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.

3 Things To Do After Finding Water Damage

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

After discovering water damage, there are three things you should do.

Whether you come home to a basement full of water or you have a slow leak from broken pipes in a wall, you never want to leave water damage unaddressed. Getting to the root of the problem and fixing it as quickly as possible means you will have a better chance of not needing a complete teardown in your home. Here are three things you should do after finding damage from water in your home. 

1. Start the Water Cleanup Process

The first part of the cleanup process begins by turning off the water source. If you have a broken supply line, turn off the main that supplies it. However, if the water came from a broken pipe, turn off the house's water main. Use a pump to remove the water and ensure that you drag the output hose as far away from the house as possible to ensure the water doesn't come back in. 

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Insurance claims can be a lengthy, time-consuming process, so you don't want to delay contacting your insurance provider. They will go over your claim for you and let you know what documentation is required. Additionally, they'll send an insurance adjuster out to your Highland Beach, FL, home to assess the water damage. If you have repairs that you must make before the adjuster comes out, take clear, detailed photos of the damage before you repair it. Also, keep the receipts for everything you spend on the repairs and give them to your agent. 

3. Call a Cleanup Service

Adequately treating damage from water takes skill and specialty equipment, and you can't do it yourself. Instead, contact a flood damage repair service to remove the damage and repair your home to like new. They'll clean and treat every damaged surface in your home and ensure that mold or mildew problems won't pop up in the future. 

Dealing with the fallout of water damage can be a headache. However, things can be much more manageable when you know what to do and who to turn to for help. 

How To Avoid Home Water Damage While on Vacation

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home While on Vacation

If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of more than a few days, you should prep your water system to avoid the risk of water damage to your home. A water pipe repair in Highland Beach, FL, can be expensive and frustrating, but fortunately, it can be avoided in most cases by following a few simple steps.

1. Prepping Your Home Water System

Before leaving home, turn off the water main. The water main valve is usually located in the garage, basement, or perimeter of your house on the street side. Once the main is shut off, drain the pipes by running all water faucets and flushing toilets.
During winter months or expected cold weather, insulate all exposed pipes. Foam rubber insulation, available at most hardware stores, fits over the pipes and is ideal for this. Remove hoses from outdoor spigots and cover the spigots with rags and tape or special bib protectors. When possible, keep the house's heat on low while away.

2. Performing Maintenance and Water Pipe Repair

Before leaving on a trip, check all water hoses and pipes under sinks and those connecting refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters, and other appliances for wear and tear. Look for signs of leaking. A broken pipe or damaged hose should be repaired or replaced immediately. If any fixes are needed, contact a qualified plumber.

3. Getting Restoration Services

If you do experience a water problem, after the repair, you should contact a water damage specialist immediately. The longer the problem is left unattended, the worse it becomes. Ensure the water main is shut off, as well as the circuit breaker for the part of the house that is wet. Only then remove as much excess water as possible. Do not enter a wet area if any electrical outlets, circuits, or appliances are hot and exposed to water.
Water damage can be devastating. By following these simple procedures and seeking timely water pipe repair, you can reduce your risk of returning home and finding a flooded room or basement.

5 Reasons To Choose SERVPRO for Commercial Document Restoration

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

5 Reasons To Hire SERVPRO To Restore Commercial Documents

The damage a flood can cause to a business is limitless. That said, one way to reduce it is by salvaging important documents that have gotten wet. To do this, you will need a water damage remediation team that can provide document drying services you can count on. While there are numerous factors to consider when choosing a company, think about everything you need to restore at your business and decide what your priorities are. If you are still unsure who to hire to meet your business's document restoration needs, here are 3 reasons why SERVPRO is great choice.

1. Advanced Technology

In this day and age, technology rules. When it comes to document restoration processing, SERVPRO offers a facility that is innovative, secure and digital. This means the company can accommodate any size job while providing a full range of services to meet your needs.

