October Storm Preparedness: How to Protect Your Property Before Disaster Strikes

10/23/2024 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season

As the Gulf Coast heads into late hurricane season, October is a crucial time for storm preparedness in Pensacola.

While hurricane season officially runs from June through November, the unpredictability of weather patterns means that storm activity can spike in October. It’s essential to be prepared. Here are some key steps you can take to protect your property:

• Inspect Your Roof and Gutters: Ensure there are no loose shingles or debris that could lead to water damage during a storm. Clean gutters and drains to prevent water accumulation.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Store outdoor furniture, grills, and any loose items that can become projectiles in high winds.
• Check Doors and Windows: Install storm shutters or plywood over windows to protect glass from shattering. Ensure doors are properly sealed.
• Create an Emergency Plan: Have an emergency kit ready with water, food, batteries, and first aid supplies. Keep important documents in a safe place.

At SERVPRO of West Pensacola, we specialize in water and storm damage restoration. If you need emergency services after a storm, call us anytime at 850-SERVPRO (737-8776).

Preparing for Hurricane Season in Pensacola: Essential Tips from SERVPRO

9/20/2024 (Permalink)

Flood water causing water damage in doorway during a storm.

Hurricane season is an annual concern for residents of Pensacola, Perdido Key, and the surrounding Gulf Coast areas. With the unpredictable nature of storms, preparation is key to minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of your family and property. Here are essential tips from SERVPRO of West Pensacola to get ready for hurricane season:

1. Create an Emergency Plan
Make sure your family knows what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Plan evacuation routes, designate meeting points, and have an emergency contact list ready.

2. Assemble a Hurricane Emergency Kit
Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, and important documents. Don't forget to pack supplies for pets.

3. Secure Your Home

• Install storm shutters on windows or use plywood to cover them before a storm hits.
• Trim trees and remove debris from your yard to prevent them from causing damage during high winds.
• Inspect your roof and gutters to ensure they can handle heavy rainfall and wind.

4. Back Up Important Documents
Digitally store important personal, financial, and insurance documents. Keep paper copies in a waterproof container to ensure they’re safe.

5. Know Who to Call for Help
After the storm, professional restoration services may be necessary to deal with flooding, water damage, or mold. SERVPRO of West Pensacola is available 24/7 for storm damage repair and cleanup. We work quickly to restore your home to its pre-damage condition.

Don’t Wait – Be Ready for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but you can minimize its impact with the right preparation. SERVPRO of West Pensacola is here to help with storm damage cleanup and restoration. Call us anytime at 850-SERVPRO (737-8776) for immediate assistance.

Preparing Your Escambia County Home for Hurricane Season

8/15/2024 (Permalink)

Home severely damaged by a major storm.

Hurricane season in Escambia County, FL, is a time of heightened awareness and preparation. The Gulf Coast is no stranger to the devastating impacts of hurricanes, and as the leading restoration company in the area, SERVPRO of West Pensacola is here to help you protect your home and family from potential storm damage.

Understand Your Risk: Understanding the specific risks that hurricanes pose to your home is crucial. Escambia County, including Pensacola and Perdido Key, lies in a region where hurricanes can bring powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Check if your home is in a flood zone by using resources like the FEMA flood maps, and review the history of storm patterns in your area. Knowing your risk level allows you to take the necessary precautions.

Create a Hurricane Plan: Having a detailed hurricane preparedness plan is essential for ensuring your family's safety. Your plan should include evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and a communication strategy for staying in touch with loved ones. If you have pets, make sure your plan accounts for their needs as well. Designate a safe room in your home where you can take shelter during the storm, and ensure that everyone in your household knows the plan by heart.

Secure Your Home: Before a hurricane hits, it's important to secure your home to minimize damage. Start by inspecting and reinforcing your windows and doors, including garage doors, which are often vulnerable to high winds. Consider installing storm shutters or using plywood to cover windows. Additionally, check your roof for loose shingles or tiles and have them repaired. If you’re unsure about the structural integrity of your home, consider scheduling a professional inspection.

Emergency Kit Essentials: A well-prepared emergency kit can be a lifesaver during a hurricane. Your kit should include essentials like water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and important documents in a waterproof container. Don’t forget to include items for children, pets, and any special medical needs.

Stay Informed: Staying informed is critical during hurricane season. Monitor weather forecasts regularly and sign up for alerts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local emergency management agencies. Social media, NOAA weather radio, and mobile apps can provide real-time updates on storm developments, evacuation orders, and shelter locations.

Conclusion: Taking proactive steps to prepare your home for hurricane season can make all the difference when a storm strikes. At SERVPRO of West Pensacola, we’re committed to helping our community stay safe and resilient. Whether you need assistance with securing your home or emergency planning, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

How to Safely Handle Water Damage After a Hurricane in Pensacola

8/15/2024 (Permalink)

Someone standing in a flooded house.

Water damage is a common consequence of hurricanes in Pensacola, FL. Heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding can all contribute to significant water damage in homes. Knowing how to safely manage this damage is crucial to preventing further loss and protecting your home from long-term issues like mold and structural deterioration.

Safety First: Your safety should always be the top priority after a hurricane. If your home has experienced flooding, turn off the electricity at the main breaker to prevent electrical hazards. Avoid entering any rooms where standing water is present, as it could be contaminated with sewage or chemicals. If you suspect any gas leaks, leave your home immediately and contact your utility provider.

Document the Damage: Before starting any cleanup or repairs, take time to document the damage. Use your smartphone or camera to take clear photos and videos of all affected areas. Be thorough in capturing images of water damage to floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings. This documentation is vital for filing insurance claims and ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for the damage.

Water Extraction Tips: Once it's safe to do so, begin the process of removing standing water from your home. A wet/dry vacuum can be useful for smaller areas, while pumps may be necessary for larger volumes of water. Open windows and doors to promote air circulation, and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space as quickly as possible. The longer water is allowed to sit, the greater the risk of mold growth and structural damage.

Preventing Mold Growth: Mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours after water damage occurs, so swift action is critical. Remove any wet materials, such as carpets, rugs, and upholstery, as these can harbor mold spores. If mold is already visible or if you suspect hidden mold growth, it’s best to contact professionals like SERVPRO of West Pensacola. We use advanced mold remediation techniques to safely remove mold and prevent its return.

When to Call the Experts: While minor water damage might be manageable on your own, significant flooding or water contamination requires professional intervention. SERVPRO of West Pensacola has the expertise and equipment to handle large-scale water damage restoration. From water extraction to drying and dehumidification, we ensure your home is restored to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

Conclusion: Quick action is the key to minimizing water damage after a hurricane. Protect your home and family by addressing water damage promptly and safely. If you’re dealing with significant flooding or mold concerns, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of West Pensacola for expert water damage restoration services. We’re here to help you recover and rebuild.

The Role of Professional Restoration Services After a Hurricane

8/15/2024 (Permalink)

A tarped roof after a storm.

When a hurricane strikes, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between dealing with structural damage, water intrusion, and potential mold growth, the recovery process is complex and demanding. This is where professional restoration services come into play, providing the expertise and resources needed to restore your home or business in Escambia County quickly and efficiently.

Comprehensive Damage Assessment: One of the first steps in the restoration process is a comprehensive damage assessment. Professional restoration teams from SERVPRO of West Pensacola are trained to evaluate all aspects of damage, including structural integrity, water saturation, and potential mold growth. This thorough assessment is crucial for creating a targeted restoration plan that addresses all areas of concern.

Advanced Restoration Techniques: SERVPRO of West Pensacola utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to restore your property. For example, thermal imaging cameras can detect hidden moisture behind walls and under floors, ensuring that no area goes untreated. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are used to dry out the structure, while specialized cleaning agents and techniques are employed to sanitize and restore affected areas.

Mold Remediation: Mold is a common issue after hurricanes due to the moisture and humidity left behind. Professional mold remediation is essential to prevent the spread of mold spores and protect your home from long-term damage. SERVPRO’s certified technicians follow a strict protocol to remove mold safely and effectively, using containment methods to prevent cross-contamination and air purification systems to remove airborne spores.

Insurance Claim Assistance: Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting, especially after a disaster. SERVPRO of West Pensacola works closely with insurance companies to streamline the process for homeowners. We provide detailed documentation of the damage and the restoration work performed, helping to ensure that you receive the coverage you need for repairs and restoration.

Full-Service Restoration: From emergency water extraction to complete reconstruction, SERVPRO of West Pensacola offers full-service restoration. This means that we handle every aspect of the recovery process, from initial damage mitigation to the final stages of repair and rebuilding. Our goal is to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

Conclusion: Professional restoration services are vital in the aftermath of a hurricane. The complexity of the damage requires a skilled approach to ensure that your home or business is fully restored and safe. Trust SERVPRO of West Pensacola to handle your restoration needs with expertise and care. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Emergency Restoration: What to Do When Disaster Strikes in Pensacola

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

Commercial property with water damage.

Disaster can strike at any moment, leaving devastation in its wake. In a place like Pensacola, with its susceptibility to hurricanes, floods, and other natural calamities, being prepared for emergencies is paramount. Knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a disaster can make all the difference in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones. In this guide, we'll explore what to do when disaster strikes in Pensacola, and how to initiate the restoration process to reclaim your home and your life.

1. Stay Safe, Stay Calm: The first and most crucial step is to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If the disaster involves immediate danger, such as flooding or structural damage, evacuate to a safe location as quickly as possible. Remain calm and focus on following emergency protocols.

2. Assess the Damage: Once it's safe to do so, assess the extent of the damage to your property. Take photographs or videos to document the destruction for insurance purposes. Be cautious of any hazards such as downed power lines or gas leaks.

3. Contact Emergency Services: If anyone is injured or trapped, or if there's a risk of further harm, dial emergency services immediately. This includes calling 911 for medical emergencies, fire, or police assistance.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide them with all necessary information and documentation to expedite the claims process. Follow any instructions they give regarding mitigation measures and documentation.

5. Secure Your Property: Take steps to prevent further damage to your home and belongings. This may include boarding up windows, covering damaged areas with tarps, or shutting off utilities if necessary. However, only attempt these tasks if it's safe to do so.

6. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with insurance companies, contractors, and any other parties involved in the restoration process. Save receipts for expenses related to temporary repairs or accommodations.

7. Hire Professional Restoration Services: Seek out reputable restoration companies in Pensacola with experience in handling the type of damage you've incurred. Look for firms that are licensed, bonded, and insured, and that offer 24/7 emergency services.

8. Begin Cleanup and Mitigation: Once it's safe to enter your property, start the cleanup process to prevent further damage and mitigate risks such as mold growth. Wear appropriate protective gear and follow recommended safety procedures.

9. Work with Contractors: Coordinate with restoration contractors to assess the full extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive restoration plan. Be proactive in discussing timelines, costs, and expectations.

10. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about local developments, including weather forecasts and any updates regarding emergency services or disaster relief efforts in Pensacola. Follow official sources for accurate information.

