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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Need Professional Remediation of South Miami Mold Damage?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO bus on a street at night Day or night SERVPRO is available to help with mold damage remediation.

SERVPRO Is a South Miami Mold Damage Specialist for Affected Homes and Businesses

Because of the relentless high humidity found in South Miami, mold damage is a constant concern for residents and business owners. Elegant homes and downtown commercial spaces with historical significance grace our community, but these stately buildings frequently battle the scourge brought when endemic mold spores find and absorb moisture. Mold damage can become tricky to manage, but the path to a sustainable solution reveals when property owners partner with a reputable remediation company.

How Can SERVPRO Help Solve Mold Damage Recurrence for South Miami Property Owners?

It is essential to understand that microscopic fungal spores are always in the air and on surfaces. No company can deliver on a promise to eliminate mold damage in South Miami. Instead, SERVPRO invests in training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to certify our crew members as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT). The workers we send to evaluate your mold damage infestation are well-versed in strategies that safely remove current mold damage and inhibit the mold rebound effect often seen after inadequate interventions.

Why Is Finding and Dealing with Water Damage the Key to Successful Mold Remediation in South Miami?

Unless professionals address the underlying water damage issues and lingering moisture on your premises, mold damage will revisit and continue the deterioration of the organic building materials molds use as nourishment and living environments. SERVPRO technicians are uniquely qualified to see the whole picture of mold damage in your residence or business. We are also highly skilled in water migration tracing and moisture removal, and structural drying. Achieving a desirable mold damage remediation outcome requires the elimination of the water leaks, seepage, or high humidity levels, causing the spores to germinate and multiply. SERVPRO can offer this foundational service to support mold damage remediation efforts.

What Steps Does SERVPRO Take to Remediate Mold Damage After Management of Lingering Moisture?

Rather than using watery, diluted bleach solutions or relying solely on the broadcast application of antimicrobials, SERVPRO follows the remediation protocols of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This multi-step process restores your property to a condition without active colonies and then uses preventative measures to inhibit further growth of spores.  

  • Wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) by technicians for their safety and avoiding tracking of spores or debris into unaffected spaces 
  • Location of active colonies, including in building cavities, using sensitive testing devices if needed
  • Containment of the remediation work area, wrapping with heavy-duty polypropylene barriers while employing negative pressure air scrubbing equipment to prevent debris drift and exhaust the contaminated atmosphere through HEPA filters
  • Removal of mold damage mechanically, using brushes, scrapers, and, for porous materials, gentle abrasion with soda, dry ice, and corn to incapacitate deeply embedded hyphae (root-like mold growth) 
  • Wipe down and vacuuming of mold damage debris 
  • Application of EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit the regrowth of mold

Find reliable help for mold removal and prevention of future growth from SERVPRO of South Miami. Call (305) 269-8900 to consult our experts and arrange an on-site evaluation.

Recovering From Fire Damage in Your Key Biscayne Property

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Sreen view of SERVPRO ERP app Protect Your Key Biscayne Property with SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO Offers the ERP-The Mobile App to Help Prevent and Mitigate Damage by Fire and Water

Home fires can be an incredibly traumatic experience. It can ruin your home and disrupt your life. Having your household memories and treasured belongings destroyed in a fire causes mental and financial stress, to say the least.

Homes experience fire damage in Key Biscayne far more often than you think. After examining fires in the area, the root causes fall into three categories cooking, heating, or neglect. Regardless of how the fire in your home began, it helps to have a quality restoration company on your side. 

At SERVPRO, we promote preparation as a critical factor for preventing damage in your home due to fire. Thinking that your home is immune only increases losses when a disaster occurs. You should take a few moments to obtain our Ready Plan Mobile App; you can download it directly to your PC and your iPhone or Android smartphone. 

SERVPRO’s Ready Plan allows you to plan, contact our local franchise, and share information about your property that helps us respond with the correct amount of personnel and equipment to serve you during an emergency. 

Having a relationship with your local restoration company helps protect your property. If we have directions and know what it looks like, we can respond quicker and reduce the losses you suffer. 

The app also assists homeowners with accounting for household possessions before catastrophe strikes. With SERVPRO’s Ready Plan, you can add images and maintain visual records concerning areas of your home prone to fire. Search for the ERP--Emergency READY Profile app.

Creating a damage log allows you to communicate your issue more efficiently and document the problem for insurance purposes while giving you direct access to the services you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible. 

Your insurance company favors you for using a quality restoration company that can provide you with a full-service solution, and SERVPRO works hard to meet or exceed any expectations you may have. We provide customers with solutions unique to your situation, providing fire, smoke, and water restoration services and any cleaning, deodorization, and repair methods necessary to get the job done right. 

Make the decision to restore your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami today for access to the services you deserve. (305) 269-8900

Overcoming Tropical Storm Water Damage in Miami Is Easier with Professionals

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

heavy rain hitting roof Storm damage is a year round threat. Our team has the equipment and training to restore your home.

Trust SERVPRO for Miami Tropical Storm Water Damage Mitigation

Many assume that the storm and hurricane season passes by with little impact on their lives, but those who have undergone the experience can attest to the massive damage a tropical storm leaves behind. Repairing your property after such a disaster might be stressful and costly if you do not get qualified service providers to do it for you.

To avoid the stresses of tropical stormwater damage in your Miami home, call SERVPRO. We have a team of professionals trained in restoring homes after a storm. We are equipped with sophisticated equipment and ready to restore your residence. We can handle all types of damage linked with tropical storms like wind and flood damage. Our restoration process follows the following phases:

  • Emergency response involves the inspection and assessment of the job site
  • Demolition, extraction of water, and drying, followed by daily inspections to check the progress of the job
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Deodorization
  • Replacement of ruined materials

Our SERVPRO technicians can use non-penetrative moisture meters to locate moisture. We can extract water from your house using self-priming trash pumps. We often use these pumps when a minimal lift is required or when we need to transfer water horizontally. For instance, self-priming trash pumps are suitable for extracting water from single-story structures after a hurricane. 

Our SERVPRO team can also use air moving and dehumidifying devices to remove all moisture from your property to prevent mold infestation. Our knowledge of construction and drying enables us to make beneficial choices for our customers. We can also remove the affected drywall, flooring, and insulation and clean your house.

Before allowing customers to move back into the house, SERVPRO performs confirmatory tests to ensure that the home and all the affected items return to their original condition. After we perform a walkthrough, we can request that you sign a Certificate of Satisfaction. 

Preparing for the worst is vital when storms as destructive as hurricanes approach. If storm damage catches you off-guard, contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for repairs. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Removal Equipment and Methods In Kendall

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Outside view of townhomes There are many different ways that water can unexpectedly get inside your Kendall townhome.

Water Removal Equipment and Methods

There are many ways that water can unexpectedly get inside your Kendall townhome. It is a regular occurrence in life that things break. When items like water pipes or certain appliances break or malfunction, water sometimes leaks into the interior of your townhouse.

Once water enters a building, many different types of damage can occur. SERVPRO’s water removal technicians in Kendall have experience dealing with moisture in several scenarios. Moisture needs removing within a 48-hour window, so mold growth does not occur.

When mitigating issues having to do with excessive water, our SERVPRO experts use a variety of methods and equipment. All equipment and techniques are IICRC certified and proven to work well in the water restoration industry. We always use different equipment depending on the aspects and severity of the damage situation.

When we first arrive at a water restoration project, we start by testing moisture levels inside the building. We use state-of-the-art detection devices to identify where water has intruded into the structure. We then use the devices to determine whether the home is dry or not; if not, we figure out how wet it is.

Next, we use specialized extraction equipment to pull moisture out of materials and contents inside the home. The extraction equipment consists of an extractor with a high-powered vacuum motor. A vacuum tube then runs to an extraction tool used to pull out the water.

After water gets extracted from the building, we use carpet tools to disengage the carpet and separate seams so that we can pump air underneath it and “float” the carpet. We then use different tools to reinstall the carpet pad and seams after drying is complete. Next, we use drying equipment to return moisture levels to normal conditions.

Air moving equipment causes evaporation to speed up the drying process. We use dehumidifiers to remove water vapor from the air. After drying gets completed, we use deodorization equipment to apply professional products and treat foul odors.

During the project, our technicians also use personal protective equipment. For professional assistance with removing moisture, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 any time of the day.

SERVPRO Provides Excellent Fire Damage Restorations For Homeowners In Key Biscayne

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Flame Close Up A multitude of problems can develop after a fire occurs in your Key Biscayne property.

Fire Damage Restorations For Homeowners

Many problems can develop after a fire occurs in your Key Biscayne property. The fire itself does significant damage to items touched by flames while smoke and soot residues permeate the rest of your home with little to stand in the way.

You need to take all necessary precautions before entering your Key Biscayne home after experiencing fire damage. Besides natural hazards, entering your property without the proper protection can lead to secondary damages or make some items unrestorable. Protect your investment wisely, and hire a quality restoration team to help get you back on your feet after an emergency.

SERVPRO has 24-hour emergency services available 365-days a year, including holidays. We train hard and make ourselves available so that you can rest easy knowing that professionals are available whenever you need us. Our technicians have IICRC-industry certification and follow local, state, and federal guidelines to perform restorations on your property while demonstrating efficiency and providing each customer with the services they deserve.

Insurance companies like working with SERVPRO because we offer a complete solution to our clients. We manage your entire restoration, providing customers with a detailed outline of each stage, and answering any questions you may have throughout the fire restoration process. We help you understand the paperwork needed to process your claim and fight to get you what you deserve to return things to normal.

Having a company like SERVPRO on your side after an emergency occurs on your property can make a significant difference in protecting the value of your investment. The amount of time and effort we put into your restoration proves the amount of dedication we have to improve your circumstances. We put every resource available to work for you, supplying the proper amount of personnel and equipment to produce results quickly and efficiently.

Consider calling SERVPRO of South Miami for all of your emergency needs. We are ready to answer your call for help anytime, day or night. (305) 269-8900.

Scoping the Contents of South Miami Homes for Fire Restoration

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

 Inside Walls After Fire Let your local SERVPRO of South Miami professionals resolve your fire damage problems.

Fire Restoration Includes Content Management 

To many homeowners, the property's contents are as important as the structure itself. Our restoration services often focus on appropriate actions to protect personal belongings and loose contents within a household. When our technicians arrive at a damaged home, specific efforts help protect these objects or relocate them to our facility for focused cleaning.

Pre-Job Inspection 

Fire restoration for South Miami homes and businesses relies heavily on the data collected during pre-job inspections of the property. It is necessary to define the impact of fire on the structure, and what potential damage exists with the house's contents. Both the combustion process and extinguishment can severely damage items, including:

  • Soot damage
  • Smoke solids
  • Offensive odors
  • Water damage
  • Blistering/charring

Unsalvageable Materials 

The inspection process can identify what items in your home cannot be restored. Salvageability is an important distinction, as we must safely discard these items and catalog this loss as part of the complete estimation and findings for the insurance company. Our full evaluation of the property is a helpful tool in promoting fast damage claim approval.

Cleanable Contents

SERVPRO technicians will determine that some contents and personal belongings can get cleaned after fire loss effect exposure. When this can occur inside the house, it is the most desirable outcome. House occupants can access these items, and less loss is documented and claimed.

Relocation Required 

Our cleaning technicians must also determine when more complex restoration solutions are necessary. We can provide deep cleaning options, including deodorization and abrasive surface treatments, at our SERVPRO facility. When restoration is complete in the house, professionals can return these contents to their original positions.

It is important to preserve contents as effectively as we work to protect the structure involved in a fire. Our SERVPRO of South Miami is ready to help 24/7 after fire losses when you call (305) 269-8900.

Common Sources Of Mold Damage In South Miami

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Moldy Orange Wall SERVPRO Cleans HVAC Systems to Remediate Mold Growth in a South Miami Condo

Remediation of Mold in a Home or Condo

Mold damage can be a problem in your southern Florida home, even without storm damage or an appliance malfunction or leak. Mold needs moisture and organic materials to grow, and the humid conditions often present in our community, with or without severe weather, can encourage the growth of this family of fungi inside your home.

If you discover mold growth in a South Miami condo or home, contact SERVPRO for an expert consultation followed by an effective remediation plan to eliminate the musty odors and damaging effects these organisms can have on your home’s structures furnishings, and personal belongings.

Improperly vented bathrooms, laundry areas, or kitchens can harbor mold growth as water is almost always present and needs to be removed from surfaces and the air itself to prevent spores from blossoming into full-blown outbreaks. Ambient indoor humidity levels of over 60 percent are common causes of mold damage. Many fungi strains do not need standing water or saturated materials to promote growth. Air conditioners or dehumidifiers that are laboring, not clearing your environment of high humidity, are often the culprits, combining both concentrations of standing water with moisture-laden air in a double dose of a microbial feeding frenzy. HVAC systems underperforming or simply moving the contaminated air can contribute significantly to the problem. Colonies of mold continuously recycled throughout your home lead to ever-expanding contaminations.

When mold damage ruins your quality of life, SERVPRO technicians can complete a thorough inspection of your home or condo and systems to isolate the sources. A plan that assesses all potential causes is necessary to solve the problem. The conditions within your home that encourage growth can be addressed and resolved based on the experience of our team of technicians. Using the latest industry technologies and protocols developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we can isolate, abate, remove and contain the mold growth problems in your home. Count on us to be transparent about what we may need to subcontract, usually a third party before or after mold inspection in prolific mold growths. Safe and effective cleaning of your HVAC system; if the mold has a tenacious foothold inside the ductwork, our skilled technicians can accomplish to mitigate spore circulation. We will recommend a multi-tiered solution for your mold damage woes, using all the methods and tools at our disposal to reduce the humidity levels and eliminate water sources to prevent mold from increasing again.

Mold damage can be a complicated and confusing problem when there is no apparent reason for its presence. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 anytime, day or night, to schedule a mold inspection and begin a partnership with us to remediate the frustrating fungal growth.

How to Handle Commercial Fire Damage in South Miami

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Five Flames on black background There is no job too big or small for your local SERVPRO of

Commercial Fire Damage in South Miami Necessitates SERVPRO’s Help 

Fires are devastating experiences for all businesses and commercial properties. A fire can easily cripple your retail property. It comes with damages from smoke and soot and water from fire suppression systems and firefighters.

To prevent the commercial fire damage in your South Miami retail property from intensifying, lower the restoration cost, and reduce the time it takes for your business to get back on its feet, you should hire fire restoration providers. Contact SERVPRO as quickly as possible to help you repair the affected areas. We can take the following steps to bring things back to normal:

  • Damage evaluation
  • Contents recovery and restoration
  • Water extraction and drying
  • Smoke and soot removal

Damage Evaluation

Upon arrival, our SERVPRO team can inspect your business to gauge the level of damage and whether it is safe to start the restoration process. The most obvious damage to a retail store is the loss of products and inventory and the structure which houses the establishment.

Contents Recovery and Restoration

We can go through all the materials that the fire has affected. We can discard the ones which have undergone irreparable damage and repair and restore the rest to their original condition.

Water Extraction and Drying

Our SERVPRO crew can use portable pumps to extract the water that might have settled on the floor due to fire suppression efforts and probable damage to the plumbing system.

Smoke and Soot Removal

We can clean all the affected surfaces to eliminate smoke residues. Our SERVPRO team can also use a photocatalytic oxidizer to eliminate the foul smell linked with fire damage. A photocatalytic lamp shines ultraviolet rays on a titanium dioxide surface and produces hydroxyl radicals in this device. The hydroxyl radicals oxidize immediately and break down smells into water and carbon dioxide.

SERVPRO of South Miami is dedicated to helping commercial property owners and managers counter fire damage as effectively as possible. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Contact us at (305) 269-8900.

Importance Of Letting Experts Handle Water Damage In Coral Gables

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling Leak If your home in Coral Gables suffers water damage, you are better off working with professionals to assist with the restoration process.

Letting Experts Handle Water Damage

Whether floods or broken pipes cause the damage in Coral Gables, do not attempt to do the entire clean-up process alone. Taking advantage of expert help comes with a lot of perks. For instance, reduction of total losses by preventing long-term problems like mold and structural damage.

If your home in Coral Gables suffers water damage, you are better off working with professionals to assist with the restoration process. It can be an overwhelming experience where homeowners may not be in a position to do things right.

Working with a reputable company like SERVPRO can lead to faster water extraction, reducing drying time. Our experts provide 24-hour emergency services, and We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Trained technicians have the necessary tools to quickly get rid of any standing water and excess water from furniture and carpets so that the drying process can begin as soon as possible. Keep in mind that time is an essential factor in cases of water removal, and less damage can occur the sooner technicians get rid of the water.

Having experts handle water damage can save you a lot of money and headache. Note that the situation can cause structural damage to your beloved home. Exposure to water for extended periods can also result in extensive damage to walls and flooring. Water can seep between drywalls causing hidden hazards and breeding grounds for mold. Dealing with such can create a massive dent in your wallet. However, if there is a timely response, you may be saved from all the trouble.

Elimination of health concerns is another reason you hire professionals from SERVPRO. We utilize the advanced technology to get the job done. Depending on what was the root of water damage, it is possible that hazardous microorganisms and bacteria will attack your home. These can cause adverse health effects.

SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians are trained in potentially contaminated water removal. We also have protective equipment (PPE) that we wear during water extraction. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami whenever you experience water damage, and we will handle it professionally. We offer round-the-clock emergency service also for Coconut Grove and Coral Terrace; just call (305) 269-8900.

Mold Damage Restoration Options Available In Key Biscayne

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Microscopic Mold Image Microscopic mold spores exist in the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and almost every facet of our environment.

Mold Damage Restoration

Have you found evidence of mold contamination in various areas of your home? Did you know that it may not be possible for you to control the spread of mold spores alone?

When you discover mold damage in your Key Biscayne home, there are a few things you should know. We are available if you determine that your situation is out of control and you need professional assistance. SERVPRO technicians would like to help educate you more about why mold exists and how it makes its way into your home. It is a regular part of our environment; microscopic spores exist in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and almost every facet of our environment.

Mold is relatively harmless in small quantities; it only becomes harmful when we provide the right conditions to multiply. However, you should also know that it is impossible to entirely remove it from your home. You can limit the exposure you experience by adequately maintaining and controlling the different water sources in your home.

At SERVPRO, we highly suggest that if you discover a water-damaged area in your home, you find the water source, clean and dry the affected area, or immediately seek help. It would help if you acted quickly; mold only needs 24-48 hours to spread. Your entire home could become infested before you realize what has happened. Mold spores can reach areas you cannot see and make your situation extremely hard to control.

If you are only facing small patches of mold growth, you can likely handle the job yourself. However, anything larger than three square feet is entirely different. Attempting to address large contaminated areas could cause you to spread the infection even further without even knowing. Choosing to hire a professional like SERVPRO is the best option.

If you notice that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system contains mold, you need to shut the system off entirely and seek professional cleaning services immediately. Running the system could cause you to spread the contamination everywhere. When you are facing a mold damage situation and need professional help, contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

What Fire Restoration in South Miami Commercial Property Takes

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fifty dollar bill burning at both ends Commercial fire damage is costly. Call SERVPRO for fast and effective fire damage restoration.

Restoring Fire Damage Is Easier with Help from Skilled Technicians from SERVPRO

No matter the size of a fire, South Miami business operators must work quickly to prevent further losses. The restoration process can be strenuous and time-consuming. With a reputable company like SERVPRO, you can expect a rapid response to prevent further damage and restore your business to its preloss condition. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Engaging a professional fire damage restoration company in South Miami allows a comprehensive assessment of the loss. The smoke from a fire can travel far through the building and be dreadful to clean. Also, the staining experienced during a fire typically goes beyond the surface and calls for intense and detailed cleaning. SERVPRO has state-of-the-art tools that improve the chances of restoring more items.

Typical steps in the commercial fire restoration process

Removing the water resulting from the firefighting efforts is also part of the restoration. The water may cause damage to your office equipment like the computers and structural materials. Our technicians use specialized water removal equipment to ensure no water on your floor and bring in dehumidifiers and air movers for complete drying.

Where focused cleaning is necessary

  • Electronics
  • Books
  • Blinds

Restorable items damaged by fire and smoke require thorough cleaning. Our crew can use various cleaning techniques for that. For example, we can use the ultrasonic cleaning technique when cleaning blinds. Blinds are immersed in an ultrasonic tank, and high-frequency sound waves are generated to produce millions of microscopic bubbles. As the bubbles implode, they create vibrations quickly, blasting away soot residues.

When it comes to computers, our technicians take quick actions to prevent further damage by cleaning the outside casing and treating the exterior rubber parts using a lubricant, thus preventing corrosion or soot stains. If the interior of electronic equipment requires cleaning or repairing, we can recommend an independent contractor.

SERVPRO of South Miami has sufficient experience handling fire restorations in commercial properties. Call us at (305) 269-8900.

Drying Carpeting from Water Damage from an Upstairs Bathroom Leak in Your Key Biscayne Home

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

drawing of toilet overflowing; boat flowing in water Toilet overflows can happen at any time. If your toilet or tub sends water pouring down your stairs or hallway, contact SERVPRO for remediation.

Professional Water Damage Experts Prioritize Drying Out Your Water Damaged Home

An upstairs bathtub or toilet overflows, and suddenly you are dealing with water flowing out the door and down the stairs. Depending on how quickly you can stop the water flow, you could wind up with a massive cleanup on your hands. Unfortunately, this is a common situation, and water leaks from the upper levels can cause double the damage to your Key Biscayne home. 

Key Biscayne water damage, which originates from an upstairs bathroom, can create quite a mess in your home. Not only is your bathroom a mess, but the floor, ceiling, and room underneath the bathroom are also soaked. You need the help that our staff at SERVPRO are trained to give you. With the right tools and the necessary knowledge, we come out to your home quickly to get your home back normal. 

When carpeting and padding in your home get wet from the leak, we can sometimes dry it in place. The basic idea of this mechanism is to extract the carpet more thoroughly and increase how many dehumidifiers and air movers there are. The carpeting is not rolled back, and the pad is not removed but instead dried in place. 

If this method is possible, SERVPRO techs begin with water extraction, which must be aggressive. We use specialty weighted equipment that squeezes water out of the carpet and pad. We start with the center of the room first; then, we move the furniture to the center when that is done so we can continue extracting the room's perimeter. 

A truck mount with a regular wand is used first to stop water migration, and then we use a weighted extraction tool. We inspect the pad for water content, pulling a corner of the carpet back, rolling the padding like a newspaper, and squeezing it as hard as possible. If water drips from the pad, more passes are needed. We continue the extraction passes until we remove the moisture. 

Extracting with the in-place method requires double to triple the time for water removal. However, time is saved by not removing the carpet and pad. 

After extraction, we place air movers and calculate dehumidifier requirements to achieve the most efficient drying conditions. One air mover is used for each fifty to sixty square feet of the affected area. 

Thoroughly Drying your home in Coral Gables, South Miami, or Coral Terrace is our number one goal at SERVPRO of South Miami. Should a water disaster occur in your home, reach out to us as soon as possible at (305) 269-8900.

Water Removal in Coral Gables

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

standing water on kitchen floor Removing standing water is critical after a flooding event. Call SERVPRO quickly to remediate.

SERVPRO Has the Experience and Recognizes the Urgency to Deal Quickly with Your Water Damage Event

Water damage from poor drainage, damaged plumbing, or a thunderstorm can ruin a home, forcing the owner to spend thousands on repairs. In the spring, Florida weather can change suddenly from clear to rain. Owners and renters must be prepared to protect their residences and evacuate quickly when that is no longer an option. 

Regardless of the source of the damage, water removal needs to happen rapidly. SERVPRO has the experience of restoring water damage homes in Coral Gables homes as soon as possible and returning residents quickly to their regular lives. We can pump out standing water for most homes and dry out the interior in just a few days. 

Our office maintains a 24-hour response team trained in removing water and dealing with other disasters. Since damage can begin in a day, our first task is to pump out areas of standing water just as soon as we can set up the equipment. We keep an extensive inventory on-site of water pumps designed for every size and type of residence. We also maintain a series of generators and generator trucks to ensure continuous power if a home's electrical system was compromised or a storm knocked out local power.

Removing standing water is just the beginning. Our technicians next lower excessive levels of humidity. To do this, they set up air movers within the home and exhaust fans at entry and exit points (doors and windows). These machines draw out damp air and replace it with drier air. We also use dehumidifiers to speed up this process and remove moisture from the surrounding air. Each can pull over 20 gallons of water each day, depending on the size. 

This same equipment is also helpful to remove water from carpets, carpet padding, and wood flooring. By teaming the air movers and fans with specialized water vacuums and heaters, our response team can save most flooring with no damage to the surface. Removing flood water (regardless of the source) requires a trained team of restoration experts and commercial-grade equipment. If you need our services, SERVPRO of South Miami is here to help put your home to its original state. Call us at (305) 269-8900 today to begin.

Why Call South Miami Restoration Technicians for Mold Damage?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy mold along wall and ceiling in dining room We understand the stress of discovering mold in your home, and we have developed meticulous cleaning and restoration protocols.

SERVPRO Offers Detailed Mold Damage Restoration for South Miami Residents

If you are a resident of South Miami, you already know that heat and moisture are two everyday factors. Because mold develops with optimum temperatures, moist conditions, and an organic food source, it is no wonder why mold can become an issue. The unique heat and humidity in the area mean fertile conditions for mold spores within your apartment, condo, or home.

Why call SERVPRO if you notice mold damage in your South Miami property? Because we get to the source, act quickly, and carefully handle all suspected mold areas. We understand the potential damage mold can have on your property, so we have developed meticulous cleaning and restoration protocols.

Some of the common areas within your home that could become impacted by black mold growth include:

  • Ceilings
  • Drywall
  • Carpeting
  • Panels
  • Fixtures
  • Furniture
  • HVAC

The most significant concern often comes from the air conditioning HVAC system of the areas listed. Mold can colonize throughout your system's lining and intake system, further dispersing spores throughout your living space. Before taking measures for mold damage repair, we take a look to ensure that your air conditioning setup gets thoroughly checked.

If you suspect mold damage within your property, you should:

  • Notify your landlord or association (if you rent or lease)
  • Try to determine where the mold is coming from
  • Document damages to your property
  • Contact SERVPRO and let our IICRC trained techs begin remediation and cleanup

SERVPRO arrives at your property in personal protective equipment (PPE), setting up containment to ensure spores do not travel to unaffected areas of your home. We set up air scrubbers with HEPA filtration, use vacuums to carefully pull up visible mold, and work on stopping mold development at the root cause.

Why trust your mold damage repairs to anyone but SERVPRO of South Miami? We are a trusted name in our area for mold cleanup, leaving your home Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! You can reach us by dialing (305) 269-8900.

Making Your Fire Damage Disappear in Your Home

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damaged foyer Cleaning up after a fire is a complicated process. But no worries! SERVPRO is trained and equipped to handle all your fire damage restoration needs.

After A Fire Contact SERVPRO For Fire Damage Repair and Restoration

While the amount of what you own may not reach hoarder level, after a fire has rampaged through your home, you may still be surprised at the number of items covered in soot that you now need to sort through. Without sifting through the many items, it's impossible to clean the still good ones. This is not a small job, and many people just throw everything away. This isn't good for the environment, or for your bank account.

Replacing everything in your Miami home that shows fire damage might seem like the easiest route, but it isn't the best course for everyone. If you have very few items that are visibly damaged by heat instead of soot, that might be the only course you have anyway. For those who have families and all of the many things that go along with taking care of children, you'll be aware of the memories you'll also be throwing away. This also applies to those whose children have grown and moved out, and for many others.