2. Local but Supported

A large company with local franchises can be especially nice to work with because you can find a service provider in Delray Shores, FL, who is nearby but still has corporate-level resources and expertise. Not to mention, this can keep costs lower. Nothing is better than finding a company that can understand what you are going through while also offering a far reach of support at an affordable cost.

3. Insurance Company Preferred

Another reason to choose SERVPRO is because the company is the preferred vendor among insurers. By providing quality services at a reasonable rate, this company stands out among the best.

When your business experiences flooding, there are a lot of things you need to take care of. Among the many types of damages your commercial property and inventory may incur, wet documents might be one that you can reverse with the help of experienced document restoration professionals.

Understanding what sets some restoration companies apart from others can help you make an informed decision when you decide who to hire.

Choosing a Large Loss Recovery Firm

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Choosing A Firm To Recover Large Losses

While any disaster is tough to cope with, large loss incidents present a unique set of challenges. The breadth of damage is larger, and the resources required for repair are equally inflated. It’s key that you get the right team to handle your Highland Beach, FL, catastrophic loss or things could get worse. Know what to look for in a large loss team – follow these tips.

What is a Large Loss Event

Generally speaking, a large loss event is one that stretches beyond one or two properties, to encompass an entire neighborhood, region or even larger area. Examples can include:

• hurricanes/storm damage
  
• widespread flooding
  
• earthquakes
  
• terrorist events

These events require a higher magnitude of the response due to size and resources needed.

Look for Experience

While any local cleanup company can claim they know large response, only a few truly have the experience. Ask a prospective cleanup partner for specific examples and strategies used in a wide breadth of disasters. This can help you determine if they can handle your catastrophic loss.

Look for a Big Team

A big loss requires a big response, and that won’t come from a ragtag team. Make sure your prospective partner has a good-sized staff trained to properly respond, manage the project, and restore the affected structure or structures.

Look for Speed

Flooding can cause major damage to your property in just 24 hours or less, so it’s critical that a disaster response team assess the damage and formulate a plan quickly. Make sure to choose a cleanup partner able to arrive within an hour of your phone call.
The way you handle a large catastrophic loss can have implications for years to come. Make sure you do things the right way. Use the above tips to find the right cleanup partner and you won’t regret making the wrong decision.

3 Things To Know About Natural Gas and Your Home

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Three Things You Should Know About Natural Gas And Your Home

A gas fire can be a scary thing in Delray Beach, FL. Between the destructive nature of a fire and the potential for a gas explosion, many homeowners worry about what to do when they smell gas. The following information may help.

Know What To Do If You Smell Gas

In the event you smell natural gas there are several safety steps you can follow:

• Check your stove and ensure all burners are completely off
• Open your doors and windows to ventilate your home
• Use a flashlight to see
• Keep all your electrical appliances off
• Get out of your home and call the fire department
• If safe to do so, turn off your gas meter

Know Where Your Meter is Located

One way to help prevent a gas fire or explosion is to turn off the gas flow to your home. Gas meters are typically located outside the home. This allows the gas to be safely turned off when needed. In most cases, a wrench is all that is necessary for proper closure. Knowing where your meter is and how it works can allow you to turn your gas off yourself in a non-emergency situation, so the source of the gas smell can be safely investigated.

Know Who To Call in an Emergency

In the event your home does have a fire from gas, or even if you just smell gas and can’t locate the source, it’s best to get everyone out and call 911. Your local fire department can often locate and turn off the gas source, or put the fire out safely, hopefully before an explosion occurs. Once the fire is out, you can call a fire damage professional for any cleanup and repair needs.

Knowing what to do if you smell gas can help you prevent a gas fire from happening in your home. Remember to follow the above safety steps and call your Delray Beach, FL, fire department for help.

How Can I Detect Mold in My Home?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

How Do I Know If I Have Mold In My House?

Mold can be like cockroaches; if you see even one patch it can mean a larger infestation throughout your walls or through other areas of your home. Just getting rid of that one patch may not be enough, but how can you tell if you have even more mold throughout your Kings Point, FL home?