11. Take Care of Yourself and Your Family: Coping with the aftermath of a disaster can be emotionally and physically draining. Make self-care a priority, and seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors if needed.

12. Plan for the Future: Once the immediate crisis has passed and the restoration process is underway, take steps to prepare for future emergencies. Review and update your emergency preparedness plan, including evacuation routes, emergency supplies, and communication strategies.

In conclusion, facing a disaster in Pensacola can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation and response, you can navigate through the challenges and rebuild stronger than before. By following these steps and seeking assistance from professionals when needed, you can begin the journey toward restoring your home and your peace of mind.

Remember, in times of crisis, the Pensacola community stands together, offering support and solidarity to those in need. Together, we can overcome any challenge and emerge resilient in the face of adversity.

Weathering the Storm: Essential Steps for Water Damage Restoration in Pensacola

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

Commercial Restoration for Storm Damage by SERVPRO of West Pensacola

Living in Pensacola, Florida, means being prepared for the occasional onslaught of severe weather, particularly hurricanes and tropical storms. While the picturesque coastal city offers many delights, it also faces the constant threat of water damage. Whether from heavy rains, storm surges, or flooding, water damage can wreak havoc on homes and businesses alike. In this blog post, we'll discuss essential steps for water damage restoration in Pensacola, helping residents and property owners navigate the aftermath of these natural disasters.

1. Safety First: Before embarking on any restoration efforts, prioritize safety. Ensure that the affected area is free from electrical hazards, structural damage, and contaminated water. If the damage is extensive or poses significant risks, seek professional assistance immediately. Your safety and well-being should always come first.

2. Document the Damage: Take photographs or videos of the water damage to provide evidence for insurance claims. Document the extent of the damage to both the structure and your belongings. This documentation will be crucial when filing insurance claims and can help expedite the restoration process.

3. Assess the Water Source: Identify the source of the water damage. Is it from a burst pipe, roof leak, or flooding? Understanding the source will help determine the appropriate course of action for restoration. If the water source is from contaminated sources such as sewage or floodwaters, exercise caution and consider hiring professionals for cleanup.

4. Extract Standing Water: Remove standing water from the affected area as soon as possible to prevent further damage and mold growth. Use pumps, wet vacuums, or buckets to extract water from floors, carpets, and other surfaces. Thoroughly dry the area using fans, dehumidifiers, and ventilation to minimize moisture levels.

5. Salvage and Remove Damaged Items: Inspect furniture, appliances, and personal belongings for water damage. Salvage items that can be restored through drying and cleaning processes. Dispose of severely damaged items responsibly. Prompt removal of damaged materials can prevent mold growth and mitigate health risks.

6. Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces affected by water damage to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Use appropriate disinfectants and antimicrobial solutions to sanitize the area effectively. Pay special attention to hidden spaces such as wall cavities and under flooring.

7. Address Structural Damage: Assess the structural integrity of the building and address any damage promptly. Repair damaged roofs, walls, and foundations to prevent further water infiltration and structural deterioration. Seek professional assistance for extensive structural repairs.

8. Dry and Dehumidify: Ensure thorough drying of the affected area to prevent mold growth and secondary damage. Use dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to monitor and control moisture levels. Proper drying is essential for restoring the property to its pre-damage condition.

9. Monitor for Mold: Monitor the affected area for signs of mold growth in the days and weeks following water damage. Mold can proliferate rapidly in damp environments, posing health risks and further property damage. If mold is detected, address it promptly with appropriate remediation measures.

10. Restore and Renovate: Once the affected area is thoroughly dried and sanitized, begin the restoration and renovation process. Replace damaged materials, repair structural components, and restore the property to its pre-damage condition. Work with reputable contractors and restoration professionals to ensure quality results.

11. Review Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage for water damage restoration. Document the damage thoroughly and file a claim promptly to expedite the reimbursement process. Communicate with your insurance provider and seek clarification on coverage details if needed.

12. Prepare for Future Events: Learn from the experience of water damage and take proactive measures to mitigate future risks. Invest in preventative measures such as storm shutters, sump pumps, and waterproofing solutions. Develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan to safeguard your property and belongings.

Conclusion: Water damage restoration in Pensacola requires swift and systematic action to minimize damage and restore affected properties. By following these essential steps, residents and property owners can navigate the challenges of water damage with greater confidence and resilience. Remember to prioritize safety, document the damage, and seek professional assistance when needed. Together, we can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

There's a Pro for That: Flooring Remove, Repair, Replace

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Floor Wet? No Sweat!

SERVPRO of West Pensacola offers full service flooring. We provide customers with factory direct flooring that allows them to get wholesale pricing on the materials, while still having SERVPRO of West Pensacola provide the installation. So many storm and water damage claims end up effecting the floor. By having your reconstruction as well as the remediation handled by SERVPRO keeps customers from having to deal with multiple contractors and multiple estimates. When a floor is in need of repair or replacement, SERVPRO is a one stop shop. We specialize is professional demolition and tear out, as well as flooring installation. By having one company on both the demo and install, you are able to avoid any specifics about the project that can get lost in translation between companies as they job progresses from demolition to reconstruction. We have seen the downside of projects where we came in and performed a precise dry out and demo, drying everything completely, flood cutting the dry wall, and removing the damaged flooring, leaving the property in perfect condition for the next stage of construction to be executed, only to see the ball dropped and a sloppy job done by an alternative contractor, where the flooring was done poorly, which leaves our once happy customer in a bind. That is why SERVPRO of West Pensacola has extended its services to provide flooring as well. Give us a call even if it is not a restoration project, we can help with new renovations, all the way from high end hard wood, to decorative carpet, tile and luxury vinyl. Our flooring Experts Scott Plug and Sean McGuirk will come directly to your home with full set of all our samples, os you can see them inside you home or commercial property. Some of our selections of flooring can only be purchased through SERVPRO, so give us a call and check out our specialty flooring!!

Keeping Your Roof in Prime Condition

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

See the difference a soft wash of your roof can make

We see many storm damages that start by effecting the roof, and then work through the house from there, with water intrusion that then is able to affect other parts of the interior from insulation and dry wall, down to the floors and sub-floor. The same can be said with the damage claim itself. It all starts with getting the roof repaired and then working from there. It can be a big plus in helping an adjuster see that roof damage was caused by the storm, to have you roof cleaned and in good condition with predocumentation. SERVPRO of West Pensacola, offers roof repair, and also specializes in exterior cleaning of the roof, using antimicrobial soft wash solutions. We also are able to provide the documentation photos by doing an aerial roof scan, so that after we have cleaned the roof we can document it in its best condition. This way when a storm comes through and causes damages, it is easy to tell what damages were not pre-existing. It is also a good measure to show that you have been taking care of your roof, and damages are not cause by neglect. 

Storm Damage Insurance Claims

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is seasoned in working with multiple major storm damage insurance claims

When a real deal storm comes through causing damages, people and companies start turning to their insurance companies for help. SERVPRO is the national leader in restoration, thanks in large part to our established relationships with major insurance providers. We understand the process and know how to work seamlessly with your insurance company and the adjusters. We make our estimates using Xactimate software and provide all the needed documents and photos through our SERVPRO DryBook software to make the job of an insurance adjuster that much smoother. This allows your claim to go through and be approved quickly, so the building can be on the mend that much faster. And with our reconstruction services, you don't have to wait for secondary contractors to provide alternate estimates, you can get everything in estimated and rebuilt through SERVPRO Construction, which makes the process that much faster. We saw many peoples homes and buildings get delayed after hurricane damages, much of which was due to discrepancy and bottle necks in the many estimates that have to come from contractors. With SERVPRO you have everything from restoration to reconstruction under one roof, all by a company that your insurance company knows and trusts.

SERVPRO STORM RESPONSE

9/26/2021 (Permalink)

Side of equipment with logo

The SERVPRO Team has seen the necessity for a robust and reliable storm response over the past 6 months. Multiple large storms and consistent rain have hit our region. SERVPRO bands together to respond to the local community, by the help of our national resources. The Storm Response Program maximizes production volume as a result of weather and catastrophic events. The system is capable of scaling to manage catastrophic events – from a local micro-burst which provides only a few damages, up to large-scale hurricanes where thousands are in need and require hundreds of crews. So when our community is hit, we always have the capacity to answer to the needs of the area. As a local SERVPRO we are thankful to the  dedicated storm responders that have served other regions in need, and have helped make SERVPRO of West Pensacola a dependable emergency response solution that is here to help when our clients and customers need us!

How to Handle Flooding from Hurricane Sally?

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

A flooded room after being dried and having the floor removed and the sheetrock has been flood cut.

HOW TO HANDLE FLOODING FROM HURRICANE SALLY?

Hurricane Sally brought in a large storm surge and days of rain that caused many homes and businesses in the Pensacola and Milton area to have severe flooding. The waters began to rise early and continued on until roads, properties, vehicles, and eventually homes were filled with water. Much of Hurricane Sally’s severity was unforeseen. Many people went into the night under prepared, and it was not until it was too late that they saw the waters were entering their home. SERVPRO responded to help in homes where people ended up having to find refuge on top of their furniture because their entire home was flooded. SERVPRO of West Pensacola specializes in emergency response to water damage. We were taking calls during the Hurricane and were able to respond in a timely manner, getting there in time to extract the water, dry the contents and prevent further damage. Contacting SERVPRO of West Pensacola as soon as possible makes a big difference in the amount of salvageable materials. SERVPRO recommends first gathering up your most cherished valuables to save them from the water, and let the SERVPRO technicians take care of the homes.  Along with extracting water and drying homes damaged by Hurricane Sally, SERVPRO of West Pensacola also helps with removal and demo of parts of your home or building that have to be taken out. 

A major advantage of working with SERVPRO of West Pensacola is our willingness to work directly with your insurance company and FEMA. It is important to know who to contact, and to talk with your insurance company about what kind of coverage you have for floods and storm damage. It is also important to note the differences in storm coverage and flood coverage. For those living on the water in areas like Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and Milton, they experienced water damage from both wind driven rain as well as rising flood waters. All together all of us at SERVPRO of West Pensacola are thankful to be in a position where we are able to help our community through a difficult situation. Helping people get to the point where they can feel more in control after the damages to their home, and on the way to having things back to normal.

What Should I Expect During Flood water Removal in My Pensacola Home?

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

After your home suffers flood damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

SERVPRO technicians communicate with you during every phase of the water loss restoration process.

Among water loss events that can occur in a home, flood damage is one of the most devastating and costly. The water can recede as rapidly as it enters a home, and the fact it wicks into walls and seeps under flooring makes it vital to begin the extraction and cleanup process immediately to limit the loss of contents and structural elements.   

What are Common Losses After Flood Damage in a Home?  