Cleaning up after a fire is a complicated process. Soot is also full of carcinogens and irritants. The particles can be so small that they are also very abrasive, and cleaning must be done as soon as possible. One or two unskilled people will not be able to clean at the rate needed to stop the corrosive activity of the soot. Instead, a team of skilled and highly trained individuals should be utilized to help ensure that your items are cleaned correctly.

At SERVPRO, we have experience and skills backed by training and certification in all aspects of fire damage clean up, along with repair and restoration concepts that will have your home looking, feeling, and smelling "Like it never even happened." We won't only clean your personal belongings and furniture but also your walls, carpeting, rugs, ceilings, upholstered and non-upholstered furniture, glass and metal accents, cabinetry, doors, wooden trim, and draperies. We will bag and remove your clothing, bedding, and other linens to be washed at our facility with special cleaners that will not only remove the soot, but also the scent of the fire and return them to you smelling fresh and clean again.

If you and your family want to put your lives back together after a fire has happened, call us at SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. We are always available, 24/7, to help guide you through a fire damage emergency, so your family quickly makes the fire a thing of the past.

Water Damage Starts in Many Ways

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking pipe under sink Did you experience water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO for fast remediation.

Always Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Water Damaged Property

Water damage does not just happen when a pipe bursts or a water heater can no longer stand the pressure. The truth is, water damage inside a home can come from practically anywhere. While two of the most common causes are burst pipes and leaky water heaters, it can also happen due to a faulty washing machine or dishwasher. This type of damage can also occur as a direct result of storm damage which destroys the roof or some other structural part of the house, effectively leaving it open to the elements. It also happens in the event of a fire as the first responders attempt to put out the flames. It is inevitable there will be a certain amount of water present in the home. The question is, how should you handle it when this type of thing happens to you?

Fortunately, when you are dealing with water damage in Miami, you can rely on SERVPRO to help you come to terms with everything that is going on. In fact, we have spent some years perfecting our techniques when it comes to repairing water damage and performing restoration services in businesses and homes of all sizes. We use proven techniques that get the best results because we understand that you want to be able to preserve as many of your possessions as possible.

When you have any crisis inside your home, whether the damage is confined to one room or one hallway or present throughout the entire home, you need professionals who know what they are doing. At SERVPRO, we can provide you with one of the most important elements that you will ever have when it feels like your entire world has been turned upside down- peace of mind. You might look at your home and wonder how anybody would ever be able to clean up a mess like that. Still, you can rest assured that we have both the expertise and the equipment to get it done, and we have plenty of experience when it comes to handling challenging situations. 

We incorporate special wet vacuums as well as dryers (air movers and dehumidifiers) to help dry items out as quickly as possible, and we utilize reliable, proven techniques to restore as much as possible. The good news is that even when it looks like there isn't anything that can be done and everything is lost, there is a better-than-average chance that SERVPRO trained IICRC technicians will be able to get the job done on your behalf. The truth is, if you try to clean things up yourself, you don't really know what you're dealing with. The water damage could be far more significant than it appears on the surface.

We can check for any structural deficiencies, restore your home and your personal possessions, and ensure that you don't have to deal with mold growth. We don't recommend that anyone attempts to clean up black mold on their own, so it requires the services of an organization like ours to safely get rid of the water and inhibit the growth of mold. You and your family deserve a safe and healthy home environment.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are directly impacted by water damage, the main thing you have to do is take action. The longer you wait, the worse the problem could potentially become.

Therefore, you should not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. We can tell you exactly what you are facing, what it will take to restore the damage, and whether or not we can fully restore everything to its preloss condition.

Need Expert Help for South Miami Business Fire Damage Restoration?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Burnt printer on a desk SERVPRO of South Miami knows no limits, especially when it comes to fire damaged businesses. Our team understands the risk.

SERVPRO Performs Safe, Prompt Commercial Fire and Smoke Remediation in South Miami 

Many cleanup challenges can be conquered by your on-site or contracted maintenance and housekeeping crews, but commercial fire damage restoration in South Miami is not one of them. No matter how diligent your employees, the following makes smoke and fire damage a job for Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians:

  • Smoke and soot residues can be toxic and difficult to remove without appropriate training in assessment and protocol matching. 
  • Wearing personal protective equipment is a safety imperative, but your cleaning staff might not have access to professional-grade gear or experience in its use. 
  • Advanced IICRC training, licensure, certification, and specialized tools, materials, and products to contain the fire damage restoration workspace is critical to controlling and remediating biohazards and carcinogens uncovered or created by a fire’s combustion.

How Does SERVPRO Assess and Plan for South Miami Commercial Fire Damage Mitigation and Remediation? Experienced project managers inspect the premises for safety hazards such as:

  • Trapped firefighting water in building cavities threatening collapse.
  • Charred, melted, and otherwise compromised structures are no longer capable of supporting contents, restoration equipment, or occupants.
  • Exposed and deteriorating hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, other chemicals, and mold. 

Finally, managers assign technicians to complete emergency services for water damage and building fire clean up:

  • Pumping and water extraction 
  • Applied structural drying and contents evaluation and restoration, on-site or at SERVPRO’s production facility
  • Determination of soot soiling types throughout the building and matching of appropriate products, tools, and methods for fire residue removal 
  • Implementation of the smoke and fire damage restoration plan, including cleaning, disinfection, deodorization, and remediation of any biohazards according to local regulations

Rely on the team from SERVPRO of South Miami to manage water and fire damage restorations for your business rapidly and professionally. Call (305) 269-8900 round the clock for a timely needs assessment.

What Are Options for Household Contents After Miami Flood Damage?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded room SERVPRO of South Miami can offer assistance after a flood from a storm.

SERVPRO Pack-Out Services Deliver Outstanding Results for Flooded Miami Properties

As part of a storm’s aftermath in Miami, flood damage impacts household goods, furnishings, books and papers, and more. When flooding causes safety hazards severe enough to move you and your family out of your home during water mitigation and remediation, what accommodations can restorers extend to the non-structural items you leave behind?

Families should always consider a pack-out during flood restoration in South Miami. When conditions are too hazardous to permit your home to provide shelter, it makes sense to move the household contents to a safe and accessible place as well. Reasons to accept SERVPRO’s help with a pack-out include:

  • Clearing contents from your residence allows on-site water damage restoration crews to focus on structural components needing water damage mitigation and remediation rather than endlessly shifting heavy furniture and dozens of items. 
  • Wet contents moved out cease suffering progressive deterioration and receive appropriate cleaning, drying, and other restorative services.   
  • Specially trained Contents Processing Technicians (CPT) evaluate items safely in the SERVPRO production facility, documenting conditions and creating innovative restoration plans while collaborating with your insurance carrier, ensuring claims coverage.
  • Items are available in a secure place when you need them, rather than waiting days or weeks until your home’s restoration is complete when stored in your home.

How Does SERVPRO Track Packed-Out Possessions?

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) manages the items. Trained technicians create extensive lists of articles room by room, barcoding when possible. Diagrams and pictures to remind our crews where furnishings belong when it comes time for the pack-back. Digital imaging provides a visual record of the flood damage sustained by specific contents and then illustrates how successful SERVPRO efforts were in:

  • Recovering documents and pictures through freeze-drying
  • Laundering or dry cleaning textiles
  • Removing soiling from non-porous objects with spray and wipe, immersion, or ultrasonic technology
  • Concentrating drying and deodorizing strategies using contained areas within the facility where we can control humidity, heat, air movement, and various stench-removing  techniques

Contents can experience significant flooding damage, but SERVPRO of South Miami offers solutions that minimize disruption and restore cherished possessions. Call (305) 269-8900 for a prompt assessment and recovery plan.

Who Provides Reputable Coral Gables Mold Damage Remediation?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

mold on a white wall Mold can be serious, let SERVPRO of South Miami help you head off the issues.

Preservation of Structures Is Why SERVPRO Meets Coral Gables Mold Abatement Needs

Coral Gables mold damage remediation specialists are in demand when residents seek reliable black mold damage repair. Whether fearing that mold can cause health effects or worrying about the expense and disruption of cleaning up multiplying colonies, finding a reputable mold inspection, remediation, and removal company is critical, which is why SERVPRO should be at the top of your list.

Why Is Professional Mold Remediation Critical in Coral Gables?

DIY struggles with bathroom mold removal, crawl space, or attic mold can feel like an endless endeavor in Coral Gables. You depend on professionals, why SERVPRO managers and technicians bring both competence and integrity to a disastrous situation. Without a research-based remediation plan, even heroic efforts can result in mold colonies multiplying rather than disappearing. 

  • Mold growth requires two things -- the ubiquitous spores in every household and moisture.
  • Most consumer remedies rely on diluted bleach solutions, adding more mold-feeding moisture without enough active ingredients to eradicate the entire mold organism.
  • Every home is different, why SERVPRO’s Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) assess each mold damage project individually, determining what building materials can endure effective mold removal and which require removal 

Can Mold Remediation Save All Building Materials?

Mold removal from non-porous structural components is relatively straightforward, with mold specialists scrubbing, scraping, and brushing off the organisms. The challenge lies in devising ways to mitigate the effects of mold damage to porous building materials without large-scale demolition. This tension is why SERVPRO uses a combination of innovative removal techniques with a proactive mold management plan going forward.

  • Controlled abrasive blasting techniques using dry ice, soda, and corn cobs not only mechanically loosen surface mold for disposal but also penetrate deeply enough to incapacitate the entire organism, inhibiting regrowth.
  • Our expertise in water damage repairs and restoration helps us find and eradicate the moisture sources that repeatedly recreate mold-friendly conditions.

Innovations in mold removal and moisture management are why SERVPRO of South Miami receives high ratings from satisfied customers. Call (305) 269-8900 for a consultation.

Do Homeowners Need to Worry About an Increase in Coastal Flooding in Miami?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

a street view of a big rainstorm When storms occur in our area, flooding often results. Tackle flood damage in your home with a quick call to SERVPRO. We are standing by 24/7 for you.

Homes in Miami are Subject to Coast Flooding, and SERVPRO is There to Mitigate the Storm Damage

Miami is a thriving, heavily populated city. International trade, commerce, finance, and culture mark Miami as a leader in these fields. Once an Indian settlement, people throughout history have been drawn to the sun and fertile growing area. Today folks are still enjoying the beaches and the sunshine. But even on the sunniest of days, the risks of storms and flooding still lurks in the background.

What Causes the Sea Level to Rise?

Over the past thirty-four years, the sea level has risen approximately 5 inches in Miami. Flood damage risks increase when the sea level rise increases. Riskfinder.org predicts that climate change is going to push the rise even higher in this century. With this change, the starting point for storm surges and high tides gets raised. The likelihood of more frequent storms that are more severe is the result. There are three main factors impacting sea level rises:

  •   Sinking Land – Coastal lands are sinking slowly in many areas. Part of the process is due to natural processes. Pump extractions of fossil fuels and water from underground contribute to the sinking as well.
  •  Warming Ocean – According to satellite and thermometer measurements, the ocean has been warming for over a century. Warm water expands. As a result of this expansion, the ocean has to go up and spill over onto the land.
  •   Shrinking Ice – Glaciers and ice sheets in places such as Antarctica and Greenland are slowly melting due to warmer air and temperatures. Pieces break off and enter the ocean. This greatly raises the sea level. 

What Kind of Damage Can Occur from Storm Flooding?

The highest observed flood in the Miami area was in 2005 and reached a height of 5.8 feet. The flood damage was severe and impacted homes throughout the city. When flooding like this occurs, it displaces families, is dangerous, and requires professional storm damage cleanup. SERVPRO arrives at the scene as quickly as possible and provides emergency mitigation. Homeowners have enough stress to deal with in the aftermath of a flood; dealing with flood cleanup should not be one of those things.

When our crew arrives, safety issues are dealt with immediately. The project manager oversees the scope of the property and determines the extent of the damage. A plan is then devised to provide flood mitigation. This plan includes the type of cleaning, recovery, and needed supplies to complete the job. A lot of damage can occur during storm flooding. During the scope, the technicians look for the following:

  •  Floodwater Contamination – Waters from a flood are highly contaminated. As the floodwater surges through the town, it picks up all kinds of biohazards. These can include everything from bacteria to chemical waste. The level of the water and the degree of contamination is determined, and the technicians are then able to be appropriately prepared.
  •  Structural Damage – Absorption, and oversaturation of structural elements can lead to degradation. Wall systems, flooding supports, and subflooring is especially at risk and can lead to collapse.
  •  Content Damage – Anytime there is a water intrusion, there is the danger of the content of the home being impacted. Due to the contamination of the floodwaters, extra care needs to be taken when cleaning and restoring damaged items. SERVPRO technicians are well qualified to help homeowners decide what can get salvaged and what needs to be disposed of properly. 

Preparing for Flooding – What Homeowners Should Do

Flooding can happen at any time, but coastal towns are at an even greater risk. This means homeowners should prepare before disaster strikes. Make sure your valuables such as jewelry and important documents get placed in waterproof containers. If you know a storm is coming, move items from lower levels to higher levels. Have an emergency plan in place and practice it regularly with your family. Prepare an emergency kit with items such as flashlights, batteries, and bottled water. Regularly check to ensure your storm drains and gutters are free of debris and clutter. When you are ready for the worst, it lessens the impact of flooding on you and your family.

Always Put Safety First

Always obey evacuation warnings. Let SERVPRO handle entering the floodwater to retrieve essential items. Our technicians are IICRC certified and experienced in mitigating flood damage. We can provide the cleanup, repair, and restoration needed for your home. Our goal is to leave your residence, “Like it never even happened.”

Our team lives and works in the same coastal town as our customers. We know how devastating flood damage can be to a home. That is why we are available any time of the day or night. The sooner our team gets started on the cleanup, the sooner you get your life back. 

Contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for professional flood damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can I Safeguard My Miami Home Against Potential Fires?

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

a fire damaged room with soot covering everything and charred debris everywhere Help prevent fires in your home with some of our suggestions. Should your home have already had a fire, contact SERVPRO for effective cleanup.

According to Miami Fire Damage Restorer SERVPRO, You Can Lower Your Fire Risks by Developing Safer Cooking Habits and Properly Maintaining Appliances.

Residential fires are common occurrences in the densely populated city of Miami. These fires often originate from cooking mishaps, poorly maintained appliances, and those that malfunction. Once ignited, blazes can quickly spread to nearby homes.

When looking for a reputable service to remediate your fire-related issues, remember that all Miami fire damage cleanup services are not equally capable of doing the job right.  Many simply do not give their technicians the proper training, and some workers likely lack the requisite experience to handle more severe cases.  Other companies do not have the specialized equipment necessary to successfully clean up and restore the worst fire damage.  Therefore, knowing what your local cleanup and restoration companies are capable of before a fire occurs is to your advantage.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risks of a House Fire and Mitigate Damages if One Occurs?

Fortunately, you can do several things to substantially lower your residential fire risks and limit your damages if one ever happens.  SERVPRO offers the following fire risk mitigation suggestions to homeowners:

  •   Make sure cooking oil never overheats and only use deep fryers controlled by a thermostat
  •   If an oil or grease fire starts, turn off the heat if possible and do not attempt to extinguish it with water
  •   Keep clothing and other flammable materials away from the stove and burners
  •   Ensure that cooking appliances are turned off once you are finished cooking
  •   Avoid leaving cooking food or children unattended in the kitchen
  •   Properly maintain and routinely clean all appliances
  •   Keep a Class A-B-C fire extinguisher in your kitchen

Although SERVPRO believes these measures effectively reduce your fire-related risks, they can never fully eliminate them.

So, if your home ever experiences a fire, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for assistance.

Speed and Expertise Are Essential to Water Restoration Jobs in South Miami

12/19/2021 (Permalink)

a puddle of water on the floor of a living room Regardless whether water enters your home from above or below, team SERVPRO can help. Contact us when you need water restoration in your home.

South Miami Homeowners Can Count on SERVPRO for the Best the Water Restoration Industry Has to Offer

Water is part of our life in South Miami, from the proximity of the beaches to canals to copious rains. But what happens when a ceiling leaks or a pipe bursts allowing water to run down walls and seep into flooring and furniture? Water damage can be overwhelming to homeowners who want to mitigate their losses and return their home to its original condition. To facilitate the return to normal, it is necessary to call a reputable team ready with the right equipment and resources to treat your home.

In South Miami, your expert water restoration team is SERVPRO. Our staff trains with experts in the industry and is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which is the entity that sets standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Beyond our technical knowledge, we also have the on-the-job experience you should expect from trusted water damage and restoration technicians.

Timing is critical for water removal and extraction, as is the order we take each step. Taking care of standing water and the removal of wet carpet and insulation is usually among the first steps we take to set the stage for a successful process. Although we strive to preserve as much of your property as possible, wet textiles, carpets, and some building materials must be removed to avoid mold growth and its unpleasant consequences. To speed up the drying and water extraction process, you may see us use the following-

  • Pumps of varying sizes
  • Air movers and dehumidifiers
  • Drying mats and injecti-dry technology to access hard-to-reach places

Regardless of the size of your water disaster, SERVPRO of South Miami is at your service. Call us at (305) 269-8900 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Coral Gables Kitchen Fires Call for Technical Fire Damage Restoration Efforts

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire You need a team you can trust after a fire strikes in your home. Call SERVPRO right away.

Let SERVPRO Help with Fire Damage Restoration After You Have a Kitchen Fire in Coral Gables

An unexpected kitchen fire not only dampens your plans but it leaves a decent amount of smoke damage in its wake. After a protein fire, even when flames and smoke seem minimal, it can impact the kitchen as well as your entire Coral Gables home. The aftermath stemming from a protein fire may not be immediately visible, but the sticky, foul-smelling residue will coat a lot of surfaces in the immediate area. SERVPRO is available to help with house fire clean-up to address protein fires in the kitchen and other restoration needs. 

What happens during a kitchen fire leads to the need for skilled fire damage restoration in Coral Gables. Protein fires pose a unique restoration challenge due to the burnt foods causing pungent odors, often turning into an issue that is difficult to mitigate. SERVPRO can tell you the following about what results from a kitchen fire:

  • They generate a strong, lingering odor beyond many other types of fires
  • Protein fire may leave little noticeable residue, making it difficult for an untrained DIY clean up
  • The burn allows odors to migrate into furnishings and other areas of the structure
  • Many projects involving kitchen fires call for sealing agents
  • There might be a need for multiple methods and attempts to achieve the best results

SERVPRO features IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians ready to handle the work. We arrive and thoroughly assess the scene, then select specialized methods for addressing sticky, stubborn protein residue, clean all surfaces, and perform controlled demolition as needed. Your Coral Gables kitchen will be “Like it never even happened.”

Do you need help with specialized fire damage restoration? SERVPRO of South Miami is the crew to call at (305) 269-8900.

Does Your South Miami Property Have Interior Flood Damage?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Boots in flood water If you are faced with flood damage, call on our experts for help. We are available to assist you 24/7.

Let SERVPRO Show You Why We Handle Flood Damage Better Than the Rest – Call Us to Your South Miami Property!

Interior flooding is not only a nightmare to clean and dry, but it can also lead to thousands in damages if not handled carefully. Whenever you have flooding in your home or rental property, almost everything the water touches may need replacing. This will include materials like flooding, drywall, carpeting, and furnishings. However, SERVPRO works using the restore versus replace mentality, so we work hard to get you the best, safest, and most effective results. 

Why call SERVPRO when you have flood damage in your South Miami home? Our multi-faceted approach gets results. We work diligently to save you time and money, but also the hassle of trying to DIY the water removal and drying on your own. Some of our first steps include:

  • Securing your premises and performing a detailed assessment. We come to your property, and our project manager details damage to formulate a plan. Our crew begins water extraction while ensuring containment barriers are in place to keep water from migrating into unaffected areas. 
  • Decisions get made on controlled demolition. In floodwater events, some areas must be addressed using controlled demolition to replace saturated materials with all-new materials. We can remove any porous materials, such as performing flood cuts on drywall and eliminating and replacing soaked insulation. Everything gets finished off to make it “Like it never even happened.” 
  • Professional drying, dehumidification, and disinfection take place. We use moisture monitoring devices to ensure no moisture gets left behind. Our team adjusts drying equipment and dehumidifiers as we go to achieve our goals better. All surfaces also get thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with the help of EPA-registered cleaning agents and antimicrobials.

SERVPRO of South Miami can show you why we are the best team to call when you have flood damage to deal with. You can reach us by calling (305) 269-8900 to dispatch a team as soon as possible.

South Miami Business Can Trust SERVPRO to Handle Commercial Water Damage

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Equipment and technicians SERVPRO teams are ready to assist with water damage situations day or night. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO is Available in South Miami 24/7 to Provide Water Damage Assistance for Commercial Properties

Whether you run a retail space, hotel, production facility, or office, each business is vulnerable to the perils that water emergencies bring. You could have damage to your building or contents from faulty plumbing, a sprinkler system malfunction, or water infiltration due to storms. No matter the issue, the prompt response gets you the results you need – this is where SERVPRO comes to the rescue. In South Miami and the surrounding areas, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping you get your business back on track as quickly as possible. 

Immediate priorities with any commercial water damage in South Miami may include addressing:

  • Damaged stock & inventory
  • Water supply shut-off
  • Equipment & machinery breakdown
  • Partial or total water damage to structural elements

How Can SERVPRO Help?

Not only do we provide skilled water removal services, but we have proven processes that allow us to reach our goals quickly. Our attention to detail helps your business get back to normal quicker than any DIY method alone. 

With your building flooded, it is difficult to serve your customers or conduct regular business. Not only that, but you have the potential for sewage backup, structural damage, and dangerous mold growth. We like to tell our commercial customers to follow these steps whenever a water emergency or flooding occurs:

  1. Shut off the water and utilities
  2. Contact your business insurance agent to inform them of the event
  3. Call your local restoration company – SERVPRO is available 24/7
  4. Document any damage you can visibly see
  5. Sort items for salvage, or wait for our team to tackle this arduous process
  6. Save items that cannot be salvaged for your insurance adjuster
  7. Secure the property – SERVPRO offers tarp up and boarding, as well as containment, to keep water from infiltrating unaffected zones of your building
  8. Keep suppliers, employees, and customers apprised of restoration status

Call SERVPRO of South Miami whenever you have issues with flooding or water damage in your commercial space. Reach us for emergency response by calling (305) 269-8900.

Fire Damage Restoration Services in Coconut Grove You Can Count On

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke billowing out of a window. Tackle the devastation of a fire on your property by calling SERVPRO immediately after you and your family are safe. That will help prevent damage.

Team SERVPRO Works For You After a Fire Has Damaged Your Home

While it may be less expensive to seek help from family or friends, an untrained eye can lead to additional damages that cause severe problems. They can miss or ignore problem areas in an attempt to save you a buck or two, resulting in excessive damages down the road.

Fully trained technicians with access to industrial-grade equipment provide you with the best results when dealing with fire damage on your Coconut Grove property. A qualified restoration company puts years of experience to work for you, replacing damaged materials, cleaning and sanitizing restorable areas, returning your home to a quality condition in a quick, efficient manner.

SERVPRO technicians provide you with talented teams that sift through the remnants of a blaze to remove soot and ash that continues to harm your contents and structural components long after the flames subside. Restoration professionals have the knowledge and resources to identify problematic areas, limit losses, and prevent additional damage.

SERVPRO teams do everything to secure your property, restore power, and prevent hazards from forming. Our services were designed to bend and adjust to changing situations, making only services you need available, that fit your circumstances. We never charge you for unnecessary services and do everything possible to return your property to a quality pre-damage state.

SERVPRO uses board-up techniques to protect exposed areas of your home from outdoor elements, closing openings such as broken windows or open doors that might allow intruders to take advantage of your current circumstances. We also protect your home against corrosion, wiping smoke residues off of plastic or painted surfaces, furniture, fiberglass, and countertops.

We can also help protect metal trim on window frames, around faucets, door hardware, or lighting fixtures. Any surface subject to further corrosion gets treated with a pre-cleaning agent that stops damage in its tracks, allowing your restoration process to work its magic.

After you inform your insurance company, family, and close friends about your situation, contact SERVPRO of South Miami to get started on your home’s fire damage restoration immediately. We have IICRC certified technicians with years of experience and resources that make restoring your home a wonderful experience. (305) 269-8900.

Reliable Restoration of Your Water Damaged South Miami Nightclub

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

A dark room in a nightclub. Don't let water damage make your nightclub a thing of the past. Complete the ERP with SERVPRO and contact them quickly if damage occurs.

Preparing for Possible Damage with the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan is the KEY to Successful Remediation

Closing for even one day threatens a possible catastrophe for your bar and restaurant. Establishments that shut their doors even briefly to manage water damage often experience a reduction in customers that can become permanent. Partnering with SERVPRO through our Emergency Ready Plan ensures a speedy restoration, avoiding the unnecessary disappointment of your thirsty and hungry clientele.

It is not uncommon for commercial water damage to complicate the operation of your South Miami nightclub. So many different possibilities present themselves as problems. Heavy rains and poor drainage on your flat roof leak water down walls and through ceilings. An ice machine pipe bursts in the bar area. Dishwashers overflow or restroom facilities back up. Water damage can interfere with the smooth operation of your bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue in many ways. Let us help you as you develop a comprehensive set of responses to these water damage disasters and more.

When you complete your Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) with SERVPRO, we have a chance to review your physical layout and expectations with you. If our inspector notices problem areas, we discuss this so that you have an opportunity to implement changes to avoid or limit water damage from any causes. As we increase our understanding of your operations, we are better able to prepare the most advantageous approach should we get the call that your business needs water damage restoration. We developed a mobile app that walks you through a thorough list of questions we need you to answer. The questionnaire covers nearly every contingency, including essential information like the location of mechanical systems and shut-offs. Your sharing with us the names of the key staff you authorize to act on your behalf, a blueprint of your space, and your hierarchy of priorities if the unthinkable happens is crucial for our most effective response.

Once you complete the Emergency Ready Plan, contacting us is as easy as tapping a few commands on your phone. When you are on vacation or unavailable otherwise, your trusted employees are empowered to make contact if disaster strikes. No matter who reaches out to us, SERVPRO reacts secure in the knowledge we have a clear guide of your concerns and desires to follow. Water damage restoration is best if begun quickly, and a clear plan makes it even more efficient. Our speedy response limits any downtime for your nightclub, precisely the situation a successful business needs to bounce back.

SERVPRO of South Miami is your ally if water damage threatens your established hospitality business. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to start the process of creating an individualized Emergency Ready Plan, smoothing the way for a fast and full restoration of your restaurant.

Flood Damage in Coral Gables Homes Requires Quick Action

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

A man holding a bucket catching water SERVPRO of South Miami understands how hard storm damage can be. Feel free to reach out at any time when you need help.

Protecting a Coral Gables Home Includes Calling a Professional Flood Damage Restoration Team After a Storm

Coral Gables, the City Beautiful, lines its streets with beautiful homes and splendid trees. Each house has its history, and architectural details can be seen virtually everywhere. However, homes are vulnerable to rising water levels, backed-up sewage lines, and ceiling leaks when storms strike. If and when you discover water in your home, do not hesitate to call a professional water restoration company.

In Coral Gables, delegate flood damage restoration needs to SERVPRO. Our crew specializes in handling the toughest situations while preserving the original elements of your home as much as possible. At SERVPRO, we train with industry experts and know that being quick isn't always the answer, particularly when structures are older and boast hardwood floors and architectural details. Our focus is to work with efficiency while mitigating your loss.