Find an Indoor Environmental Specialist

If you’ve never heard of indoor environmental specialists, they’re certified professionals who can:

• Test for air quality
• Test for and identify mold infestations
• Identify the type of mold and its effects
• Pinpoint the location of hard-to-find mold outbreaks
• Recommend safety and remediation activities

When an indoor environmental specialist conducts a mold test, they’re often able to pick up sensitive information that wouldn’t otherwise be detectable by the naked eye or with over-the-counter mold tests.

Can an Indoor Environmental Specialist Get Rid of My Mold For Me?

Sometimes, though you can never truly be free of mold when the spores are constantly active in the air around you. You can only minimize and control its presence. Some indoor environmental specialists are certified for mold remediation, while others may refer you to additional professionals to devise and launch an effective remediation plan to rescue your home from mold. Either will be able to tell you the first steps to take to prepare your home for mold remediation.

Can an Indoor Environmental Specialist Help Me Prevent Mold?

Absolutely. Specialists can educate you on what causes mold to flourish, and how to prevent another outbreak by pinpointing the source of your infestation. Usually the cause is water leaks and water damage, providing the fuel mold needs to thrive on organic matter. A remediation and environmental specialist can talk to you about removing these sorts of problems from your home, and steps to take to prevent excess moisture in your environment from contaminating your home with fresh mold.

Mold Assessment in Delray Beach, FL

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Assessment in Delray Beach, FL

When you own a home, you want to protect your investment. You keep your home in Delray Beach, FL clean and well maintained. If you smell a musty odor that you can't seem to get rid of, however, you may need outside help. Testing is a necessary precursor for mold cleaning. Here are four reasons to have a certified industrial hygienist to perform the assessment.

1. Measuring the Extent of the Problem
There's no such thing as a mold-free home. Mold spores come into your house every time the door is opened. They attach to pets, shoes, clothes and hair. They can even come in with a strong breeze. Any test is going to show that there is mold, but that doesn't automatically mean you need mold remediation. Certified professional hygienists can measure the extent of your mold issue to better inform your next steps.

2. Identifying the Location of the Growth
If you can see the mold growth in your home, call mold cleaning experts right away. When you can't see it, however, you need professional testing to locate it first. Environmental hygienists have the training to find the mold problem, whereas performing a home test does not.

3. Confirming the Issue Has Been Resolved
After your home has been cleaned, you want to make sure that all mold damage has been mitigated. Having your home retested by a professional can give you this peace of mind.

4. Providing Proof to Potential Buyers
For homeowners who are trying to sell their homes, a professional mold assessment is particularly important. Test results that prove your home does not have mold damage can be comforting to potential buyers. It's the extra precautions that you take that can put your home ahead of others on the market.

There are several times that a professional mold assessment is helpful. Certified testing before and after mold cleaning in Delray Beach, FL gives you the information you need to protect your house.

Mold Cleanup and Restoration in Delray Shores, FL

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Have your gutters cleaned twice per year.

4 Methods for Preventing Mold Growth in Your Building and Next Steps for Mold Remediation

Discovering mold in your facility can be a business owner’s worst nightmare, and understandably so. Here are four mold prevention tips you can use to keep mold from overwhelming your property.

1. Use Your Senses
Mold spores grow quickly under the right conditions, so be sure to call in the pros as soon as you detect signs of mold. In most cases, you’ll notice a musty smell when the building’s heating or air conditioning kicks on. You might also see evidence of mold on or around air vents, plumbing fixtures, and other areas where water could accumulate in the building.
At the first signs of mold growth, call your local mold cleanup professionals in Delray Shores, FL. They have the knowledge and equipment to safely remove any existing mold and take measures to prevent future growth.

2. Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly
There are a variety of mold prevention steps you can take yourself, beginning with your building's air ducts. Air ducts are enclosed, dark, and often damp, especially during the hot and humid summer months. This combination creates the ideal conditions for a mold problem. Contact your local air duct cleaning experts to have your HVAC system and ductwork cleaned and sanitized twice per year.

