do not have any reason to fear for your safety, your second priority should be protecting your home.

Depending on the extent of the storm damage, your home might be flooded, your shingles might be off your roof and your electrical wiring might be askew. IF it is safe to do so, take measures to prevent costly water damage and possible mold growth. Some storm tips you can use before help arrives include the following:

• Mop up or blot out excess water.
• Remove furniture from flooded regions and/or prop them up out of the water.
• Pick up all your belongings off the floor.
• Turn on air condition or fans to speed up drying time. If it's not cold or raining, open the windows.

What NOT to Do in the Wake of a Storm

You can minimize your risk for danger by NOT doing certain things as well. Some things you shouldn't do post-storm include the following:

• Don't turn on any lights, ceiling fans or other electrical fixtures if you notice water near the outlet or the appliance.
• Don't go into a basement or ground floor that is already flooded.
• Don't walk on a floor that is saturated with water and creaking.

The above storm tips are guidelines for what and what not to do after a storm and before help arrives. For more targeted advice, contact your Highland Beach, FL, storm damage restoration team.

Conquering Odor After a Flood

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

After A Flood, How To Get Rid of the Odor

Many people worry about flood water damaging their Delray Beach, FL, home, but fewer people are on the lookout for mold growth after the water has dried. Mold is the development of fungi in damp, poorly lit areas, and it causes a musty odor. When a storm floods your property, mold can start to grow in just a few days, spreading its stale smell throughout your home. Once you have addressed water damage and disinfected your belongings, follow these tips for conquering mold-related odors after a flood:

1. Use White Vinegar for Furniture

Fill an old spray bottle with white vinegar. Then, spray the vinegar onto the smelly areas of any upholstered furniture you have already dried. Be careful not to spray too much, because added moisture will encourage further mold growth. When the vinegar dries, both the moldy odors and the vinegar smell should be gone.

2. Use Baking Soda for Carpets

You can’t go wrong with the naturally deodorizing properties of baking soda. Once your carpet has dried, sprinkle baking soda onto the affected areas to absorb any lingering odors and moisture. After letting it sit for hours, or even overnight, vacuum up the baking soda.

3. Keep Your Home Dry

To make sure these efforts to remove odors are worth your time, keep your home dry to prevent mold from growing again. Install dehumidifiers and electric fans, and open your windows when possible. These steps will help the air in your home circulate and stay dry.

When To Ask for Help

Sometimes, do-it-yourself tricks won’t work for moldy odors. This is normally the case if the water damage affects an area larger than 10 square feet, or if you experience sewage loss. This involves damage from black water, which has organic waste contaminants and is much more harmful to your property than clean water. When this happens, restoration professionals can address the damage in your Delray Beach, FL, home.

There are a few ways to tackle water damage, mold growth and related odors after a flood. However, address any issues promptly, as quick action now can save you time, money, and stress in the future.

4 Ways to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Take The Right Precautions To Prepare For An Emergency

If you’re expecting flooding in West Delray Beach, FL, it’s a good idea to prepare your business to reduce or prevent any serious damage. There are several steps that you can take to minimize the impact of this natural disaster.

1. Relocate Important Items
Water can cause damage to most items in your building, from paper documents to electronics. To keep these safe from the flood, move anything you can to a higher floor. Waterproof containers can be an additional level of safety for smaller objects. Using tarps or other protective covering can reduce flood damage to items that cannot be moved.

2. Prepare Your Employees
Not only can flooding cause damage to your property, but it can also make it unsafe to travel. Creating a plan for severe weather will help everyone stay prepared for emergency situations that occur while you are at work. You may also want to plan for everyone to work from home until the storm has passed.

3. Create an Emergency Kit
If you are at the office, you should have emergency supplies prepared. This should include flashlights and extra batteries in case the power goes out. A battery-powered radio can also be helpful, allowing you to stay updated on the situation. Make sure to have plenty of bottled water and ready-to-eat food as well, in case you are stuck in the building.

4. Inspect the Building for Damage
While your building should be regularly maintained, you may want to do a quick check for any issues before a big storm. If the building is already damaged, then it is more vulnerable to additional storm damage as well. An emergency restoration service can help perform an inspection and make necessary repairs.
You cannot control mother nature, but you can make an effort to prepare for an emergency. Taking the right precautions can help reduce the effect that flooding has on your commercial building, your business and your employees.

Tips for Safety After Major Flooding

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important things to do when flood water affects your Delray Beach, FL home is finding alternative shelter for your family. There are many unseen risks in your flooded home over and above any potential damage to the home.