SERVPRO staff is ready to answer your questions about the restoration process, and we understand the importance of getting it done right. In our work, we carefully comply with local regulations and focus on your family's safety and preserving your belongings. As necessary, we coordinate with relevant parties such as insurance representatives and sub-contractors, so the restoration process is seamless. Our clients can expect to see the following actions upon our arrival-

  • A complete assessment of the damage. This may be a lengthy process, but a close inspection of all areas of your home is critical to a successful water restoration process.
  • Water extraction and evaporation with the aid of pumps, extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers.
  • Mold prevention through the application of anti-microbial solutions and the removal of unsalvageable items affected by stormwater.
  • Specialty drying solutions to restore priceless items such as photographs and documents.

Rest assured that our SERVPRO of South Miami team is here to provide the latest water restoration technology. Call us at (305) 269-8900, and let us work hard to meet your water restoration needs.

Miami Property Owners Can Always Benefit from SERVPRO's Professional Storm Damage Restoration Services

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

a flooded kitchen with furniture floating everywhere When flooding affects your home, quick action is often necessary. Call our SERVPRO team to assess the situation and remediate any flood damage.

What Value Does Professional Flood Damage Mitigation in Miami Offer?

Floods can happen any time, even during dry seasons. The intensity of each incident varies from catastrophic to mild levels, thus leaving different extents of damages. When an incident only affects your property, you might struggle in deciding whether to hire a professional to handle the mitigation process or get help from family and friends. Knowing what value mitigation of flood damage by a professional can offer makes it easier to decide.

Preventing Future Problems

Although the focus after flood damage in your Miami home might be how to solve immediate problems such as cleaning up the filth and drying the premises, you must also pay attention to problems that might develop in future that tie back to the flooding incident. Mold development and deterioration of structural parts are common long-term problems. Professionals address both current and long-term issues concurrently when restoring your property. For instance, our SERVPRO technicians apply cleaning agents with antimicrobial properties and use advanced equipment to check for hidden pockets of moisture, thus minimizing chances of mold development.

Working Faster

Restoring a flood-damaged property is a tedious process. Even though family and friends might provide an abundant workforce to carry out the process, the lack of equipment and skills can hamper progress.  Professional restorers undergo regular training, and the frequency of handling similar incidents equips them with the necessary experience to work faster. Our technicians earn IICRC acknowledgement in best practices from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Professionals also have a reputation to uphold and a payday to look forward to, which motivates them further to work faster.

Water Damage Restoration

A flooding incident has the potential to change the outlook of your home forever. Water can alter the visual appeal of your walls because drywall discolors from wetness. Materials such as floorboards might also cup or buckle from water exposure forcing you to change them or opt for a different floor type. With professional assistance, it is possible to restore your home to its previous state, under most circumstances. Our SERVPRO technicians follow different procedures to ensure we achieve the intended goal. We take photos of the damaged site before starting the restoration, which provides a reference point if needed. We also match the color of new panels to existing ones in areas that we demolish for restoration purposes. We also use advanced methods such as drying chambers to save wooden floors along with drying mats and an injectidry delivery system.

A flood-damage restoration exercise should solve all problems and offer value for money. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. We fix flooding fast, "Like it never even happened."

Have You Ever Looked Into Commercial Water Damage Remediation in Miami?

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

a neon lit bar or club Water damage and your busy nightclub cannot mix successfully. Contact our commercial water damage remediation team to assess the situation.

Working Around the Clock to Dry Your Miami Nightclub

Few places in the world can boast the kind of sultry nightlife that we have in Miami, and that is partly due to the abundance of great nighttime spots. Because of the crowded establishments every night, you might not notice when leaks start to develop in fixtures like your toilets and sinks in the restrooms. If and when these leaks become full breaks, they can quickly affect this room and other adjacent areas on the same level.

Once you have recognized an unfortunate incident in your nightclub, it is vital to get our SERVPRO professionals on the scene to begin water removal for your Miami business. Many of the flooring materials in your club might initially resist water penetration, such as marble tiling in the bathrooms. However, failure to adequately remove all of the migrating water can lead to more hazardous conditions with microbial threats.

Water Removal Services

We can appreciate how significant a fast turnaround is on removing the water from your nightclub and getting your guests back to a level of comfort in the building. With the right response, we can extract the water from the damaged areas outside and inside of the bathroom with submersible electric pumps and wet vacuums. Once the surface water has gotten addressed, there are several strategies that we can implement to get your doors back open.

In some situations, based on the severity of the spread of effects from the origin point, focused cleaning and mopping can help to expedite the drying of any lingering moisture and surface water if the damage has not penetrated the surface. We can also utilize axial air movers connected to dry out the bathroom and the immediate areas around it during the day when the club is typically closed.

No matter how threatening a water incident might initially appear, our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help with efficient and effective mitigation strategies to get you back to running at full capacity quickly. No matter how we can help after a disaster, give us a call 24/7 at (305) 269-8900.

How Can One Get Help After Flood Damage in a South Miami Home?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

a flooded kitchen with furniture floating around When flooding affects your home, remediation services are a necessity. Contact our certified SERVPRO team 24/7 for flood damage remediation services.

SERVPRO Can Assist by Delivering Water Removal Services and General Remediation of Damaged Properties

Storms are highly destructive since they combine different forces, including gale-force winds and heavy precipitation sustained over several hours. Since the problem affects many South Miami properties, simultaneously leaving inundated houses, ripped awnings, smashed windows, and even felled trees, you may not know what to do or whom to ask for help when your home is affected.

The flood damage left in South Miami properties can fall in different categories ranging from soiling to contamination to structural ruin. Each class of damage has its complexities ranging from tediousness to technical difficulties. SERVPRO professionals can help address or guide the homeowner on the best course of action based on the type of damage.   

Restoration after flooding may also involve some unexpected processes like:

  • Biohazard remediation
  • Sewage cleanup
  • Rodent clean up services

One often overlooked step is the prevention of additional damages at the loss site. The initial effects of flooding can worsen if nothing is done. Additional issues can stem from the proliferation of microbes and exposure of materials to high moisture levels. Although it might seem like there are no options, professionals can find ways to help. For instance, SERVPRO technicians can help pack out contents to protect them from moisture exposure. We also spray EPA-registered disinfectants into the floodwater, inundating the house, limiting the contamination levels.

Leaking roofs from storms and the need for ceiling repairs from water damages are common outcomes after storm incidents. Such jobs require time and proper planning to guarantee the right outcomes. Our SERVPRO technicians can help install roof tarps to protect the structure until proper repairs can be done.

SERVPRO of South Miami provides customized flood damage management, resolving any problem, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (305) 269-8900.

What Size Fires in South Miami Require Professional Help?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your home, quick action is required. Contact Team SERVPRO for effective fire damage clean up and remediation services.

Even a Small Fire in South Miami, Requires Professional Help

It is hard to imagine that a home in South Miami could catch on fire. Most houses on the tree-lined streets of the City Beautiful have stood there for decades, braving thunderstorms and hurricanes, seemingly unmovable by the elements. However, it is precisely their longevity that makes your home vulnerable to malfunction with old wiring that could cause a fire in your property. Although it seems like a small event contained to just a part of your house, reaching out to a specialized team can make all the difference.

When there is fire damage to your South Miami property, our SERVPRO team is close by and readily available to help restore your home. Our team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the goal of reacting as soon as the emergency takes place. The longer the smoke residue and water remnants sit on your home, the more widespread the damage can be. Taking fast action can make all the difference in returning your home to mint condition.

Upon your call, our SERVPRO Green Fleet arrives at your home to assess the damage and determine the path of the fire. With this information, we're able to plan for immediate needs and anticipate any long-term consequences. Our wide array of equipment can extract any water left after firefighters extinguished the flames home and returned moisture readings to their appropriate levels. We also focus on identifying the different surfaces affected by smoke and soot to apply a material-specific solution for their removal. Due to our formal training and our field expertise, we can make a work plan focused on cleaning your home while salvaging as much of its contents as possible.

Many of our SERVPRO customers worry about the smell of smoke left after a fire. It can feel like upholstery, rugs, and the very walls of your home can not lose the offending odor. In reality, we train our techs to tackle the issue in different ways. Depending on the specifics, our team may use air scrubbers to rid the air of the offending particles, or we may bring in an ozone generator to alter the air molecules and break down the smell. For more extensive odor removal, we may use air filters specifically designed to purify your home environment.

Restoring Property to Pre-loss State After Fire Damage in South Miami

Fire destroys property quickly and in different ways, so complications can always arise in any restoration process. Knowing which steps to take immediately after extinguishing the fire can help ease the process. Working with our IICRC certified restoration technicians can help restore your South Miami home to the preloss state easily.

Putting out the flames does not mean the end of fire damage in South Miami. In many cases, the fire creates an opportunity for other damages to arise. For example, if the blaze is fierce enough to puncture a hole in the roof or walls of the house, it creates an opportunity for weather elements to further ruin the property. Even in small fires, secondary problems can arise. For example, moisture from sprinklers or the water used by firemen to quell the blaze saturates surfaces, and it sets smoke residues. Our SERVPRO technicians help prevent these secondary problems by boarding up the affected structure immediately. We also bring water extraction and drying equipment to damaged sites to help combat moisture problems. 

Foul odors are typical after a fire incident. It can manifest if there are aerosols and other smoke residues in the air. Burning synthetic materials, fuel oils, or proteins creates various residues deposited on surfaces. Such smells can only go away after removing the residues. Our SERVPRO technicians clean all affected areas. We also use different procedures to deodorize the property. For example, fogging the area with neutralizers, sanitizers, and digesters helps because the best way to get rid of smells is to replicate the conditions that caused them in the first place. 

It is not always possible to salvage items damaged by flames. The fire damage on drywall, ceiling, or other organic materials might be too extensive for restoration to work. Replacing such materials helps deal with the damage effectively. Our SERVPRO technicians are well-versed, with the teardown, to build up and refine processes needed in such areas.  

Restoring fire-razed property can be a tricky process. Call SERVPRO of South Miami to help determine the best steps to take. You can reach us at (305) 269-8900 any day. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Is Professional Extraction Better Than DIY Water Removal in South Miami?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water removal at your home after an event needs to be quick and complete. Contact our efficient SERVPRO team and we will bring the equipment for you.

Water Damage in your South Miami Home Needs SERVPRO

With our premier tools and educated technicians, we can offer a thorough drying process and return your South Miami property to its original condition faster than DIY approaches.

Saving money and time are vital efforts when you are combating a worsening water damage scenario in your Miami residence. Despite how tempting DIY approaches might appear, especially getting started immediately on restoring your home, there are several pitfalls that you might not be aware of when you begin. There are several reasons that professional restoration like our SERVPRO team can provide is more cost-efficient and time-saving than doing any of the work yourself.

The limited available equipment and techniques that property owners have can hinder doing the job as thoroughly as necessary. Instead of removing all of the standing water and much of the migrating moisture in wall spaces, homeowners are working with wet-vacs to remove only the water that they can see in high traffic areas.

What Should I Do with Standing Water?

You should be aware of many threats with standing water, such as allowing the migration of water damage throughout your home and deteriorating saturated materials like flooring and wall systems. For these reasons, it is essential to do what you can in the initial onset of water damage to protect some of your belongings that might later get irreparably damaged from water exposure when possible. Some of the steps that you can take when you recognize pooling water include:

  • Contact Restoration Professionals – Our professionals can mobilize 24/7, meaning that whenever disaster strikes, we can roll out to help. We understand the sensitive timeline with water damage incidents, so we show up with powerful extractors and drying equipment to make a difference quickly.
  • Clear Out Contents if Possible – Your belongings might become irreparably damaged when rising standing water leaves them exposed. If you can safely do so, it can be a considerable pre-mitigation step to move some of your treasured belongings to a safe area elsewhere in your home.
  • Avoid Hazards Like Electricity – Health hazards are a considerable deterrent to DIY cleaning and restoration after a water damage incident, and shock hazards are among the most damaging of these. When standing water reaches electrically charged items or outlets, it could make the entire connected space dangerous.

What Tools Extract Water the Fastest?

Extraction is a vital element to water restoration, and this relies heavily on our SERVPRO team choosing the best water removal tools to get the job done. While dozens of machines and units can accomplish this in our inventory, we rely most on several specific types of extraction tools to address substantial standing water or even trapped moisture saturating areas like carpeting. These tools include:

  • Submersible Pumps
  • Wet Vacuums
  • Weighted Extractors

What Can Specialty Drying Tools Recover In My Miami Home?

While air movers continue to be the beating heart drying sciences for our restoration professionals, other drying tools can also be substantially beneficial in specific situations. Specialty drying equipment can help to reduce the need for controlled demolition and later material replacement, which can save the customer time and money. Also, these tools ensure that the full extent of migrating moisture has gotten addressed and not just the surface damage that can be readily seen. Some of the specialty tools to accomplish this are:

  • Positive Pressure System – Using a series of hoses attached to a machine, we can minimally infuse blasts of heated, dry air into structural cavities of ceilings and wall systems to evaporate trapped moisture in these areas to prevent unnecessary tear-out.
  • Floor Mat System – Hardwood flooring is an everyday staple for many area homes and condos, making it vital to arrive with tools that can remove free water trapped in wood planks before the water binds with the molecular structure of the wood and allows it to warp or distort. Mats slowly draw out moisture at a controlled pace to ensure that wood flooring does not become overly dried.
  • Desiccant Dehumidifiers – Desiccants are a unique addition to our dehumidification arsenal. They draw out moisture as you might expect and exhaust dry, heated air back into the workspace to aid in faster and more thorough drying.

We have experienced technicians who can help you through almost every mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction phase following substantial water damage incidents. With the right tools and expertise, our SERVPRO of South Miami professionals can make any disaster, “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (305) 269-8900.

What Challenges Does Storm Surge Flood Damage Cause in South Miami?

8/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can bring in debris and contaminants to your home. Call Team SERVPRO for flood damage remediation services.

SERVPRO Professionals Prepare to Adapt South Miami Emergency Services When Water Damage Includes Significant Quantities of Seawater

Flood damage in South Miami frequently occurs because of extreme weather, including tropical storm systems and hurricanes. The swirl of fierce winds blowing across the ocean produces a similar vertical seawater circulation that pushes up and over landmasses when it reaches the coast. Inevitably this sea surge intrudes into properties, exacerbating the overland flood damage from torrential rains.

Can Saltwater Inflict Severe Damage to South Miami Dwellings?

Although relatively pure water is incredibly corrosive and capable of causing significant water damage to South Miami dwellings, a few hours for microorganisms to grow and the addition of saltwater risks make intervention by our SERVPRO crews necessary for safety and efficacy. The water damage intensification related to the high salinity of sea surge includes:

  • Weakening and eventual breakdown of concrete, stone, plaster, and brick
  • Rusting of metal structural supports and fasteners
  • Delignification of wood, which destroys the commonplace building material's cell structure 
  • A sharp increase in conductivity leads to shocks or even electrocution, fire risks, and home electronics ruin.

Note:  Exposure of wiring to saltwater deep within your South Miami home can result in sparking and attendant flame ignition far into the future.

Do SERVPRO Water Damage Remediation Strategies Eliminate Increased Salinity Hazards During Water Removal Services?

Our SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) adhere to the best practices protocol learned at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Additional steps rid your home of excess salt residue risks to safety and structures:

  • Project managers assess and limit your home's power provision during equipment use.
  • Technicians institute freshwater flushing as part of pumping, extraction, and contaminated water disposal phases.
  • Crews are alert to salty residues when cleaning, adapting techniques when salinity rises.

One call to SERVPRO of South Miami brings trained and capable crews to your rescue after storm-related flood damage. Dial (305) 269-8900 for flood restoration and saltwater remediation.

Fire Damage Requires Professional Clean-Up in South Miami

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Soot damage can travel far from the blaze. SERVPRO is trained to completely restore your home.Call us today!

Professional Fire Damage Clean-Up

Fires can strike anywhere. Because many families never experience a fire, most people do not understand the damage even small fires can cause. Smoke and soot, combined with firefighters' attempts at putting out the fire, can create a soggy black mess in what used to be your home-sweet home. It can be a nightmare. Because of the toxicity levels in soot that accumulates on various surfaces found in any home, the clean-up should be done only by professionals with experience in handling such tasks.

The Hazards of Fire Damage are Real

If you've suffered fire damage in South Miami, you should know that the risks do not disappear when the fire is extinguished. Damage can be quite visible or hidden. Hidden damage creates not only risks to your family's health but also their physical safety. While you may have escaped the fire, the structures that support your home's interior and exterior can continually become weaker. Walking across the floor as you once did before can now be a dangerous thing to do. It would help if you had someone inspect for structural damage before entering. The same professionals who examine should be someone who also is knowledgeable in which items are safe to remove for your immediate use.

What Soot Does to Your Personal Belongings

Soot contains many toxic components, and items that are otherwise not damaged and only covered in oily soot must be cleaned before being used. A house fire often results in damage to walls and ceilings, with soot being carried throughout the home. Those items that are not affected by the flames or the heat of the fire and have no electronic parts often can be safely cleaned and re-used. Having an expert assist you in making those determinations can protect you and your family. While it may seem to be a money-saver to attempt to clean up after fire damage, this can cause additional damage. To avoid this, it's recommended to have professionals carry out the cleaning and rehabilitation of the contents in a home after a fire has occurred.

Call in the Experts When You Have had Fire Damage

SERVPRO of South Miami has highly skilled teams available 24/7 who are experienced in post-fire clean-ups. We have the equipment, the experience, and the expertise to help you recreate your home-sweet-home by restoring your belongings to you once again. Call us at (305) 269-8900, and we'll be at your home quickly to help you assess the damages and begin the work needed.

Why SERVPRO is the Top Choice for Water Removal in Your South Miami Home

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the source of the loss, SERVPRO has the tools to extract and remove any water from your home.

Risks of DIY Water Removal for Your South Miami Home

Often South Miami homeowners work to repair and restore damages to their property on their own to save themselves money. While certain things that a homeowner could do on their own do not require professional assistance and expertise, overcoming substantial water damages throughout the property is not one of them. Taking care of saturation and extraction in your home requires specific equipment and trained technicians who can make short work of the damaged elements to preserve all that is possible in the house.

While water removal for your South Miami property might not seem like a dire situation, failing to do this step correctly can result in significant problems for the household and its occupants. With the finite timeline that exists from the point in which materials become exposed to water to when they break down and fail structurally, our SERVPRO professionals have a limited window to get to these materials and dry them out before they are unsalvageable. Once they have gotten too damaged to preserve, the only credible solution is to remove these materials and replace them with new ones.

Equipment for Water Damage Restoration

One aspect that sets our franchise apart from the competition in the area is our dedication to having the leading equipment in the industry. From our service vehicles to the machines stocked inside them, we offer fast solutions for properties affected by water damages. Our truck-mounted pumps alone produce the strength to extract excess water from the floors of your home at 300 psi, which makes short work of pooling water and allows our experienced technicians to focus efforts on drying.

These same SERVPRO professionals hold our work accountable to exceeding industry standards with equipment like our thermal imagery cameras. These devices can show pockets of moisture unaffected by the air movers and dehumidifiers and help our team focus on eliminating this persistent dampness.

Water damage incidents in your home can be very problematic without an immediate response from trained professionals who can clean up the mess. Give our SERVPRO of South Miami team a call today at (305) 269-8900.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Repairs in South Miami

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can handle smoke and soot restoration, no matter the size of the fire.

Need Fire Damage Cleanup in South Miami – Call SERVPRO

Fire damage in your home extends well beyond the charred remains of a fire in South Miami. For example, fires contained in the kitchen also spread smoke residues to other home areas. Fire retardants are used to quell the fire and can cause damage to fabrics and carpets, leaving stains that can discolor these materials.

SERVPRO can help with all the fire damage in your South Miami home. Our technicians assess the damage caused by the fire and the efforts of the fire department to put the fire out. They devise a restoration plan that includes removing all charred materials, smoke residue, cleaning walls and contents, and stain removal. Our team leader explains each step and the efforts needed to restore your home.

Stains from chemicals and water can be challenging to remove from fabrics and carpets. The best solution is to clean these materials before they dry and the stains soak into the material. We can remove many stains; however, the cleaning agents used by SERVPRO can also remove colors from dyed fabrics. Oxidizing bleaches and natural fabric brighteners are used in these situations.

SERVPRO delivers the following services:

  • Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
  • Water and chemical damage restoration
  • House fire clean up 

Call SERVPRO of South Miami for fire damage in South Miami and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (305) 269-8900.

Defective Sink Plumbing Could Mean Water Damage to Your Miami Residence

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Leaks under sinks are common. Inspect that area often and call SERVPRO to remediate any water damage.

Water Damage to Your Residence

Sinks are a vital part of any functioning kitchen in a Miami home. While you might go to great lengths to ensure that you are taking care of all the pieces and parts that bring water into your faucets or carry the wastewater back out again, often, it is not enough. When any of these components malfunction, the result could be a damaging amount of water headed through your kitchen very quickly.

This kind of water damage to your Miami home is unpredictable in many ways. Since there are so many pieces that make up a single tub sink in your kitchen, it can be difficult amid an emergency to identify the source of the problem. Knowing where the problem started gets exponentially more difficult if you have multiple basins for your kitchen sink design. While you are going to get wet, you can do a few things to ensure that the problem does not spread or get worse in the affected area.

Water Removal Services

You must act quickly to get the water shut off, and that starts with calling our emergency SERVPRO response team. Once the initial shock of spraying water or liquid pouring from the cabinetry under the sink has worn off, you have to get yourself underneath the sink and get a look at the piping. Quickly scan the entire assembly for any noticeable fractures or separations, but that is not why you are down there. What you are searching for is a valve that feeds up from the floor into the cabinetry that supplies the faucet with water.

On this pipe, you should notice a valve. It usually has a yellow handle and can be turned 90 degrees to cut the water supply to the sink. After a few moments from turning this valve, you should notice the water slowing and then stop altogether. Since you have already contacted SERVPRO, we are likely en route to your home to assess the water damages that the sink has caused and restore it.

Sometimes there is little to no warning of an impending break to your plumbing for your sink, but its proximity to all your major appliances requires you to move quickly to remove the water and restore any damages. Our SERVPRO of South Miami team is equipped with the tools and experience to help you through all phases of this crisis until the problem gets fixed. Give us a call anytime at (305) 269-8900.

Call SERVPRO When You Need Professional Fire Damage Restoration in South Miami

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Even a small kitchen fire can close a restaurant. SERVPRO is standing by for any restoration services that you might need.

Back to Beautiful with Professional Fire Damage Restoration in South Miami

As an area entrepreneur, you enjoy the benefits of the community’s support through the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables and a growing core of loyal local customers and visitors. The vibrancy of the Miracle Mile/Downtown Gables Shopping District depends on innovative dining and retail spaces. If your business falls victim to a fire, everyone suffers. Our mission is to assist both the business owner and our bustling downtown through our high-quality remediation services.

Fire damage to your South Miami commercial property requires fast and professional restoration. Whether the damage is unnoticeable from the outside or created a gaping hole along the row of neighboring shops and restaurants, you need experts who are trained for this type of disaster and hold multiple certifications in remediation strategies that are sure to get your business back on track.

The SERVPRO team responds day or night, year-round. Our service vehicles arrive with experienced project managers ready to assess and plan for the products and equipment needed to clear and clean and the technicians poised to get to work.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

Firefighting efforts and sprinkler systems make the first task water removal and structural drying. Safety and structural integrity concerns require a clear view of the damage, elimination of slip-and-fall and electrical shock hazards, and evaluation of any surface weakness caused by the fire. Because SERVPRO is a full-service restoration company, we accomplish this phase with skill and speed.

Soot residues vary depending on the materials consumed. If your business is a restaurant, expect a thin, varnish-like coating that SERVPRO technicians use abrasive or solvent-based products to loosen. Retail clothing inventory smolders, leaving a thick, sticky residue we remove with cleaners enhanced with wetting agents or surfactants. Paper and wood burn fast with ashy debris we dry sponge and vacuum to remove.

Businesses that close even temporarily due to disaster risk permanent shuttering. SERVPRO’s rapid response using industry best practices ensures your storefront or bistro in the city “Where Beautiful Lives“ is back, serving customers before your reputation takes a hit.

SERVPRO of South Miami stands ready to help your fire damaged business regain its footing swiftly. Call us at (305) 269-8900 after the firefighters leave to get remediation and restoration tasks rolling.

Why Do Miami Residents Trust SERVPRO for Mold Remediation of Their Homes?

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is a common issue in Miami. Don't DIY. Call the professionals at SERVPRO to safely remove and remediate the mold damage.

SERVPRO is the Industry Leader When It Comes to Safe and Effective Mold Remediation in Miami 

Effective mold remediation of your Miami home involves a protocol that trained professionals develop. SERVPRO's team of mold specialists may include indoor environmental professionals (IEPs) and indoor air quality professionals (IAPs) during the restoration process.

SERVPRO mold remediation experts of Miami follow the proper safety protocols during the restoration process. Our goal is to ensure that the mold damage is mitigated as fast as possible without spreading it to unaffected areas during mold inspections, remediations, and removal.

SERVPRO technicians develop a strategy based on industry mold remediation guidelines and standards.

Guidelines and Standards SERVPRO Mold Specialists Follow During Mold Mitigation in Miami 

SERVPRO of Miami follows the guidelines set forth by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) as we complete the mold remediation process.

EPA mold remediation guidelines- These guidelines provide a flowchart of critical steps in mold remediation. Initially developed for schools and commercial buildings, some of the suggestions in these guidelines are often applicable in residential mold damage as well:

  • Clean and dry moldy materials
  • Discard non-cleanable moldy items 
  • Dry the non-moldy items within 48 hours

IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard- Professionals from the indoor air quality industry and the restoration industry developed this standard. It guides practical procedures for both small and large mold remediation. SERVPRO uses the five principles of mold mitigation outlined in this standard:

  • Provide health and safety
  • Document the conditions and processes
  • Control mold at its source
  • Remove contamination
  • Correct moisture problem

Should you discover mold on your property, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900; we are available 24/7 to help you.

Professional Restoration of Water Damage in Miami Helps Save Important Fixtures

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools and skill to bring your kitchen back from water damages "Like it never even happened."

Kitchen Water Damage Restoration in Miami by SERVPRO Is the Right Choice

The warm Miami weather might not be associated with water damage, but it can occur due to broken plumbing or even leakages in the air conditioning system, among other things. You might only think of mitigation in terms of extracting the water and drying the affected areas of your Miami home. However, mitigation also involves saving various installations in the house like countertops, cabinets, and drawers, which would cost the insurer or the homeowner a lot if mishandled.

In many cases of water damage in Miami, removal of the cabinets, countertops, door trims, and door casing is vital to effectively reach all the waterlogged areas. Although specialized tools like a water extraction wand can help suck water from hidden locations, removing the installations can guarantee that all affected areas are appropriately addressed. The team we send from SERVPRO has the necessary skills to ensure the installations come out whole. For example, we support the granite on countertops with two-by-four planks to ensure there is no damage during disassembly. 

If a considerable percentage of the house is flooded, it might be necessary to remove around one foot of the bottom part of the drywall. This allows access to the outer wall, removing any affected insulation and drying the wall's wooden components. The SERVPRO technicians we send save you from all the hassles involved and ensure unnecessary damage does not occur during the removal. This is known as a flood cut and minimizes demolition, inconveniences, and expenses. Fortunately, most water damaging events are from localized plumbing leaks. 