3. Address Water Damage Promptly
Damp drywall, carpet, and other building materials are prime spots for mold spores to collect and grow. Don’t assume that carpet or drywall will dry on its own. Always bring in the pros to assess the situation and repair the damage.

4. Keep Gutters Clean and Free of Debris
It’s easy to forget about your building’s gutter system, but making sure that water can flow away from the building is essential to preventing mold. Have your gutters cleaned twice per year: once at the end of fall, and again at the end of spring.
Mold doesn’t have to bring your business to a complete stop. In fact, with the right resources, it doesn’t have to slow your daily activities at all. Call on mold prevention professionals in Delray Shores, FL, and rest assured that you’re in good hands.

Caring for Items With Mold Damage

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Caring for Items With Mold Damage

If you have water damage in your home in Lake Ida, FL, mold growth may not be far behind. Fungus issues are common wherever there is excess moisture, and if your house has been affected, it is likely that the structure, as well as your belongings, will need professional mold cleaning. While many items with mold must be thrown out, specialists may be able to salvage a few things.

Textiles
Because textiles are porous, they need more than simple surface cleaning. Mold remediation experts use a variety of methods, including dry cleaning or the Esporta Wash System, to clean certain items:

• Canvas paintings
  
• Clothing
  
• Leather
  
  

Dry cleaning may be enough to eradicate mild mold damage, but some pieces need more aggressive measures. The Esporta system uses hydraulic technology to dislodge spores from fibers. This allows technicians to save some of your belongings that otherwise might have needed to be discarded.

Photos and Documents
Many homeowners assume that moldy paper items are lost causes. There are several mold cleaning techniques that specialists can use, however, for important documents and photographs. Often, simple air drying or dehumidification will be enough to get rid of moisture and dust the mold away. They may also try freeze-drying, vacuum freeze-drying, or vacuum thermal drying.

Electronics
Any piece of electronic equipment that has water damage shouldn't be used until it has been checked by certified remediation experts. They can also check for mold damage. If spores have gotten into the equipment, they may use ultrasonic waves to remove them. Before you get rid of your laptop or TV, it's worth having it tested to see if it can be saved. Once your electronic items have been restored, you can use them without causing further damage or shorting out the system.
Even if many of your belongings have extensive mold damage, they may be able to be saved. Consult mold cleaning experts to determine if you will need to throw them away.

3 Things To Know About Mold Growth

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold doesn’t belong in your home or business.

3 Things To Know About Mold Growth

When your Delray Beach, FL home faces mold damage, you may be wondering how to deal with the problem. Understanding what mold is and how it grows can help you get rid of it. Here are three things you may want to know about mold and how it can be found in your home.

1. What It Is

Mold, like mildew growth, is a fungus. It absorbs organic materials such as drywall or wood and reproduces via spores. These spores form colonies that can vary in appearance based on mold type. Mold often appears fuzzy or stringy but can also resemble slime. It may also appear to be white, grey, green, yellow, orange, brown, and even black in color. If you think you have mold at your home, it’s best to contact a professional.

2. Where It Grows

In most cases, mold damage is found in dim locations where there is a water source, moisture problem, or high humidity. This can occur under flooring or behind walls, and it is most likely to occur in basement spaces or areas where plumbing is located. At the first sign of mold in your home, a professional should be contacted to perform a mold test.

3.How To Remove It

When it comes to mold growth, it’s best to always contact a professional mold remediation service to clean the mold out of your home. They have the tools and knowledge needed to prevent the spread of spores into other areas of the residence, as well as remove the problem. They should also be able to identify the source in order to help prevent future mold problems from occurring.
Understanding mold damage is one of the first steps toward locating and removing it. Remember that mold is a fungus that likes dark, damp areas. So, if you believe you have mold in your home, it’s best to contact a professional.

