When a Disaster Strikes Your Home, Call Our Crew!

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO is the Choice For Restoration

With decades of experience across the restoration services that we offer, we know how to help when every minute counts. We have teams, trailers, and service vehicles prepared to roll out from our SERVPRO facility 24/7 to address the harsh effects of water, fire, storm, and mold losses. We have trained professionals to handle more specific recovery niches like air duct cleaning, biohazard cleaning, abatement, and reconstruction efforts. These talents, aiding in every facet of our customers' work, improve our efficiency and effectiveness in your home or business.

Storm

Storm damage in Florida homes is a common situation that our SERVPRO professionals must address. Florida is susceptible to severe storms from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Properties in this midsection must remain prepared for inevitable run-ins with hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, damaging winds and other harmful conditions. Our ability to handle these situations is partly due to our commitment to the training and growth of our specialists, ensuring that each loss incidents gets technicians that can:

• Extract and dry up floodwater (WRT – Water Restoration Technician)
• Clean contaminated areas where they exist (Biohazard Cleaning)
• Deploy air movers and dehumidifiers for effective drying solutions (ASD – Applied Structural Drying)
• Clean Carpets and other flooring types (CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician)
• Prevent microbial growth or address present colonization (AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)

The other aspect that has allowed our disaster relief team to become so successful in the Gulf Beaches South area is our commitment to having the top-tier equipment that gets the job done quickly and correctly. We keep storm trucks stocked with a deep inventory of recovery and mitigation tools, including submersible pumps, engine-driven trash pumps, power washers, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

We can offer a full-service approach amid a crisis so that our customers do not have to waste time finding secondary contractors to handle other aspects of their recovery. We have the skilled professionals to perform board-up and tarping services for your residence amid flood penetration. We can also oversee full-scale reconstruction once mitigation completes in your Florida property.

Water

We know how easily water loss incidents can develop, and that's why training our restoration technicians in this niche is a constant and continual process. The science of restoring water damage in St. Petersburg homes is evolving. So our professionals have to move along with it – putting these new practices and equipment into use to help our customers with the most efficient and practical approach. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and the outcome of your loss incidents goes far beyond our IICRC training.

Our restoration team has access to equipment and machines that far exceed the limitations of conventional recovery tools. The truck-mounted water extractors that our SERVPRO team uses, for example, can handle the removal of thousands of gallons of water every day. Combined with multiple other impressive equipment pieces, this vehicle sets our professionals apart in water damage restoration for the Gulf Beach South area.

We also have the capability of addressing the massive loss of water damage for commercial properties and houses. 33 years of industry experience and a roster that features Commercial Drying Specialists (CDS) and those with WRT and ASD endorsements, no job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.

Fire

Our team is responsible for many structures in this area alone; the possibility of fire damage is a persistent threat. Knowing the best approach to handle these conditions hinges on the severity of the situation and what materials, surfaces, and contents have become affected. Our IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and those with additional training in odor control and upholstery/carpet cleaning have access to equipment that can help our team restore loss incidents quickly.

Much of our efficiency in fire recovery stems from these advanced and cutting-edge machines. Soot removal and cleaning, for example, often fall to a combination of specially-formulated cleaning agents and products with automated surface scrubbers that can eliminate residues on surfaces.

Every minute counts in fire restoration. Our technicians obtain IICRC certifications and train to understand how fire damage in St. Petersburg homes and businesses spreads and the best approach to overcome the damages.

Mold

Before our certified AMRTs can set up containment barriers and begin the often-intricate process of mold remediation in your Gulf Beach home or business – our professionals must locate the source of the moisture and dampness. These conditions are likely to happen again without adequately identifying how the water damage facilitated mold growth.

Sometimes the humid conditions are enough to generate microbial growth, as interior humidity above 60% can grow mold on ceilings and other organic materials. The initial approach is to establish isolation zones using our powerful negative air machines in conjunction with physical plastic sheeting. Mold damage in Florida homes can spread quickly without these containment barriers.