When we remove the fixtures, it is easier to place air movers and dehumidifiers in different sections of the house for faster drying. By doing this, our SERVPRO technicians help protect the home from further damage by reducing microbial growth and chances of wood rotting. Once we certify that we have dried the area to preloss levels, contractors can move in and replace the removed fixtures if these services are required.

Water restoration technicians do more than just drying areas damaged by water. When you call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900, we respond fast and use the correct techniques that safeguard the fixtures in your home. "Like it never even happened."

Mitigation Solves Flood Damage In Miami Apartment Complexes

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

When you find yourself in need of assistance with flood water removal, call in the experts at SERVPRO at (305) 269-8900.

Flood Damage Restoration in Miami

Property owners and managers in Miami deal with day-to-day situations involving their renters and rental units. Extenuating circumstances add significantly to the stress and workload these professionals experience.

Landlords whose apartment complexes in Miami, have flood damage know that lack of profits because of such disastrous conditions can create long-term effects. These can include an inability to pay expenses, including payroll, lawsuits for personal property damage, worsening of health effects, and many others.

Whenever a business experiences flooding, restoring everything takes time, but this is a necessary expenditure. When a multi-unit building such as a hotel, campus dormitory, or apartment complex requires mitigation services for flood damage, some units might not experience severe problems. When this occurs, those units might remain occupied.

For units and common areas that require mitigation, we use the equipment according to international standards. Our technicians earned IICRC certificates in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD) and, combined with their experience, can perform the work required throughout your entire complex. Regardless of the complex nature of the job or severity of the initial flooding, our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Part of our experience comes from working in hospital settings, motels, and large shopping outlets. In such locations, our customers' clients often see us performing different stages of mitigation. We know the best methods to complete our work while remaining out of the way of third parties.

Apartment complexes pose a different scenario because these units are much more permanent and contain household items, unlike hotel rooms. We can help your renters move their things to safer locations, as well as work with them individually. However the situation unfolds, we remain flexible and bring many solutions to the table, helping you and your renters through these stressful times so life can get back to normal once again.

SERVPRO of South Miami employs local technicians who dedicate their time to helping others in our community. Without other businesses, our local economy suffers. Without quality apartment complexes, our area housing situation plummets. When you have flood damage at your apartment complex, call us at (305) 269-8900 for 24-hour services.

How Can Carpet Water Damage Get Addressed in South Miami Condos?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how serious water can damage the carpeting in your condo, Call us for assistance with water removal.

From Drying to Replacement, we have Restoration Solutions for Damaged Miami Residences.

Careful inspection of exposed carpeting in a Miami condo is vital after water damage incidents. These flooring materials could become irreparably damaged if drying solutions are not started quickly. Some carpet damage is irreparable, including:

  • Delamination - is a term for the layers of backing material separating from one another after prolonged water exposure.
  • Mold damage – When spotting or other signs indicate mold growth has started, this can render this material unsalvageable. We can discard and replace it as needed.
  • Deterioration – Bad seams and other signs of wear or degradation can also indicate that water damage has compromised the flooring.

Is Water Restoration Possible with Damp Carpets in Miami Homes? 

Water restoration in Miami can be a challenge when carpeted floors are damaged. Floating the carpet is often a suitable solution. We protect carpets by detaching the top layer from its tack strip, so stretching does not occur. We can then direct warm air beneath the fabric, in effect, “floating” the carpet.

When water damage threatens your condo, our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help. Call today at (305) 269-8900.

What Water Damage Repairs are Necessary after Water Intrusion in Coral Gables?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our team has BOTH the equipment and the know how to deal with the excess water situation in your home. Call us immediately after an event!

Water Cleanup Can Be Complicated. SERVPRO in Coral Gables Can Help to Reduce the Need for Repairs with Mitigation and Restoration

Water in a home can begin causing damage immediately. Any belongings or furniture that comes into contact with liquid moisture may suffer a negative impact. Also, structure or structural components like light-fittings can suffer permanent harm from prolonged exposure to water. 

We offer water cleanup services to residents of Coral Gables. Our first principle of operation is to mitigate losses which can save you thousands of dollars. By enacting a quick extraction and drying plan, we can limit damages to the home or contents. Once the property is dry, we can restore your belongings further to bring down the cost of a water intrusion event. 

  • Esporta mechanical washing machines are capable of removing 99% of soils from fabric and clothing. 
  • We have specialist products for cleaning natural materials like linen, velvet, satin, silk, and leather. 
  • Our team can often clean, buffer, or polish contents to a preloss condition using rotary machines. 

Avoid expensive repairs after water intrusion. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for water cleanup at (305) 269-8900.

Is Residential Fire Restoration in South Miami an Expert Job?

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Recent fire in a portion of your home? Don’t panic. Contact SERVPRO right away to assess and remediate the fire damage.

SERVPRO of South Miami Has Dedicated Fire Restoration Technicians for Local Residents

Putting a property back together after a fire is complex, with many moving parts. Debris needs sorting through while tasks like cleaning, disposing of, safety, and security needs to be spread around a team to ensure an efficient restoration. These tasks could cover general duties such as:

  • Fire and smoke damage
  • Fire damaged homes
  • Smoke remediation

SERVPRO crew chiefs have extensive experience in organizing a workforce for fire restoration in South Miami. The overriding nature of managing workflows is referred to as job site management and plays an influential role in property restoration's overall success. Despite the repair's complex nature, our crew chiefs are also attentive to your needs and can communicate with you throughout.

  • Labor budgets need to be drawn up early during the restoration to provide you with an accurate estimate.
  • Site services like the arrangement of dumpsters and debris removal can be organized by a crew chief.
  • Prioritizing high-use areas can be arranged if you are remaining in the property during restoration.

Organization is vital to successful and time-efficient restoration. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for fire restoration at (305) 269-8900.

SERVPRO offers Content Pack-Out services when you need it.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO for professional pack-outs and temperature-controlled storage solutions.

We can Pack and Store your belongings after water, fire or mold damage.

When faced with an emergency within your Miami area property, you should have trusted resources available to begin the cleanup and restoration. With such a project, whether it be water, mold or smoke-damage-related, having a skilled crew on your side to carefully pack up and move your belongings offers immense relief. Our SERVPRO teams have mastered the art of handling our clients most cherished belongs. We can Pack and Store everything from personal items and furnishings to artwork, documents, family heirlooms, and more. Our storage includes a temperature-controlled facility to protect your content.

Certain situations call for exceptional training and experience beyond what any moving and storage company can begin to address. Our professional pack-out services allow us to relocate your belongings off-site for safe storage or cleaning so that we can tackle critical water, mold or fire damage mitigation treatments for your property. SERVPRO merges together many years of experience, IICRC-certifications, and state-of-the-art equipment to help us excel in each phase of the process.

Going Above and Beyond at a Key Biscayne Condo

Dealing with a water damaged unit filled with furnishings and personal belongings, our crew began the careful pack-up and move-out process. This crucial step allows our technicians to go forward with water extraction, drying, and humidity control to ensure the unit gets back to pre-flood condition "Like it never even happened."

Adjusting as We Go

No project is guaranteed to go as planned, which is why the SERVPRO team understands how to assess and solve whenever a challenge arises. Regardless of the moving project's scope, we have the means and equipment to get the job done. Click here to view video of our team using a crane at a Key Biscayne high rise. 

Why Move-Out/Pack-Outs?

Whenever you need cleaning and restoration after a flood, fire or mold event, our team of skilled fire and water damage restoration technicians put a detailed plan of action in place. In many circumstances, a move-out of belongings is required for our team to have total access to the affected zone. Move-outs allow us to:

  • Speed up the remodeling process
  • Ensure all belongings are safe from harm
  • Keep contents from getting dealt with on-site damage

If you face the challenge of protecting the contents of your Miami home, business or high-rise condo, reach out to our SERVPRO of South Miami team for professional pack-outs and temperature-controlled storage solutions at 305-269-8900.

Is Attic Mold an Urgent Problem for South Miami Homes?

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can lurk in spaces before becoming an infestation. Contact our certified SERVPRO technicians to evaluate and remediate your mold damage!

SERVPRO of South Miami Can Conduct a Qualified Mold Inspection for your Attic Space

South Beach Miami has a global reputation as a sunshine city that attracts tourists all year round. Miami's popularity as a spring break destination is a testament to its electric nightlife. Still, the city has numerous cultural districts, seaside strolls, and restaurants to keep all kinds of visitors happy. The history of settlers in Miami is mainly from Spain and Portugal who arrived on the south shore in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Some of the missionary outposts remain to this day and are the subject of eye-opening history tours. As a cultural center, the south of Miami offers all-day entertainment with state-of-the-art science centers, the Salvador Dali Museum, and the Cuban quarter, Little Havana.

Among the top attractions in Miami are its glorious white sand beaches, yacht clubs, and marina. From here, visitors can take boats out, jet ski or surf. The downtown region offers some of the most exciting nightlife in the United States, while contemporary culture is celebrated during numerous festivals throughout the year. Mardi Gras is the most popular festival, but Miami art-week runs a close second. During the summer months, Miami's celebration of street-art at Wynwood Walls is regularly recanvassed by some of the world's leading street artists. Tours through the Walls provide a contemporary history of street-art and its importance in developing this cultural center.

  • The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are a center point for visitors to Miami and a must-see. The picturesque Renaissance-style villa is set against a backdrop of coconut palms and has a stunning 43 acres of meticulously kept gardens. The collection of antiques dating from the sixteenth century makes a tour more than worthwhile.
  • The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a state-of-the-art education and entertainment center with interactive exhibits. Housed within the 25 thousand feet building are a gulf stream aquarium, planetarium, and laser show. Suitable for families and anyone with interest in science.
  • The Little Havana district was first established in the twentieth century when wealthy Cubans sought out Miami in response to Fidel Castro's seizure of power. The community has developed into a popular tourist destination with the food and cocktails of Cafe La Trouva among the highlights. 

SERVPRO Can Remediate Attic Mold in your South Miami Home and Replace Infested Insulation

Attic molds are common in properties and can result from tiling problems or cavities in your roof structure. Once water gets in the humid environment becomes a hotbed of microbial activity, which spreads quickly through semi-porous materials like insulation and sheetrock. One of the challenges of remediating an attic space is restrictive access points. SERVPRO has experience in remediating properties around Miami. 

  • Often removing and reinstalling sheetrock or insulation is necessary once a mold infestation has taken hold. 
  • Using standing dehumidification units, our technicians can correct a moisture issue leading to mold. 
  • Technicians at SERVPRO can comprehensively inspect your attic space for signs of leakage or plumbing malfunctions. 

Mold can frequently worsen over time. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for mold remediation at (305) 269-8900 now.

How Long Does it Take to Pump Flood Water Out?

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Standing water from a flood is no easy task. SERVPRO has the man power and equipment for any size flood damage restoration project.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Equipment and Methods to Extract Flood Waters from your Coral Gables Home.

Standing water in the home, which is commonly associated with flood events, can cause significant harm. An exceptional amount of stress and pressure is exerted upon a building's structure by water weight. Furthermore, the migration of water into cavities or beneath floorboards can complicate the drying process. 

The primary approach to flood water extraction for your Coral Gables home is to assess the type of water content and contamination levels. SERVPRO technicians rely on many kinds of extraction tools dependent on the unique conditions of the flooded property. Sometimes larger, truck-mounted extractors are the most efficient. At other times, a restricted access space may necessitate portable extractors. 

  • Portable extractors typically have a five to twelve-gallon storage tank with 140 inches of water lift capacity.
  • Truck Mounted Extractors can have storage tanks over one hundred gallons with a lift capacity of at least 185.71 inches.
  • Both extractors can be fitted with extraction tools such as extraction wands or additional weighting.

Reduce standing water in your home quickly to mitigate losses. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for flood water extraction at (305) 269-8900.

What Methods Can Help to Reduce Damages From Water Intrusion?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your commercial property is no laughing matter. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in water restoration

SERVPRO of South Miami Can Mitigate Losses at your Business by Conducting Complete Drying

When water intrudes into a property, it can cause a lasting impact on your belongings, fittings, and building assembly. Professional technicians must understand the types of water migration, vapor concentration, and materials involved to restore a home properly. 

In many cases, the core principle of commercial water restoration in South Miami is to dry the property. A dry property significantly reduces the chance of microbial growth, shrinkage, or color bleeding for textiles and deterioration of the building assembly. Modern drying equipment and advances in drying methodology can help business owners recover their premises quickly and without unnecessary inconvenience.

  • Understanding the four steps to dry property is essential to quick restoration.
  • Determining an early drying goal can aid efficiency through better organization and specific role management.
  • Positioning air-movers optimally for quick-drying can further reduce drying times. 

Return to business quicker with professional restoration. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for commercial water restoration at (305) 269-8900.

Are Coastal Cities at Higher Risk of Flooding?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration is no DIY project. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the service needed for your home.

SERVPRO is Here to Help Miami Residents Restore their Homes after a Flooding Event

The City of Miami overlooks the East Coast of the United States. Considered an economic powerhouse, the city has a population of some 454,279 permanent residents but is part of a broader economic area encompassing several million. Culturally, Miami is synonymous with Florida and is a national leader for finance, technology, science, education, and commercial industries. Miami has a vital Latin American demographic and one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. 

Initially, the area of Florida in which Miami was incorporated was discovered by Spanish Colonialists in 1566. While Britain and Spain had claimed ownership over the place, it was not formally declared a US territory until as late as 1821. The city has had a crucial role in American history during the Seminole wars and during World War Two, where the southeastern coast was a prime setting off point for Europe. The population increases in the area have been mainly attributed to Miami's reputation as one of the world's cultural capitals. 

  • Miami Beach is a resort city that exists on a fusion of artificial and natural barriers. The neighborhood incorporates some of the most sought-after areas within Miami, including the South Beach, Miami Port, and Downtown districts. The combination of these districts forms the commercial center of Florida State and the backbone of its famous nightlife, culture, and tourism.
  • Little Havana is a neighborhood within Miami that pays homage to its strong Latin American roots. During the civil war in Cuba, hundreds of wealthy Cubans relocated to Miami, bringing with them much of the culture that has become synonymous with the city and Florida's broader state.
  • The Wynwood Walls on the second avenue are a celebration of street art and were originally opened in 2009. Today, the walls are a homage to some of the best street artists around the world. The surrounding streets have also been incorporated into the Wynwood Walls, and regular tours of the murals occur throughout the year.

SERVPRO Can Perform Expert Flood Damage Restoration on the Structure and Contents of your Miami Home

Coastal areas can often be more prone to natural disasters such as tropical storms, flooding, and high winds. High volume water intrusion can damage both the exterior and interior of your home. Your belongings and furniture can equally be adversely affected by prolonged exposure to floodwaters

  • Furniture swelling can occur as a result of the absorption of floodwaters. The frames of your furniture may become warped or broken at the joints.
  • Color bleeding is one of the more common damages that are associated with a floodwater intrusion event. Bleeding dyes from furniture can stain other items such as carpets.
  • Upholstery can become at risk of mold growth following a flood event. We can thoroughly dry contents to prevent excess damage.

Floods can cause extensive WATER DAMAGE to your home and belongings. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for flood damage recovery at (305) 269-8900.

Why Are Coral Gables Kitchen Fire Residues Hard to Remove?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can happen at any time. Call in the experts for assistance with clean up after a fire in your Coral Gables home.

SERVPRO Technicians Assess and Plan for Tenacious Soot Removal 

Many fires start in Coral Gables’ kitchens. The unique residues coating surfaces and contents after a grease or oven fire need a specific cleanup protocol. Kitchen fire soot consists of the dehydrated remains of foods and cooking oils, a protein-based coating that clings as tightly as shellac and is also highly malodorous. It does not respond to ordinary cleaning methods.

How Does SERVPRO Restore Surfaces Contaminated with Kitchen Fire Soot?

When protein-based residues cover walls, counters, hoods, floors, and appliances after a kitchen fire, restoration of Coral Gables residences requires specific skills. SERVPRO technicians first scope the entire house, as the superheated protein-bearing smoke can rush throughout a building. Wherever we locate the closely adhered residues, our team:

  • Chooses oil-based solvents to break up the coating
  • Considers the use of abrasive tools to enhance the dissolving action of the cleaners
  • Might disassemble removable fixtures for immersion or ultrasonic cleaning to destroy the bond between residue and object
  • Employs enzymatic or hydroxyl generator technology to eliminate the stench by chemically altering the odor-bearing soot particles

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and Odor Control Technicians (OCT) from SERVPRO of South Miami are experts in removing protein-based soots and smells. Contact us at (305) 269-8900 for a consultation.

Can Hardwood Floors Be Restored After Coral Gables Water Damage?

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water can quickly damage the flooring in your home. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Delivers Wet Flooring Mitigation and Remediation Options

When your treasured hardwood floors flood after a plumbing leak, appliance malfunction, or storm event in Coral Gables, you might fear that tear-out and replacement is the only solution. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians learn many strategies to remove water and dry the hardwood carefully, often resulting in a return to the previous condition over the whole or most of the floor.

What Procedures Do Professional Water Restorers Follow with Wet Hardwood?

Genuine hardwood flooring is more resilient than you might hope, its natural resistance to moisture supporting skilled and well-equipped technicians as they pursue water damage restoration in Coral Gables. SERVPRO crews will:

  • Assess for hazards
  • Adjust the conditions to proceed safely
  • Remove standing water with pumps and extractors, assisted by squeegees.
  • Use negative pressure moisture suction methods such as floor mats to pull water from several layers.
  • Consider removing some strips or planks to gain access for water removal and drying.
  • Use moisture detectors and meters (both in the damaged area and in an affected space) to determine the damage’s extent and help set drying goals.
  • Devise and implement a drying plan

Have confidence that SERVPRO of South Miami can return your hardwood floors to “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (305) 269-8900.

Is South Miami Fire Damage Cleanup a Job for Professionals?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Call (305) 269-8900 immediately after the fire truck drives away to ensure a speedy and favorable outcome.

SERVPRO Safely and Efficiently Clears Smoke and Soot Residues

Rapid development in Florida can expose properties to the potential of wildfires. Thousands of acres of undeveloped land and the homes constantly encroaching can be in the path of wildfires from a range of causes:

  • Lightning
  • Arson
  • Debris burning
  • Camping

Accelerating wildfires' chances are the many activities South Miami residents enjoy, including outdoor grilling and the growing obsession many have with fire pits and relaxing evenings around a flickering bonfire.

What Does the History of Florida Wildfires Teach South Miami Residents?

Florida has a history of significant grass and vegetation fires. The state created the Florida Division of Forestry in part as a response to fires in the 1920s. In 1935, the Big Scrub Fire in Ocala National Forest spread faster than any other fire in the nation's history, consuming 35,000 acres in just 4 hours. Droughts from 1969 through 1976 featured numerous fires in the Everglades, some reaching 50,000 acres in size.

What Are Concerns in South Miami as Development Embraces Previous Wildlands?

During 1985, Florida experienced its first significant "wildland/urban interface" event, culminating in what is known as the Palm Coast Fire. Over 250 homes burned in this fire, along with the undeveloped acreage more commonly stricken by wildfires. Data gathered during this fire helped develop a residential property survivability model based on:

  • The intensity of the fire
  • The presence of roof overhang vinyl vents
  • The proximity of ground vegetation to the structure

Thirteen years later, fires struck the same Palm Coast subdivision. In part because of the research done on the previous fire, the government ordered the evacuation of 45,000 residents, and 44 states sent firefighters. The response to this fire inspired the largest aerial suppression operation conducted to that date. During the aftermath, experts considered the effort successful. Despite much development in the area over the 13 years, only 337 homes sustained damage, and just 33 businesses burned. As the smoke cleared, what again was responsible for the large fire? Roof overhang vents and vegetation surrounding the buildings were the culprits.

How Can South Miami Residents Protect Homes from Wildfires?

Aggressive brushing, particularly of dried vegetation, around homes and outbuildings is crucial to protecting the property from the threat of wildfires. In developments utilizing management companies, additional safeguards can be in place, including creating a fuel break. Vegetation providing fuel between the wildland and habitation needs removal. A strip with single trees or shrubs and non-flammable ground vegetation can be adequate. The development's road system also provides fuel breaks and, if well-planned, can confine any fire to a small area.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire Damage Mitigation and Remediation in South Miami?

South Miami fire damage cleanup is a cornerstone of SERVPRO's mission. We invest in restoration best practices training and high-efficiency, cutting edge smoke and soot residue removal products, tools, and equipment. Regardless of the initial cause of the blaze, our crews:

  • Arrive promptly in comprehensively-stocked service vehicles
  • Manage all aspects of fire damage cleanup:
  • Firefighting water containment and lawful removal and disposal
  • Evaluation of residue composition and implementation of strategies based on IICRC training using appropriate removal products and tools
  • Disinfection with EPA-registered antimicrobials
  • Applied structural drying
  • Deodorization

Count on SERVPRO of South Miami to meet your fire, smoke, and soot cleanup needs. Call us at (305) 269-8900 day or night, 365 days of the year.

Miami is Much More than Sandy Beaches

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage may happen anytime of the day or night. SERVPRO works 24/7 365 days a year just for that reason. Call the professionals anytime.

Explore the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science when you visit Miami

Media outlets depict Miami as a tourist destination of mostly beautiful beaches and unparalleled parties. Even though the city's natural beauty cannot be denied, there is much more to it than meets the eye. The arts and culture scene in Miami rivals many major cities, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is one of the best sites to explore. Located in the waterfront Museum Park, not only are the science exhibits thought-provoking and entertaining, but the building itself and its surroundings complete an enjoyable field trip. Before you visit, consider the following-

  • It is best to reserve your ticket online since admission is limited due to health reasons.
  • Guests ages two and older are required to wear a mask at all times.
  • The Museum is open seven days a week and is easily accessible via public transportation.
  • Perhaps its most iconic exhibit is the aquarium featuring South Florida’s marine life. Stargazers can also find their spot by visiting the Frost Planetarium, with daily shows featuring the night sky.

Tourists may be surprised by such a magnificent science center in the Magic City.

However, they will not be surprised to hear that flooding is an issue not too far from its location. Floodwater removal services have become increasingly crucial for Miami residents, and SERVPRO is here to help with the most advanced equipment and techniques available to our community.  

SERVPRO of South Miami is at your service when water removal and restoration services are in order. Call us at (305) 269-8900 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Kick off a Healthy Year by Visiting the Coral Gables Farmers Market at Merrick Park

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

When fire strikes your home and you don't know who to call. Call SERVPRO their IICRC certified technicians are trained for the job no matter the size.

Coral Gables- the City Beautiful- Invites One and All to Enjoy South Florida’s Beautiful Weather

Coral Gables has earned its title of City Beautiful due to a multitude of reasons. Its shaded streets, pleasant weather, and numerous amenities make it an ideal place to live, work, and play. As we welcome 2021, there is no better time of the year to take a stroll or drive through the city for a relaxed morning or afternoon. 

Through March 27th, visitors to Merrick Park can support local businesses and enjoy fresh produce by visiting its Farmers Market. Imagine enjoying a fresh fruit smoothie while sitting in the sun and letting the little ones play in the park. Here’s what you need to know about the Farmers Market-

  • Fresh produce, baked good, and flowers are among some of the products you can expect
  • It happens every Saturday through March 27th.
  • Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • There’s plenty of parking available around the Farmers Market.

Coral Gables is such a beautiful city because it pays close attention to maintaining and preserving its buildings and structures.

Whenever fire damage restoration services are needed by one of its residents, it is best to call a reputable company such as SERVPRO. Only a professional team like ours can live up to the standards of the City Beautiful residents.

SERVPRO of South Miami is at your service when a fire strikes your home. Call us at (305) 269-8900 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” 

South Miami Life Embraces the Beauty of South Florida

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Disaster may strike at any time in South Miami. Call SERVPRO for the water damage restorations services needed for your property.

Enjoy a Visit to South Miami while Exploring the Natural and Cultural Attractions of the Greater Miami Area

Boundaries to South Miami are almost invisible to the visitor and resident in the greater Miami area. As you drive through it, you recognize it by its tree-lined streets and landscaped yards. Native Americans, mainly Tequesta and Calusa, were the first known inhabitants of South Florida. Wilson Alexander Larkins and his wife Katie Estelle arrived in 1896. They purchased the piece of property now known as Cocoplum Circle, and the population began to grow in what we now know as South Miami. It wasn’t until 1926 that residents made a move to incorporate as the Town of South Miami, which coincided with the first incoming class to the University of Miami, which shares a border with South Miami. Sadly, 1926 also marked the Miami Hurricane devastation, which caused significant damage to the burgeoning city.

The boundaries of South Miami have changed throughout the years, making it a very irregular shape now. However, in the 1950s, the town was prosperous following World War II. South Miami Hospital was founded, as well as the First National Bank of South Miami. The Holsum Baking Company was an essential part of its economy, and many still refer to the space it occupied as the Bakery Center, even though it is now The Shops at Sunset Place.

Dining and shopping in South Miami is a pleasant experience. There are many open-air spaces and numerous parks throughout the city, making it a favorite for family living. The most discerning palates should find a delicious offering from Japanese restaurants to Portuguese to traditional Italian. As you finish your meal, you can stroll through downtown South Miami and enjoy the Sunshine State’s beautiful weather. The best time to visit South Florida is between October and March, before temperatures and the humidity rise. However, even when it feels unbearably hot outside, there are many activities under A/C you could enjoy.

So what is the difference between South Miami and the City of Miami? In reality, the distinction is more relevant in terms of schools, services, and local government than from a practical everyday perspective. As you drive down U.S. 1, you can touch upon the City of Miami, South Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and even Palmetto Bay in a short span. Tourists may not even realize they are crossing city boundaries as they explore. 

Home to South Miami High School and South Miami Hospital, for example, the city’s livelihood is interdependent with its neighboring communities.

Top attractions in South Miami

If you are visiting South Miami and strictly adhere to city boundaries, you may want to explore the many parks it offers for recreational use. The Murray Park Aquatic Center, for example, provides swimming opportunities for young learners and adult athletes who wish to enjoy them. Close-by, the Gibson-Bethel Community Center houses many sports amenities for residents to enjoy. Also close to South Miami, the following attractions are a must-see:

  • Miami Beach- just a short drive away, yet a completely different world. Enjoy the warm water and sandy beaches while sipping a delicious drink and people-watching. Everything you see in the movies is true about this iconic landmark!
  • Lowe Art Museum- located on the beautiful University of Miami campus, the Lowe Art Museum honors the memory of philanthropists Joe and Emily Lowe, who allowed for the Museum’s construction as a repository for the University’s growing art collection. Today, its over 36,000 square feet footprint exhibits a wide array of art and fulfills an essential role in the university students and the community's education.
  • Pinecrest Gardens- the historic botanical garden is a lovely visit for families and those seeking a stroll through native Florida plants. True Miamians remember the spot as Parrot Jungle, which operated on the premises from 1936 to 2002 when it moved to a new location closer to Miami Beach. Since then, Pinecrest Gardens continues to house more than 1,000 exotic tropical plants as well as open play spaces for younger visitors.

Besides these close-by attractions, South Miami visitors and residents can explore everything the greater Miami area has to offer. There is an option for everyone from performances at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to a visit with the animals at Zoo Miami. Miami’s diversity is on display every day when you drive from South Miami to Coconut Grove or visit the Wynwood district. This vibrant city is ready to host the most discerning visitors and invite them to explore to their heart’s content.

Water Levels and Flooding in South Miami

South Florida is seeing increasingly worrisome trends regarding rising water levels. Although South Miami is not as susceptible as other waterfront communities, it is not uncommon for a summer storm to cause damage to some neighborhoods. When damage occurs, calling upon a professional water mitigation company is the best way to protect your home now and in the future.

At SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on our work's efficiency, which we achieve by applying the best techniques and equipment to your restoration job. Whenever water makes its way into your home, we move quickly to extract, dry, and sanitize the premises. Our team's experience and know-how help us minimize the disruption to your daily life and anticipate issues such as mold.

Many of our clients rely on SERVPRO to look into restoring specific items such as electronics and photographs. Our team has in its arsenal the techniques and equipment to handle these specialized drying needs. Sublimation and quick freeze-drying help us reverse the damage to your most valued items and return them to you for safekeeping.

SERVPRO of South Miami is here to help when you require water mitigation services. Do not hesitate to call us at (305) 269-8900 when disaster strikes and trust us to restore your home. Our team promises to work diligently until your home feels and looks “Like it never even happened.”

Have-Nots Comedy at Yumbrella South Miami

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO handle your mold concerns and enjoy a night out for stand up comedy in South Miami.

Enjoy A Night of Standup Comedy After Christmas in South Miami

After a busy Christmas, you may be looking for an effective way to relax. Having a good laugh can give you all the relaxation that you need. You can attend the Have-Nots Comedy show in South Miami organized by Yumbrella on December 26, 2020, starting from 7 PM. The show features homegrown comedy talent such as Francisco “Cisco” Duran, who grew up in Miami and started performing successfully at age 21, even appearing on Kevin Hart's show on Comedy Central, among other notable programs. 

Other details that you might be interested in knowing about the event include:

  • Sitting is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors open at 7 PM
  • A full dinner menu and bar and available during the shows
  • Each show runs for about 90 minutes
  • You can park at the venue's garage or opt for metered street parking

SERVPRO of South Miami helps business operators maintain the ambiance and air quality at their premises by offering effective mold remediation services. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to help you clean up or remove moldy materials.

Enjoy the Best Miami Foods at the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Take time away from dealing with your homes storm damage, while SERVPRO is taking care of your home repairs, visit the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market.

One Event Where You Can Taste the Artistry of Local Miami Vendors

You might take food to satiate hunger or to get the nutrition the body needs. However, eating is also a fun activity that you can partake in to enjoy the art of different preparation methods and flavors, especially when it involves fresh-made delicacies. In Miami, you can enjoy foods from local vendors and explore one of the historic farms in the area by attending the Vizcaya Village farmers market. The event happens regularly, and you can participate in the next one scheduled for December 20, 2020.

Some attractions you can enjoy at the event include:

  • Freshly made delicacies including baked goods and vegan products 
  • Hand-crafted goods
  • A chance to explore Vizcaya’s historic farm and village

You can attend the event free at 3250 South Miami Avenue. However, the free pass does not allow entrance into the formal house or the gardens. 

SERVPRO of South Miami handles flood damage restoration in Miami residences professionally. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to assist.

Local Team helps Salvage Coral Gables Businesses after Water Damage

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

When water wreaks havoc on your business property, contact the experts at SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO Offers Reliable Services to Businesses Affected by Water Damage in Coral Gables

The development of Coral Gables started in 1925 and is one of the earliest successful planned cities in the world. It was developed during the Florida land boom in the 1920s. The boom was occasioned by several things, including technological developments such as the availability of automobiles and the financial incentives educated and skilled people were receiving at the time, including pensions, paid vacations, and other fringe benefits. With the ease of movements and money to spend, a destination like Florida with its fair weather soon became a favorite for many, and thus the demand for land soared. The thrill-seekers, therefore, helped increase the demand for land.

The Gables, as locals call it, was envisioned by writer and poet George Edgar Merrick after he inherited citrus groves from his father. He even wrote a poem describing his dream of the future city. Initially, the town was carved out of 3000 acres of land covered in citrus and pine trees. Later, nearby land was acquired, expanding the city. The name is derived from the description of the home where Merrick grew up, which had a coral-like limestone exterior and a gabled roof. 

The City Beautiful

At the time Coral Gables was being developed, the City Beautiful Movement was flourishing. The movement was a philosophy of urban planning and architecture in North America that sought to introduce beautification and monumental grandeur in cities. The poor living conditions experienced in most major cities where overcrowded tenement districts were the norm due to high birth rates and immigration sparked the philosophy. 

Merrick, who was passionate about aesthetics, incorporated the philosophy in developing the new city, including using strict zoning of commercial, residential, and recreational areas with clear divisions. He also chose the Mediterranean Revival Style as the main architectural style of the city. The centerpiece was the massive Biltmore Hotel. Some of the aspects that made the planned city unique included:

  • A downtown only four blocks wide but over two miles long. Therefore, every business could be termed as less than a two-block walk.
  • The city had smaller villages or communities designed with different international influences to break the monotony of the Mediterranean Revival Style, thus attracting a wider audience
  • It was designed with an electric trolley system to provide public transport

The Great Miami Hurricane

Two storms almost quashed the dream of a model city - a financial one and a literal one. The 1926 Miami hurricane affected many areas in Florida, causing severe damage to properties. The Great Depression also started soon after, halting Merrick's plan for the further development of Coral Gables as he was heavily indebted by then. However, the dream did not die since the city is still one of the most beautiful places in Florida. Some of the notable attractions include:

  • The Miracle Mile which has several restaurants, shops, boutiques, and art galleries, making it one of the most sought after shopping location in south Florida
  • The Baltimore Hotel located on Anastasia Avenue built during the initial development of the city as its main attraction
  • The Venetian Pool on De Soto Boulevard. The pool resulted from repurposing the abandoned quarry where most of the materials to build the city were obtained. It has the unique distinction of being spring fed. It was listed in the national register of historic places in 1981.

Fine Dining Capital of South Florida

Away from the fascinating architecture, Coral Gables is also popular in culinary circles with many restaurants, especially along the Miracle Mile. Visitors and residents can enjoy Caribbean, French, Mexican, and Italian or other specialty dishes in the city. Some of the distinguished restaurants include:

  • Ortanique on the Mile, which opened in 1999. Diners can enjoy Caribbean flavors made with local ingredients. The restaurant has colorful tropical-themed décor.
  • Caffe Abbracci opened 10 years earlier than Ortanique in 1989. The Italian restaurant offers a unique ambiance with an intimate low ceiling dining room and opulent crystal chandeliers. The menu mostly consists of traditional Italian dishes.
  • Talavera Cocina Mexicana offers authentic Mexican dishes like corn masa, carne asada, chile relleno and mole poblano among others.
  • Brasserie Central is a great place to enjoy authentic French cuisine. The restaurant is famous for making everything from scratch. They use classical French techniques to prepare their meals. Apart from the food, diners can also enjoy a variety of French wines at this establishment.

Sometimes, diners may have other interests apart from enjoying a hearty meal.  Some establishments, such as The Café at Books & Books, located at the famous bookstore, offer a chance to enjoy meals after a stimulating activity such as book reading. The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients in salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Vegan options are also available. 

How Does SERVPRO Help Coral Gables Business Recover From Water Damage?

Water intrusion into business premises leads to many challenges, including creating hazardous conditions for customers or employees, discomfort, and damaging various materials. Coral Gables business owners must respond appropriately to ensure the water intrusion does not ruin their operations. SERVPRO provides a team of professional water restoration technicians to help provide protective and restorative services.

Preventing is the best solution for Issues that make the premises hazardous. For instance, floors become slick when wet, increasing the chances of slip and fall accidents. SERVPRO technicians mark place warning signs around the wet floor surfaces or isolate the areas. Expediting water extraction is also another viable strategy.

Other helpful things that our technicians might do for the business include:

  • Checking moisture levels in all sections of the property, including cavities such as walls, to ensure the drying steps chosen are appropriate
  • Cleaning up all affected areas to remove soiling, stains, or other issues 
  • Managing the speed of moisture removal to avoid secondary issues such as condensation 
  • Performing finishing steps such as deodorization to restore comfort levels in the facility since water spills cause bad smells

SERVPRO of South Miami helps business operators in Coral Gables deal with all cases of indoor water intrusion. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to help start mitigation processes in time.

Enjoy the Serenity and Calm of an Oasis In The Midst of Miami Glamour

11/26/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy the beauty of Miami while SERVPRO teams work to remove flood damage and restore your home "Like it never even happened."

The Event Where Miami Residents Learn About Florida's Native and Exotic Flowers and Trees

Spending time at a botanical garden is a great way to unwind from the hassles of work or other stressful events. You can spend your time identifying trees, learning about flowers, sacred and rare plants. The activities and sceneries in botanical gardens vary depending on the season. During the fall, you can expect a quieter time and less greenery. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden provides an excellent opportunity to explore this for anyone visiting or living in the Magic City. You can partake in the experience each week from Thursday to Sunday.

During the events, you can enjoy:

  • A two-hour self-guided audio tour of the facility 
  • A peek into the Botanical Boutique & Garden Center, where you can get gift ideas or plants to purchase.
  • Various spectacular features including a wetland with pond apple trees, red mangrove, and an expansive water garden with a cascading oolite fountain.

There are 3 sessions every event day, each lasting 2 hours. You can choose the most opportune entry time starting from 11 AM, 1:15 PM, or 3 PM. 

SERVPRO of South Miami helps lighten the burden homeowners face during flood water removal from Miami residences. Call us at (305) 269-8900.

South Miami Food Trucks Fridays Fiesta Tropical Park

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy some tasty gourmet street foods in South Miami, while SERVPRO takes care of your home's storm damages. Call us for assistance at (305) 269-8900.

Meet Up With Locals As You Enjoy Gourmet Street Food in South Miami 

South Miami is known for its iconic dishes for everyday-consumption or special occasions. Some of the unique options you are bound to remember include Cuban sandwiches, Empanadas, Alligator bites, and tricked out Cuban burgers called Fritas, among many others. Sometimes, what may prevent you from indulging yourself is a lack of opportunity. The Food Trucks Fridays Fiesta held at the Tropical Park creates the best opportunity to try different foods while interacting with other people.

Some of the attractions you can expect at the event include:

  • A variety of food trucks including Mexican, American, Italian, Mediterranean, Kosher, seafood, and many others guaranteeing something exciting for your taste buds
  • Various activities for kids and adults, including bounce houses, music, and other activities
  • Plenty of parking spaces at no cost

If planning to attend the event, you can arrive at any time between 5 PM and 10 PM. You should also bring blankets to keep warm and chairs.  

SERVPRO of South Miami manages any challenges posed by tropical storm damage incidents in South Miami. You can reach us at (305) 269-8900 for assistance.

Quick Assistance When Fire and Smoke Affect Miami Properties

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crews are ready and available to assist you with rapid response and recovery efforts after your home suffers a fire catastrophe.

SERVPRO Offers Reliable Services to Miami Residences Requiring Fire and Smoke Removal 

People visiting you in South Miami probably know the area for the various perks it offers, including leafy neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown with unique shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and entertainment venues such as independent cinemas. There are always interesting things to do whether your guests stop by briefly or stick around for some time. 

For those fascinated by arts and culture, there is a wide variety of attractions and locations to indulge in their art therapy. At the multicultural center, Art south, classes for adults and students and rental work studios are available. They also have open house days on the second Saturday of every month and summer camp programs for kids. Other kinds of art like the themed confectionery at Misha's Cupcakes or Crêpe Maker and several other establishments can provide a memorable experience.

Whiling time away in a movie theater or independent cinema is also a nice way to spend time here. There are various establishments where one can enjoy a classic movie-going experience of Hollywood blockbusters, including:

  • AMC 24 in Sunset Place 
  • Cosford Cinema
  • Cinepolis Coconut Grove

There are also exciting things to do outdoors, including spending time in green spaces and parks such as A.D. "Doug "Barnes" Park, a 65-acre facility with jogging trails, a fishing lake, picnic shelters, and native forest habitats. Dante Fascell Park is another excellent location where people engage in various recreation games, making it a perfect option for the active and fit crowd. The part is situated at the corner of SW 57th Avenue and 88th street. There are volleyball, basketball and handball courts. There is also a gated playground for kids.

 Alternatively, a sightseeing trip around the city creates a chance to see some historic buildings which might have more significance for someone visiting shortly, considering Miami has an insatiable thirst for reinvention that has seen many iconic buildings flattened and replaced since its incorporation in 1896. Among the notable addresses to visit might include the Alhambra Water Tower and the Barnacle Historic State Park. 

Everglades Ecosystem Fires

Fire incidents in the area can ruin the memorable Miami experience. The area is affected by a wide range of fires, including wildfires in the everglades ecosystem. Within the city, arson incidents and regular home fires are also common. The Everglades National Park has a long history of fires documented as far back as the early 1900s. Several Botanists, including Small, who toured the area in 1916, reported witnessing catastrophic fires stretching over 20 miles from Madiera Hammock to Cape Sable. Various other fires have affected the area over the years, including one in the winter of 1937 to 1938. In April 2020, a fire-affected approximately 1400 acres in the park, 5 miles from the US-41 highway.  

The wildfires are mostly sparked by lightning, and although they are part of the natural Everglades ecosystem, they can leave some unpleasant after-effects in the surrounding areas. For instance, strong winds can spread smoke from the park, reaching properties in the surrounding areas. Home fires, on the other hand, originate from various sources. Electrical equipment is ranked as the top source, with other sources such as fireworks, open flames, and exposure also spark fires. 

Arson incidents in the city have also occurred in the past leading to general inconvenience and, in some cases, ruining historic buildings. In February 2011, several arson incidents targeted Art Deco buildings in the Miami Beach area that led police to arrest Joel Paul Williams for starting the fires after an officer recognized him from the surveillance video.  

Fire Statistics in Miami

The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) keeps track of various fire statistics, including causes of fires, the types of properties affected, injuries, and other types of harm. Over the years, structure fires top the list of incidents, followed by vehicle fires, while exposure fires are minimal. 

  • In the 4 years from 2015 to 2018, Miami Dade topped the charts among Florida counties with the highest incidences of fires affecting buildings. 2017 had the highest number of recorded incidents with 1764 cases, while 2015 had the lowest number with 1476.
  • Similar trends were experienced for vehicle fires in the county.
  • Miami County led the other Florida counties in wildfire incidents in 2015 when 111 cases were recorded. Other counties, such as Polk, had more cases in the 2015-2018 period.

Over the years, the fire incidents reported in single-family dwellings are almost four times the cases in multi-family dwellings. For instance, in 2016, there were 14,625 cases reported in single-family dwellings and 3,752 multi-family houses. 

How Does SERVPRO Help with Fire and Smoke Removal from Miami Properties?

The effects of fires on Miami properties can be immediate or linger after the incident. For example, smoke from external sources such as wildfire or fire in neighboring properties can leave residues on external and internal walls, ceilings, and other surfaces leading to yellowing and other problems. A thorough cleanup is necessary to restore preloss conditions and severe damages. Cleaning such residues requires the right products to dissolve the soils. Mechanical agitation is also necessary to break down the bonds soils have with the surfaces. SERVPRO relies on a variety of equipment to simplify the cleaning process. For example, pressure washers drive water at 1300 to 1700 PSI for electric models and 2000 to 2800 PSI for gas-powered ones. 

Cleaning smoke residues from house interiors may require more steps, including:

  • Identifying the types of surfaces affected because old or porous materials tend to collect and hold more residues complicating the cleaning process 
  • Identifying the types of residues involved. The residue type is the main determinant of the cleaning process.
  • Capturing and removing the residues. Since it is not practical to blast interior surfaces with high-pressure water, alternative solutions are necessary. Our technicians use dry cleaning processes such as vacuuming or wiping the affected surfaces with cleaning sponges. We also use regular and advanced wet cleaning.

A fully equipped team from SERVPRO of South Miami is always ready to respond when fires affect properties in Miami. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to manage damages inside and outside your property.  

How Far can Water Spread in a Multi-Level Residence?

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

When you have a water restoration emergency, we come prepared.

Few Properties have Barriers Keeping Moisture in One Place in South Miami 

To remove water and restore average humidity from a residence after an accident, we use high-tech machines that locate, collect, and eliminate moisture. We never need to rely solely on visual evidence on your floors, walls, or ceilings. Many times, water accumulates on the inside of these structures in South Miami, even though the exterior surface stays dry. 

When a customer calls SERVPRO about leaky pipes that spilled water into their South Miami home, we assure them that we can handle the situation. Our training and equipment allow us to restore a healthy interior environment to their property using different water removal techniques. Achieving this is crucial when we want to prevent a house and its occupants from experiencing unnecessary ill effects. First, we must determine where your home has damp conditions. 

What kind of equipment helps locate the wet areas of a property?

When you have SERVPRO remove the water and dry out your home's structure after a broken pipe happens, our water removal technicians take images of seemingly dry structural surfaces. We do this with infrared cameras. 

How does SERVPRO get a damp house dry again?

Our Team knows how to scale everything down to perfectly suit any size house's needs. We address the two states of water: 

  • Liquid, as either standing water on horizontal surfaces or absorbed into permeable materials
  • Vapor 

With liquid water, we use pumps on our truck or handheld extractors to remove small quantities. This essential stage happens rather quickly. Water vapor can spread through your vents, hallways, and make its way throughout a home, including into enclosed cavities. Our desiccant and LGR dehumidifiers get rid of water vapor. 

We monitor the situation during the project by taking readings and comparing these to the initial ones we obtained before we began working. Once finished, we take a final set of numbers and images to show that the interior is once again at normal moisture levels. 

Many property owners know they can rely on SERVPRO of South Miami to remove water after leaks and spills. Call (305) 269-8900. We can make everything, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration Miami

9/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO for Miami Water Damage Restoration Services

Call SERVPRO of South Miami Now (305) 269-8900

The Miami area is a legendary vacation and retirement destination for large numbers of the population. It is not surprising with the many opportunities for enjoyment, excitement, and cultural learning. The Greater Miami area takes up 56 square miles of territory, with about 36 square miles being land and the remainder water. The exposure from Biscayne Bay to the east and the Florida Everglades to the west often result in flooding and heavy rains. Most people think of bad weather caused by hurricanes as the defining natural disaster to strike this peninsular area. Perhaps the University of Miami famed Hurricanes football team has added to the notoriety of this natural occurrence. When a storm does hit, Miamians can rest assured that the local SERVPRO company, backed up by over 1700 other franchises, can arrive within hours to begin the cleanup and water damage restoration.

Miami Area Emergency Water Removal, Cleanup, and Restoration

  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Local area code and 24/7 availability (305) 269-8900
  • Water Removal, Water Damage Cleanup, and Restoration
  • Mold Inspections
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup and Restoration
  • Commercial Remediation
  • Miami's Trusted Residential and Commercial Restoration Professionals

Restoring Miami Properties After Water Damage

Greater Downtown Miami is much more than just the Art Deco District. It is home to many international banks and global companies. This financial wealth is manifested in large commercial buildings and many mansion-type homes along with hundreds of thriving service-related businesses and industries. A weather-related disaster or water damaging incident requires immediate mitigation. 24-Hour Emergency Service is available by calling (305) 269-8900.

This cosmopolitan city goes by several nicknames, all appropriate and compelling to this bustling internationally flavored community's vibrancy. The "Capital of Latin American" with the largest Cuban population in the US, extends cultural experiences, festivals, fine dining, and an exciting atmosphere. South Miami also claims ownership of the busiest port globally regarding cruise lines and passenger traffic.

The warm sub-tropical climate influences Miami and the neighboring cities of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove with more than just lush landscaping and people-friendly bike paths, sports activities, and boating. The Gulf Stream around Key Biscayne can create humid conditions that mold growth in underserviced air-conditioned homes, restaurants, and commercial structures. The Coconut Grove Playhouse or Convention Center can keep you cool during the performance or visit, but is your home being looked after with an adequate RH relative humidity level?

We encourage everyone to enjoy the environment and weather, along with a plethora of sites to visit. The Vizcaya Museum, The Barnacle Historic State Park, Downtown Miami, South Beach, and the Miami Convention Center are just a few. Second, only to NYC in the number of foreign visitors, we strive to present a clean and safe experience.

Water damage in Broward County or Miami-Dade County can occur from many sources, ranging from a broken water pipe to flooding from major storms like hurricanes.

Emergency Water Damage Scenarios for the Miami Area

Why Choose SERVPRO of South Miami?

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

Our locally owned Miami, Florida SERVPRO Franchise is dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm emergencies. A rapid response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We are Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

As specialists, they have the experience, expertise, and advanced training to get your property dried quickly.

  • Water Damage Restoration Techs
  • Applied Property Drying Techs

Our Team Utilizes Advanced Water Restoration Equipment and Techniques

Our state-of-the-art equipment detects hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your home and belongings. Our restoration company staff finishes the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help. Call SERVPRO of South Miami (305) 269-8900.

Also of Interest - Miami Restoration Services

  Miami Water Damage and Cleanup

A Pipe Burst in My Crawl Space, Leaving Me Dealing with Water Damage. Who Can Help?

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage to Your Miami Property Large or Small--SERVPRO Provides the Equipment Like this Commercial Desiccant Dehumidifer for Mitigation

Contact SERVPRO Technicians in Miami to Help You Perform Water Removal in Your Property

Water seeping into various surfaces in your Miami property can cause severe damage to the structure. That is why it is essential to involve professional restorers immediately to minimize damage and get your property to its pre-damaged state. We have the knowledge and expertise required to handle and provide reliable solutions to water intrusion incidents.

What if I have a water leak at 1 am?

Reliable water restoration companies such as SERVPRO are available on a 24-hour basis to respond to emergency calls. We can react fast and perform water removal in your Miami residence quickly since we understand the damage that water can cause in a short period.

What can cause a pipe in my crawl space to burst?

Several reasons can cause a pipe burst in your crawl space, including:

  •        High water pressure: The optimum water pressure for most pipes in homes is 40 to 45 psi. The water pressure in your home should not exceed 60 psi. If it does, some pipes may burst.
  •        Corrosion: Water pipes are meant to last for an extended period. However, the pH imbalance in the water can corrode pipes leading to a burst.
  •        The presence of a clog – If a clog is present in a pipe, it can cause undue pressure to build up in it. When the pressure is too much for the pipe to bear, it cracks.
  •        Soil shifting – Water pipes can burst if the soil around them shifts. This can happen when construction activities are going on close to the pipes.

Do you have to demolish my floor to find the water source?

At SERVPRO, we utilize approved techniques and advanced equipment to locate the root cause of the leak. We can use thermal imaging cameras to see how water has traveled in the affected areas. The devices help us determine the scope of damage and the amount of work required to restore your property.

Can I leave the water to evaporate on its own?

Water seeps into various surfaces such as drywall, furniture, and textiles, especially when in excess. This can spread the damage further. As more items that are valuable become damp, the risk of developing mold and experiencing irreversible damage is high. The mold can cause health effects to residents if not treated on time. We can use wall cavity ventilating systems and dehumidifiers to dry the area thoroughly.

Property owners should not take even a small amount of water seeping into their homes lightly. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami immediately at (305) 269-8900 for professional restoration services.

When Can I Enter My Coral Gables Home to Inspect It After a Fire?

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Miami (305) 269-8900 to assist with water and fire damage restoration of your home or business.

Fire Damage In My Coral Gables Home

Even small fires can create conditions inside a Coral Gables home that is dangerous to anyone entering the house. Slips and falls can occur from the slippery conditions created by water used to quell the fire and soot that mixes to create a slippery slurry. Larger fires can cause structural damage, endangering anyone who enters the home. There may also be toxic odors dangerous to your health.

SERVPRO works with the fire department and city officials to assess the damage to your Coral Gables home. Once safety inspections are completed, our team can enter your home to recover critical documents, heirlooms, and other valuable items. We urge clients to be vocal about priorities and communicate clearly with our professionals. The environment after a fire can be very stressful, leaving many people overwhelmed by the damage. It is essential to remain flexible as conditions become apparent, and plans are formulated to manage the emergency.

Who Will Remove All of the Water Used by the Fire Department to Extinguish the Fire?
The fire department's objective is to gain control of the fire, extinguish the fire as quickly as possible and protect surrounding buildings. Often large quantities of water are used in the process. There can be a great deal of soot and fire damage, along with water damage to your home's contents.

SERVPRO extracts water using large water pumps, various water extractors on carpeting and floors, and dehumidification equipment to dry your home. It is crucial to act quickly to avoid mold growth. In the right conditions, mold can begin to grow in less than 48 hours. Our technicians also remove charred debris, clean all hard surfaces to remove soot and smoke odors. Fabrics and soft textures are examined to assess the amount of damage and recommend the best cleaning approach.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami (305) 269-8900 to assist with water and fire damage restoration of your home or business.

Where Is Reconstruction Needed After Water Disasters in Miami Homes?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water leaks can quickly cause damage in your home. Call SERVPRO today to avoid additional water loss of your property.

The repairs and rebuilding necessary after water emergencies can be vital in making losses “Like it never even happened.”



Water disasters vary considerably from one South Miami home to the next, making elements like emergency services and mitigation vital for saving customers time and money. Among these emergency services is controlled demolition, which seeks to remove only severely damaged and unsalvageable construction materials from the drying zones. This removal and discarding of components often occur before job scoping and other mitigation tasks.

The term water damage repair for South Miami homes can describe many of the actions and approaches that our technicians, contractors, and trusted third-party vendors must accomplish. Because so many areas of the property can become compromised and damaged after a finite timeline, many of these restoration projects require some degree of controlled demolition and build back. Some of the most sensitive materials and elements include:

  • Roofing
  • Drywall
  • Insulation
  • Framing
  • Carpet
  • Wood Flooring
  • Light Fixtures

What Can Controlled Demolition Do Before Mitigation? 

After the exposure of construction materials to standing water, pooling, and high moisture content, they can experience oversaturation that compromises their composition. Instead of widespread demolition and tear out of all materials exposed or near the water damage, a calculated approach can prevent higher costs and longer restoration times. The advantages of removing portions of damaged construction materials include:

  • Remove Saturated Materials – The removal of oversaturated structural components reduces the possibilities of microbial growth and continued damage of nearby porous matter. 
  • Access Damaged Utilities – When plumbing or drains become a source of water damage in the house, demolition can directly access these breaks.
  • Provide More Efficient Drying – With openings leading to the whole of the structural cavities, machines like centrifugal air movers can be more effective in evaporation. 
  • Prevent Collapse – Removing damaged materials prevents them from falling or giving out on their own where they could injure occupants of the house or technicians. 

When Does Utility Repair Occur? 

With the bulk of the wall system exposed, we can gain immediate access to any damaged utilities that might exist. Because plumbing can often be one of the primary origin points for considerable water damage, repairing these pipe breaches should be a priority. Once the drywall has gotten removed and discarded, and wet insulation has been vacuumed out of the wall system, our building trade professionals can locate the plumbing damage and replace/repair it. The exterior elements cannot be reinstalled after mitigation until water service has been restored to the house by fixing any vulnerabilities in the service lines.

How Likely is Mold After Water Losses? 

Prolonged water exposure can often be a threatening situation for materials and contents in your home. Microbial growth can result when moist conditions persist, and suitable organic materials like drywall, flooring, ceiling components, insulation, and more are nearby to become hosts for colonization. 

The likelihood of mold is even higher when DIY restoration has taken place, as these drying and extraction efforts are often only superficial. When water migrates beyond the surface to impact structural cavities and underlying layers of flooring, dampness can facilitate mold growth in places inaccessible and out of sight to the occupants of the house. For as widespread as these damages can become before they breach the surface layer, remediation efforts often consist of controlled demolition and reinstallation. 