As the SERVPRO techs clean up the flood damage in your Pensacola home, numerous actions get taken to lessen the loss such as:   

• Controlled demolition to remove damaged building materials
• Pack out of contents for cleaning off-site
• Removal of baseboards and sometimes build-in elements such as cabinetry, carpet and padding and insulation within walls

All of these actions inhibit any further water damage to the structure and allow the techs to extract any remaining moisture and move on to the drying phase of the mitigation. Because this type of water requires unique methods due to probable bacteria or other contaminants, it needs careful disposal. With their comprehensive education in handling this type of mitigation with their Biohazard #17-64-1560497 certifications, the techs know how to get rid of the water and remain within the municipal laws for managing wastewater. 

Do I Need to Worry About Mold?

Substantial training in mold remediation #MRSR2768 gives the techs the knowledge for early warning signs of a mold infestation and the ability to apply proactive treatments to the loss area to ensure that mold colony establishment is not an issue. 

SERVPRO of West Pensacola at (850) 469-1160 as soon as possible after flood damage. The trained, certified technicians arrive quickly and use their advanced equipment to dry the property and return it to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

More information about Pensacola.

What Should I Do First When Water Comes Into My Pensacola Home?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Pensacola (850) 469-1160 for assistance with flood damage in your home.

SERVPRO technicians can clean up and restore your Pensacola home from flood damage using their advanced equipment and restoration methods

When strong storms deliver damage to local Florida properties, no matter what the damage is, they all have a common need: for the cleanup to begin as soon as possible. This is particularly important when flood damage is within the structure. One of the first thoughts a Pensacola homeowner might be that everything within the loss area got ruined beyond repair. Still, through the professional restoration methods, SERVPRO technicians use, recovery of both structure and contents may be possible. Only if it safe to do should you do the following actions:
    •    Turn off the electricity to the home if there is a danger of water coming into contact with plugs or outlets
    •    Remove valuables and essential documents
    •    Pick up small items off the floor
    •    Put furniture in loss area on blocks or otherwise block the wood from coming into contact with wet carpet to avoid staining

Can SERVPRO Clean Insulation with Flood Damage?

When water enters and causes flood damage in a Pensacola home, the areas that generally need the most restoration attention are the walls, floors, and contents. Once sheetrock wicks the water, it cannot get returned to a state for reuse and requires removal. The techs do this using flood cuts. They measure carefully with their detection equipment above the waterline by several inches and cut off the water-laden portion. This exposes the insulation. In a clean water event in a home, if the insulation got used within the walls, it has potential for reuse after drying, and the techs collect it with a vacuum specifically for insulation. However, with floodwater, generally, anything that absorbs it is a loss, including insulation.

How Do I Know If Flood Water Has Contaminants?

Part of the comprehensive training that SERVPRO technicians undergo is the handling of biohazard materials, which they have certification in Biohazard #17-64-1560497. With this training, you can rely on the techs to:
    •    Test the water for the presence of bacteria or pathogens
    •    Choose the appropriate cleaning method  
    •    Safely extract and dispose of the water

Collective Actions During Mitigation of Flood Loss

If there was any delay beyond 48 hours or the water tested positive for harmful elements, it increases the loss to the property. The sheetrock, flooring, and furnishings that absorbed the water require safe removal and disposal. Some homes with damage from just an inch of floodwater in the home require removal of the sheetrock and flooring to the point the subfloor and framework are all that is left.

Wet carpet can cause injury due to its weight, and the techs extract the water and then cut it into strips for disposal according to local regulations for hazardous waste.

During the initial cleanout of loss items, nothing gets discarded without the knowledge and approval of the adjuster and/or homeowner. The techs do many actions to make the process organized:
    •    Creating a document that includes photos and descriptions of each loss item
    •    Providing a copy to both the homeowner and adjuster to expedite insurance claims
    •    Ensuring each part of the restoration process has coverage under the homeowners' policy to avoid out of pocket expenses

How Does SERVPRO Dry Properties So Quickly?

When setting up the equipment to dry a home, SERVPRO techs use their moisture detection equipment to determine the accurate scale of the damage in the house. Visually, the water loss may appear to stop at a certain point when, in fact, it migrated under the flooring to a broader area. Once the true scope of the area that requires drying gets determined, the techs set up a large number of air movers and dehumidifiers to bring down the interior air moisture levels all at once.

Mold Prevention is a Standard Part of Mitigation

Another integral part of the ongoing education process for the techs is learning about mold mitigation. They hold certification for mold remediation #MRSR2768, and workers know the safety protocols for removal of dried colonies to inhibit the potential for the spread of airborne spores through the use of their manual abatement techniques and equipment for air quality, such as air scrubbers. After drying the property, the surfaces get a thorough wipe down with professional-grade antimicrobials. In areas where colonies got removed, it is common for those places to get treated with an antimicrobial sealant to halt any return of the issue before reconstruction.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola (850) 469-1160 for assistance with flood damage in your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly, and restore your home to its preloss condition.

How Do I Handle Damaged Walls After a Flood in My Home?

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will be first in line to assist with your Pensacola flood damage. We will handle the job properly.

SERVPRO Technicians Repair Your Home After a Flood 

Florida residents are no strangers to natural disasters, including flooding caused by intense summer storms or a hurricane. Even when you take all the proper precautions, floodwaters still have a tendency to make it into the home, sometimes causing structural damage. 

Why are Professional Services Necessary? 

Having to fix flood-damaged walls in your Pensacola home is not as simple as removing and replacing drywall. SERVPRO’s IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) technicians need to take the high-humidity content due to the Florida environment plus the additional moisture from the flood into consideration. Technicians also need to rid the home of potential contaminants brought in by the floodwater by using disinfectants and professional equipment. 

What Type of Secondary Damage Could Occur if Left Unattended? 

• Potential spread of bacterial or viral contamination if contained in the floodwater
• Further structural damage if moisture spreads from the impacted area
• Dangerous mold infestations that thrive in moist, humid conditions

How Does SERVPRO Stop Further Damage to My Walls?

• We use moisture sensors to detect moisture that may not be visible

• Controlled demolition may be required, depending on the level of damage
• Technicians perform flood cuts six inches above the damage to keep moisture from spreading
• We dry the impacted area including wall cavities using air movers and dehumidifying equipment

How Do You Fix the Walls?

• After the area is thoroughly dried and moisture content restored, technicians replace the drywall

• Repaint the wall to make sure it looks like it did before the flood

Our restoration specialists remove flood water through extraction measures, cleaning surfaces, and carpets with antimicrobials to eliminate any potential contamination from the floodwater. Even after replacing the walls, they may continue the use of air movers and dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels down and assist in ventilating the home. We put to good use our Mold Remediation Contractor License #: MRSR 2768 and Biohazard Contractor License #: 17-64-1560497 to restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”

For 24/7 Emergency Assistance, Contact SERVPRO of West Pensacola at (850) 469-1160. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

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How to Deal with the Aftermath of Flood Damage in Goulding?

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage is ordinarily weather-related, and when it happens, it can lead to tremendous losses.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Professionally Restore Your Flood Damaged Property

Flood damage is ordinarily weather-related, and when it happens, it can lead to tremendous losses. Despite that, if you take the right actions, you can salvage most of your items and prevent further damage. If you are working with professionals in the restoration industry, you can readily know what is restorable and what you should replace. We are looking at some of the incidents you should expect in Goulding after a flood. 

There are cases where flood damage in Goulding can make cracks to appear in the foundation. For instance, clay expands when it absorbs water, and that can lead to an uneven lifting of the slabs. Additionally, cracks can appear on exterior walls, and embedded pipes may rupture. Our SERVPRO technicians can perform a structural assessment and determine whether the house is safe to enter or not. If you notice that windows and doors are not opening after a flood, there is a possibility that foundation damage has already taken place.

The drywall of your building may weaken after exposure to water with the paper facing providing food that facilitates mold growth. During the restoration process, our SERVPRO technicians remove the soft, moldy, or crumbly drywall and recommend a replacement. There is also the need to gut down the ceilings and walls to the framing after the water event. We do that to clean the insides and make sure we can quickly dry them to prevent mold damage.

If the insulation in your building is made of foams or fibers, it can hold water and a replacement necessary after it becomes wet. Our SERVPRO team also cleans and dries all framing to prevent mold, which flourishes in moist and warm conditions. Where necessary, we set up space heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to enhance the drying process.

At SERVPRO of West Pensacola, we aim at making your property “Like it never even happened,” after water, storm, fire, or mold damage disaster. Call us at (850) 469-1160 and learn more about the residential and commercial restoration services we have in place for you.

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What Kinds of Tropical Storm Damages Can I Expect to My Pensacola Home and Property?

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can repair damage to homes caused by high winds from tropical storms.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola Can Help You If You’ve Experienced Storm Damage

If you have resided in Florida for quite some time, you know full well the effects of tropical storm damage on a home.  If you’re new to Florida, you may want a primer on what to expect and how SERVPRO can help.

A very powerful storm system, tropical storms are a lot like a hurricane. Even though they are a bit less powerful than a hurricane, tropical storms can still cause plenty of damage. In just the Southeastern United States, there have been over six billion dollars in damages from storms that have hit since 1979. 

What are Tropical Storms? 

A type of storm system which forms in tropical environments is a tropical storm. These storms, characterized by very low-pressure systems and swirling high-speed winds, are classified as tropical storms when a particular set of circumstances exist. For it to be called a tropical storm, wind speeds need to be between 39 and 73 miles per hour. Higher and lower wind speeds make it another kind of storm, with lower known as a tropical depression, and higher winds referred to as a hurricane. 

Some of the more common areas in which tropical storms are known to form are in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, near Australia, the South Pacific, and the Arabian Sea. 

Common Kinds of Storm Damage from Tropical Storms 

The two leading causes of damage from a tropical storm are water and wind.  

• Water damage includes storm surges, torrential rains, swells and large waves, plus mud slides.
• Wind damage includes flying debris, high winds, and the like.

Flying Debris and Wind Damage 

High winds are one of the main characteristics of tropical storms. Here are the main kinds of damage you’d expect if a tropical storm hits your area. 

Roof Damage 

High winds can dislodge shingles and other roofing materials without impact from forces outside. Wind storms also can knock down limbs and trees, while sending flying, dangerous debris over far distances. If debris impacts a property, it can cause damage to the roof and other areas of the structure which are extensive. Commonly seen is damage to the gutters of a structure from both the buildup of the debris in the gutters or from an impact. 

Siding and Window Damage 

Flying debris can cause considerable damage to the sides of structures. Tree branches which strike a window at 30 miles per hour will most likely shatter the window. Also susceptible to this kind of damage is siding. 

HVAC/AC Damage

External cooling and heating units are at risk from falling branches or trees and flying debris. 

Property Damage 

You should expect to have plenty of debris to clean up after severe windstorms. 

Automobile Damage 

Damage to your vehicle very common during a wind storm. Dents, broken windows, paint damage and scratches are frequent. Park automobiles in a garage if possible, or cover them with a car cover to provide some protection from the elements. 

The other primary causes include storm surges, torrential rains, and mudslides, which can cause flood damage, mold damage and damage to the interior of your structure. 