Suppose our technicians reach the situation in your residence fast enough. In that case, many of the hosting materials can be repaired using sophisticated equipment like dry ice blasting machines and soda-blasting equipment. These approaches can remove mold debris without harming the surface and substrate.

St. Petersburg is a highly active area of the country, and as such, the threats of emergencies and disasters never cease. You can count the swift response of SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg team in a crisis. Give our professionals a call anytime that you need us at (727) 341-1001.

State of The Art Equipment

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

State of The Art Equipment

The past few decades have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow us to restore a property to pre loss condition quickly and more effectively.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. The IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide is a specific set of practical standards that incorporate the field of psychometry, which involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water locations for thorough water removal.
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from the ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Have Water or Flood Damage?

Call Us Today!

Certified (IICRC) Business

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the restoration industry standards and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms Must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a trained technician on all jobs who passed all the required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to the Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept arbitration's conclusions and recommendations.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for the Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Our Company

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Highly trained in property damage restoration, and we're an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, our staff is equipped to restore your property.

SERVPRO Helps Prevent Fire in Your Home with Dryer Vent Cleaning

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

House fires affect millions of people every year at the cost of over $500 Million. Smoke detectors have proved their value, saving lives and homes from total loss. Most house fires start in the kitchen, but a significant number still occur in a place most forget about once the item is installed, the dryer vent. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 dryer fires are reported each year. These fires lead to a staggering national average of 35 million dollars in property damage, 100 injuries, and five fatalities annually. 

PSA: Vent cleaning service may reduce your clothes dryer's workload while lowering energy usage!

A dryer inside the house or apartment uses a metal exhaust pipe (galvanized iron or steel usually) to vent hot air outside the home. The zinc-coated material is designed to handle the highest dryer settings and more but not open flames from burning built-up lint. Since this is an exhaust pipe and smoke seeks the most comfortable access, a vent fire goes undetected by the smoke detectors much longer than a fire anywhere else in the house. 

If your dryer is in the garage or under a carport, the chance for a significant fire is reduced. The flexible vent tube may not run under the house, but it is still at risk. The build-up of lint can still ignite, destroying your dryer and the washer next to it. As the flexible plastic pipe melts, the burning material quickly ignites drywall and other building materials. 

Our technicians can eliminate this threat with an inspection. We can attach an air mover that introduces high-velocity airflow into your vent for just a few minutes. If the build-up has caked against the sides of the pipe, we'll then use a brush with a telescoping handle to scrape the sides and then blore-attach the air mover to the lint outside your home. We detach it from the dryer for a flexible conduit and clean it outside using either an air mover or garden hose to wash it out. 

The cost for vent cleaning is minor compared to the possible cost(s) to restore your home fire-damaged home. Aren’t convinced? There are still some things you, as a property owner, can do to keep your home as safe as possible.

What You Can Do

Clean the lint filter.

A clogged lint filter is the leading contributing factor in residential dryer fires. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that failing to clean out the lint trap causes 34 percent of reported dryer fires every year.

Each time you unload the dryer, clean out the lint trap. Before putting the next load of clothes in, double-check that the lint trap is completely clean to lower your risk of fire. A clean lint filter allows the dryer to run more efficiently, too, thus drying your clothes faster while also preventing your machine from overheating.

Inspect the ducts regularly.

Blocked ducts frequently cause dryer fires. To ensure your dryer is running correctly, check your ducts about once a month to ensure there are no blockages. Some telltale signs that your ducts are clogged include the following indicators:

• Your laundry is taking longer to dry
• Exhaust air is failing to exit the vent
• You suspect that your machine is overheating

Sometimes, a blockage occurs because the venting system itself is damaged. Other times, blockages may be occurring because of an accumulation of lint, animals building nests in the vents, or snow building up over the outside vents.

If you notice any blockages, clean them out before using your dryer again. To clean your ducts, disconnect them, remove the blockages and reconnect them. If you notice any damage to the venting system, call in a professional to repair the issue.