Some facts about mold growth include:

  • Mold can develop after only 48 hours of moist conditions
  • High humidity can cause microbial growth
  • Inadequate drying of water emergencies can facilitate fungal growth
  • Mold deteriorates organic matter like drywall and wood

Are Third-Party Contractors and Vendors Required for Rebuilding? 

A combination of our competent restoration professionals, in-house contractors, and third-party companies can work towards the most efficient reconstruction and repair. While we can manage controlled demolition and most build-back for a property on our own, we also rely on specialty contractors and experts to conduct things like environmental testing for properties once remediation and reconstruction complete. This independent testing of the structure can ensure that you received the most thorough remediation and water restoration available, including the reinstallation of discarded materials. 

Water damages can often leave your house in need of repairs and build-back. Despite our commitment to restoring over the replacement of exposed materials and items in the home, controlled demolition and reinstallation of these elements is often unavoidable with widespread, prolonged exposures. No matter how we can help after water disasters, we have professionals capable of providing a comprehensive solution. Give our SERVPRO of South Miami team a call anytime at (305) 269-8900.

Why Not Just Use Conventional Cleaning Strategies for Fire Restoration in South Miami?

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Call (305) 269-8900 anytime or night to schedule a prompt assessment and personalized plan.

SERVPRO’s Individualized Fire Restoration Plan Transforms South Miami Residences After the Unique Types of Damage Created by Smoke and Soot

The soiling left behind a South Miami household fire is unlike ordinary dirt, grime, wear, and tear. Choosing to try to manage the residues created by the heat and flames and incompletely combusted building materials with a general-purpose cleaner and technique dooms you to nearly inevitable failure. You also risk exposing yourself and your loved ones to toxic substances through skin contact and inhalation.

What Is So Different About Fire Residues?

Fire restoration in South Miami requires professional intervention. As the flames burn through structures and contents, a broad range of chemical reactions occur, creating carcinogenic gasses and hazardous soots -- tiny particles of partially burned materials floating in the air and coat surfaces. Common construction materials transform into thick, sticky, malodorous, and dangerous residues. The debris is highly corrosive, immediately commencing destructive processes to all surfaces they touch.

How Do Professional Restorers Approach Fire Cleanup?

A fast but safety-minded response is required. SERVPRO techs use proprietary cleaning products and the knowledge gleaned during the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classes to match cleaners, tools, and methods to a variety of soots. We also take advantage of our inventory of advanced equipment to control hazards and protect our team.
    •    Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during assessment and restoration tasks
    •    Constructing temporary containment areas using 1.6 mil polyethylene and installing negative pressure air scrubbers to filter the atmosphere and seal the perimeters of workspaces.

Count on SERVPRO of South Miami to turn post-fire damage chaos into “Like it never even happened,” condition by applying restoration best-practices to your situation. Call (305) 269-8900 anytime or night to schedule a prompt assessment and personalized plan.

How Does SERVPRO Take Care Of My Furniture In My Miami Home During Water Removal?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

For water removal services you can trust, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

Miami Residents Needing Water Removal Want To Be Sure Their Belongings Are Safe

Miami residents hope that their home will never be subject to a disaster. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents or acts of nature do happen. It only takes a broken pipe, a leaky washer, or a sudden gust of wind and rain, to let water into your home.

Water damage in Miami can be costly and frustrating for homeowners. That’s why they need a water cleanup company they can rely on. SERVPRO of South Miami is Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we have the necessary training and equipment to restore your home and belongings.

Which belongings are most susceptible to water damage?

Soft furnishings are, unfortunately, the most susceptible to water damage. That includes:

    •    Beds and mattresses
    •    Armchairs and sofas
    •    Carpets and drapes
    •    Cushions and throws
    •    Daybeds and footstools

Wooden items are not quite as susceptible to water damage, especially if the amount of water is quite small. Metal items are the easiest things of all to dry (so long as they are not electrical items!)

It is natural to worry about your furniture when the time comes for furniture removal. After all, you do not want to replace any more items than strictly necessary.

What does SERVPRO do to take care of my furniture?

During water removal, our teams take care of your furniture. We move furniture out of the way if that is safest, and we can also cover it with plastic sheeting to prevent further damage, or put pads under furniture legs to stop rust marks forming on the carpet.

Can SERVPRO restore and clean my furniture too?

Yes – we train our teams to assess all your personal belongings and advise you on whether we can salvage them. In many cases, we can carry out water removal on individual furniture items and restore them, so they are usable once more. For example, we can:

    •    Use dehumidifiers and air movers to gently dry wooden tables and chairs, restoring their structural integrity and preventing further warping
    •    Clean carpets using a range of extractors, cleaning methods, and chemical solutions to remove water, stains, and odors
    •    Clean drapes using both dry and wet cleaning methods, depending on the material and the extent of damage
    •    Spot-clean water stains on delicate upholstery or antiques
    •    Tent sofa and chair cushions and use air movers to dry under and around them to ensure they are thoroughly dry

What happens if I need to move my belongings out?

If the water removal project is a particularly big one, you might have to move some of your furniture our until drying is complete. In some cases, it is enough to move items to another room, or a garage or basement. However, sometimes the only solution is a pack-out, where we take your belongings to one of our warehouses.

If it is possible to dry and clean your furniture before removal, we will do so, as this is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. If this is not possible, do not worry – we can clean and dry your items at our storage facilities, and return them to you, “Like it never even happened.”

When it is time to return your furniture, we check our inventory to make sure everything is as it should be, bring your items back to your home, and arrange them for you.

How does SERVPRO carry out water removal?

SERVPRO water removal starts with assessment and testing. We do not only check your home visually. We use moisture probes, moisture meters, thermal imaging, and thermo-hygrometers to assess moisture levels in the air, walls, and carpets.

Thorough testing means we can draw up a highly effective drying plan.

Once we have assessed the situation, we use a range of free-standing and truck-mounted pumps, rotary extractors, and extraction wands to remove standing water from your home. When we are happy that we have removed as much water as possible, we turn our attention to drying. Our teams use a range of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out your home. We can even dry inside cavity walls and vents, to make sure no nooks are left untouched.

If any part of your home or furniture needs mold treatment as part of water removal, we have got it covered.

We finish each project by using fogging equipment, air scrubbers, and deodorizing compounds as needed to get rid of any lingering damp smells. We know that your home cannot feel like yours again if it smells damp, which is why this step is vital.

We talk to you at every stage to make sure you are happy with how we are handling your water removal and your project.

A supervisor will be in touch after the fact to answer any lingering questions.

For water removal services you can trust, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

Why Should I Bring in Professional Water Damage Restoration Help?

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Small leaks can cause a lot of damage. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.

SERVPRO Professionals Bring Years of Experience and Advanced Equipment to Every Miami Restoration Job   

The cleanup of most types of water loss requires more than mops and fans. Water migrates throughout a property, and worse, it degrades quickly. A simple pipe burst in a home can be a contaminated situation and require handling as a biohazard if it waits too long for the extraction and drying to begin. Outsourcing the cleanup to a professional restoration services company offers perks like:  

  • No missed water through the use of detection device and professional extraction and drying equipment
  • Proactive applications for mold and odor prevention
  • Communicates with your insurance agent so there are no surprise expenses  

What are the Biggest Threats for Creating a Water Cleanup Situation in My Home?    

There are many ways a Miami homeowner may need water cleanup in their properties. Plumbing issues such as a pipe burst or toilet overflow are frequent issues. Any water loss that contains sewage should have professional cleanup as the water requires handling as a biohazard and is unhealthy to come into contact with or aspirate airborne droplets. Appliance malfunctions account for a portion of the loss within homes such a supply lines to washing machines or dishwashers or a hot water tank giving out.  

Fortunately, many of these situations can get prevented with regular inspections and looking for signs of small water leaks or wear that need repairs. Make a checklist such as looking under cabinets, making sure supply lines are in good working order and be sure to check in your attic and if your property has a crawl space for signs of moisture and you can head off a mold infestation before it takes hold.  

Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 when you need water cleanup. The certified, trained team members are available 24/7 to come to your property and get rid of the water and return your home to its preloss condition. 

More about Miami.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Office Electronics From Water Damage?

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers the ERP--Emergency READY Profile Plan to Help Prevent and Mitigate Damage to Your Miami-Based Business

Miami Business Owners Are Keen To Keep Water Damage Away From Their Electronics

Anybody who runs a business in Miami knows how necessary electronic equipment is. Whether your company uses computers, a till, a customer database, phones, and tablets, or a combination of the above, electrical equipment is part of any business.

In the event of water damage, Miami business owners are often worried about their electronics. After all, electrical equipment is costly to replace. If you need to substitute a critical device, that can delay you from getting your business back on track.

What can I do to keep electronics safe from water damage?

SERVPRO suggests taking a few simple steps to keep your electronics safe:

  1.     Always elevate electronics – equipment left on the floor is more at risk of damage
  2.     Keep electronics and sources of water separate – do not keep electronics near faucets or dishwashers
  3.     Discourage employees from drinking at their desk as hot coffee and electronics are a recipe for disaster
  4.     Install moisture meters to warn you of impending problems

We also recommend you back up all vital information to the cloud regularly. That way, even if something happens to your equipment, you will not lose critical data.

Why should I call SERVPRO in the event of a water loss?

Facing water damage in your office or warehouse is daunting. You are not trained or equipped to deal with such a disaster, which is why it is crucial to call us. Our technicians:

  1.     Are prepared to assess the situation quickly and draw up the best plan
  2.     Have a range of extractors and drying equipment on hand to get your business looking “Like it never even happened.”
  3.     Can help you move your equipment out and then back again if needed
  4.     Know when it is safe to touch electronics and when it is too hazardous, keeping you safe

For an even faster response, we recommend you sign up with our SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP). It is free to join and helps you draw up a handbook of useful information for staff in the event of water damage. Using ERP means your business is better prepared, and we are your preferred vendor to assist rapidly.

For help with water damage, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

How Do I Get the Water Out of My Carpet?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your property. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO techs have professional equipment and advanced methods to remove water from your home and give you the best outcome 

Having a wet carpet in your Miami home can be very frustrating. You can blot with rags and towels, but that only works to get water out of the tops of the fibers. If you own a wet/dry vacuum, those work to extract moisture but lack the power in most cases to pull up embedded moisture from the backing and pad. This can result in more significant issues if the padding and subfloor remain damp.

Why are Portable Extraction Units Better Than Wet/Dry Vacuums?  

When your carpet needs water removal in your Miami home, the possibility for the best outcome involves the use of a professional restoration services company and equipment. The portable water extraction pumps used by SERVPRO techs have extreme suction to pull up even embedded moisture from within the carpet and pad. This removal gets assisted through the use of weighted heads on the wands that work to push moisture up and out. Other equipment includes  

  • Truck-mounted extraction units
  • Ride-on equipment  
  • Manual tools such as mops and squeegees

What are Factors That Determine the Restoration Potential of a Carpet?

SERVPRO techs know that the carpet in your home is an investment, and when a water loss occurs, you want to avoid replacement if possible. The techs do the following standard actions to ensure the best outcome:   

  • Determine the stage water degradation is at
  • Test fibers to determine the construction materials
  • Perform color-fastness tests
  • Water extraction until dry passes occur
  • Set up specialized drying configurations as needed

One of the most critical issues is how long the homeowner waited to bring in SERVPRO for water cleanup. If the water has aged beyond 48 hours or has the potential to contain sewage, the carpet may not have any restoration potential and require disposal as a loss. 

What is the Best Way to Dry Wet Carpet?  

The techs extract that maximum amount of moisture with their equipment as it assists with lessening the drying time needed and inhibits the probability of mold becoming an issue. The air movers that SERVPRO uses to dry properties can dry a carpet efficiently. The techs use specific drying methods to ensure the carpet backing and pad are as dry as the fiber on the surface. 

Tenting is a method that gets applied when the loss area does not cover a broad area, and only a small area needs drying. The techs put plastic over the loss area and direct both air movers and dehumidifiers into the space. This works to port away the moist air as it gets raised and dries the carpet from the bottom up. 

Floating can be used for any size of water loss. A side of the carpet gets loosened, and air movers and dehumidifiers get positioned to force air underneath while other units blow across the top. This is another drying method with a high success rate. After drying, the carpet needs only to get stretched and tacked back into place.

Monitoring During the Drying Process  

Before drying a water loss area, the techs measure the air in other areas of the home to determine the baseline interior humidity levels and then monitor the process carefully to ensure drying goals get attained. Once completed, the techs wipe down the surfaces with their professional-grade cleaning solutions to both clean and sanitize surfaces. 

Post-Drying Issues Sometimes Seen in Carpet Restoration  

Once the carpet verifies as dry through the use of the monitoring equipment, the techs address any remaining issues with the carpet. Water spots may be present due; this can get handled through cleaning the top layer of fibers and eliminating the spots which occasionally happen after drying. In cases where stain from hardwood furnishings leached into wet carpet fibers, the techs perform stain-removal, but outcomes can vary due to the wide variety of carpet fibers and types of stains used. 

Water odors can sometimes get left behind. The techs have numerous applications to handle any type of musty scents left within the carpet. The use of steam cleaning can work to neutralize even embedded odors and remove them without leaving any residues on the fibers. Another method that works for situations where strong measures are needed is thermal fogging. The techs heat a solvent until it becomes a fog and apply it around the property. It penetrates the carpet and other porous surfaces containing pungent smells and neutralizes odorous molecules. 

When you need water removal, contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. The certified techs are available 24/7 to come to your property and handle any size water loss. 

How Long Can I Wait to Dry Out the Building After a Water Loss in My Miami Business?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Placing your trust in the resources brought to commercial water losses by SERVPRO of South Miami is an excellent business decision.

Let SERVPRO Take on the Planning, Scheduling, and Completion of Water Cleanup on Your Focus on Running Your Miami Business

Professional water removal and structural drying follow scientific protocols with which most business owners have little familiarity. Our managers and technicians are ready to respond 24/7 to plumbing leaks, equipment breakdowns, or any other water disaster source in your Miami commercial building. Why is a rapid response so important?

    •    Avoid progressive damage to both the structure and the contents (including your inventory)
    •    Limit or avoid mold growth and damage
    •    Reassure your customers, employees, and vendors that your endeavor is on solid footing

Can I Direct My Maintenance or Cleaning Staff to Manage the Water Damage?

If you already have employees on the payroll tasked to complete building maintenance, why is water cleanup at your Miami site any different? The answer is simple--the skills and equipment needed to abate a sizable commercial water emergency are unavailable to your general-purpose cleaning staff. Training your employees in the specialized qualifications for disaster response is not typically germane to your mission. Likewise, high capacity extractors and multiple sets of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers are rarely needed and thus a poor investment for your company.

Who Has the Trained Technicians and Equipment for Successful Water Cleanup of Any Size and Intensity?

SERVPRO exists to provide prompt and professional water cleanup services, including your business's significant needs after a water crisis.  In addition to a scalable inventory of commercial-grade water removal and drying equipment, our The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crews are familiar with restoration industry best practices in water removal and drying.

Placing your trust in the resources brought to commercial water losses by SERVPRO of South Miami is an excellent business decision. Contact us at (305) 269-8900 to consult about how our trained team and state-of-the-art equipment delivers superior results.

What Areas of My Miami Condo Need Cleaning After a Water Loss?

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know how to restore your water damaged home? SERVPRO does!

Water Damage can Leave a Pressing Need for a Professional Cleaning From our SERVPRO Team 

As a property owner in Miami, you might have one of the thousands of area condos. With so many of these units getting built with premium construction materials, it becomes vital for professional restoration technicians like ours to respond quickly when water loss incidents occur. While water removal and drying are the foundation of water restoration, a nearly equally essential service that our professionals provide is premier cleaning. 

Cleaning is often one of the common threads of restoration regardless of the disaster that has taken place, so water cleanup in Miami condos is equally critical. Cleaning embodies many specific tasks, from residue removal from surfaces through deodorization or content recovery. Protecting the structural elements of your unit and your personal belongings are two fundamental aspects of the restoration services that our professionals provide upon arrival. Several of the commonly affected areas and items include: 

  • Flooring
  • Ceiling Materials
  • Exposed Furniture
  • Contents 

Can Carpets Ever Look the Same Again?  

Flooring can be one of the points most readily damaged by migrating water effects after a disaster. As much as surface water gets resolved as quickly as possible once professionals arrive, materials like carpeting can absorb high volumes. After the flooring gets dried, residues, debris, and even mild staining could exist. We have thorough carpet cleaning equipment to perform preconditioning and hot water extraction to remove soiling from the base of carpet fibers and eliminate damage from the most recent water loss incident. 

The term cleaning can have many meanings after a loss incident, and our SERVPRO of South Miami professionals can deliver qualified technicians to help. Contact us anytime at (305) 269-8900. 

More about South Miami.

What are Common Types of Water Leaks Key Biscayne Homeowners Experience?

6/14/2020 (Permalink)

Unattended bathtubs with the water running can cause large scale water damage.

SERVPRO Technicians Deal with All Types of Water Leaks

Leaks are one of the most expensive types of damage that can happen to a home, but also one of the least detected. It often takes months or even years for leaks to cause visual damage, but by that point, it's too late to take preventative measures. Leaks can weaken structures, waste water, dissolve building materials, create dangerous compounds, and foster mold growth. These are some of the most common leaks we encounter on typical residential calls, and how they start. 
 
Pipe Leaks 
 
Pipe leaks, in cabinets, behind walls, or anywhere else, are one of the most common sources of water damage in Key Biscayne. Pipes are often deliberately placed out of view of occupants, so when one develops a leak, it can be a very long time before anyone notices. These leaks often occur close to normally dry wood and fabric, and once these are consistently soaked by leaking water, they can lose structural integrity or even develop patches of mold growth. In extreme cases, residents sometimes only learn of these leaks when part of their ceiling crashes down into the living room. 
 
Sink, Shower, and Tub Leaks 
 
These leaks are often much more violent and much more noticeable than a pipe leak because they are usually caused by a resident in some way. As such, they have less potential for long-term water damage, but can be a big problem and cause a bigger mess.


Water Tanks and Heaters 
 
When water heaters or tanks leak, the damage is fortunately usually contained mostly to the container itself rather than immediate surroundings. However, large volumes of water are contained in them regardless, and if the entire contents leak out in an area, they may cause severe damage to surrounding objects and materials. 
 
Technicians from SERVPRO of South Miami are trained extensively in water damage restoration of all kinds, and we feel confident we can handle any water disaster you have. Call us 24/7 at (305) 269-8900 for emergency services or a quote.

More about Key Biscayne.

What is the Best Way to Remove Odors After Fire Damage in Kendall?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

When you are facing fire damage, SERVPRO is the company to contact for effective remediation services. Call right away for best results.

Team SERVPRO Remediates Kendall Fire Damage from Assessment to Odor Removal

Most Kendall home fire damage does not cause major structural damage, but there is always some physical damage from heat and flames. Most homeowners have to deal with the common, secondary issue created by the local fire department when they extinguish the fire.
 
The goal of SERVPRO is not just to remediate fire damage in Kendall homes, but also to reduce and hopefully prevent any secondary damage while cleaning up from the original disaster. Our response teams perform both sets of tasks concurrently to ensure we can return each home in its pre-fire condition to every owner as quickly as possible.
 
Our teams begin by removing structural and personal property to reduce the odors in the home and prevent further contamination from smoke and soot residues. This action includes any scorched items or anything heavily covered in soot and smoke residues. They dispose of all burned items and remove the rest to our offices where specialists use commercial-grade cleaning agents and sound wave generating immersion tanks to remove the extra thick layers of residues.
 
For items covered in only light-to-medium layers of residues, our technicians remove them to an unaffected area of the home and clean them in place. They can usually accomplish this using dry or wet sponges, and one of the milder cleaning agents in our inventory.
 
As the cleaning continues, a SERVPRO inspector examines the entry points, walls, and even the roof for damage. For broken windows and doors, team members cover them temporarily with plywood. Depending on the level of damage to the roof or walls, our specialists cover them with plywood or use tarps. Team members accomplish this to not only protect against inclement weather, but to also protect the interior of the home from the rodents, animals, and other pests native to Florida.
 
After cleaning the home, our team then deodorizes it. Odors can linger for weeks and months after all other damage has been removed or remediated. Technicians can usually eliminate odors with a combination of deodorizing sprays, but if the odors deeply penetrated the wood framing, they use an ozone machine to generate a gas that penetrates to the same level as the original odor and eliminates it.
 
Stopping and preventing further fire damage is not a short task, but SERVPRO of South Miami is here with you at every step of the process. If you have any lingering odors or other problems after a recent fire, call us at (305) 269-8900 to begin returning your home to its pre-fire condition and your family back to its normal state as well.

Click here for more information on the city of Kendall.

What Should You do If you Experience a Flood Damage Emergency In Your Coconut Grove Home

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

When the water comes in, SERVPRO has the equipment and expertise to remove it.

SERVPRO can Remediate Storm Damages After Flooding in Coconut Grove 

Miami residents might not be strangers to severe weather, but the effects that it can have on your home can require immediate attention from trained professionals. Our team can respond quickly to emergencies like flooding with the equipment that can help and the expertise to know how to manage our resources effectively to restore your home fast.

While there might be several options that you can choose from regarding restoration companies helping flood-damaged Coconut Grove properties, choosing the right one can feel like a challenge. Our SERVPRO franchise offers fast and effective mitigation services amid flooding to help preserve your property and make the restoration work happen more efficiently. 

Why should you choose our SERVPRO technicians to help when your home becomes threatened by flood damages? Our team has gotten assembled with highly-trained individuals with expertise and experience in water restoration. Our technicians obtain water restoration certification from the industry standard-setting IICRC and complete ongoing training and educational opportunities to hone our craft and skills. We prepare for any facet of flood damage we might encounter and have the ability to overcome it. 

Our franchise has invested in having the appropriate tools and advanced equipment necessary to offer efficient and effective solutions for flood mitigation and restoration. We have truck-mounted and gas-powered pumps capable of removing excess water from the property fast. We have multiple industrial-strength dehumidifiers and high-powered air movers available in several sizes to provide the right drying power to the affected areas of your property. Drying the area can help to prevent further degradation of construction materials and the possibility of secondary effects like mold growth. 

After storms blow through Coconut Grove, the flooding often recedes quickly. The effects on condos, duplexes, and other homes can remain for weeks, however. If not cleaned or restored quickly, further damage can happen as well. 

So why should you use SERVPRO to remove flood damage from your Coconut Grove home?

Our company trains each specialist to the standards required by our industry, we maintain an extensive, restoration equipment inventory. We can take the initial steps to return your home to its original condition. 

Our first action to restoring a home is to remove everything that cannot be salvaged or repaired. In the case of Coconut Grove flooding, floor trim and drywall panels can quickly absorb enough water to cause them to warp or crumble and dissolve in place. 

SERVPRO teams cannot guarantee that a cleaned carpet is safe to use again, so we recommend immediate disposal, rather than expend the labor hours to attempt restoration. Quick removal also reduces the effects flood water has on the flooring underneath the carpet. 

While completing disposal actions, other team members begin disinfecting and drying the home. Specialists spray any surface affected by the flooding with an anti-bacterial chemical and allow it to dry. Next, they clean each surface to remove soil and other contaminants left by the  and allow them all to dry again. 

For space underneath the floors and behind the drywall, our teams use several devices to dry them for replacement quickly. Specialists use air movers to blow warm, dry air across damp surfaces to force out moisture trapped inside the wood. As the moisture evaporates, they install exhaust fans to draw out the damp air and direct it outside through the nearest window or door. If the inside humidity is very high, specialists may install one or more dehumidifiers to remove water directly from the air.  

Flooding is not something that area residents are unfamiliar with, and now you can see that finding the right team to help you overcome these effects is as simple as making a phone call. Trust our SERVPRO of South Miami's rapid response team to help you remove the water fast and clean up the mess. Give us a call today at (305) 269-8900. 

Click here for more about Coconut Grove.

Why Is Hiring A Local Flooding Mitigation and Remediation Company Essential in Miami?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

It's hurricane season. Are you prepared for the storm season ahead?

Hurricane Flood Damage Is Devastating to Miami Residents Short and Long Term; SERVPRO Stands with You Today and in the Future 

In the turbulent time after a hurricane, opportunistic contractors can fan across an affected area of Miami. Promises of fast and affordable help for the severe damage at a vulnerable time can usually place cautious homeowners with a problem. It does not seem possible that local firms could handle all of the devastations that you and so many of your neighbors might be experiencing. Hiring an itinerant disaster consultant can feel like the only answer. 

What Are the Top Reasons for Hiring Local Hurricane Flood Recovery Contractors? 

When a hurricane or tropical storm strikes, flood damage follows at your Miami home. You know the dangers of waiting to respond to the emergency, so when a friendly-looking face approaches in the immediate aftermath, you might jump at the chance to grab help where you can. Resist, because your home needs reliable, reputable, and local services. Why? Consider the following: 

Here Today -- Following the Storms Tomorrow 

When you hire a local contractor like SERVPRO, you can visit our offices or call for a consult not just in the days after a significant storm, but anytime for weeks, months, and years. Severe flood and other damage in the wake of a hurricane presents a complex scenario. You want to have the ability to talk with the company that helped get your home back to preloss condition if unexpected problems crop up have a question of any kind. Contractors without a home base in your community are likely to be unresponsive after they wrap up their work if you can find them. 

Establishing Competence and Reliability 

Hiring a company that travels with the storms makes it nearly impossible for you to obtain any useful information on their track record, training, experience, and ethics. You cannot follow up on references from friends, coworkers, and family, as you usually do for significant purchases. When you are not feeling so rushed, you probably will pass up this type of hire. Although you do need to take fast action, acting in haste to engage an unknown contractor can result in you repenting later, without any effective form of relief, other than having the job redone by another firm.  

Honesty and Integrity 

One thing you might not consider when negotiating with a non-local company is that the salesperson pressuring you to sign with a company immediately is not the person or crew who shows up to do the work. Customer satisfaction also might not be high on the list for these contractors because they have no ties to our city. Lining up jobs for the latest storm in Miami is their driving force, not serving a community devastated by the damage. Our impetus is operating as a professional industry leader during this devastation in our region. We act in an honest and forthright way as we explain what we believe you need and how we can deliver on those tasks. 

Knowledge of Legal Requirements and Local Opportunities and Constraints 

Our assessors and project managers are certified and licensed to do work in our community. We are familiar with the framework of permits, the availability of materials, the building codes, reasonable area pricing, and can be at your side if municipal officials have questions or concerns about both the damage and our efforts to mitigate and remediate the harm now and into the future. As the homeowner, you navigate these pathways solo when the non-local company and crew move out. 

Where Can You Find Scalable Resources?  

We understand your fear when your entire neighborhood shows signs of flood and storm damage. Our SERVPRO team wants to reassure you that we might be local. We also have access to a nationwide network of Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained flood damage restoration crews and the equipment necessary to help an entire area recover from a hurricane or other catastrophic storm loss. You can access an overarching system of highly qualified resources while working directly with our in-town managers and office.  

Have Other Questions? We Are Here with Answers Every Day 

Take the time before a hurricane or other substantial storm activity hits to talk to us about what we offer to our home community residents. Knowing who to call at a desperate time helps you avoid deciding on a flood damage restoration company that you might regret. 

SERVPRO of South Miami knows how to help with every aspect of storm-related flood damage for our community. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to engage our services, a company that stands behind the phase “Like it never even happened,” 24/7 now and tomorrow.

What is the Best Way to Remove Mold From Retail Stores in Miami?