SERVPRO of West Pensacola can handle any of your damages from tropical storms, so make sure to get in touch with us right away if you experience a tropical storm in your area at (850) 469-1160.  

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Some Mistakes That You Should Avoid When Dealing With Flood Damage in Pensacola

3/8/2020 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home, a quick response is warranted. Contact Team SERVPRO as we are available 24/7 to take your call.

Why Pensacola Homeowners Should Not Remain Home During Flood Damage Restoration Services

When heavy storms bring flood damage in a movie or television show, it shows groundwater entering that is usually clear, and frequently the characters are in the water. But that is not reality, not even close.

Flood water in a Pensacola home is one of the most severe types of loss that can happen to a residence. This water has a rating as a category three biohazard, and with good reason, until it gets tested, there is no way to know what it picked up along the way. 

Testing for Frequently Found Contaminants

SERVPRO technicians know working with groundwater in a home has the potential to cause illness and wears protective clothing, including respirators. They test the remaining water to determine the presence of any sewage, bacteria, pathogens, or chemicals. Hence, they know the type of water treatment to apply to lessen the potential for injury from contact. With their training and certification for biohazard #17-64-1560497, they know the proper handling and disposal methods.

Safety for the Rest of the Home

Flood loss does not often hit an entire structure, instead only a portion gets affected. The other issue is the water wicks rapidly into the sheetrock and runs downward under the flooring. When this occurs, SERVPRO techs need to remove the carpet, tile, or floorboards to get to the subfloor for extraction and drying. 

Treatment for Mold

After flood loss in a home, mold is a threat. The airborne spores that are naturally present may have the humidity levels to germinate. One that occurs, the infestation can spread quickly, covering sheetrock, flooring, and paper in particular. With their certification in mold remediation #MRSR 2768, the techs know the early warning signs of mold and preventative measures to take. They commonly treat water loss areas with both antimicrobial cleaning agents and sealants to prevent the setting up of colonies before repairs get made. 

SERVPRO of West Pensacola is ready to assist local property owners with the cleanup and restoration of their homes from flood damage by calling (850) 469-1160 to make the loss in their homes, "Like it never even happened."

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Pensacola Residents Need Reliable Assistance After Flood Storm Damage

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Pensacola SERVPRO is quick to get your flood damage under control.

You should always have a plan for the possibility of a flood in your Pensacola home

As devastating as Pensacola’s seasonal storms and their aftermaths can be, falling prey to unscrupulous contractors who promise what they do not deliver, make an already stressful situation even more dire. In addition, if you spend some of a year at another residence or on business or leisure travels, you might not be at your home when stormy weather approaches. Unplanned long-distance management of disasters or settling for subpar service is not the answer.

Partner with a Leader in the Storm and Flooding Restoration Business

The risk of flood or storm damage in Pensacola cannot be ignored. Our location on the Gulf frequently puts us in or near the path of tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes. Our primary concentrations as a disaster recovery company are storms, floods, and water damage events. Leverage our training and experience to ensure that your residence gets the mitigation and remediation services needed after a weather-related loss.

Prepare with Our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

Contact us for an assessment long before severe storms brew. SERVPRO works with you to create an individualized plan condensed into a concise digital file. We dispatch an experienced project manager to assess your property, sketching out a specific blueprint of your home, and noting where the utility shut-offs are located. As we anticipate areas where your property might be vulnerable to storm and flood damage, we make practical suggestions you can follow to limit potential damage to your contents and structure.

Complete the Circle with Your Emergency Ready Profile

Use our mobile app to share details about your home and your priorities if storm or flood damage strikes. You can list the contractors or vendors who helped build or remodel spaces so we can reach out during restoration if necessary. A feature that is particularly helpful if you plan to be away during storm season is the ability to clarify that SERVPRO is your preferred storm disaster restorer. You can also designate trusted individuals, family or otherwise, to make decisions for recovery if you are unavailable for any reason. Because speed is fundamental when we respond to a flooding scenario, it is crucial to avoid delay in any way we can for the best outcome.

Have the peace of mind that comes with working with our full-service disaster restoration company, putting together a plan before a crisis. Contact SERVPRO of West Pensacola at (850) 469-1160 to start building your ERP today.

Contractor Licenses:

Mold Remediation: MRSR 2768

Biohazard: 17-64-1560497

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Effectively Drying Hardwood Flooring in Pensacola Condos

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how your Pensacola hardwood flooring can be damaged in a flood.

Let SERVPRO explain why your Pensacola hardwood needs drying after a flood damage.

After flooding that leaves stormwater coming to rest on the floors of your Pensacola home, you only have a finite amount of time before saturation and deterioration begin. Hardwood is particularly sensitive to moisture absorption, and it does not take long for surface moisture to get pulled into the planks. Effective extraction and drying of this material require multiple specialty drying tools and techniques employed by our experienced water restoration technicians within this limited window.

There are multiple scenarios in which the bulk of water removal from flood damage in Pensacola homes can happen with towels and a mop. This direct absorption from these tools can reduce the surface moisture, but rarely removes it entirely. Apart from this traditional approach, our SERVPRO team can utilize specialty extraction attachments and wet-vacuums or only use the wet-vac directly on the damaged areas for immediate removal. These potential water removal solutions do not eliminate all of the surface moisture, however.

Not only does some lingering surface moisture exist, but for exposure that has lasted longer than a day, free moisture absorbed into the wood planks is another factor to consider. Drying these areas can be a challenge with conventional air movers and dehumidification options we might use elsewhere in the house. Instead, our SERVPRO team can install drying mats connected to portable extractors. Depending on the severity of the situation, multiple mats can get used simultaneously.

Tenting with lay-flat poly sheeting can regulate the moisture removal process over these specific damaged areas. When it is probable that hardwood can get protected and stay installed, our professionals must regulate moisture removal to ensure that the planks do not become overly dried. Continual monitoring and documentation of the drying process can ensure that the mats get pulled up when the optimal moisture content levels have been reached.

Extraction and drying of hardwood flooring within the first 48 hours can often protect these flooring options from demolition and reconstruction. Our SERVPRO of West Pensacola team can utilize our state-of-the-art equipment to return your property to preloss condition quickly. Give us a call today at (850) 469-1160.

To learn more about Pensacola, click here.

It's Hurricane Season in Pensacola. Are you Prepared for Storm Damage?

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's restoration services are always available!

Cleaning Away the Remnants of Storm Damage from Around Your Pensacola Condo 

After a violent bout of stormy weather, elderly residents might find a huge mess outside their Pensacola condo. Instead of cleaning up such disorder themselves, having experts who can also make repairs gets the job done safely and completely.

Having someone help with removing possibly dangerous debris from patios, lawns, and other areas around a condominium in Pensacola keeps storm damage from taking a more personal toll. SERVPRO's technicians can work with affected residents directly or through concerned family members wanting to protect their parents or grandparents but lack the required time to do so themselves.

Shattered pieces of glass can surprise almost anyone when cleaning out a jumbled mess. Individuals already coping with specific health issues can find even small cuts cause additional health effects. Our services not only restore the property to preloss condition but help prevent such mishaps from occurring.

Our building services can also help with water damage impacting exterior carpeting, screened doors and windows, exterior lighting, and roofing. All our services are scalable and match the needs of the customer. No job is too small, and we understand that mitigating small amounts of damage now can severely diminish the scope of any damage experienced in the future.

We want to ensure that the property's security levels return to normal, as well, and work with our customers on the locking mechanism used if replacements are needed. Some locks pose difficulty to those with age-related ailments, and we can help by offering easier-to-use alternatives.

Seemingly minor things like a lock's mechanism can become the difference between a safely secured home and one open to unwanted entry. During mitigation and clean up of storm damage, our building services can also board up any windows that became broken or cracked.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola has technicians who can also check for mold infestations after a storm, as well as damage from any rain that might have entered through open windows. Making everything “Like it never even happened.” includes making a house safe and comfortable, as well. Contact us at (850) 469-1160, year-round and round-the-clock. We are always here and ready to serve those in Perdido Key, Goulding, Sanders Beach, and Myrtle Grove. 

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Avoid Flood Damage Remediation Mistakes in Your Pensacola Residence

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage can arrive in your home quickly. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Why You Do Not Enter Floodwater in Pensacola Homes 

Many threats and risks enter a Pensacola property along with floodwater. The more than homeowners can understand these hazards, the better able to avoid severe injuries and death that can result from unsafe practices or inexperience. In the standing water that has penetrated the lowest level of your property, you have several distinct life-threatening or health-compromising concerns that can be present.  

While it is not uncommon for homeowners to work to mitigate flood damage in Pensacola properties before they ever call in professionals like our SERVPRO team, it is vital to understand your limitations and what the equipment you have is capable of handling. Additionally, natural flooding can become structurally damaging, or provide even more dangerous scenarios, such as: 

• Animals – Flooding, which can bring up the levels of creeks other bodies of water in the area, also brings the threat of alligators, snakes, and rodents. This potential infestation makes a pressing risk for getting into the murky water and insists that extraction efforts happen from a safer height.

• Biohazardous Threats – While our SERVPRO team has an entire division of highly-trained professionals to address biohazard cleanup after flooding, many homeowners do not even realize the risk. Flooding can overflow sewer systems and pull that contaminated wastewater into the rising threat affecting the neighborhood.

• Debris – Another potential threat that exists with standing floodwater is unknown debris and items in the muddy water. Without proper protection, restorers can get cut by sharp edges, injured on uneven surfaces, or trapped in shifting sediments. 

• Electrical Current – It is not unlikely for structural damages to occur with the destructive intrusion of water, and with it, the possibility of electrical system damage. Live wires outside of your home or from your household can make the floodwater incredibly dangerous. 

Multiple risks exist in standing water trapped in your house and around it when substantial flooding occurs. Understanding these threats helps to keep you safe, even through the often taxing extraction and drying phases. If you are unclear of how to restore your home or want to utilize the expertise of our professionals, count on our SERVPRO of West Pensacola crew to help. You can reach us 24/7 at (850) 469-1160. 

Click here to see more about Pensacola. 

Emergency Duties for Top Down Flood damage in Pensacola Homes

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

We know how to kick that water back where it belongs.

SERVPRO is always here for your Pensacola floods.

In extreme weather conditions, parts of your home may become damaged by falling branches or other debris. This fallen debris can become a flooding issue if windows, skylights, or doors are broken, resulting in significant amounts of rainwater pouring in. It's normal to consider flooding issues as primarily affecting the ground levels of your property, but often rainwater can enter through the top of a property and works its way down. 

Our service is available to attend to flood damage in Pensacola and the surrounding area. We operate emergency call-outs with local technicians available on call during storm seasons or periods when adverse weather conditions are expected. By using our service, you can expect expert assessment and remediation of structural contents as well as insulation or sheetrock, which can become waterlogged. 

Insulation materials often must be assessed thoroughly to avoid secondary water issues like microbial growth. These porous materials become waterlogged quickly and, in most cases, must be replaced. SERVPRO can remove affected insulation and replace it relatively inexpensively. We can also bag up the removed insulation to take with us at the end of service for safe disposal. 