5 Advantages of Electronic Claims Systems

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

5 Advantages of Electronic Claims Systems

Today, technology has made sharing data and filing an insurance claim for your business in Delray Beach, FL incredibly easy. This allows you to get your claim money quicker, so you can hire a disaster restoration company, such as SERVPRO, and get started rebuilding as soon as possible.

1. Earlier Payments
It can take a while for a traditional claim to receive a payout. However, filing an electronic insurance claim can result in earlier payments. This means you can start rebuilding your business sooner and reopen with minimal downtime.

2. Earlier Detection of Errors
Any information in your insurance claim that you submit electronically can be scanned for errors quicker. This means you can edit your claim as soon as possible and resubmit it if any errors are found. This drastically reduces the chance that your claim will be rejected or you will be denied payment.

3. Lower Administrative Costs
When you submit claims electronically, you lower the amount you have to pay to create paper copies and send them in. This is because you don't need to print documents and physically submit them to your agent. Instead, you can submit them all online through your customer portal.

4. Free Software Submissions
Most insurance companies now have their own electronic claims system. That means you no longer have to pay a third-party electronic claim submitter and submit your documents for free through a customer portal.

5. Available Support
Many insurance companies have a helpline for customers who are trying to submit their documents electronically. You can often find this number in the customer portal or on the company's website if you need it. In other words, even technophobes can submit their documents online.
Exchanging information with your insurance agent just became much easier with electronic claims systems. This lets you get connected faster and submit your critical documents for review. Many benefits come from a faster submission.

Does Your Business Need a Mold Management Plan?

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Does Your Business Need a Mold Management Plan?

As a business owner, you have planned for every possible emergency. You purchased general liability insurance to deal with the unexpected, too. But a mold management plan? Is it necessary? Can it help with mold insurance claims?
It is, and it can. Get ready to add it to your emergency toolbox. By having a mold management plan, you are protecting the investment you have in your Delray Beach, FL, company. You are also demonstrating to your insurance carrier that you have been proactive in minimizing any mold-related insurance claims.

A Mold-Resistant Building Helps Your Claims
Part of your mold management plan should be making your business mold-resistant. Controlling moisture is the key:

• Fix leaks promptly.
• Regulate humidity.
• Ventilate damp areas.
• Limit the use of carpeting.
• Clean up quickly after flooding.

Many mold insurance claims hinge on prevention and diligence. As such, you and your staff must stay ahead of mold by keeping things dry. If you find small areas of mold, mold remediation should begin immediately to prevent spores from spreading. Mold grows on common materials found in virtually any business: paper products, food, carpet and clothing.
Other areas to check are those that are not out in the open, such as above the ceiling tiles, inside drywalled areas and around pipes. Document your actions to control the moisture on your property. If necessary, hire a mold removal company to help. Your willingness to keep your property in good condition is important.

Does Commercial Liability Insurance Pay for Mold Damage?
The short answer is "maybe." That said, having such a policy should still be the first step in your mold management plan. Understanding that policy is next. Liability policies vary depending on many factors, so it's imperative to read your policy carefully and/or discuss it with your agent in detail before making a mold claim.
Having a mold management plan for your company — including both prevention and solid liability insurance in case of any loss — will strengthen any mold insurance claims you may have in the future. It strongly suggests that any damage isn't due to negligence on your part, which can be invaluable as you seek reimbursement.

How Serious Is Mold in the Home?

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Many Delray Beach, FL, homeowners will, at some time or another, encounter mold in their homes. This is particularly true in buildings that suffered water damage, even if that damage occurred years earlier. Unfortunately, a small moisture problem can cause a wide-scale mold cleanup issue. The presence of black mold can be a particular cause for concern.

Why Is Mold So Persistent?

Long after moisture problems have been resolved, black mold will remain until professionals remove it.

Spores are microscopic organisms that float easily through the air.
Mold naturally exists in most environments.
Colonies thrive in damp, musty areas, such as basements and bathrooms.