Replace outdated ducts.

Older ducts made of plastic or foil are prone to sagging. These accordion-style ducts can easily trap lint in hard-to-reach spaces, increasing your risk of fire. To keep your home safe, replace your older models with new ducts designed with heavy-duty metal.

DON'T overload the dryer.

Stuffing too many wet clothes or bedding into a dryer can cause an excess of lint to accumulate. Since lint build up reduces a dryer's ability to ventilate, the machine may quickly overheat and cause a fire to break out. Read your owner's manual to determine your machine's maximum hold to ensure you aren't overstuffing it.

DON'T leave the dryer running unattended.

Never go to sleep or leave the house while your dryer is running. If a fire breaks out, your ability to extinguish it or call emergency services right away can make all the difference between damage to your laundry room and complete loss of your home.

DON'T dry clothes without the lint filter.

A dryer without its lint trap is an accident waiting to happen. The filter protects the dryer's inner workings from collecting lint. Without this defensive shield, a buildup of lint in the ducts can easily lead to a dryer vent fire.

To lower your risk, always use your dryer with the lint trap in place. If your existing lint trap is worn or develops any holes, replace it immediately at your nearest home supplies store.

When it comes to disasters, one could argue that none are worse than a residential fire. Not only do the flames cause inherent danger as they destroy your family's home and or business, but there is also the after effect concerning the removal of debris, soot, the smell of smoke, compromised structure, and additional damages that have been inflicted on your property. For most homeowners, fire is an incredible event. However, they DO happen and for a variety of reasons.

Top 10 Other Causes of Fires

1. Home heat fires: Your furnace needs regular inspection(s) and ensures combustibles are not near any portable heaters.
   
   
2. Cooking fires: Unattended kitchens, splattering grease, and combustibles near the source of heat are very common fire starters.
   
   
3. Smoking: Always ensure that you properly and completely extinguish the cigarette if you smoke in your home.
   
   
4. Electrical fires: Look out for frayed cords, overloaded plug outlets, and the overuse of extension cords.
   
   
5. Children: Keep lighters and matches away from children to stifle any curiosity they could have about what happens when various items catch fire.
   
   
6. Candles: Candles may smell nice, but if left unattended, they could cause a significant issue.
   
   
7. Flammable items: Do not keep adhesives, paint, or cleaning agents close to sources of heat.
   
   
8. Faulty wiring: A significant safety hazard is inadequate wiring (MOSTLY prevalent in older apartments and homes).
   
   
9. Grills: Never cook on the grill under an awning or a covered porch. Give yourself ample space away from your home and automobiles.
   
   
10. Holiday décor: Be mindful of how close your Christmas tree is to your fireplace and always safely hang another décor.

Despite our best efforts as homeowners, accidents still happen. If your home has been damaged by fire and smoke, call SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg. Our team of highly trained technicians can help get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper training, innovative equipment, and helpful guidance, our expert technicians will be with you every step of the way to get you back on your feet.

We will arrive at your home quickly to mitigate the damages, secure your property and start the emergency cleaning process to items that are of priority. While we are on the site, your property will be inspected, assessments of damage(s) will be documented, and preliminary estimates made to give you a comprehensive restoration plan of action. 

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg Lesser-Known Cleaning Categories

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg has the means to help your commercial property—whether a main service or a lesser-known cleanup.

So...What Does SERVPRO Do?

With so many restoration companies out there, it’s hard to know which company is the right fit. And in the midst of a crisis, calling for emergency service, that decision can seem impossible and overwhelming. We are a restoration company defined by quality. While we have built a reputation for our top tier fire and water restoration services, (seriously, see our 5-star reviews), we also service many other cleanup categories. 