Reach Out for Professional Help

From your temporary shelter, you can work toward recovering from water damage by

• Calling your insurance agent and mortgage holder
• Researching local and federal resources, such as FEMA loans
• Contacting licensed flood cleanup and restoration professionals

When it is safe for you to get back to your home, take the following precautions:

Shut Down Electricity
Before getting near any water in your home, shut off the electricity at your main circuit breaker. Even a moist carpet and a frayed cord can lead to serious electric shocks. Even after shutting off the power, avoid stepping into any standing water inside and outside your home.

Wear Personal Protective Gear
This includes rubber boots and gloves to protect you from electric shocks. A mask with an air filter and a pair of goggles are important for protecting you from any chemicals or fumes carried by the water. Avoid getting any water on your hands and face to limit contamination from dirty flood water.

Watch Out for Mold
It only takes a day or two for mold spores to settle into the warm, humid areas of your home, such as under wet carpet, in a basement corner, or around loose windowpanes. If you suspect or notice any evidence of mold, contact a professional immediately to prevent spread. It may be necessary for you to cut out lower sections of affected walls to stop moisture and mold from creeping up further.

Stay Calm
Flood water in your home can cause a lot of panic and frustration, so it's important to keep a level head while approaching cleanup and repairs. Work closely with those who've experienced flooding before to minimize damage as much as possible.

3 Ways Modern Cities Practice Flood Prevention

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Three Common Methods For Flood Prevention IN Cities

With floods becoming more common, cities are taking a more proactive approach to control dangerously high water. Probably the three most common methods are:

• Sluice Gates
• Water Barriers
• Reservoirs
  

When used in the right combination, these interventions will be able to stop flooding effectively and economically in most cities. They can also have a massive impact on flood insurance rates in Delray Beach, FL.

Sluice Gates Are Ideal for Rivers and Canals

Often, the greatest risk for flooding comes from rivers. In populated areas, sluice gates are an affordable way to manage high water events. They’re simple to operate and work for small canals as well as significant rivers.
Each sluice is a wood or metal barricade that can be raised or lowered as needed. When the medium-term forecast calls for large amounts of water to enter the river, the river level can be reduced in advance to accommodate high water levels.

Water Barriers Can Be Very Simple or Technological Marvels

An earthen dam or levee is a form of flood prevention that’s been used since prehistory. Often relatively simple and extremely economical to construct, modern engineering can make these dams as durable as any other form of flood control when used correctly.
Some, however, are cutting-edge innovations that control flooding with both function and form. The Maeslantkering storm water barricade, for example, has two beautiful arched barriers that pivot out to block flooding. Controlled by supercomputers and one of the largest rotating structures on Earth, it normally allows free passage to ships.

Reservoirs Are the Storage Yards for Flood Events

Except for cases of ocean flooding, sluices and barriers need reservoirs for high water incidents. With a large enough area for a reservoir, cities can manage 100-year floods effectively. Reservoirs can be either natural or man-made (or both) and are often used for recreation as well.
If a flood exceeds the local controls, you may experience heavy property damage – which may not be insured! Either way, call the top water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Delray Beach to help your business get back to operations as soon as possible. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Cleaning Procedures After a Flood

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

All-natural disasters come with their own risks, but floods are especially dangerous because they can come quickly and without warning. Oftentimes, homes aren't fully prepared for destructive floods, resulting in damage. Although the aftermath can be overwhelming, there are specific cleaning requirements you should follow. Here are basic tips to start restoring your home after a flood.

Get Rid of Water and Debris

If your home in West Delray Beach, FL, was affected by a flood, the first thing you should do is get rid of any debris. Floodwaters often contain contaminants such as:

• Livestock waste
  
• Household hazards
  
• Heavy metals or toxins
  
  

If there's a significant amount of debris or contaminated water around your home, you may need to call a storm restoration company to help with cleaning.

Disinfect All Surfaces
Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. You can then use a disinfectant, either store-bought or homemade by using 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water. If you're using a store-bought cleaner, consider choosing an EPA-registered flood disinfectant to ensure all germs are killed on surfaces.

Clean Household Items
All household items are different, so be sure to research proper cleaning requirements for specific instructions.
Kitchenware such as silverware, pots and pans can be disinfected by boiling in water for 10 minutes. Do not use bleach in this case, because it may react with the metal in pans or silverware.
You can submerge glass and plastic dinnerware in bleach and hot water for 10 minutes to disinfect them. Air-dry dishes instead of using a towel.
Mattresses that have been damaged by floodwaters must be thrown out. You should take other items like clothes, bedding and furniture outside to dry as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew.
It may be hard to get your house after a flood clean, but it's not impossible. By following the correct procedures and cleaning requirements for different objects, you can safely restore your home.