As water moves down through the property, you may find it enters the wall, and floor, cavities. This migration of water can be a danger, as prolonged exposure to moisture can at best result in microbial issues or at worst weaken the structure itself. It is not uncommon for wooden flooring to become warped by excessive exposure to moisture. 

SERVPRO technicians can remove water from cavities by drilling small holes in walls or floors. This action creates air passages which allow water to evaporate. We speed up the process by attaching flex hoses to rapid air movers and circulating heated air at rapid speeds through the cavity. Using a moisture meter helps us to determine how long to carry out this procedure, and whether or not it has been successful. 

Top-down flooding can cause severe issues in your home, contact SERVPRO of West Pensacola at (850) 469-1160 for emergency assistance. 

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Professional Tips for Drying Out Your Water Damaged Pensacola home.

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

It takes equipment and expertise to completely dry a water damaged home. SERVPRO of West Pensacola has what it takes!

Flood Damage Restoration for Your Pensacola Home

If bad weather stresses you out, you are not alone. No matter where you live, you could be prone to flooding, so Pensacola is no exception. Being prepared ahead of time in case of a flooding emergency can give you peace of mind. Knowing some things you can do so you and your family are prepared when a flood is imminent helps keep everyone safe and under less pressure.  

If a flood has occurred in your area, you want to get some help as soon as possible to restore your Pensacola home from the flood damage. Once the storms have subsided, you can reach out anytime to SERVPRO for assistance. We train our staff for all types of flood situations, and we can have your home restored quickly. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.  

To help you and your family out, you should first establish an evacuation route, should you need to leave home for a while. Know the best ways in and out of your neighborhood and other areas close by to you. Stick to higher ground if you have to evacuate and plan a meeting spot for your family to gather in if you get separated. Write the plan down and go over it with so everyone understands what they are to do.  

Make sure to include your pets in your evacuation plan. Have enough carriers for all of them, so it is easy to move them if you need to. Pack up enough food, water, and any other things they’ll need, such as medications. An emergency box for the rest of the family should include non-perishable food for you to eat as well as enough water for everyone to have a gallon of water each day. Include toiletry items and any vital paperwork plus medications.  

In every water or flood situation, there are specific hazards that SERVPRO staff needs to be aware of to stay safe. Electricity can be a significant issue since water and electricity do not mix. If possible, we turn the power off to your home at the main circuit breaker.

We take extra caution if the water is running from a light switch, light fixture, or outlet. We also use a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI for all electrical equipment.  

We avoid using metal tools such as hand lines, ropes, measuring tapes, ladders, or other metal materials which could contact energized equipment or circuits.  

SERVPRO of West Pensacola wants to help make your home in Sanders Beach, Goulding, or Myrtle Grove safe again after flooding. Reach out to us as soon as you can afterward by dialing (850) 469-1160, and we won’t waste any time getting to you.

Click here to read about Pensacola.

We Can Restore Your Pensacola Condo After A Flood

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew works quickly to get your home back in order, so do not hesitate to contact us by dialing (850) 469-1160.

Cleaning Up Flood Damage In Your Pensacola Condo

When your Pensacola condo is in danger of flooding from local rivers rising this spring, it is good to be able to prepare your residence as much as possible before the waters reach you. Doing what you can ahead of time helps your home suffer less damage than if you did nothing, and it can make the aftermath of the floodwaters a lot easier to handle.

No matter what, after flooding in your Pensacola condo has occurred, you need the professional help of a flood damage remediation company to help you restore your home as quickly as possible. At SERVPRO, we understand the direness of the situation and that the longer the water sits, the more damage is done, so we do not waste any time getting to you after you contact us.

Your primary line of defense when you know the floodwaters are making their way to your residence is to use sandbags. Building a wall with these sacks can slow the water down enough so that it is more manageable. Old style sandbags work; however, they slow to fill and are heavy before they even get wet. There is a newer style that are pretty much flat bags filled with an absorbent material. Then, when wet, they sell up and present a barrier that is as good as the old-fashioned type.

Upon arrival to your home, SERVPRO technicians assess the extent of the damage first. Since this is a case of flooding, we always wear protective gear to protect us from possible contaminants in the water such as sewage and chemical runoff. We also have you and your family stay out of the home until we can finish restoring it so that we keep you safe. Truck-mounted pumps, industrial-sized fans, and dehumidifiers help us to remove the water from your condo and make it like nothing ever happened.

It is a good idea to purchase sandbags before you need them and store them in your garage in a high and dry location. The newer kinds are easy to store, as they do not take up much space until they are activated. For protecting a garage door or low entrance door, the sandbags are good to have on hand. The biggest problem with these newer bags is that they are not reusable.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola wants to help you after a flood affects your condo in Sanders Beach, Goulding or Warrington. Our crew works quickly to get your home back in order, so do not hesitate to contact us by dialing (850) 469-1160.

Click here for more about Pensacola.

SERVPRO Goes High Tech to Locate Moisture in Flood Damaged Pensacola Homes

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Each vehicle in our Green Fleet is loaded with equipment to remove water from your home- day or night.

Flood Damage Technicians in Pensacola Talk About Drying Out Wall Cavities

If a severe thunderstorm strikes the Pensacola region, flooding is likely to occur. Once water gets deep outside your home, it is wise to call in a professional flood damage mitigation company such as SERVPRO. When water starts to build up on the streets of your neighborhood and in your yard, entry into your home is likely. Water can sometimes saturate through your walls or come in from the ground. When it enters from the floor, the moisture can cause extensive flood damage to your flooring materials.  

Once your carpets or other flooring materials get saturated, moisture can start to wick its way up your walls. When dealing with flood damage in Pensacola, our SERVPRO technicians test your drywall and other building materials for moisture content. We determine how wet your building materials are by testing levels in both areas that were affected and regions that were not. By testing materials that did not get affected by moisture, we determine our target levels for drying. We know that if your drywall gets wet, then there is a chance that the studs and exterior walls inside the wall cavity also got affected.  

If there is moisture inside your wall cavity, then it is possible that your structural components can get damaged. When drying out wall cavities, we usually utilize one of two methods or at times a combination of the two. If your walls get saturated then, we can cut the drywall a foot or two up from the floor so that we can push air into your wall cavities. If the moisture content inside your walls is not extremely high, then we can utilize an injection drying system.  

Injection dryers consist of a fan with a series of tubes running from them. We drill holes into your walls and insert the tubes so that the fan pushes air into the cavity. Once moisture levels return to normal, we patch all of the holes in your drywall. If you ever notice wet building materials after a flood, call SERVPRO of West Pensacola at (850) 469-1160 24/7.

 Read about the city of Pensacola here.

SERVPRO Says Leave Now, Plan an Evacuation Route Away from Your West Pensacola Home and Hurricane Michael

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says to West Pensacola, Hurricane Michael is Just Ahead, Evacuate

What Should Your Hurricane Michael Preparation Plan Include for West Pensacola?

It is an easy thing to tell someone to have a plan for when a hurricane occurs and to follow it precisely. However, some people may not know what this plan should include and how it should be executed. Having a plan and following it strictly is the key to avoiding serious injury to yourself and your family during Hurricane Michael. When making a plan, there are some essentials to consider. Then EVACUATE.
 
Where do I want my family to be during this Hurricane?
Think about your home and its structure. If it has a sturdy frame and the hurricane category is low, find the safest place in your home for your family to weather the storm. But not this time. Hurricane Michael can hit your West Pensacola property as a potential Cat 4 with winds as high as 140 MPH. Make a plan for evacuation and leave. Having an exit strategy as a backup plan is essential. You do not want to become frazzled and unsure during an emergency.
 
Create a chain of command. Select a member of your family to be the leader and execute orders. Assign responsibilities and divide essential tasks between your family. Think of emergencies that may occur while the storm occurs and assign a person to carry out a solution to the problem. In this case, how to react and what to do upon returning after the storm has passed.
 
Make sure your emergency supplies are in your safe location before the storm hits. Should the hurricane be a low category and you choose to stay inside your home, ensure that your supplies are already in the preselected safe-place before it hits. Doing this can ensure that all your family has to worry about is moving to the location as a unit. This advice, please keep for another storm, not this Hurricane.
 
When evacuating, plan routes to take. Research the safest route to travel and then stock your car with spare maps and emergency supplies beforehand. It makes the process of moving your family much smoother if all you have to worry about is getting them from point 'A' to 'B.' Do not delay your departure, leave now.
 
Following these basic principals while making a plan for a hurricane can decrease the chances of injury among you and your family during the storm. Remember, it is always important to remain calm during an emergency.

When you have the all-clear to return home, contact SERVPRO of West Pensacola. We will be standing by and ready to help with the storm damage cleanup and restoration. Our National Disaster Recovery Teams are here to help. (850) 469-1160

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What Do You Do After a Hurricane Damages Your West Pensacola Home?

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Gordan Damage in West Pensacola--No Problem--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Try Calling SERVPRO for Cleaning Up After Hurricane Gordon

While you might have been focusing on the safety of your family and loved ones in the area while Hurricane Gordon passed through the West Pensacola area, now that you can see the damage it left behind, you want to know what you need to do next to take care of the problem. Though tempting to tackle these damages on your own, this is rarely something the average homeowner is equipped to deal with and succeed.

There are ways for you to get the ball rolling on cleaning up and restoring your West Pensacola property, however. First things first, you have to understand the risks involved with a situation like what you are facing. Severe weather systems like this can damage the structural integrity of your home, making it unsafe to enter without appropriate precautions and inspections. On top of this risk, there are effects from the hurricane itself that must get addressed as quickly as possible.

One of the first things that you have to understand about tropical storm damage is that the longer restoration takes to begin and complete, the worse the situation stands to get. From openings in the exterior of your home to allow for more water and flood damages to the threat of mold growth, our SERVPRO professionals can arrive quickly to help mitigate the effects of the storm until the official restoration process can begin. Consider that floodwaters from these storm systems are contaminated with chemicals, pesticides, vegetation, possible sewage, and perhaps even animal carcasses.

Our SERVPRO professionals have the expertise and equipment to overcome the obstacles that stand between your currently damaged property and returning it to preloss condition. We have a rapid response team that is available 24/7 to dispatch our technicians to your home or business and begin the process of limiting the damage and assessing the full scope of the harm sustained to begin restoration as quickly as possible.

When a hurricane has affected your home, you need to think quickly about securing the right services to help you overcome the damages you have sustained. Our SERVPRO of West Pensacola team is available anytime by calling (850) 469-1160.

Data and information about this Florida Panhandle City right here.

Living Alongside the Gulf of Mexico Can Leave Your Goulding Home Vulnerable to Flood Damage During a Tropical

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet Hard at Work after a Storm Loss in Goulding

Storm Loss Mitigation Needed? Call SERVPRO for Help in Goulding 

Seaside homes are some of the most luxurious properties one can own, but they do come with their risks, such as higher chances of sustaining flood damage. Because of your city's unique geographic position adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, a severe storm is more of a matter of time rather than just a possibility. However, the week that you are away on a trip to spend a summer holiday with your family is the worst possible timing for your own home.