SERVPRO’s Lesser-Known Cleanup Categories

On top of water damage cleanup, fire restoration, mold remediation, commercial and residential cleaning, contents cleaning—which includes drapes, blinds, walls, floors ceilings, upholstery and carpets—SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg also does:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Air ducts and HVAC cleaning, not repair
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Vandalism and graffiti removal
• Trauma and Crime Scene cleanup
• Biohazard cleaning
• Sewage cleanup

Wow, what a list, right? That’s not all we do. We also professionally sanitize your home or business with our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned process. We have a proprietary blend of disinfectants to deal with biological contaminants.

Specialized Training — Certified: SERVPRO Clean

The Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC)  set forth protocols, and we are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business to high standards. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants. We go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs daily.

The CDC encourages cleaning high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment
• Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line, available on Amazon, carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. Do you need proactive cleaning of your commercial property or any of our lesser-known cleaning services? Call SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg today at 727-521-2562.

Why You Should Clean Your HVAC System This Sniffling Season

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Warm weather is here, so it's time to open the windows and let in the fresh air. As you embark on cleaning your home this season, you may forget an important piece of machinery that needs cleaning and maintenance as much as the garage needs cleaning! Don't forget about your HVAC system.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutant levels inside your home can be two to five times higher than outdoors pollutant levels, and the ventilation system is often the largest contributor to low indoor air quality! Many systems go a long time before being inspected and cleaned, so if your HVAC system is like most, your dirty vents might be circulating odors, mold, and irritating dust throughout your home, too.

The EPA reports contaminants or foreign objects such as rodents, insects, dust, dirt, debris, bacteria, mold, and pollen have the ability to enter and collect in your air ducts. So not only is your indoor air quality worsened, but these critters and allergens can cause long-term damages to your HVAC system.

So, Who Cleans Air Ducts?

Cleaning your HVAC system is no easy task without the right tools, but that’s where a professional in the industry like SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg can help. We offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) inspections and cleaning. In most cases, air duct cleaning is not essential to a smoothly run home, but after a major air-quality-reducing event like a fire with smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning is essential to limit the circulation of contaminants throughout the house.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

How Does SERVPRO Clean HVAC Systems?

Unlike most duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and sweep clean years of dust and grime.

This system allows us to:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi, and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Offensive Odors
• Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates

Our Duct Cleaning Process

• First, we use patented equipment, such as the roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

If you have other cleaning needs, we provide various cleaning services. Call (727) 521-2562 today.

What Is Cat 3 Water Loss? What About Cat 1 and Cat 2?

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you experienced a natural flood or sewage break at your home, you may have been told your property sustained Cat 3 (Category 3) water damage. So what is Cat 3 water damage? And what are the other 2?

Water Damage Categories

They are classified as follows:

• Category 1 damage, also known as “white water” (clean water)
• Category 2 damage, also known as “gray water” (clean water that sat for a while)
• Category 3 damage, which is known as “black water” (usually from flood water)

Category 3 water is not only contaminated, but it can also cause damage to your home. Professionally trained technicians can, fortunately, help you clean and decontaminate the building and items after a Cat 3 water incident.

Cleaning Procedures

When facing water damage caused by a contaminated liquid, your safest plan usually involves contacting a local restoration company. Professionals are trained to arrive quickly, assess damage accurately, and work safely and efficiently to clean, restore and construct your property.

After the assessment, the following cleaning steps typically occur:

1. Removal of water
2. Humidity reduction and drying of wet surfaces
3. Sanitation and cleaning of damaged areas
4. Remediation of damaged property through deep cleaning and reconstruction

The professional you choose may also offer digitization services for wet financial documents or photographs that need to be preserved. Additionally, trained technicians on the scene may have suggestions for a preservation method or a long-term storage situation for items that are priceless and irreplaceable, yet not entirely salvageable.

Being Prepared

Help us help you persevere in the face of such a nightmare. SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg is a local professional in the cleaning, restoration, and construction industry. Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. For a free estimate, call us today at (727) 341-1001.

Claims Just Got Easier: SERVPRO Works with Insurance

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, the last thing you want is to worry. For this reason, our team ensures they make a claim process as stress-free as possible. SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches Southwest St. Petersburg will help make it "Like it never even happened." That way, you and your family or business can get back to what is essential.

Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible. Therefore, we will:

• Create thorough visual and written documentation of the damage to your home or business.
• Document the condition of each item we remove for cleaning or storage.
• Work with your insurer.
• Handle the paperwork to make sure the processing and payment of your claim is quick.

We are so proud that so many insurance companies recommend SERVPRO to their clients. They are aware of the benefits that come along with our partnership. We do everything we can to make the entire process as easy as possible.

Our team is here for you if you experience a disaster. Our technicians have specialized training and years of experience in water, fire, mold, and biohazard cleanup and restoration services. Call (727) 341-1001; we're available 24/7.

How to Remove Odors from Your Florida Home

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches / Southwest St. Petersburg is here to help you remove odors from your building complex 24/7, 7 days a week at (727) 341-1001.

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches / Southwest St. Pete Removes Odors from Your Home

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition, and mold can cause lingering odors in your home and business. A simple surface clean doesn't necessarily get rid of offensive odors left by smoke, mold, and other sources. However, with technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg provides specialized services that can eliminate those foul smells. 

Our professionals don't cover up lingering odors with a fragrance. We seek out the odor's source.

Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO's proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will be cleaned and deodorized professionally. These items include:

• furniture
• draperies and upholstery
• electronics
• art
• flooring, walls, ceilings
• HVAC air ducts & more

Along with our proprietary line of cleaning products, SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg uses various techniques and equipment that are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly. 

Tools We Use:

1. Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke, and more without chemicals. While the room is being treated, a person should not occupy the space. However, the generator works quickly.
2. Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main advantage is that the treated room can be occupied during the deodorization process, though it does work slower. It's used to treat fire, smoke, biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors. 
3. Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold, and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. Helping clean the air and remove odors.

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches / Southwest St. Petersburg is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (727) 341-1001.

Benefits of a Large Loss Response

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

When a disaster occurs in St. Petersburg, Florida, catastrophic loss often occurs. However, employing a restoration company that can offer a massive loss response can be useful for insurance agents and business owners.

1. Equipped With the Right Tools
When a major disaster strikes, the aftermath can be devastating. Restoration experts will likely be overwhelmed with requests. Some local restoration companies may not be equipped to handle all types of disasters, and these companies may not have access to specialized tools. A restoration company with a broad reach can bring the necessary tools from various locations to assist in the cleanup and restoration process.

2. Experience to Handle Catastrophes
Whether a catastrophic loss occurs due to flooding, storm, or fire damage, it's essential for business owners and insurance agents alike to know experienced professionals restoring commercial properties can help. One person alone may not have the experience to respond to a major disaster. However, when numerous people assist in responding to a disaster, the combined expertise makes the loss response team manage many aspects of commercial property damage.

3. Timely Reactions
When widespread damage occurs to an area, a local restoration company may not assess shortly after the disaster. Unfortunately, a slow response can cause a property to acquire more issues, such as mold growth, structural damage, etc. With a massive loss response, however, professionals can quickly assess a property, and after a thorough assessment, experts can assist in preventing additional damage and can begin restoration.

A massive loss response can make managing the effects of a catastrophic loss easier. An enormous loss response will allow various professionals from different areas to assess the damage. Experts will have the combined experience to handle multiple significant problems. Call SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg.

10 Reasons to Partner with SERVPRO of East Arlington

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

People and businesses rely on SERVPRO to restore damaged property for many reasons. Here are just 10.

1. We Get It
We understand your situation. You want to keep costs down, repair the damage, and get back to normal while restoring your space to a healthy and safe condition. Those are our goals too.

2. SERVPRO Is Qualified
Our repair and restoration team members have the best training in the industry and many years of experience. Their dedication is evident in every job.

3. We Respond to You Immediately
You can reach us 24/7. When a disaster strikes, we respond as quickly as possible. We can draw on more than 1,700 U.S. and Canada locations to get the right equipment and professionals faster than other companies.