Once a home has been affected by flooding or leaking pipes, it's easy for mold spores to attack organic and inorganic surfaces. As the colony attacks these surfaces, digestive enzymes dissolve the materials causing them to break down and decompose.

How Does Mold Show Up in Houses?
Once homeowners notice the presence of mold, they may take steps to control the initial source of moisture. These sources may include a leaky faucet, drainage backups, or damage to the roof or foundation. However, mold may also begin to develop in a kitchen that steams up when water boils or in a bathroom where hot showers are a common occurrence. Condensation may form on the inside of a window when it's cold outside and warm inside. Homeowners may not recognize these sources of mold as problematic until real damage has taken place.

Why Is It Important To Hire Professionals?
Mold's ability to thrive is one of the main reasons it's so important to hire mold cleanup and restoration professionals. Every trace and spore must be removed, or new growth will occur. Chlorine-based products may treat the symptoms caused by a mold colony, but these products aren't sufficient for removing the problem. Professionals have access to personal protective equipment and non-toxic cleaners.
Whether there's an obvious black mold problem or homeowners have recently noticed a musty smell from the attic, it's important to take quick action. Professionals can determine the extent of the growth and locate the source of moisture before taking steps to correct the issue.

How To Get Rid of Plant Mildew

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Plant mildew is a destructive force that can sometimes spread to other parts of your home. You will likely need a mold remediation specialist to handle the fallout if this happens to you. Thankfully, there are measures that can be taken to make sure you never suffer from this inconvenient scourge.

Mildew Prevention Methods

Should your garden in Delray Beach, FL, contain vegetation that is not mildew-resistant, here are ways to prevent spores from developing:

• Make sure your budding growths have ample airflow by spacing them generously.
  
• Avoid planting in shady locations and provide young buds with lots of sunshine.
  
• Check your drainage: Plant mildew is likely to spread when irrigation flow remains inadequate.
  
• Take care to never overfertilize, as doing so encourages mildew growth.
  
  

Consult with your local gardening merchant regarding these and other actions you should take. If these steps fail, however, there are plenty of options for dealing with the matter.

Mildew Elimination Methods
One solution is combining a tablespoon of baking soda with a half-teaspoon of liquid soap and mixing both in a gallon of water. Simply take this homemade remedy and spray it on all areas of concern.
Another potential cure is mouthwash, but use caution as powerful chemicals can harm young sprouts. Milk similarly has the ability to rectify the situation and is most effective on cucumbers as well as various types of squash.
A commercially available fungicidal treatment may be your best bet, as these products are designed specifically to handle mold. Additionally, they come with specific instructions and best-use suggestions. The most elementary fix is simply watering everything. Take care, though, that your desire to eradicate the issue does not cause the inadvertent drowning of any young seedlings.
Plant mildew is a troublesome condition that has the potential to spread throughout your property if not rapidly addressed. Diligently addressing any sign of trouble means you have less chances of a frustrating circumstance turning into a much greater hassle.

Check Your Business for Mold You Cannot See but Can Smell

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

What if your office in Highland Beach, FL, lacks visual signs of fungal infestation, yet you still detect a disturbing mold smell? When this happens, you need to discover the source of the odor to identify whether your workspace necessitates mold removal.

Places Mold Is Found

Conduct a superficial inspection by examining everywhere moisture concentrates, including:

• Surrounding bathroom sinks and toilets, where dampness accumulates
  
• Near pipes, where excess leakage can become problematic
  
• Alongside vents, where condensation often creates headaches
  
  

As you conduct your investigation, let your nose guide you toward the fungus smell. Check spaces where the aroma reminds you of rotting wood or damp socks. In the event you remain unable to detect where the mold smell is emanating, you might need the use of advanced technology.