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

If you can visibly see mold in your commercial space, it is time to call a professional restoration company to remediate the damage properly

Call SERVPRO at the First Sign of Mold Damage 

We have written countless articles regarding the importance of taking immediate action when facing mold on your Miami property because we need you to understand how severely mold damage can impact your working environment in a rather small amount of time. 

Surface mold damage found in your Miami area retail establishment is easy to remove. However, the sustained growth in building and structural materials can make things much worse, leading to extensive secondary damages, lengthy repairs, and even closure of your facility.  

You may have read elsewhere that mold can take anywhere from 4-10 days to cover building materials found on your property. However, this does not take other assets and inventory into consideration. Cash registers, phones, computers, displays, and other essential equipment require particular attention to recover, as well.  

A test performed in a controlled environment on a specific material does not offer conclusive results that pertain to your situation because every job is different. A company like SERVPRO can help you determine which steps to take and help you move forward after experiencing mold growth on your property.  

As a business owner, you need to keep in mind that by the time you can visibly recognize mold growth on your property, it is already too late. It only takes mold 24-72 hours to begin new growth cycles on surface materials that can continue spreading as long as the right conditions exist. Any amount of time you use to take decisive action can cost you significantly. Having SERVPRO on your side can provide you with the solutions necessary to save your business. 

At SERVPRO, we urge our customers to call us at the first signs of mold growth. Using a variety of early detection and extraction equipment, our IICRC certified technicians can get mold on your property under control faster. This fast remediation helps you regain control of your working environment, limit your losses, and ensure a more successful recovery. 

Gain access to expertly trained, fully certified, technicians available at SERVPRO of South Miami, today. Our entire Green Fleet stands ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. (305) 269-8900 

Click here for more information on Miami.

How Can I Stay Safe From Waterborne Pathogens After Flood Damage in Miami?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water that makes its way into your home can contain waterborne pathogens and be dangerous for you and your family

SERVPRO Gives Tips on Managing Floodwater in Miami

Florida frequently warns travelers to be careful of waterborne pathogens in foreign climes. Residents of Miami know that waterborne pathogens are not a daily concern. After all, America has a safe water system designed to provide water suitable for drinking straight out of the faucet. However, if a flood occurs here in the United States, there is a risk of diseases carried by the floodwater, especially if it becomes contaminated with feces from overflowing sewers or sewage tanks. In the event of flood damage, SERVPRO recommends being cautious about waterborne illnesses – it is better to be safe than sorry.  

After flood damage to your Miami home, stay alert to the risk of water carrying diseases. Water carries pathogens that lead to severe sicknesses such as cholera, dysentery, Legionnaire's disease, and hepatitis A. However, some simple precautions help keep you safe.  

Be careful of open wounds or rashes, as open lesions on the skin might become infected. Keep any cuts, scrapes, or rashes clean and covered at all times to reduce the risk of infections. If possible, keep your whole body protected from floodwater using coveralls, waterproof clothing, and rubber gloves whenever you encounter the floodwater. Never walk barefoot.  

Soft furnishings in your home are not safe to keep. We do not recommend trying to salvage anything that is dampened or soaked by floodwater. Discard any wet carpets, drapes, and soft furnishings such as couches, chairs, mattresses, and bedding. Hard surfaces need to be thoroughly scrubbed and disinfected. It is a good idea to call SERVPRO for assistance – we have the know-how and equipment to remove hard surfaces safely.  

Be extremely cautious with what you eat after a flood. Canned food is safe to eat, but any fresh or packaged food that comes in contact with floodwater needs discarding.  

Use only bottled or boiled water for bathing, brushing your teeth, and drinking (bottled is better) until you are confident the supply is safe. Always follow advice from official channels.  

For help with flood cleanup in Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and the surrounding area, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 today. 

For more information about Miami, click here.

What Do Professional Restorers Do After a Fire in My South Miami Home?

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Should fire strike your home, call SERVPRO for fast remediation.

The hours following a fire are critical for restoration, so our SERVPRO team responds quickly to begin emergency services and mitigation.  

After a fire gets extinguished in your South Miami home and turned back over to you, you should already have restoration professionals secured to begin work on restoring and recovering your property. Several layers of loss effects must get addressed starting as soon as our professionals arrive, which is why contacting our team as soon as disasters take hold of your home is a cost-efficient idea. 

Professional fire restoration in South Miami homes encompasses multiple actions, beginning with the emergency services and mitigation solutions required to make the property safe for our technicians and bystanders. We can offer a full-service approach to recovering your house with a division of residential contractors on our roster, including controlled demolition, repairs, and reconstruction. 

What Are Emergency Services?  

The first actions that our professionals take in a house, even sometimes before any job scoping has happened, involves several emergency services. The objective here is to address pressing concerns that cannot wait for damage claim approvals. Some of these services and focal areas include: 

  • Controlled Demolition
  • Fire Debris Removal
  • Temporary Construction Solutions
  • Extraction / Drying
  • Content Management 

How Fast Help Arrives?  

Our SERVPRO team always considers it a point of pride that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. We can make this claim by staying prepared for emergencies that could occur by pre-stocking trailers and keeping a variety of experienced technicians versed in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT). This fast turnaround on your notice of loss can have our technicians arriving at your fire-damaged address within hours of your initial call. 

No matter how severe fire losses can become, our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help. Contact us anytime at (305) 269-8900. 

About South Miami.

Do Professionals Have Tips for Fire Damage Restoration in Coral Gables?

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Miami is ready to tackle fire damage and smoke odor in your rental property.

Keep Your Tenants Happy, Call SERVPRO To Remove Smoke Odors Quickly from Coral Gables Rentals 

If you have a rental property, you know that all sorts of accidents happen, including fire damage. The time between the fire department extinguishing the fire and the arrival of our technicians should be as little as possible. The faster we can start restoration and cleanup efforts, the more of the home and tenants' possessions are salvageable. First and foremost, ask the Fire Department if it is safe for the tenants to remain there. 

When you contact SERVPRO to address fire and smoke odor damage in your Coral Gables property, the technician gathers as much information as possible, so we know the right resources to bring to the site. If tenants remain on-premises, we ask them to limit movement and avoid areas with fire damage. Soot particles do not spread outside of the original area through foot traffic. 

Why SERVPRO? We are local to this area of Florida and can arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster. No matter when a fire happens in your rental property, you can expect an immediate response from our technicians to mitigate damage to both buildings and possessions. 

SERVPRO technicians work in teams to expedite the fire cleanup process. While one group extracts any residual water from extinguishing the fire, other technicians are determining the spread of soot and smoke in the home and determining if containment is necessary. Other technicians tape off registers and ensure the HVAC is off; the ducts are cleaned of soot particles during the sanitizing process to stop foul odors. 

Our IICRC specialists wipe down surfaces and non-porous possessions. Depending on the type of smoke residue, they can choose different solutions and utilize wet and dry sponge techniques to remove all traces of smoke and soot effectively. Smoke can leave deeply embedded odors that our Odor Control Technicians eliminate through multiple applications ranging from air scrubbers with charcoal filters to thermal foggers to neutralize stubborn odors. 

SERVPRO of South Miami is ready to tackle fire damage and smoke odor in your rental property. Our specialists are available at the time you need us, seven days a week. Get started now by calling (305) 269-8900. 

Click here for more about Coral Gables.

My South Miami Business Flooded, How Do I Secure My Store?

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Did you experience flood damage? SERVPRO is equipped to restore your flood damaged business. Call us today!

SERVPRO Technicians Secure the Structure Before Beginning Restoration Work 

As a Miami resident and shop owner, you understand the importance of preparing for hurricanes and floods. You also know that you need to address damage quickly afterward to limit the subsequent loss to your business. Florida's low sea level and propensity for tropical and intense summer storms means that you should have an arrangement in place in case an unexpected flood hits your business. Part of that plan involves closing off windows and doors for security purposes while you put your business back together. 

What Should I Do with My Merchandise? 

SERVPRO Helps Secure Your Valuable Merchandise with the Help  

Flood damage in your South Miami shop means that you have to care for your merchandise to ensure that it is okay after the flood. Our restoration specialists may take damaged merchandise offsite to secure, clean, and dry the items. They keep an inventory throughout the process so that you have clear documentation to assist in insurance claims. You can move unaffected merchandise to a safe location while your shop undergoes the restoration process to ensure that the added humidity in the air does not affect it. 

What Are Some of the Things Technicians Do to Secure My Store and Ensure Safety While They Work on It?  

  • They check for hazards and turn off the power if needed.
  • They remove standing water with extraction equipment to remove contaminants and slip and fall hazards.
  • They treat surfaces by cleaning them and applying antimicrobials to limit mold growth. 

We understand the importance of getting your business back up and running as quickly as possible while keeping your shop and merchandise safe and secure during the water restoration process. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

For assistance after a flood, contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 anytime. 

More about South Miami.

Are There Strategies to Prevent Mold in Miami Storage Facilities?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for excess moisture and possible mold at your storage facility. SERVPRO technicians can also offer additional prevention tips

Certified Technicians Quickly Remediate a Mold Infestation in Your Storage Business

Mold damage in a storage facility can go unnoticed for a long time. If you are not vigilant, it is easy to miss the early signs of the damage and soon, it gets out of hand. Mold can not only ruin your facility but damage your customers' contents costing you thousands in damages.

Thankfully, you can do a lot to prevent commercial mold damage in Miami from ruining your storage facility. If you are proactive and pay attention to the early signs, you can save yourself much trouble.

Control the moisture levels

Moisture can severely and irreparably damage your customers' contents in the storage units. Furniture, cartons, artwork, and clothes can be quickly ruined. Furthermore, it is the most critical factor that causes mold growth. Storage facilities are not exactly known for their exceptional ventilation, and it can be challenging to get rid of the moisture from them. If you have a leaky roof or a busted pipe in your facility, the lack of free air movement can lead to high local moisture content.

Spores love this high moisture content and quickly germinate to form mold colonies in no time. The best way to avoid it is to check your facility for leaks and drips on a regular basis. Professionals here at SERVPRO can also help you determine the moisture levels in your facility and suggest methods to get them under control.

Do not ignore any amount of mold

Ignoring mold, especially if there are only a few colonies can be quite tempting. However, before you know it, they can spread throughout your facility and ruin it. If it remains unchecked, the mold can spread quickly to your customers' contents destroying them in the process. Make sure that you are seeking professional help as soon as you spot, smell or even suspect mold growth. Our IICRC certified SERVPRO professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to remedy the problem before it gets out of hand.

Perform regular inspections

The best way to prevent mold damage from turning into a disaster is to perform regular inspections. Look for the signs of mold damage often and as thoroughly as you can. The best chance of getting the damage restored is when the professionals can reach the earliest stage.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 to talk to one of our mold damage restoration experts.

Click here for more about Miami. 

Are There Strategies Homeowners Can Take to Minimize Storm Damage in Coconut Grove?

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Having a well stocked First-Aid kit is crucial during a storm for your health. To restore your home, call SERVPRO quickly after the storm!

SERVPRO Addresses Precautions to Protect Your Family and Your Property from Storm Damage in Coconut Grove 

With tropical storm season in full swing, it is essential to prepare yourself for what potentially lies ahead. From making sure your home can withstand the weather to knowing the best evacuation routes, here is a quick look at how to prepare for tropical storm damage in Coconut Grove. After all, preparation is the best form of protection. 

  • Be sure your home is well protected, which includes everything from ensuring there are no loose shingles on the roof to removing everything from your yard that can become a projectile. Also, secure your doors to prevent them from flying open, while also reinforcing your windows, doors, and garage doors.
  • Determine the best possible evacuation routes. Before a tropical storm hits, local governments usually provide plenty of information about evacuation plans. If possible, test the evacuation route during a safe period to ensure there are no potential problems.
  • Ensure you have all the necessary supplies. If you wait until the last minute, it can be almost impossible to get everything you need. Create a kit that includes plenty of water and non-perishable food, clothing, blankets, flashlight and batteries, a first-aid kit, and a whistle to signal for help. If you take prescription medication, be sure you include this in your kit.
  • Verify that your home insurance policy is up to date. You must have your home insured against flooding and flood damage. (This is not part of standard homeowners or renters insurance policy.)
  • Take time to back up your electronics, which is especially crucial if you use your computer to conduct business. Be sure to store all data in an off-site location that you can still access even if the storm destroys the actual device.
  • Create an inventory of your possessions. After a storm hits, trying to remember everything you once had can be almost impossible. Beforehand, use a video camera (if possible) to document your valuables. Also, keep receipts. Should you have no desire to keep a bunch of papers, scan the receipts and store them in an off-site location. 

5 Top Tips for Staying Safe in A Coconut Grove Hurricane 

Surviving the awe-inspiring power of a Coconut Grove hurricane comes down to preparation. The good news is hurricanes don't just pop up out of nowhere. Typically, there is a 24-hour warning or more of impending severe weather in which to finish final preparations. The keyword here is "final." You can accomplish much of the preparation before a hurricane is bearing down on the area. 

  1. . Prepare emergency supplies.

An emergency kit should include non-perishable food and bottled water for up to seven days. First Responders cannot access the area immediately. Be sure to include additional water for general use in that time frame, such as cooking. Include a First Aid kit, flashlights, an emergency radio, and plenty of spare batteries for these devices. Fill gas in vehicles in case evacuation orders come through. Be sure to take essential documents if the area needs to evacuate. 

  1. Secure loose items and property.

With winds ranging from 75-200 mph, loose objects become deadly projectiles in hurricanes. Move loose items like lawn furniture and outdoor toys indoors. Plywood over windows can help prevent wind and projectile damage while the hurricane winds blow. Consider moving electronics and other valuable items to higher elevations in case the area floods. 

  1. Turn off utilities at the shut-off valve.

Turn off electricity, water, and gas lines if possible. A damaged gas line can easily result in an explosion if introducing an ignition source. 

  1. Pre-plan an evacuation route.

Do not wait until the last minute to decide how to exit the area. Hurricanes may not travel in a predictable line once they make landfall. It is not uncommon for them to curve once over dry land. Do not assume the availability of nearby hotels. No vacancies can exist even hundreds of miles away. Call ahead, attempt to make reservations. Ensure they accept pets if applicable. Be prepared to drive hours away. 

  1. Monitor National Weather Service broadcasts.

The NWS is the best source of information about pending Coconut Grove storms and hurricanes. They can provide information on storm strength, recent developments, and evacuation orders. A community put under a hurricane watch may see activity within 36 hours of the announcement. The NWS can give regular updates on what actions need taking.

Why Choose SERVPRO of South Miami? 

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster 

When a storm hits your Coconut Grove home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response helps prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. 

Learn More

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists 

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of South Miami has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process emphasizes scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring, and documentation. 

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians 

Learn More 

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters 

We can access the resources and personnel of 1,650 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We also have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events. 

Learn More 

SERVPRO of South Miami has the equipment and training to restore your home. We are available 24/7 to respond to your emergency. Call (305) 269-8900. 

More about Coconut Grove.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Miami, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami today at (305) 269-8900 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

How Can Homeowners Avoid Water Damage in South Miami?

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are ready and equipped to restore water damage from a hurricane.

Water Cleanup Eliminates Heavy Rain from Your Miami Residence 

Hurricane season is upon us here in Miami, and preparing for the worst might seem like a yearly habit. September is National Preparedness Month, and we want everyone to learn new ways to protect themselves. Improving methods you already use to protect your property can also decrease the damage you experience. 

 The lack of a hurricane does not mean you your home may not need water cleanup services in Miami. A hurricane might hit south or north of us and still create periods of heavy rain in our area. When this rain invades your home because strong winds push it into windows or entryways, or a damaged section of the roof no longer shelters your home, you need to get that water out of your home as quickly as possible. Water can harm materials, and it gives mold and mildew the start they need to begin growing. 

Preventing all disasters is not feasible, but preparing for situations that might cause damage can help minimize the costs associated with repair and restoration work. It can also help save items with sentimental value from irreplaceable loss. Water cleanup helps restore your home and its belongings after the event occurs by extracting water and moisture and re-establishing dry conditions. Removing any soiling caused by particles swept up by the rainwater also helps immensely in getting things back “Like it never even happened.” 

First, we determine the pumping equipment size based on the amount of water in your home upon our arrival. If your home is without electricity, we can still start working because we also carry a power system for such situations. Getting all the visible water out eliminates breeding grounds for countless bacteria and other microbes and gives us better visibility. Cloudiness of water covering your floors can also hide possible dangers, and we want to reveal these hazards so we can more safely remove them. 

We consider rainwater relatively clean, and promptly removing it can increase the possibility of restoring any drenched carpets. We remove as much water as possible and then, in many cases, elevate the carpet so we can direct airflow both below and above, entirely airing it out. When we do this, the evaporation of the moisture in the carpet dramatically increases the humidity. Dehumidifiers used in the area extract the moisture and help us keep our progress on schedule.

SERVPRO of South Miami is ready to help you by being Faster To Any Size Disaster in Dadeland, Coral Terrace, and Kendall. When a disaster means you need water cleanup services, call us at (305) 269-8900, so we can make things right again for you.  

More about South Miami.

Should Miami Businesses use Professional Proactive Cleaning Services?

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning and sanitizing are both keys to helping stop the spread of viruses.

SERVPRO of South Miami Provides an Advantage

When the choice is between do-it-yourself or hiring a professional, the deciding factor is often the cost. When it comes to fighting this virus, taking the less expensive route may not be a viable decision.

There is a huge advantage gained by hiring a professional. SERVPRO can demonstrate how you care about your family, employees, and customers when you hire a professional cleaning service in Miami that delivers top-quality results.

SERVPRO technicians have the training to safely handle biohazards, including pathogenic materials, sewage, and microbes, such as mold.

Our technicians have extensive education in and adhere to IICRC guidelines, and we have experience in following CDC, or EPA instructions and recommendations:

    •    We use superior equipment and better PPE
    •    We apply the correct hospital-grade cleaning products and disinfectants

Our team can work during business hours to free up your employees who may be assigned to cleaning detail, or we can supplement their efforts. We are available to work after hours to do deep-cleaning. If you have a facility that is currently closed, we are able to help clean and prepare it for reopening.

To talk about your needs, or simply to get answers to your questions, please contact us,  SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

For more about Miami click here.


Disclaimer: Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

How Can I Restore My Miami Warehouse Quickly After A Fire?

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your warehouse can strike at any time. Call SERVPRO to remediate the effects of the damage today.

Our SERVPRO Team Can restore your South Miami Warehouse

Whether you use your warehouse space as a fitness center, a bakery, or a dance studio, you still have time and effort invested in it. When fire strikes and soot and smoke residue cover your equipment, it is best to let a professional team handle the cleanup. Failure to perform a comprehensive restoration process can leave your business vulnerable to more damage consequences to the fire.

Business owners can rely on SERVPRO to restore their South Miami warehouse following fire damage. Our crew is readily available once you reach us at our 24/7 hotline, and we apply our industry knowledge to develop a plan of action tailored to you. Our scope of work includes removing residual extinguishing agents and water, cleaning every surface, and addressing any lingering odors. Place your trust in us and let us do what we do best.

Should I discard all my fixtures and equipment after a warehouse fire?

Each accidental fire is unique, and our SERVPRO team evaluates each of them based on its characteristics. Understanding the path of the flames is essential to understanding the exposure of your ventilation system and just how far soot and smoke traveled. With this information and by looking at each burnt surface, our team decides on an approach for the cleanup. Some items, particularly those of porous materials such as furniture and rugs, could be beyond salvaging. As we assess the damage, we make recommendations and assist in discarding items in accordance to waste management and environmental regulations.

One of the clearest reminders of the fire is the smell it leaves behind. Our SERVPRO crew takes great care in eliminating the odor by using one or a combination of techniques, which may include the following:

  • Use of an ozone generator
  • Thermal fogging
  • Odor counteracting pellets

At SERVPRO of South Miami, we know that all fires are different. Call us at (305) 269-8900 when you face an emergency and let us work for you. Our goal is to leave your business, "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about Miami.

Why is it Important to Quickly Remove Flood Water in Miami?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Did your home experience flood damage? Cal us! We have the equipment to handle flood damage of any scope.

Fast Flood Water Removal is Crucial in Lessening Loss to Miami Homes - Here's Why 

Living in Florida has its perks, with the sunshine and warm weather, but it comes with the knowledge that hurricanes and intense storms can bring copious amounts of water resulting in flood damage.  

The critical element to lessening the loss from large amounts of water is fast flood removal in Miami homes. That is why SERVPRO techs are available 24/7 to perform damage cleanup and restoration functions for local property owners. 

What is the Difference? 

One of the differences between a professional water removal and a DIY effort is the amount of water that can get extracted. Consumer-grade wet-dry vacs do not have the pulling power of the equipment that SERVPRO techs utilize. Including truck-mounted units for large-scale removals that include debris, mud, and trash.  

Why is Speed of Water Removal Important? 

If the water recedes or gets extracted rapidly, the tile may not delaminate, or the subfloor may not require controlled demo removal. The less exposure time that building materials, sheetrock, and flooring have to floodwater, the more chance for restoration. 

How Does Controlled Demolition Work? 

When homeowners hear the phrase "controlled demo needed," it can sound like the entire house needs demolishing. However, this refers to an action that only removes damaged portions of walls, floors, and other building materials as a loss and to open those areas for complete drying.  

On-Site Safety 

Containment is another essential element for safe cleanup of flood loss. Airborne particles have the potential to contain bacteria and pathogens; these can enter the body via the nose, mouth, or eyes. SERVPRO technicians wear head to toe protective gear, including respirators and eye protection. The techs test the water to determine the nature of any contaminants present so the appropriate treatments can get applied during cleanup to disinfect the property and ready it for habitation.

SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 stands ready 24/7 for any size flood removal in local properties. The certified techs have the skills and equipment to make the water loss in the home, "Like it never even happened." 

More about Miami.

What Do You Do After Storm Damage?

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Stormwater Removal and Restoration Services for Miami Homes and Much More--We Are Here to Help!

SERVPRO has the experience and equipment to restore your Miami home and make it safe again

This part of Florida sees its fair share of intense weather systems, including tornadoes and hurricanes. The result is that homeowners can wind up with damaged roofing that allows rain inside or other structural issues from wind and water-soaked interiors from flash floods.

What are Some of the First Actions After Storm Damage Happens?

After flash floods or other types of storm damage occur in a Miami home, one of the first things a homeowner should do is to ensure the safety of the residents in the house, including pets. Common issues after storm loss include:

  • Sagging ceilings from water damage
  • Water wicked into sheetrock
  • Floodwater tainted with sewage or chemicals
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Damaged roofing and windows

What Actions Do SERVPRO Techs Perform Against Storm Loss?

When the certified technicians arrive on-site to clean up the water damage in a Miami home, they perform multiple tasks to assist in securing the property as needed, including temporary repairs. High winds can leave behind a roof that leaks. The techs have experience in doing putting up a tarp and other interim measures to inhibit any further water damage within the home.

Scoping the property is also vital. Much of the water that entered the property during a flash flood can also recede rapidly. The issue is the water that gets left behind and runs behind baseboards and wicks within the sheetrock. At a glance, it is difficult to determine the exact migration path for water solely through visual inspection. That is why the technicians use multiple types of water detection equipment to ensure that water loss in the home gets wholly addressed.

What is the Best Way to Remove Floodwater from My Home?

When the water in your Miami home is the result of a roof leak or a window break and is not groundwater, you can use towels to blot and mop up as much as you can before the arrival of SERVPRO. Wet/dry vacuums are also useful but generally do not have the pulling power to extract embedded moisture or assist when water seeps into the subfloor.

If groundwater is the culprit in your home, you need to steer clear of coming into contact with the water until SERVPRO techs arrive. It is fine to put down towels or rags to blot up water but do not come into contact with it. The techs can test the water and determine the nature of any contaminants and choose the proper methods of disinfection. If there are sewage or harmful elements present, putting up containment to prevent airborne water vapor from spreading to other areas of the home is a common tactic.

Water Type and Age Counts Towards Loss

The moment the water entered the home via rain or groundwater, it began to age. The longer structural elements of the house have exposure to moisture, the more damage that occurs.

  • Paint on walls can blister and bubble
  • Tile and glue-down carpet can delaminate
  • Sheetrock may show signs of buckling
  • Hardwood floorboards can warp and cup
  • Anything saturated by groundwater requires disposal as a biohazard
  • After 48 hours even rainwater gets handled as a black water event

Strong Water Removal Methods Play a Key Role

SERVPRO techs bring all the equipment necessary for water loss mitigation in their green service vans. This includes generators in case the power is out from intense storms or turned off due to the potential for water to come into contact with electrical outlets.

They use a wide range of extraction equipment, depending on the amount and depth of the water they need to remove. Each Miami home water removal is different, and while one job needs multiple portable pumps, another may require the extreme pumping services of a truck-mounted unit; this is particularly useful after a hurricane or storm surge situation.

Controlled Demolition is a Large Part of Storm Damage Cleanup

If the techs find water wicked into sheetrock, if the sheetrock has drying potential, they can drill weep holes and dry the area. More often, a tactic known as flood cuts gets applied. The techs measure above the highest waterline and cut away the damaged portion. This opens up the walls and framework for complete extraction and drying.

Carpet that absorbed groundwater or water that degraded over 48 hours is generally a loss and requires removal and disposal as a biohazard. Hardwood flooring may have restoration potential on a case by case basis depending on the length of water exposure and construction materials used for the floorboards.

When storm damage happens, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900, the certified technicians are available 24/7 to restore your home to its preloss condition.

Fire And Smoke Damage In Your Miami Property

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Thermal Fogging for Post-Housefire Smoke Odors in Miami

Deodorization is a vital component of the full-service restoration that we offer Miami homes and apartments. With the thousands and thousands of properties throughout the city, our restoration team needs effective and efficient solutions to stay prepared for whatever disaster is yet to come. Removing harsh smoke odors in a structure involves a combination of multiple tools and products, but our thermal foggers can often carry the brunt of this workload.

Understanding the deodorization process can help to appreciate the numerous machines and potent products involved in addressing fire damage and odor in Miami homes after a disaster. Our SERVPRO team has multiple options for removing odors from your damaged residence, some to reduce the severity of these conditions while some equipment can neutralize these present odors entirely. From the time that we arrive and begin mitigation, our professionals can:

    •    Remove fire debris to reduce the concentration of smoke and foul odors
    •    Begin controlled demolition on overly damaged surfaces to reduce odor severity
    •    Abrasive cleanings like soda blasting to remove carcinogens and soot
    •    Thermal fogging
    •    Hydroxyl generators
    •    Ozone machines

Thermal fogging is one of the most commonly used deodorization tools because of its versatility in a damaged area. By heating odor removal products to a mist/fog, we create a gaseous neutralizing compound that negates odor molecules on contact. This fine fog can penetrate affected porous materials and contents in the area as well, preventing an unnecessary removal and reinstallation of these surfaces at a later point.

Foggers are lightweight and mobile, making it easy to move the unit from one damaged area to another. Unlike ozone generators, our thermal fogging technology is not harmful to those in the immediate vicinity, making it a safe practice when fire damage does not force relocation.

While we have multiple solutions to reduce and remove harsh odors after a fire, one of the standard approaches for our SERVPRO of South Miami team is thermal fogging. However, we can help your home to look and smell better after a fire. We are here at (305) 269-8900 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Miami click here.

Fire Damage In Coral Gables Leaves Walls Covered in Soot

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Miami is available to assist with fire damage, soot deposits, and deodorization.