4. You’re Part of Our Team
We work with you and for you. You are in charge. You receive a complete explanation of the work we will do and why it needs to be done a certain way. We always try to minimize surprises.

5. We Use the Latest Technology
The past few years have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow us to restore your property to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

6. We Practice the Golden Rule of Restoration
Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. SERVPRO professionals practice the golden rule, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." We make sure pre-testing is completed on every loss to determine restorability.

7. For Claim and Other Purposes, Your Loss Is Itemized
We can give you an itemized loss inventory and you will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items. 

8. We’ll Help You Prevent Losses, Not Just Deal with Them
Our services start with prevention. We’ll come out to your business or home and do a review of how you can protect yourself, your family, your business, and your property from potential loss. That’s another old rule (from Ben Franklin) we like: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Check out our SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan for more info on prevention. 

9. We Handle Any Loss from A Natural Disaster—Big or Small
Have multiple locations? No problem. Suffer a small loss from water or fire or wind? We can handle it. Have a massive, complex disaster to recover from? That’s within our scope of services, too.

10. We’re Approved, Certified, And Experienced
We’re trained to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our professionals attend SERVPRO continuing education classes. SERVPRO has been in business for more than 45 years. Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. 

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Interested in being a part of the SERVPRO family? Apply today!

With 17 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve. We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life. We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office at 3798 131st Ave N, Clearwater, FL. from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, or click here to check out our current job openings.

How Surface Water May be Causing Your Flooded Basement

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

How to Protect Your Foundation and Prevent Basement Flooding

A flooded basement can be caused by surface water flooding, meaning external water that's not draining correctly away from your home. You can do a few things to help protect your foundation and prevent this type of flooding. SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg is here to help. 

1. Dealing with Roofline Overflow

Overflowing and clogged gutter systems can result in significant damage; overflow from gutters can lead to the wearing away of soil and foundational cracks. The three most common causes of gutter system overflow and basement flooding are:

• Leaf Buildup: Gutters should be cleaned a few times per year, typically at the change of seasons. When debris is left to clog the gutters, the overflow trickles down exterior walls and into your basement.
• Insufficient Downspouts: If there're not enough downspouts, or if they are an inadequate diameter, then water can overflow during heavy rains.
• Inadequate Downspout Length: Downspouts should extend at least 10 feet away from your home.

2. Preventing Flooding Due to Landscape Design

If not appropriately sloped, landscaping can force surface water to settle toward the house, which, if left unchecked, will weaken the soil around your foundation and lead to cracks in basement walls, allowing water to enter. Avoid this issue by ensuring all landscaping, pathways, and driveways slope away from your home. If this is not possible, then invest in a proper drainage system around your home to carry water away from your foundation. 

3. Reducing the Risk of Storm Water Backing Up

For many older homes, city storm sewers are connected to a perimeter drain. While a sump pump can prevent the risk of water backing up, storm drains can become overwhelmed and leave your sump pump ill-equipped to handle the surge when heavy rains hit. Installing a cap on the external drain can resolve the issue but may involve storm damage specialists in the Gulf Beaches area.

A flooded basement is preventable by eliminating common causes of surface water flooding. Ensuring gutter systems are adequate, sloping landscaping away from your foundation, and capping off nuisance drain pipes are several ways to help you prevent future flooding.

When a Disaster Strikes in Your Gulf Beach Home, Call Our Crew!

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg today!

Why SERVPRO is the Choice For Restoration in St. Petersburg

With decades of experience across the restoration services that we offer the Gulf Beaches South area, we know how to help when every minute counts. We have ready trailers and service vehicles prepared to roll out from our SERVPRO facility 24/7 to address the harsh effects of water, fire, storm, and mold losses. We have trained professionals to handle more specific recovery niches like air duct cleaning, biohazard cleaning, abatement, and reconstruction efforts. These talents, aiding in every facet of our customers' work, improve our efficiency and effectiveness in your home or business.