Basics of Thermal Imaging
Thermal cameras use a form of night vision to detect infrared radiation created by varying temperatures. Using this equipment, you can hone in on suspect heat differences that might indicate where mold exists. Because thermal imaging allows views of areas not easily reached, such as behind walls or underground, this detection technique can pinpoint leaks and other problems before they expand.
While professional thermal imaging equipment can cost thousands, one option is to rent what you require. Alternatively, Seek Thermal offers a handheld device that runs just a couple hundred dollars. Comfortably plug it into your phone and point wherever you detect that mildew smell. You may uncover far cheaper options, such as Black & Decker’s Thermal Leak Detector, but these devices merely read temperatures and fail to include useful imaging. Once you have finally detected the source, hire a knowledgeable mold removal expert to excise the offending spores.
When your place of work emits a concerning mold smell, perform a visual analysis and, if necessary, use thermal imaging to help determine the origin. Once you have, hire a mold cleanup specialist to comprehensively disinfect your building.

4 Reasons a Rapid Response Matters During a Disaster

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Why Speed Matters?

Not all disasters to a business are the same, but most do have a few things in common. One is the importance of working with a local emergency response team in West Delray Beach, FL, for professional cleanup. A franchise that is close can arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster. A fast response to an emergency is also critical. Here are some key reasons why speed matters during a disaster.

1. It Increases Safety. Whether it is a fire or the waters of a flood, a disaster poses many dangers to customers and employees. This could be in the form of unsanitary waters or the potential for heavy items to fall after a fire. Electrical systems are often damaged in emergencies and should be handled with care. Professionals trained in emergency response will look toward securing a building to make it safe.

2. It Reduces Costs. When a company arrives on scene Faster to Any Size Disaster, the expenses toward cleanup are often less. This can result in a less costly insurance claim. For example, water damage left untreated does more harm when allowed to break down drywall, carpeting, and furniture.

3. Speed Shortens Recovery Time. The ultimate goal of a business is to recover and go back to normal operations. Each day out of business is a large expense. A fast response minimizes damage and points the way toward a quick restoration.

4. It Eliminates Secondary Problems. A delayed response to water damage can create favorable conditions for mold growth and damage. A fast response removes the water and humidity that enables mold spores to grow and colonize the building. After a fire, a delayed response could allow weather or vandals to cause more damage to an unsecured building.
The franchise SERVPRO knows that Faster to Any Size Disaster is the foundation of any restoration company. A fast response helps in every catastrophe.

Satisfied SERVPRO of Delray Beach Water Damage Customers

4/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Delray Beach strives to provide excellent customer service, superior quality of work and compassion for your damaged property.  We are always so happy to hear positive feedback from our customers.

Here are some recent comments from real customers:

From beginning to end, we were very happy with the service provided by SERVPRO of Delray Beach as well as the very warm and understanding attitude of all those who helped us during this difficult period. Kerrie in the office provided ongoing support and Doug gave us the benefit of his technical expertise and Jack and his assistants did an outstanding job of remediation. Our independent air quality assessor was very impressed by the cleanliness of the work. Our apartment passed the test with flying colors. I hope that we never again need water and/or mold remediation again. However, if we should, I would not hesitate to call upon them.

Saul S.

SERVPRO is the most amazing company I have ever dealt with. In the middle of one of the most traumatic experiences of my life, they were on my doorstep within a half-hour beginning to clean up the flood in my unit and earn my total trust and respect. Jack and Mike are extreme experts and amazed me with their knowledge and competency. They answered my every question and concern in detail and with patience and respect that you rarely see in the workforce today. They are priceless!

Barbara H.

Prompt, professional, detail oriented. Highly recommend!

Monica S.

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team "Ready for Whatever Happens"

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team

When a storm or disaster strikes, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team® is poised and “Ready for whatever happens.” With a network of nearly 1,700 Franchises, the SERVPRO® System strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team®, is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and highest flood waters. Providing experience, additional manpower, equipment and other resources, the Disaster Recovery Team® assists your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team® has responded to hundreds of disaster events. In the aftermath of a disaster, there is only one objective, to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

2015 Siberian Express: Record sub- zero temperatures caused major problems for a large portion of the country stretching from Florida to Maine. The Midwest also experienced record breaking low temperatures resulting in frozen pipes and ice dams causing major problems for residents. The Storm Team dispatched a total of 257 crews from 108 Franchises to assist local SERVPRO® Franchises completing nearly 2000 jobs.