What To Know About Odor Removal After Storm Flooding

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Steps In Fixing The Damage After Storm Damage

After a storm in Delray Shores, FL, your business may experience flooding which could lead to mold growth, and the associated odors, as a result. Fortunately, a local storm damage restoration service can help. Here are the steps you may see these professionals take in order to fix the damage and remove any offending odors.

1. Remove the Water

Removing the floodwater from the affected area as this will allow the restoration team to determine what damages have occurred if any sewage loss from the septic system has occurred and if there’s a chase that mold damage may be contributing to any unpleasant odors. During this process special pumped can be used to handle large volumes of water. A squeegee may also be used to pull pooling water out of hard to reach areas. Once the water is gone the damage can be assessed and a cleanup plan prepared.

2. Clean The Area

The next part of the process is to clean the area. During this step, damaged materials will be removed and mold growth will be contained, treated, and expunged. In many cases, special cleaners will be used in order to prevent the growth of bacteria as well.

3. Deodorize and Sanitize

The last step of the process is sanitizing the area and along with this deodorization can be done for any remaining scent. In most cases, special cleaning solutions will be used, although an ozone machine may come in handy if there is still odor in the air. One the space is sanitized repairs can begin. Soon your business space can look “Like it never even happened.”

When removing odors resulting from mold growth, the restoration team working on your business property will start by taking care of the source of the problem. Water and mold damage will be removed and repaired, and the area thoroughly cleaned, before they sanitize and deodorize the space.

What To Know About Your Roof After a Storm

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

What To Know About Your Roof After a Storm

After a storm, your Delray Beach, FL, home may have some roof repair needs. However, not all repairs are the same. Here are a few things you may want to be aware of.

1. There May Be Different Types of Damage

When looking for roof damage it’s important to understand that many types of damage may have occurred. These damage types may need to be fixed in different ways depending on how it happened and what type of roof you have. This is why it’s highly recommended to contact a professional for help. For example, wind damage might include torn shingles or debris stuck in this roofing while hair damage could include cracks or dents in the roofing material which could result in leaks.

2. How To Protect Against Further Damage

The next thing to understand about roof repair is that the damaged area will need to be protected from additional harm until the repairs can be completed. In many cases, a section of plywood or a heavy tarp can be placed over the affected zone and secured in place to act as a barrier against hot sunlight or inclement weather, which could weaken the roof further.

3. Who To Call To Help With Repairs

Anytime you have a problem with your roof it’s always best to contact a professional. A local storm damage restoration crew may be able to help. A professional will know what types of damage to look for, how each type is best fixed depending on your roof type and should also be able to fix and problems that a leak may have caused to your home. They may also be able to offer to advise on steps you can take to further protect the roof against future problems.

When it comes to roof repair it's important to understand that not all damage types are the same. If you do find damage the area should be protected with a board of tarp until a professional can come to make the repairs.

3 Essential Tips for Traveling During a Storm

5/2/2020 (Permalink)

3 Essential Tips for Traveling During a Storm

Torrential rainfall can happen during any season, but spring is notorious for massive downpours due to the preponderance of warmer, moist air. Therefore, it's crucial that you know what actions you will take if you encounter a flooded street on your way to work, school, or elsewhere. Accumulated water can leave you stranded or even wash away your vehicle if you're not prepared. Here are three travel tips that can increase your safety on the road during flooding.

1. Navigate With Care
A wet street can make driving stressful and navigation difficult, but you aren't the only one struggling. When it's raining, always turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you. If needed, also utilize your hazard lights. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel so you are braced for strong winds. Most importantly, drive slow.
2. Avoid All Flooded Roads
Never drive or continue to drive down a flooded street. Even if you think you know the street well, it's difficult to visually measure water depth, and two inches is all it takes for water to carry a small car. Even a larger car can float, and if this happens, control of the car is lost.
3. Know What To Do If You Lose Control
Flooding can happen in a matter of seconds. If you do lose control of the car to a flooded road, there are two different scenarios that require two different courses of action. If the water isn't moving, then leave the car and seek higher ground. However, if the water is moving, it's safer to remain inside the vehicle.
Above all, put the safety of yourself and the people traveling with you first. Water-damaged property can be restored or even replaced. Being prepared in advance of extreme weather in Kings Point, FL will give you the tools to protect those you love and the car you drive when you happen upon a flooded street.

SERVPRO Technicians are Thoroughly Trained to Remediate Damage after a Flood

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage is often extensive, and can carry more than a few hazards in its waters. Floods are no simple matter to clean up and repair after, and often require specialized training and heavy machinery to truly have all traces of them removed from a home. SERVPRO technicians are trained extensively on how to deal with floods and the hazards they contain, and have the adequate equipment to deal with them as well. Here are some of the most critical factors in a flood, and reasons why you should leave the process of navigating them to a professional. 
 