Storm

Storm damage in Florida homes is a common situation that our SERVPRO professionals must address. Florida is susceptible to severe storms from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Properties in this midsection must remain prepared for inevitable run-ins with hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, damaging winds other harmful conditions. Our ability to handle these situations is partly due to our commitment to the training and growth of our specialists, ensuring that each loss incidents gets technicians that can:

• Extract and dry up floodwater (WRT – Water Restoration Technician)
• Clean contaminated areas where they exist (Biohazard Cleaning)
• Deploy air movers and dehumidifiers for effective drying solutions (ASD – Applied Structural Drying)
• Clean Carpets and other flooring types (CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician)
• Prevent microbial growth or address present colonization (AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)

The other aspect that has allowed our disaster relief team to become so successful in the Gulf Beaches South area is our commitment to having the top-tier equipment that gets the job done quickly and correctly. We keep storm trucks stocked with a deep inventory of recovery and mitigation tools, including submersible pumps, engine-driven trash pumps, power washers, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

We can offer a full-service approach amid a crisis so that our customers do not have to waste time finding secondary contractors to handle other aspects of their recovery. We have the skilled professionals to perform board-up and tarping services for your residence amid flood penetration. We can also oversee full-scale reconstruction once mitigation completes in your Florida property.

Water

We know how easily water loss incidents can develop, and that's why training our restoration technicians in this niche is a constant and continual process. The science of restoring water damage in St. Petersburg homes is evolving and consistently changing. So our professionals have to move along with it – putting these new practices and equipment into use to help our customers with the most efficient and practical approach. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and the outcome of your loss incidents goes far beyond our IICRC training.

Our restoration team has access to equipment and machines that far exceed the limitations of conventional recovery tools. The truck-mounted water extractors that our SERVPRO team uses, for example, can handle the removal of thousands of gallons of water every day. Combined with multiple other impressive equipment pieces, this vehicle sets our professionals apart in water damage restoration for the Gulf Beach South area.

We also have the capability of addressing the massive loss of water damage for commercial properties and houses. 33 years of industry experience and a roster that features Commercial Drying Specialists (CDS) and those with WRT and ASD endorsements, no job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.

Fire

Our team is responsible for many structures in this area alone; the possibility of fire damage is a persistent threat. Knowing the best approach to handle these conditions hinges on the severity of the situation and what materials, surfaces, and contents have become affected. Our IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and those with additional training in odor control and upholstery/carpet cleaning have access to equipment that can help our team restore loss incidents quickly.

Much of our efficiency in fire recovery stems from these advanced and cutting-edge machines. Soot removal and cleaning, for example, often fall to a combination of specially-formulated cleaning agents and products with automated surface scrubbers that can eliminate residues on surfaces.

Every minute counts in fire restoration. Our technicians obtain IICRC certifications and train to understand how fire damage in St. Petersburg homes and businesses spreads and the best approach to overcome the damages.

Mold

Before our certified AMRTs can set up containment barriers and begin the often-intricate process of mold remediation in your Gulf Beach home or business – our professionals must locate the source of the moisture and dampness. These conditions are likely to happen again without adequately identifying how the water damage facilitated mold growth.

Sometimes the humid conditions are enough to generate these hazardous circumstances, as interior humidity above 60% can mold growth on ceilings and other organic materials. The initial approach is to establish isolation zones using our powerful negative air machines in conjunction with physical plastic sheeting. Mold damage in Florida homes can spread quickly and harmfully without these containment barriers.

Suppose our technicians reach the situation in your Orlando residence fast enough. In that case, many of the hosting materials can get repaired using sophisticated equipment like dry ice blasting machines and soda-blasting equipment. These approaches can remove mold debris without harming the surface and substrate.

St. Petersburg is a highly active area of the country, and as such, the threats of emergencies and disasters never cease. You can count the swift response of SERVPRO of Gulf Beaches South / West St. Petersburg team in a crisis. Give our professionals a call anytime that you need us at (727) 341-1001.