The storm brought violent winds and waters, both quickly forcing their way inside your Goulding residence, causing flood damage to your property. The floodwaters settled in your living, dining room, and kitchen, the lower floors of your home. The dirty water mixed with chemicals and sewage has ruined your carpets and compromised your furniture and belongings. Upon returning home, and finding all of the damage, the best thing that you can do for is to call for professional help.
 
SERVPRO can travel to your home swiftly after your call and arrive with the necessary equipment to combat the flood damage inside. The very first step is to get the standing water out; the faster it is gone, the sooner that SERVPRO can investigate the damage to your floors. Our IICRC-certified technicians can use submersible pumps and wet/dry vacuums to remove the stagnant water from your property promptly.
 
Because the water that invaded your home was classified as black water, SERVPRO must remove your carpets. Even cleaned, there is a chance that they can still contain the harmful pathogens and chemicals they were exposed too. Once the carpets are gone, SERVPRO can begin to thoroughly clean and disinfect the floors and walls, as well as your belongings.
 
While the area is being cleaned, our technicians can set up a drying system to handle the excess moisture that is impacting your floors, walls, cupboards, and furniture. Desiccant dehumidifiers, ventilation fans, and air movers can all be placed in specific locations to promote airflow and evaporation. Once your home has been returned to an acceptable moisture level, documented, and you are satisfied, then our job is done.
 
Do not hesitate if a tropical storm causes flood damage inside your residence. Get in contact with SERVPRO of West Pensacola by calling (850) 469-1160. Whenever the time, we are open and able to take your call.

See the map for coastal storm effects.

Cleanup of Flood Damage to Your Perdido Key Home

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO carefully assesses your home after flood damage to determine the correct course of action to restore it "Like it never even happened."

Trust SERVPRO to Restore Your Home after Flood Damage

If you are experiencing heavy rains this spring in Perdido Key, you might be worried about water leaking into your home. Your only choice, once this happens, is to remove the water as soon as possible. Unfortunately, you have to wait until the storm has passed and the water has stopped rising to begin, but keep in mind that the longer you leave the standing water in your home, the more damage to your property occurs.

Flood damage of any magnitude in your home in Perdido Key can be overwhelming. Your home and possessions are now covered in water, where just a bit ago your home was safe and dry. To make the process much easier for you, you need the professional help of our staff at SERVPRO. We are specially trained to handle these situations, salvage everything possible, and return your home to its preloss condition.

When we first arrive, we do an initial inspection to determine the right course of action. Once we check for safety hazards, contents are secured if needed, and we can begin restoration. Extracting the standing water is the first major step, and we do so with truck-mounted pumps. Any wet items on the floors are removed, such as pillows, throw rugs, or toys. We remove as much water as possible so that the drying process goes faster.

Every wet surface is treated, which sometimes mean we remove kick baseboards and any drywall that is not salvageable. We open cabinets and remove toe kicks to accelerate the drying time. We use commercial grade equipment for drying your home back out, including dehumidifiers and air movers to generate dry air and increase circulation and evaporation. We monitor the environment carefully each day, and the progress is documented.

We conduct another inspection once your structure is dry to make sure there are no hidden pockets of moisture which could result in further damage such as mold growth. Any items which were removed from the area to keep safe and for restoration are put back in place.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola understands that flooding in your home in Warrington, Goulding, or Myrtle Grove is a stressful event, and we take special care to get your home dry and safe again. Reach out to us at (850) 469-1160 as soon as you experience an event like this.

Click here to learn more about Perdido Key.

Flood Damage Professionals Based Out of Pensacola

4/14/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall can flood your neighborhood resulting in flood damage to your home. Call the professionals at SERVPRO to restore your home.

SERVPRO is Here to Help Dry Out Your Home after Flood Damage

Florida is one state that is prone to get affected by severe storms, including hurricanes. Sometimes rain comes down so quickly in Pensacola that your neighborhood gets flooded. Whenever water starts to get deep outside, it is very likely that it will creep into your home through the lower door seals or other weak spots on the exterior of your house.

If a hurricane blows through your neighborhood sometimes the extreme, high-speed winds cause objects to poke holes into windows or exterior walls. SERVPRO's flood damage technicians in Pensacola have experience in fixing problems created by wind. When there is a hole in your house during a storm, sometimes vast amounts of rainwater pour into your structure.

The first step we take in any emergency damage call is to repair any hazards that make the work area dangerous. Next, we fix the door seals or board up the holes in the exterior structure so that no more moisture makes its way into your home. Once the area is safe, and water is not pouring into the building we begin to assess the damage caused by the storm.

Our SERVPRO technicians use their knowledge, experience and specialized monitoring equipment when they inspect the area for problems. We search your house and identify all of the areas of the building that got affected by the storm. We then use monitoring equipment to test the building materials and contents within the affected regions for moisture.

If moisture levels are excessive we use our heavy-duty, truck mounted extraction system to vacuum up as much water as we can. In extreme cases where there is two inches or more of standing water, a submersible pump or sump pump gets used for sucking the water out of the house. If there is not an excessive amount of water in the building, sometimes all of the moisture gets dried out using air movers and dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifiers suck water out of the air dispensing liquid into a container and exhausting hot, dry air. The air movers then push the hot, dry air around the room in a circular motion speeding up the natural evaporation process. For assistance with drying after a storm, call SERVPRO of West Pensacola at (850) 469-1160 any day of the week.

Click here for more information on the city of Pensacola.

Flood Damage and Electricity in Your Pensacola Home

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians turn off all circuit breakers in order to create a safe environment to properly restore your home.

SERVPRO Ensures Your Home is Safe Before Beginning Flood Damage Restoration

Flooding due to heavy rains is a very real concern in Pensacola since residents here have had to experience this in the past. It is, therefore, a good idea to know some ways you can try and protect your home and your family during the rainy seasons. Once such precaution is covering any interior walls with a waterproof sealant. You also want to ensure that your rain gutters are kept clean and free of debris and are positioned so that water flows away from your home.

Sandbags and sump pumps are other great options for keeping the water out of your Pensacola home when you know storms are coming. If the waters still make it inside and you are dealing with flood damage, it is best that you speak with our professional team at SERVPRO for help. We can get to your home quickly to avoid further damage, using our knowledge and industrial tools to do the job correctly and promptly.

Since environmental hazards exist in each flood situation, we use precaution before we begin. These hazards can include structural and electrical hazards or hazardous materials. Water and electricity do not mix, and these types of dangers can potentially be all over the job site. Floods can also cause water to get into the wiring system.

SERVPRO staff first check to make sure all circuit breakers are off at the power distribution panel. It is especially crucial for us to do so if water is inside electrical outlets or wall cavities, or when outlets are located on the floor. We may even need to have an experienced electrician come and inspect your property.

Since we need to use electrical equipment to dry your home out, we need to use ground fault circuit interrupters which cut off the power if too much current is detected. We also always check our tools, cords, and other accessories for damage and ensure ground plugs are not broken, and cords are not frayed. Damaged cords are removed and serviced or replaced.

Once we know that it is safe to work, SERVPRO of West Pensacola wastes no time in getting your home in Sanders Beach, Myrtle Grove, or Perdido Key dry again. Reach out to us as soon as possible by dialing (850) 469-1160, so we can help get your life back on track after a flood.

Click here for more information on Pensacola.

Restoring Flood Damage Effects in Pensacola

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have the training and knowledge to help you better decide which furniture items should be restored or replaced after a flood.

SERVPRO Helps to Remediate Flood Damage and Get the Most of Your Homeowners Policy

2017 was one of the worst flood years for Pensacola residents, but every year, many of us have to deal with the loss of personal property. Furniture is especially vulnerable to flood effects, and unfortunately, that is what families pass down to the next generation.

In deciding to try and save property after flood damage, Pensacola residents need professional help. SERVPRO knows what is feasible to save or throw away and has extensive experience with insurance here in Florida. We can assist with not just restoration, but helping residents get every benefit possible out of their homeowner or renters policy.

Our guide when it comes to recommendations is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The agency provides information and suggestions based on cleaning cost and the latest data released by insurance companies. For example, a dining room set that sat in water several inches deep has damage to the finish and usually some minor wood warping.

If the table and chairs were in deeper water, then the chair upholstery is at risk. If we get to it quickly, SERVPRO technicians can carefully dry the fabric before it begins to bleed color or start to shrink. We remove the chairs to a dry area in the home or back to our facility. We place a dehumidifier in the middle of the chairs to remove moisture and set up an air mover to carefully blow warm, dry air over the fabric.

If either type of damage has already started, many insurance companies do not pay for restoration but go directly to replacement. If the owner still decides to pay for restoration, we make certain he or she understands the potential problems before we begin.

The tools and methods we use for upholstery fabric also work for drying the wood. We remove the finish completely if it the water already ruined it. Removal allows us to watch the wood carefully while drying it to avoid any secondary damage from over-drying the wood like splintering. After completing the drying process, we refinish the chairs, so they look like they did before the flood.

At SERVPRO of West Pensacola, it is more than a job to help you restore your property after a flood. As a locally owned business, every customer is also a neighbor. If you need our help, call us today at (850) 469-1160.

Click here for more information regarding Pensacola.

What to Expect During Flood Damage Restoration of Your Pensacola Home

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians begin the restoration of your home after a flood with an assessment of the damage.

SERVPRO Offers Efficient and Thorough Flood Damage Restoration Services

Whether it is a flood, a storm or a tree falling through your roof, flooding can be a catastrophic event for your home. However, the good news is that if you act promptly, there is a lot the can be done to restore your home, here in Pensacola. Seeking the help of professionals can save you a lot of money and headache during the restoration process.

The first step is to hire professionals who know what they are doing while restoring the flood damage in your Pensacola home. If the moisture is not removed correctly, it can cause some serious secondary damage. Here is what you can expect during the flood damage restoration process.

Assessment of the Damage

The first step toward the restoration of your home after a flood is an assessment of the damage. The team of SERVPRO professionals conducts a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of your house to determine the extent of the damage.

Our experts also discuss restoration plans with you during this step. While some restoration such as roof repair must be started immediately, you have some more time to decide on some other issues that are not of immediate importance.

The Process of Flood Damage Restoration

Once all the terms are agreed upon, the restoration work begins with removal of any standing water on the property. Once the standing water is removed, the SERVPRO experts use some sensors to detect hidden moisture in the carpet and other areas of your home.

Our experts use equipment such as moisture meters and Thermohygrometers to determine the best conditions necessary for the complete moisture removal.

Extractors are used to remove water from carpets and upholstery while industrial dehumidification equipment help to create the best conditions for water extraction.

The cleaning process usually starts within eight hours of our team’s arrival on the site. Although the time needed to complete the task can vary depending on the extent of damage, SERVPRO experts work hard to keep it to a minimum.