Black Water 
 
Floods are often categorized by their water color, with the most dangerous color being "black" water. This is extremely murky water that often contains extremely high concentrations of contaminants, and is one of the main reasons why cases of flood damage in Nashville are treated with extreme caution. This water may contain chemical hazards, dangerous microbes and viruses, shards of broken material, and many other unseen dangers. This type of floodwater requires extreme caution when being dealt with, and should never be touched by a homeowner or untrained individual. 
 
Broken Glass, Wood, and Other Material 
 
Shards of broken material are particularly dangerous after a flood, as they may be difficult to spot and in high concentrations. Floods are not gentle, and more often than not something breaks in their wake, creating sharp bits and pieces which may be scattered about an area. In addition to the cut and stab hazard these present, they also carry a very high risk of infection, as floodwaters often contaminate every surface they touch with microbes and viruses. 
 
Weakened Structures 
 
After unusually heavy flooding, the structure itself may be unstable, as floodwaters soak into building foundations, walls, and supports. Our technicians are trained to be able to identify these risks, but you may not be. In some cases, it is not until all water has been pumped out and the room has been thoroughly dried that structural safety can be assured. 
 
SERVPRO of Delray Beach trains all of its technicians extensively, and you can rest assured that they will be able to clean and restore your property in a safe and efficient manner after any flood damage. Call us 24/7 at 561-272-5180 for our help with any flood damage emergency!

3 Ways Landscaping Can Mitigate Flooding

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Landscaping is not just for looks. Strategic design can help to reduce the risk of outside flooding at your home in Delray Beach. If you live in a region with heavy precipitation, you should consider the following tips.

Three ways to facilitate rain drainage.

1. Adjust Grading and Add Slopes

The grade of your property should divert water away from the foundation of your home. You may want to consider adding swales to redirect water down into ditches. Line the lowest part with rocks or plants that have deep roots and high water tolerance to slow water flow. A French drain can also be a functional solution for outside flooding.

2. Garden With Flooding In Mind

In addition to growing plants in swales, you may also want to install a rain garden. The plants in this garden should have high tolerance for wet soil and should be native so that they require little maintenance beyond rainfall. Water can pool in these gardens during a rain storm and percolate down into the soil. Use heavier mulch in other garden beds to prevent wood from floating off and clogging drains. You should also be sure not to over-water beds situated near the foundation of your home.

3. Divert Rain Spouts 

A functional drainage system is essential for preventing leaks and flooding. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are clear and that the outlets are diverted to prevent water from pooling next to the exterior walls of your home. You can also extend downspouts or install gutter guards. 

These are three ways to use landscaping to reduce the issue of outside flooding at your home in Delray Beach. You may want to consult with local rain drainage specialists to come up with the best solutions for your property. If your home floods, you can count on the expertise of storm and water damage restoration professionals- just call SERVPRO of Delray Beach at 561-272-5180. 

3 Things To Know About Sandbagging

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

3 Things To Know About Sandbagging

When you have a business in West Delray Beach, FL, you may decide that a sandbag wall is the best way to protect the property from flooding during a severe storm. Many storm damage restoration services recommend taking mitigation steps before a storm arrives. While they can repair the damage, mitigation is one of the best ways to prevent it. Sandbags are one great option. Here’s what you may want to know.

1. How To Use Them

Using a barrier can help mitigate flood damage as it helps prevent excessive amounts of water from reaching the building. Sandbags should be filled most of the way so that there is enough room to fold the edge under. Stack the bags in an alternating pattern, like the one often used by bricklayers, to help prevent weak points in the wall. Create barriers around doorways and window wells first, and then move to protect other areas of the building.

2. Where To Place Them

The most recommended way to place a sandbag wall is in a way that directs water rather than resists it. Consider leaving a way for the water to flow out of the property into a designated drainage area, such as a drainage ditch, storm sewer, or empty lot. If the property has a downhill slope, use this to your advantage which building the barrier as well.

3. Why They Work

Sandbags are a great way to create flood dams around your property. A flood dam barrier directs water to a new location that can handle the overflow. This helps to keep large amounts of water away from vulnerable areas on the business property while sending it to space where it can safely be dispersed.

Building a sandbag wall is one great way to mitigate possible storm damage at your place of business. Remember to stack the bags in an alternating pattern and in a way that directs the water flow away from the building. The water will seep into the sand, helping it stay put. After the storm passes, inspect the property and contact a restoration service if any damage has occurred.