2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding: Rainfall rates up to 2” per hour caused major flash flooding stretching from Northeast Ohio all the way up to Portland, Maine. Eastern Michigan and Baltimore, Maryland were also impacted creating over 1,381 jobs for the Storm team to produce. A total of 82 SERVPRO® Franchises and 173 crews mitigated over $4.3 million in damages while assisting the local Franchises.

2014 Polar Vortex: Record low temperatures caused by a break in the North Pole’s polar vortex resulted in an unprecedented freezing event, spanning from east of the Rocky Mountains to as far south as Central Florida, effecting all or part of 39 states and 70% of the SERVPRO® Franchise System.

2013 Colorado Floods: Heavy rainfall, with amounts up to 17 inches in some areas, resulted in widespread flooding in Fort Collins, Boulder and surrounding Colorado mountain communities. The Disaster Recovery Team® responded with 109 crews from 48 Franchises to assist the local SERVPRO® Franchises in the emergency response.

2013 Alberta, Canada Floods: Heavy rainfall triggered flooding affecting more than 120,000 residents, and ultimately, the costliest disaster in Canadian history with damages estimated at C$5 billion, with C$1.7 billion in insurance damages.

2012 Hurricane Sandy: Affecting more than 20 states, Sandy left widespread damage and flooding from Florida stretching the entire eastern seaboard to Maine. The Disaster Recovery Team® placed nearly 1000 crews in affected areas, representing over 300 SERVPRO® Franchises from across the country. Teams traveled from as far as Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington.

SERVPRO – Any emergency, Any time 24/7/365

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

With any Delray Beach disaster, cleanup can be a hassle. The mess left by floods, fires, or mold is a lot to handle by yourself. At SERVPRO of Delray Beach, we provide emergency cleaning services for any of these problems. Let us help you get your life back to normal after any emergency.

Sometimes the most damaging thing from a Delray Beach fire is the smoke and soot that comes with it. Our cleaning professionals will remove any traces and odor left by smoke and soot after a fire. Removing the mess after a fire is a difficult job, and it requires knowledge and experience to be completely successful. The same is true when it comes to removing mold, mildew, and sewage. With our trusted professionals, you can be sure the damage from any disaster will be minimized as much as possible. Cleaning services from SERVPRO of Delray Beach will take care of these messes so you don’t have to!

If you’ve already had to deal with the stress of a disaster, let us take the stress out of the cleanup. We are available 24/7/365 to help with any emergency, at any time. 

Whether its mold, water, or fire damage, our team at SERVPRO of Delray Beach has the most reliable emergency restoration services. We are available any time, day or night, to help with any problem, and you can trust us to do our best work every time.

Mold Damage- Mold grows when water damage has not been dried properly. If you have had previous water damage and are now seeing fuzzy or wet spots of mold somewhere in your home, call us today. The quicker a mold problem is taken care of by our professional restoration team, the less overall damage you will have to deal with.

Water Damage- Immense water damage, like a flood from a burst pipe, always happens when you least expect it. Our emergency restoration services are available 24/7 because these emergencies cannot wait. Immediate action must be taken in order to save your home or business. Our trusted team will respond quickly to clean up the mess and lower the possibility of mold growth.

Fire Damage- Fires are destructive, as well as the smoke and soot that comes with them. If these problems aren’t taken care of very quickly, the damage will be severe and permanent. Take action instantly after a fire and call our restoration team. We can fix all of the problems that come after a fire, and we do our best work to return your home or business to normal.

No matter what emergency you’re facing, contact us at SERVPRO of Delray Beach today @ 561-272-5180, and let our emergency restoration services team take care of it!