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of West Pensacola today at (850) 469-1160 to schedule an appointment for an on-site inspection. Our experts make sure that your property is dry and safe in no time!  

Click here for more information about Pensacola.

New Builds in Pensacola Still Take Flood Damage in Hurricanes

10/22/2017 (Permalink)

When facing storm damage and flooding, SERVPRO can be a great ally in both insurance claims and getting the remediation process started quickly.

SERVPRO Technicians are Trained to Remediate Flooding in BOTH Newer and Older Homes

Most modern homes in Florida are now built with hurricane protection. Whereas homes built decades ago were and still are vulnerable even to lighter hurricanes, newer builds are resistant to the effects of extreme weather. However, of course, there are limits to these protective abilities. While they are resistant to high winds and rain, large-scale flood damage hurts Pensacola homes nearly every time a major storm rolls through. There are some ways that new anti-hurricane measures can protect against flooding, but overall, you should still expect your home to incur some amount of damage.
 
New homes protect against flood damage in Pensacola through some simple yet effective measures. Doors and windows are now equipped with stronger seals, exterior walls are made and finished to resist severe and lasting damage from floodwaters, and foundations are explicitly built to take as little damage as possible from standing water. This means that newer homes tend to be a better investment than older ones, as they are more likely to resist weather extremes in the long term.
 
Unfortunately, however, modern homes can still be severely damaged by a flood. If water finds its way into the home, little can protect interior construction and belongings from the effects of damage. While foundations can effectively resist some effects of standing water, they are by no means immune to it. Without fast extraction, standing water can cause expensive and severe damage to your home's foundation. Furthermore, many storm floods pick up materials and debris from the surrounding area, creating stains, dents, and chips in the exterior walls and surfaces of many homes. SERVPRO technicians have seen it all, so do not fear no matter how severe the damage may seem. We know how to fix it with as little time and money invested as possible.
 
SERVPRO of West Pensacola provides flood damage mitigation and restoration services to the local area after all major storms. Call us when disaster strikes at (850) 469-1160.
 
For more information regarding Pensacola, click here

Flood Damage Inside a Pensacola Home can be Mitigated, Making Restoration Complete

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help homeowners coping with the aftermath of flood damage brought on by storms in the area.

Trust The SERVPRO Professionals To Help You During Your Time of Need

Flooding can happen because of super-heavy rains, especially when changes in the terrain exist because of recent construction in the area. Rushing over the surface, rain water absorbs whatever is small enough to be picked up and whisked along with it as it travels. When this type of water overtakes your home, it brings with it a multitude of hazards that must be eliminated to restore safe living conditions.

Pensacola homeowners whose homes sustain flood damage soon realize that cleaning up after a disaster like this entails much more than the typical do-it-yourself project requires. Not only does flooding affect a home's structure and contents, but the changes brought on by a flood include those affecting the quality of the air inside the home.

Flood damage can include the following problems for homeowners:

- deposits remaining afterward can contain deadly pathogens,

- dampness can allow microbes to grow prolifically in all areas of a home,

- structural weaknesses can develop or become more pronounced,

- peeling paint and disintegrating materials can pose choking hazards to toddlers,

- carpeting and other flooring can become so damaged they require replacement,

- moisture levels in the air can affect unflooded areas in the home similarly to flooded ones, and

- all food items that came in contact with floodwaters must be disposed of because the risk to health is extremely high.

SERVPRO can help homeowners coping with the aftermath of flood damage brought on by storms in the area. Being a locally owned and operated company provides us with the insight into the weather our normally sunny state experiences. Coupled with our certifications from the IICRC, we know how to effectively mitigate the weather-related damage homes and businesses experience. We want to make it “Like it never even happened” by restoring your home's appearance and structural soundness while we ensure elimination of any pathogens or other hazards to health.

Part of our job is to make sure that humidity levels are completely re-established as they should be and that preventative methods are carried out to keep future issues regarding mold and mildew minimized as much as possible. Helping with listing all damaged items that require disposal on an inventory sheet can assist you with your insurance claim, increasing the likelihood of a faster claims process. These are only two of the many ways SERVPRO employees help homeowners recover faster from any disaster.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of West Pensacola is nearby and ready to assist you at any time, with flood damage or any other kind of catastrophe. Call us, any hour, day or night, at (850) 469-1160.

For more information regarding the city of Pensacola, click here.

When Broken Water Lines Cause Flood Damage in a Pensacola Home

7/2/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding from Storms or Burst Water Mains Damage Many Homes in Pensacola

SERVPRO Answers the Call to Restore Your Flood Damaged Residence

If you think that all flooding happens because of rising waters from nearby lakes or streams, you might be surprised to find out how fast a broken water line inside your home can cause similar problems. Water lines are located in areas of your home that might not seem likely because of the way the house was built, which is particularly the case in additions and remodeled areas.
 
In Pensacola, homes that have a water line break can suffer extreme flood damage in a very short amount of time. This is because homes often have water lines that are either one-half inch or three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and while these may seem small, they can release water at a very fast rate.
 
The smaller of the two can spew 50 gallons of water into your home every minute. The larger one, instead of only releasing 50% more than its smaller counterpart, can let in more than double the amount, at 110 gallons of water in a minute. A larger pipe can cause even greater damage. Water pressure plays a key role in the actual flow rate of the intruding liquid.
 
Sometimes, the pipe that comes loose isn't just to a sink or shower, but to the washing machine. Flood damage from an internal source does not always mean something is broken – hoses that should be tightly attached to your washer can cause the same type of catastrophe when they become too loose over time.
 
When a home has this type of flood damage, SERVPRO has the technicians with the skills and expertise required to get things back to normal throughout your home. Depending on where the water pipes have broken, your flood damage might cover both upstairs and downstairs. This amount and scope of flood damage can necessitate the drying out of ceilings, walls, stairways, floors, and everything in between, including your personal belongings. SERVPRO categorizes this type of water damage as 3, affecting many levels and building materials within the structure. Because we have experience in every size catastrophe, we are ready for anything that your particular situation might entail.
 
When your home has flood damage of any degree, call us. We are local and can arrive whenever you need us. Contact us, SERVPRO of West Pensacola, at (850) 469-1160, regardless of the hour or day. Accidents happen 'round the clock,' and because of this, we are always available to take your call.

Visit Pensacola Florida here.

The Science Of Permeance – How Flood Damage In Warrington Might Affect Your Home

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

When flooding hits your home, the best place to turn for help is SERVPRO.

Flood Damage And Your Home

Often, when people talk about flood damage, it is in quite vague terms. After all, a homeowner only needs to know that their property is at risk and must get dried out as quickly as possible. Most aren’t aware, for example, of just how many different types of flood damage can occur within a building. Or, how many different ways just one type of flooding can affect homes.

There are many variables and influencing factors. When it comes to severe flood damage in Warrington properties, one of the most important is the permeance of the structure. Depending on the construction style of your home, the drying process will either be simple or extensive.

Understanding Permeability
In almost all cases, the SERVPRO team carries out an inspection of the water damaged property before starting work. It is the best way to gain a clear picture of the water intrusion and determine how the permeability of the house is likely to affect drying strategies.

Permeability is a measure of how easily water can pass through a material. It shares a direct correlation with the volume of water retained by that material. In other words, the higher the degree of permeability, the longer it takes to dry.

How Permeability Affects Structural Drying

The 1950s (Post War) Houses
Many of the homes built in the fifties are made up of lots of different building materials, each with their own ranges of permeability. Such variation can make restoration difficult, but SERVPRO has the expertise to set up multiple drying operations within one home, depending on how fast the materials are taking in water.

In this scenario, we are dealing with concrete slabs, concrete internal walls, and external brick walls. The potential permeance readings for each are 2.4, 0.8, and 3.2 respectively. So, you can see how and why the building is going to dry out at differing rates.

Timber and plaster are prone to absorbing water quickly and in large amounts. While this is a negative outcome, the positive side of the equation is that, if the water enters easily, it usually comes out easily too. We often refer to them as materials which ‘wet out’ fast.

Modern Timber Frame Homes
Typically, this type of construction sits on a concrete slab (or flat). On top of this is a thermal barrier. Sometimes, the barrier is above the concrete, and there is plywood or screed flooring on top of that. The potential permeance readings for the barrier and flooring are 1.6 and 0.7, respectively.

The internal walls are timber, and this material has a much higher rate of permeability (around 50). The way we approach modern homes is to assume then that the external shell requires little drying, but the internal structure is especially vulnerable to flooding. The power of our drying techniques depends on the impact of extreme differential drying speeds.

When flooding hits your home, the best place to turn for help is SERVPRO of West Pensacola. You can find us in your local area, and our team can start repairs within hours. Call us 24/7 at (850) 469-1160. You can count on our flood damage repairs.

How To Help The Mitigation Process After A Flood In Pensacola

2/9/2017 (Permalink)

Carpeting is one of the most easily damaged parts of the home in flood damage.

The Flood Mitigation Process

SERVPRO stresses a strategy of mitigation, committing our technicians and our resources to flexible schedules and round-the-clock response times to reduce costs and lessen the impact of floods and other disasters wherever possible. However, SERVPRO is not the only ones who can help with mitigation: there are some actions that you as a homeowner should perform to get your home drying quicker and protect your belongings. Doing these simple tasks after a flood could save you thousands in restoration costs and days or weeks of time on repairs.

Take Care Of Carpeting
Carpeting is one of the most easily damaged parts of the home in Pensacola flood damage, but fast reactions and proper care can help to save some carpets and rugs where they may be unsalvageable after only a few hours' exposure. Remove contrasting colors from one another to prevent bleeding. Try to remove and prop up wet carpets, rugs, and upholstery to keep them from soaking any longer. Finally, remove any small items from the carpeting to keep extra damages to a minimum. Remember to wear close-toed shoes and pants when working with carpets, as broken material or tack strips may still be present and waiting to inflict harm if you are not careful.

Start The Drying Process
Starting the drying process early is one of the most critical factors in controlling severe damage to floors, walls, and structural components. Getting your air conditioning up and running should be an initial priority. After that has taken care of, try removing some lighter spots of water damage by mopping and blotting. SERVPRO can handle heavier damages like standing water and soaked materials, but removing small puddles on your own could make the difference for your floor.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola is ready around the clock to respond quickly to your flood damage call. Just drop us a line at (850) 469-1160 for our assistance.

Flood Damage Affecting the Pensacola Area

1/19/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can affect any room in your home. Call SERVPRO today to evaluate.

Prevention is Key in Areas Where Flooding is Possible

The weather in our area was pretty wild towards the end of 2016. With flooding rains, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods developing everywhere around us, it is not hard to imagine that your home experienced some damage. While we are in the clear, you should consider having your home inspected.
 
Even if your home in Pensacola was not involved in a major flood damage incident, it could still be at risk. There are various ways for rain water and the wind to cause damages to your home. They can gain access to unprotected areas that develop secondary damage, which you cannot visibly see yet. Having a professional service take a look, is not a bad thing.
 
At SERVPRO, we use a variety of detection and monitoring devices to locate any areas in the structure of your home that are wet, defining exactly how much moisture is present and allowing us to remove it before it becomes a problem for you.
 
SERVPRO technicians use moisture sensors to detect moisture in soft materials. Using sharp probes to penetrate carpet and padding to show how far the water has spread. A moisture sensor only tells us that moisture exists, it cannot measure the amount of moisture that exists in certain materials or contents.
 
Moisture meters assist SERVPRO technicians with returning materials to their original content levels, this device can detect how much moisture exists in different types of materials, while providing our expertly trained technicians a method for testing wall cavities and the spaces found underneath hardwood flooring for moisture. The meters also provide us with the ability to locate areas with the most moisture.
 
Thermo-hygrometers measure the temperature and relative humidity levels within a zone, we use both temperature and relative humidity readings to determine specific humidity; this helps us determine how much moisture is in the air and tells use which drying methods to use. Giving us the correct reading for deploying air movers, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment, depending on the moisture levels detected.
 
Using all of these methods, we can assist you with locating pockets of moisture in various locations throughout your home, help you avoid the possibility of developing additional damage and mediate any mold conditions that begin to develop due to moisture exposure that you cannot see yet.
 
Contact SERVPRO of West Pensacola today, (850) 469-1160

What to Do After a Storm in Pensacola Before We Arrive

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Safety is first after a flood. Then call SERVPRO to remediate!

Some Helpful Hints to Minimize Damage After a Storm

When flooding happens, there is a desire in every homeowner to jump in and start bailing out their living room or kitchen. It is perfectly normal and usually the worst possible thing to do.

If you do have flood damage in your Pensacola home, the first thing you should do is call us here at SERVPRO to get one of our response teams moving. Once you have done that, there are a few things you can accomplish before we arrive that will help speed the process:

1) Make sure the water source is turned off if it is a leak.

2) Turn off the power.

3) Remove paper products (damaged and undamaged) from the source of the flood.

4) Move artwork to a dry area.

5) Remove rugs if they can be easily carried.

6) Remove furniture from the flooded area.

7) Wipe down furniture of surface moisture.

8) Open closet doors and drawers to help speed along evaporation.

Before you do any of this, make sure it is safe. Do not try to wade through water that is past your ankles and never step in water if your home's electrical system has been compromised or if the water may be contaminated from damaged plumbing or a backed-up septic tank.

When it comes to vacuuming standing water or trying to extract water from carpets, leave that to our professional technicians. Our teams are trained to IICRC standards and have the latest restoration equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Technicians also meet each job in the required safety gear to make sure there are no accidents, both physical and bacteriological.

Once the work is completed, we use specialized testing equipment to make sure it is safe to return to your home. This is our goal from the moment you call us to when our team packs up the last piece of cleaning equipment.

If you need our services, please call us today at (850) 469-1160. SERVPRO of West Pensacola is ready to help you return your home and your life to normal.

Flood Damage Can Cause Significant Problems For Your Goulding Business

11/21/2016 (Permalink)

An office building can become uninhabitable in just a few hours due to activated sprinklers or broken pipes.

Commercial Flood Damage Restoration Process

An office building can become uninhabitable in just a few hours due to activated sprinklers or broken pipes. Here in Florida, the threat of flooding due to weather is a constant source of concern.

No matter the source, flood damage can quickly ruin a Goulding business. The keys to preventing this or at least reduce the effects are a rapid response and removing the water. SERVPRO has the equipment and personnel to assist you in restoring your business. We maintain a 24-hour response team to identify the threats and schedule which tasks need to be accomplished first. As our cleanup crews move in to remove standing water and relocate furniture that can be moved, our inspectors will examine your facility to determine the work schedule and decide which tasks need to be accomplished first.

If we arrive and remove water quickly enough, then the damage to carpets, office furniture, walls, and trim will be minimal. If the amount of water is excessive or if removal takes too long, then the extent of damage grows quickly. Carpets and pads can become soaked and ruined overnight. Extended exposure (due to closed roads or if flood waters are slow to retreat) can cause drywall to crumble and rot. Mold can begin to grow and spread at this time. If it continues, even the foundation can become compromised. This is why we maintain an extensive inventory of commercial pumps and generators to ensure uninterrupted service. We even have generator trucks that can provide our own power to continue the restoration process.

With the excess water removed, our technicians set up fans and dehumidifiers. These machines are designed to draw moisture from your facility and its contents to include carpets. As this happens, our inspectors monitor the process with state of the art air moisture meters. Once the levels are back to normal, we'll return any furniture that isn't damaged.

Our final action is to walk through your offices with you to make certain you are satisfied. As a locally owned franchise, this isn't just a job for us; it's helping a fellow businessperson reopen their doors. Call us today at (850) 469-1160 to get started. SERVPRO of West Pensacola stands ready to go.

Protect Your Belongings From Flood Damage During Hurricane Season

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding after a storm can cause damage, call SERVPRO to remediate!

SERVPRO Technicians are Ready and Able to Remediate Your Damage Regardless of the Cause

Hurricane season in Florida typically means an onslaught of floods. Flood damage is a leading cause of home repairs in the state, and it also causes millions of dollars worth of property damage every year. Not only can the structures of houses be affected, but the things inside of them as well.
 
Many homeowners are familiar with the dangers of flood damage in Pensacola, especially during hurricane season. Even though it may not be easy to protect your home's structure and landscaping from flood waters, there are many ways to secure your possessions. While you prepare for coming storms, here are some things you can do to safeguard the contents of your home.
 
1. Take an inventory of your possessions to make insurance claims easier to process in the event of a water emergency. Having a list that's accurate will eliminate some of the stress if you find yourself affected by flood damage.
 
2. Place your important documents and records in a water safe locked box or a high area of your home. Doing so means you won't have to deal with securing new birth certificates, insurance policies, and other papers after a storm should water flood your home.
 
3. Get any clothing racks, books, toy bins, and food containers off the floor. If flood waters come into your house, having items already elevated could be key to preventing them from being destroyed.
 
4. Have the number of a flood damage repair contractor ready. Many think they'll be able to simply go online or call around to find a service when and if the time comes, but they neglect to think about the power being out or internet service being down during a storm. The quicker you can call the team at SERVPRO after flood damage has occurred, the more likely it is that we can restore and preserve your home's contents.
 
SERVPRO of West Pensacola quickly and efficiently handles flood damage and other water emergencies during hurricane season and year round. For a quote or to get more information about our storm damage services, call us 24/7 at (850) 469-1160.

Flood Damage Professionals Fix the Problems

8/4/2016 (Permalink)

Flooded Pensacola Property Gets Restored By SERVPRO

The SERVPRO Team Can Restore Your Flood Damaged Home or Business

Flood damages in Florida are the state's leading cause in calling for help to restore properties. SERVPRO is a professional water and storm damage restoration company, whose experts are IICRC certified. We respond immediately to property disasters around Florida and the Gulf region. The westernmost part of Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes. Home and business flood damage can also cause mold and fires. We are available with 24/7 residential and commercial services.

If you experience any type of flood damage in Pensacola, we are here to help you immediately. With years of experience, we know that if water and flood damage are not addressed quickly, it can cause secondary damages. As a locally owned and operated business, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. When we show up, we are equipped with the training, equipment and OSHA approved cleaning agents. Our Storm Team and Large Loss Teams can help in a dire emergency to save lives and property.
 
SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. For our residential families in Florida, we work diligently to get you back to a healthy, clean home again. For our Floridian commercial family, we provide professional emergency restoration and cleaning to get your business up and operational again. We also work with your insurance for a stress-free claims process. We can help to manage the insurance paperwork and process, though we are not an insurance company.
 
Flooding is a devastating event, but your repair and restoration process should not be. We take the stress and anxiety out of getting you back to a normal condition after water, fire, mold or storm damages. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Our professional technicians are trained in the innovative techniques set by the IICRC standards to ensure that you receive the highest quality in all our restoration processes.
 
SERVPRO of West Pensacola believes in going the extra mile to make sure that your home or business is restored to its original state. "Like it never even happened." Our many years of experience in the Florida water and flood restoration business has given us a reputation as knowledgeable and dependable restoration company. Please feel free to contact at (850) 469-1160 and we are happy to address any concerns and questions that you may have. We want to help you with all your flood damage requirements – we are waiting for your call!

Pensacola Beach Flood Damage - Stages of Flood Damage in Pensacola Beach

5/11/2016 (Permalink)

If your Pensacola Beach home has sustained flood damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of West Pensacola right away!

Stages of Pensacola Beach Flood Damage 

Flood water, leaks, and other issues with water can cause all kinds of damage to your home or business, plus ruin personal belongings and furniture. Some of this Pensacola Beach flood damage happens fast, in just a few minutes after water has gone into a room while other kinds of flood damage won’t develop until days after the first problems happen. 

Since serious flood damage develops and worsens within the first twenty-four hours, it’s important to have a professional water damage restoration company take a look at the damage and start the extraction of the water and the restoration process. 

Flood Damage Within the First Hour 

The kinds of damages from Pensacola Beach flood water that happen in the first hour usually can’t be stopped since they happen very quickly as the problem develops. Since most of these issues are less serious, however, than other flood problems that happen later, they are not as concerning as some of the other problems which can come from prolonged exposure to water if water damage remediation isn’t performed right away. 

The initial damages include:  

Carpets being stained from drapes, furniture, and other items that are not colorfast

Moving water spreading fast to other areas

Permanent damage and discoloration to furniture that is sensitive to moisture

Permanent damage to documents, books, and other paper goods

Flood Damage in the First Day 

Once the initial water damage from the flooding happens, there are many kinds of water damage which can happen on the first day. These kinds of damage aren’t totally irreversible. However, they can lead to problems which are more serious, and damage can become lasting if the water extraction process has not begun in this time period. 

Kinds of Pensacola Beach flood water damage in this stage include:  

Bacterial odor development

Delimitation and swelling of furniture legs

Disintegration and swelling of decorative, pressed wood furnishings, and structural items

Uncoated metal surfaces becoming tarnished

Normal household odors strengthened

Flood Damage in the First Week 

If the water isn’t removed and dried within the first day, a lot more serious kinds of problems can start to occur in the week that follows. This kind of flood damage in Pensacola Beach can permanently start to destroy personal belongings and furnishings. Plus, the structural damage to walls and flooring can happen from this stage of flood damage, also. 

The kinds of flood damage which can occur in the first week include the following:  

Uncoated metal surfaces rusting

Disintegration and swelling of drywall

Growing of mildew and mold plus a musty odor developing

Distorting, swelling and delaminating of window and wood door casings

Warping, swelling and splitting of studs and wood decking

Electronic components malfunctioning

An unsafe and harsh environment developing for anyone with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

After the first week, the damages and dangers only increase. Be sure to call SERVPRO of West Pensacola right away if you experience water damage from flooding, as we can use our special equipment to clean up your property quickly. We can be reached at any time by calling (850) 469-1160.