Our Methods Restore Your Coral Gables House to its Pre-Loss State

As things burn inside your Coral Gables house, smoke steadily pours into other areas. As it does, the heat and increased pressure forces it up against walls and ceilings. Soot, ash, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cover these surfaces heavily, making them seem unsalvageable. Our techniques can often restore them enough to prevent this added expense. We can often mitigate minor bubbling on painted surfaces, negating the need to replace affected areas.

Cleaning the walls in your Coral Gables home of soot and other minor fire damage requires certain tools and chemical agents. Part of our training includes the safe use of the chemicals, as well as how to use the tools and equipment needed to get the job done quickly and without unnecessary waste. Our training develops habits that include always leaving the site clean and tidy, and all items out of reach of children and pets.

One of the first things we do upon beginning the mitigation work includes setting up air scrubbers. These machines help keep the particulate matter in the air from affecting us, as well as resettling elsewhere, possibly on newly cleaned surfaces. To clean walls, we use a highly absorbent sponge. However, this type of sponge works well without water. With slight pressure, we can remove soils like soot from smooth surfaces. Afterward, we might need to wash certain areas with a damp cloth to eliminate any static electricity that the sponge generated.

As we clean with the sponges, we keep in mind if the newly cleaned surface needs repainted. If so, possibly due to slight bubbly of the paint, we can prime the wall without using a damp cloth. While the wall may still show stains when we “clean for paint,” this is okay as we are concentrating on removing anything that can prevent a good bond between the surface and the fresh paint. This cleaning might involve stronger solvents and degreasing agents.

SERVPRO technicians are also trained in cleaning other kinds of walls, like tile, paneling, brick, and fabric. Each requires specific care to bring it back to its former condition. Some of this restoration work includes deodorizing your property. We can discuss different options that can eradicate any ongoing smells you or your family notice.

SERVPRO of South Miami is available to assist with fire damage, soot deposits, and deodorization. Call (305) 269-8900 for prompt service from our skilled and highly trained professional mitigation team.

For more about Coral Gables click here.

How Do I Restore My Water Damaged Home in Miami To Pre-Damage Condition?

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a water-damaged Miami home Call us at (305) 269-8900

The Professional Water Damage Team from SERVPRO Can Help

It only takes one of the many storms passing over Miami to create problems with your home's roof. After repairs, most homeowners never have a problem again. Sometimes, though, minor gaps that went undetected before now suddenly seem to open up and let rain from even mild showers into the house. Any part of your roof can develop problems like this.

What are the first steps to restoring my Miami home after water damage?

  • We can help determine where the leak is coming from so your roofing team can get the repairs made as quickly as possible
  • Thermal imaging equipment that shows the presence of moisture in materials for tracking down both lost and invasive water
  • SERVPRO can repair leaky pipes and slipped water lines.

After we locate the area where rain enters, we can tarp this to eliminate problems until after the completion of the roof's repairs. Now we can begin working on cleaning up the water that came through your ceiling and is threatening your home and your belongings. Preventing as much ruination and damage to your property as possible is our goal in mitigation and cleanup.

What happens to my belongings after a water loss?
Water that comes through your attic can carry debris with each drop and deposit these substances on your belongings. Attic spaces can also contain stored boxes of off-season items, and we can get these cleaned up for you, also. Disposing of things and repurchasing them often costs considerably more than the expense involved in cleaning and restoring those same items.

Furniture that sat under a leak can hold quite a bit of water in its upholstery. We use special vacuums that remove the water while protecting the fabric. Other items, such as solid wood furniture, can often come clean with only a thorough wipe-down to clean it sufficiently. We air dry these in a special chamber to speed drying up and then deodorize with either hydroxyl or ozone machines.

Carpeting in the area affected by an overhead leak often experiences water spread out several feet in each direction. We get carpets in such situations dry by floating them, which allows us to direct air both above and below them, rapidly drying them and the floor on which the carpet rests.

SERVPRO of South Miami is ready 24/7 to help families in our local area during their time of need. Call us at (305) 269-8900, any time when you find your home's interior drenched.

Some Ways to Avoid Storm Damage in Miami

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure that you have a plan in place to keep your family safe in case of a storm. Then call SERVPRO to plan for any emergencies to your home.

Preparing for Hurricane Season in South Miami

Hurricane season begins in June, but long before that, South Miami residents should be thinking about what they can do to prepare. In recent years, some of the most destructive storms in the past few decades have made landfall here in southern Florida and along the east coast, which has made many realize that their properties are not as stormproof as they might have originally believed. Instead of waiting until you are in the middle of insurmountable damages and flooding that can result from structural collapses, take some time to assess how you can better prepare for inevitable harsh summer weather to come.

Before you find yourself contending with storm and flood damage in South Miami condos and homes, there are steps that you can take so you are not caught off-guard by destructive weather.

Insurance 

One of the first ways that you can prepare for hurricane season is to find out what insurance coverage you have and determine what options are available for your property. It only takes one terrible storm to cause substantial damages to a residence, and without insurance to cover it, those expenses could come out of your pocket.

Emergency READY Profile Plan

Our SERVPRO team is always eager and anxious to help residents and business owners designate a plan for emergency response. When disasters strike, designating our team to help and pre-listing the locations of vital shutoffs and other pertinent information saves time and money.

Property Inspections 

Another service that our SERVPRO team can offer is pre-disaster home assessments. When you worry about the strength and age of your roof, for example, our in-house residential contractors can evaluate these structural elements and determine how to reinforce them or when they might need to be replaced entirely. This construction is work that our contractors can do before roofs, and other construction materials, succumb to the fierce forces of hurricanes.

Despite residents understanding the threat of harsh weather conditions every year, so many properties are still caught unaware by the severity of these passing storm systems. Give our SERVPRO of South Miami team a call to help you prepare or recover at (305) 269-8900.

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Using Wands to Remove Water from Miami Homes

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage.

Your Home’s Water Damage Need’s the Proper Equipment for the Best Restoration Results

There are many tools and devices that our SERVPRO professionals regularly use to recover Miami homes after disasters like water and fire losses. As damaging as migrating water can be, using some of these efficient machines and attachments to slow or stop the movement of this water can be instrumental in protecting property and preventing further losses. Wands are an excellent example of these attachments that can play a significant role in water removal and moisture containment.

Surface water damage in Miami homes can often be what homeowners fixate on the most when they think of recovering their property after a water loss emergency. As destructive as moisture on this top layer of flooring material might be, there are even more significant concerns when absorption happens into carpeting and padding underneath it. The right tool used in these circumstances can help to protect against greater property damages like the deterioration of subflooring and support elements when migrating moisture absorbs even deeper.

Squeegee Wands 

With hardwood flooring and tile, our SERVPRO team must work to remove surface moisture before worsening conditions can develop. In many situations, attaching a squeegee wand to a wet vacuum can remove the bulk of standing water concerns. These devices can funnel collected water to the onboard vacuum portion for removal.

Carpet Wands 

Carpet wands are another helpful attachment that our team can use to remove moisture concerns from damaged materials. Carpeting can quickly absorb water, and these wands can work to pull moisture from both the top layer and padding but are especially useful when it gets decided to remove the padding altogether and replace it.

Weighted Extraction Tools 

Ride-on equipment and stationary weighted tools can both also be effective on carpeted surfaces. These units press the carpet and padding against the subflooring material, forcing moisture to the surface for collection by an onboard vacuum.

All of these devices and tools can play an active role in the restoration of your home after a water loss incident. Our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help you make it “Like it never even happened,” by calling (305) 269-8900.

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How Does a Thermal Fogger Work for Fire Damage in Miami Homes?

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's experienced teams are ready to assist your home in fire restoration immediately. Give us a call day or night at (305) 269-8900.

SERVPROS Steps to Deodorizing Your Home Using Thermal Fogging After Fire Damage

Fire losses require the use of sophisticated equipment and practices to recover Miami homes. Despite how devastating structure fires can be, we have experienced professionals working to provide efficient mitigation to reduce property loss. While debris removal, controlled demolition, and cleaning are vital elements of fire recovery, it is also critical to address the widespread harsh odors that can also spread throughout the property.

Deodorization is a critical step in the restoration of fire damage to Miami homes and beachfront properties. Smoke molecules and the combustion of plastics and other organic materials can lead to a blend of harsh odors concentrated throughout the entire household, being the strongest in the area where the fire began and lessening the greater the distance away. We have multiple deodorizing tools that can reduce or eliminate noxious scents, and one of the most heavily used of these is our thermal fogger.

Fogging machines are a favored choice of our SERVPRO professionals removing smoke odors because the generated vapor can penetrate difficult areas to reach and penetrate affected surfaces as well. This process can be more effective and efficient than deodorization with ultraviolet like our hydroxyl machines. Deodorizing compounds exist in many pleasant scents or odorless products that get rapidly heated by the machine to produce fog. When in contact with smoke and odor molecules, these deodorizing agents can neutralize the compounds.

Another favorable aspect of thermal fogging for our SERVPRO team after a fire loss incident is the lightweight versatility of the unit. Many of the other deodorizing tools available to the team are stationary and can only address certain areas until they get relocated. Foggers can move with the technician throughout the full measure of the damaged area without much need for readjustments.

Multiple obstacles exist for homeowners after a fire loss incident, but our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help. With the use of sophisticated tools like our thermal fogging machines, we can make fire emergencies, “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (305) 269-8900.

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Water Removal In Miami Can Take Efforts From A Professional Restoration Company

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Give us a call any time. Our team of professionals are always available.

SERVPRO Understands the Importance of Professional Response to Water Damage in Your Miami Home

The statistics say that 14,000 people in the U.S. suffer from some type of moisture damage emergency every single day. The annual cost to insurance companies nationwide for water removal and other mitigation procedures is around $2.5 billion. The chances of you suffering damage from some type of plumbing failure is more likely to happen than you think because 37% of homeowners say it has happened to them.

Whenever you notice wet materials inside your home after a leak, it's wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. Water removal inside your Miami home can prove to be more difficult than you think. Luckily, our team of highly trained technicians can help the process go much more smoothly for you. When picking the best restoration contractor for your specific problems, it is essential to keep the following four things that set us above the rest in mind.

  1. Fast, 24/7 Service

Our SERVPRO technicians are located nearby, and we can respond to your emergency promptly at any time.

  1. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification or IICRC Training

Our team goes through rigorous training by the IICRC to make sure we have the necessary skills to complete restoration jobs that are large or small. We also have a large amount of combined experience that can help you figure out how to mitigate your unique problems.

  1. Customer Service Skills

Another aspect that sets SERVPRO above other restoration companies is the attention we give to our customers. From the moment we receive your call, we work closely with you every step of the way and make sure you know what we can do and why we think we should do it.

  1. Advanced Technology

Our team is always searching for the best equipment and technology to help us with both the inspection and mitigation processes to restore your home the best we can. We're always searching for new tools and techniques to help us return your home to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened."

To receive professional assistance from a company that really cares and takes extra efforts to keep you informed throughout the entire restoration process, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 24/7. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.


Learn more about South Miami.

Miami Homes Benefit from SERVPRO Professional Containment Methods to Minimize Fire and Smoke Impacts

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Produces Clean and Fresh Air for Miami Properties after a Fire Loss

Unexpected Methods to Clean Residues After Fire Damage in Miami

One way to provide a positive impact on fire cleanup in Miami is to concentrate on interior air quality during initial interventions. Smoke and soot near the ignition site floats in the air, often traveling far from the place where the flames were most intense. Capturing the airborne contaminants produced by the fire before they have a chance to settle and adhere to surfaces is a time, and cost-effective method our well-qualified and equipped technicians use for maximum results.

Containment and Decontamination
A proactive part of fire damage strategy in Miami uses negative pressure air scrubbers combined with partitioning to create containment zones. Our technicians mitigate the drift of residues with 6-mil polyethylene tightly attached over doorways, windows, and other openings, sometimes adding temporary frames built of PVC pipes or metal tension poles. We further prevent the spread of soot by shutting down and blocking off the vents of your HVAC system. Negative pressure air scrubbers are installed inside the containment chambers, sealing edges and pulling contaminated air through HEPA filters. The filtered air vents to the outside, taking any remaining particles out of your home. Extra planning greatly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

Odor Minimization
The decision to use air scrubbers also helps with the challenging task of smoke and soot odor removal. Our SERVPRO deodorization specialists rely on this method to filter out the malodorous particles while still airborne, before they settle into cracks and crevices, becoming much more difficult to eliminate. The method has the advantage of minimizing or avoiding entirely the use of masking agents as a deodorizing strategy, useful for customers who have a sensitivity to scents.

Enhancement of Conventional Damage Removal Methods
SERVPRO crews do not merely set up the containment and air scrubbers, we work in the partitioned-off areas, cleaning up the soot that previously settled. Having the negative air pressure technology in place offers continual air “vacuuming,” reducing the debris we need to clean off floors as we use agitation, brushing, and even abrasive tools and products to loosen soiling for bagging and disposal.

The professionals at SERVPRO of South Miami are well prepared to clear away fire damage residues in a wide range of conventional and creative ways. Call for an assessment and planning session at (305) 269-8900.

Anatomy of Professional Water Damage Recovery in Miami

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

If a leaking water heater damages your property, call SERVPRO

Steps to fixing water damage

Homeowners might believe they have a basic understanding of how a water loss can harm their Miami residence. When a water emergency occurs, whether from leaky plumbing, appliance malfunctions, weather-related events, or another issue, you need fast, professional assistance. Our well-equipped and certified crews possess both the theory of and experience in water removal and applied structural and contents drying.

Safety Hazard and Damage Assessment

Fast response to water damage in Miami must include a safety evaluation before crews commence removal activities. Our seasoned project managers look for utility hazards like electric shock risks or gas or oil leaks. Submerged debris can expose occupants and our crews to tripping, slipping, and injury from glass or other sharp objects. Weakened waterlogged building materials, including walls, floors, and ceilings, can destroy the integrity of the structure. Gallons of water can break suddenly through a ceiling, walls can crumble, and floors fail. Securing the premises for mitigation and remediation work is an essential first phase.

Efficiency in All Project Phases Is Vital

Both the structure and the contents of your home can suffer from water damage. As the overall plan for water damage restoration takes shape, SERVPRO employees often recommend a full or partial pack-out of contents, supported by our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). Pack-outs increase the efficiency of structural water removal and drying. Removed items do not need constant repositioning, and the water load they hold does not increase the relative humidity inside the structure. You also have the opportunity to have water-saturated furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions evaluated, cleaned, dried, disinfected, and restored by specially trained technicians at our production facility.

Aggressive Extraction Improves Drying Results

When more than two inches of water is measurable, we start with submersible pumps. SERVPRO’s truck-mounted and portable extractors then take over, pulling as much liquid from structures and fixtures as possible. Extraction proves 1200 times more effective than drying alone, so we take advantage of this fact to set the stage for streamlined drying. Our technicians record and monitor moisture level data in both affected and unaffected spaces in your home when setting and achieving drying goals. We carefully position air movers to speed evaporation of moisture from structures. A scientifically based balance of air movement, temperature, and dehumidification is crucial to dry out spaces. Our crews are experts in psychrometry, the science of drying and use knowledge and experience to return moisture levels to normal readings.

SERVPRO of South Miami investigates thoroughly and uses restoration industry best practices to resolve your water loss. Call us at (305) 269-8900 confident that we have the know-how and equipment necessary to return your home to preloss condition.

Learn more about Miami

SERVPRO Often Surprises with Surpassing Miami Residents' Hopes for Full Water Damage Recovery

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team from South Miami Can Handle Any Size Water Loss--We Meet and Beat Expectations!

Restoring Water Damage Loss in Miami to Meet Your Expectations

Many problems develop in the aftermath of a water loss incident in Miami, including soiled contents and surfaces or deterioration of materials. Even after calling a professional team to handle the restoration, doubts may linger whether everything done to restore your property can meet expectations. SERVPRO uses various strategies to ensure the restoration done promises a good outcome.

Scoping the Loss Site

After arriving at the water damage scene in Miami, we scope it thoroughly to establish the extent of the loss and plan a response rather than doing it haphazardly. Some of the points our SERVPRO technicians, project manager, or sales and marketing rep concentrate on during the scoping includes establishing the extent of water intrusion, the level of moisture migration, and any hazards present, thus allowing us to respond appropriately. We also check the level of damages to determine where there are unsalvageable materials.

Customer Consultation

To establish the full facts about the loss, scoping the site is not enough. Your input as the property owner or resident is helpful for our restoration crews to deliver satisfactory results. For example, before deciding to salvage or dispose of some materials or contents, we consider your opinion and often need your permission. Some items have sentimental value, and even when significantly damaged, you might expect us to save them. Our SERVPRO crew chief discusses the results of our evaluation with you explaining what services we can deliver, when, and how we plan to do it. The consultation also helps us interpret your expectations.

Working Fast

We understand every homeowner's desire for a quick turnaround after a water loss. We also understand the benefits of a speedy restoration, which prevents many secondary damages. We bring several units of restoration equipment such as air movers, water extractors, and dehumidifiers to tackle different areas simultaneously.

Water loss incidents require coordinated restoration efforts. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 to help do it in a way that meets your expectations, making it, "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO is Your First Choice to Restore Fire Damaged Furniture in Miami

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residues damage furniture. SERVPRO has effective cleaning methods to restore you hardwood possessions.

Bringing Your Hardwood Furniture Back to Beauty After Miami Fire Damage 

Smoke and soot damage in your Miami home affects furniture profoundly. If you collect antique and high-quality contemporary furnishings over time, the effects of heat, flames, and residues could be devastating. The first look you have after the fire fighting might leave you despairing that your treasured items can ever regain their function and appearance. Our training and innovative tools and products offer successful outcomes depending on your furniture’s finish and the extent of the damage. 

Surface Finishes Affect Appropriate Cleaning Methods 

The type of finish on your furniture expands or limits the cleaning methods we use to combat fire damage in your Miami house. We assess how well the varnish, paint, shellac, lacquer, oils, or waxes protected or increased the damage to your furniture during the fire. We match the finish of the hardwood components of your furniture to the most efficacious dry or wet cleaning products based on training and experience. 

Dry Cleaning of Hardwood Furniture 

Dry cleaning best practices for unfinished wood and light debris recommend tools like feather dusters, dry sponges, art gum erasers, dusting cloths, and vacuums. Unfinished and unsealed wood respond best to dry cleaning, but dry pre-cleaning of loose residues for any hardwood is wise in most cases. Brushes of differing sizes are a useful resource, employed by our SERVPRO technicians when ashy residues settle in crevices and decorative trim. 

Wet Cleaning of Hardwood Furniture 

Moderate accumulation of fire residues on finished wood surfaces responds to a low alkali cleaner or mild detergent. SERVPRO has options available to crews loaded on our service vehicles or in stock at our production facility. Once applied, the detergent or cleaner works best when rubbed with the grain. Oil-based furniture polishes finish the job after cleaning.

Semi-Refinishing of Hardwood Furniture 

SERVPRO technicians choose a solvent-based product that removes a thin top layer of the furniture finish when heavy residues are present. A short dwell time of fewer than five minutes helps loosen the soot. The cream-based solvent does not damage the finish because we control the agitation with extra-fine steel wool, and apply the adequate product to protect the surface. Treatment with the solvent is effective when semi-refinishing is needed to remove watermarks created during combustion, or because of firefighting efforts and cool-down condensation. 

Training, experience, and proven proprietary products support the team at SERVPRO of South Miami as we work on the restoration of your fire-damaged hardwood furnishings. Explore the possibilities when you call (305) 269-8900 to schedule an assessment post-fire. 

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Cleaning Water Damaged Flooring in Miami Condos.

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let your floors go with the water, let SERVPRO help you Miami.

SERVPRO will break the water damage down for your Miami condo floor damage.

Every loss incident that can affect your Miami condo comes with a need for focused and attentive cleaning. With water loss incidents, some of the most significant obstacles for our SERVPRO team to face are residues, staining, and fungal or microbial threats. The longer that surfaces and affected areas of a residence remain exposed to higher moisture levels and direct interaction with water, the more of these potential hurdles that exist when our technicians seek to clean and restore a condo during recovery. 

Condos have premier construction materials and get built to withstand severe weather events, but can do little to prevent unexpected interior damages that require water cleanup in Miami properties. The application of specific cleaning products, disinfectants, and antimicrobial solutions provides a preventative care measure to our mitigation process. Our focus with any water loss scenario is limiting the destruction to your condo and preventing secondary disasters like mold growth from the beginning. 

Quaternary compounds are among the most common disinfectants our SERVPRO professionals use when addressing the cleaning of surfaces after a water loss incident. These are ideal for battling bacteria, fungi, and residue. Quats can get mixed with detergents for a restorative cleaning, where construction materials like flooring and structural elements can stay installed. Unlike other cleaning products that are necessary for restoration, these products have a pleasant odor that can serve as a natural deodorizing agent. These are also safe for use on some of the high-end construction materials chosen for your condo. 

Because microbes always exist in indoor environments, they are impossible to eliminate. When water losses occur, moist conditions persist that can encourage the development of mold colonies. We use EPA-registered disinfectants designed to overcome microbial threats. Sporicides are also available to our SERVPRO professionals to eliminate newly developing colonies and concentrations of mold spores on surfaces throughout the water-damaged residence. 

Cleaning up after water loss incidents in your condo is often more involved than many property owners believe. No matter how our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help, you can give us a call 24/7 at (305) 269-8900.

To find out more about Miami, click here.

What Few People Know About Flood Damage Remediation Success in Miami

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

When your home is flooded due to a tornado or other storm, contact our certified SERVPRO team right away.

Why SERVPRO Flood Damage Miami – Large or Small Disasters

Florida is well known for its exposure to natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Flooding from these events causes millions of dollars in damage every year, and immense hardship for residents and visitors. We also have our share of fires, leaking pipes, and mold infestations that require remediation and restoration.

SERVPRO responds to flood damage in the Miami area and the surrounding area on a 24/7 basis. We also have teams ready to clean up after a fire, water damage from leaking pipes, and mold colonies that are out of control in our hot, humid climate. We have the experience, the training, the equipment, and commitment to our clients to make it right after a disaster of any size. We can mobilize large teams to respond to any size of event relying on SERVPRO teams from around the country.

Experience & Training

Our team has experience in dealing with many events in the Miami area. We are IICRC certified (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, which is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry). We also can tap into experts as needed. E.g., biohazard cleanup often required after a flood damage event.

Equipment

Responding to any size of event requires a multitude of equipment. We have truck mounted water extraction pumps, submersibles, mounted extractors, moisture sensors, drying equipment, and more. Whether it is cleaning up after a water leak or a flood, we clean and sanitize your home or business. We also have available the required chemicals to remove mold and contaminants as needed.

Commitment to Our Clients

We respond on a 24/7 basis within a four-hour timeframe. SERVPRO assesses the situation and mobilizes the team and equipment to mitigate the damage and minimize the time you are out of your home or business. We aim to return your premises to you, "Like it never even happened."

Partnerships

SERVPRO is part of a national and international team of professionals. Our local Miami team can call on other SERVPRO franchises at a moment's notice to assist with large disasters. We can bring in the experts to respond to your disaster event as required.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Coral Terrace, and the surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more about the city of Miami.

Have King Tides Caused a Royal Amount of Damage to Your Miami Crawlspace?

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

King Tides are no match for SERVPRO! This is just some of the equipment at our disposal to remove water from your home.

Flooded Crawlspaces Need Professional Water Removal to Reduce Permanent Damage to your Miami Home

Periods of the year that see the most torrential rainfall can be a potential problem for homeowners. Excess rainwater can swell groundwaters, which can result in the flooding of lower regions of your property. King tides can also become problematic during certain times of the year and increase the risk of property flooding. Areas that are of particularly high risk are crawlspaces, which are inefficiently sealed against outer elements and, due to their proximity to the ground, can become flooded rapidly. If your home lacks an appropriate vapor barrier, these flooded lower regions can condensate, causing structural rot or mold growth, so you may want to consider bringing in professional restoration services to avoid costs further down the line.

The combination of the rainy season alongside annual king tides means it is not uncommon for you to require water removal services for your Miami home. Waters restricted to areas beneath the home present many challenges along the way to full restoration. SERVPRO is available throughout the year with a roster of water restoration technicians (WRT) and applied structural drying (ASD) technicians. We are notably active between September and November when flood scenarios are at their most likely.

One of the main challenges presented by crawlspace flooding is the lack of access points. These areas are typically only accessible through small openings, which can restrict the ability to bring in the equipment we need. Gas pumping equipment can be extremely effective at removing more significant amounts of moisture from inside a crawlspace with smaller hoses available for restricted access spaces. After removing the standing water, our technicians can enter the crawlspace to inspect for further damages.

Moisture inside your crawlspace can cause several long-term concerns for a homeowner and needs to be removed and dried correctly. Dampness can migrate upwards and effect joists or subfloor. It can also become a hotbed for microbial growth, active mold, or stagnate over time, attracting insects and vermin. SERVPRO technicians can place dehumidification equipment inside the crawlspace to remove dampness. We treat residual moisture an air-mover fitted with a flex-hose to allow access into deeper regions.

Water in your crawlspace can cause severe structural issues over time. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

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Water Loss, Fast SERVPRO Service for Miami Condos Is the Answer

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Can Be Devastating in Miami Condos, Call SERVPRO for the Restoration

Trust SERVPRO of South Miami to Remediate the Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is something that no homeowner wants to go through. Unfortunately, living in a condo can increase how your home can sustain water damage. With Miami condominiums above, beside, and below you, water can truly hit your unit from all sides.

For this reason, it is essential to stay calm if your Miami condo ever sustained water damage. The faster that the water is addressed, the better it is for your home. Staying calm can allow you to get professionals to your location quicker, which in turn means that the remediation can happen promptly.

Imagine a scenario where you get up in the morning to get dressed for work. As you go into your walk-in closet to retrieve something, you notice that the floor is wet. Water drips from the ceiling and is also flowing down the back wall.

In this hypothetical, the source of the water damage is the condo above yours. A severe leak flooded the bathroom and then began to spill out past the confines of the apartment, following gravity, the water traveled and found your closet. To remedy the water damage in your apartment, and prevent troublesome problems such as mold damage, you could call SERVPRO.

Here at SERVPRO, we always try to get to our customers as fast as possible. No matter when you call, day or night, we have a team ready to help you. Once we get your call, our SERVPRO techs can assemble and then travel to your location with a van full of advanced equipment designed to fight water damage.

Once we arrive at your apartment, we can immediately begin to move your clothing out of your closet and send any that needs to be dried to our facility. Once your closet has been emptied, we can begin to remove the standing water with wet/dry vacuums and set up a drying environment. We can use advanced technological devices, such as dehumidifiers, heaters, and axial fans, to dry the water damage in your closet.

Furthermore, we can remove the ceiling tiles and feed air drying tubes into the ceiling, to ensure that space is appropriately dried. When completed, SERVPRO would leave your home to you "Like it never even happened."

If you find your apartment suffering from water damage, never hesitate to get help. Get in contact with SERVPRO of South Miami by dialing (305) 269-8900. Night or day, we're available to help.

Stop Wasting Time and Contact SERVPRO for Your Commercial Water Damage Situation in Miami

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless if the washer or refrigerator is leaking at your commercial location, contacting SERVPRO is your best bet.

Commercial Water Removal after a Water Line Breaks Minimizes an Appliance Store's Disruption in Miami

Buying a new washer and dryer set or a larger refrigerator can seem like a large investment to many families in Miami. However, when they have committed to buying an appliance, you want to make the sale. Unexpected emergencies that close your store make this impossible. 

SERVPRO is always near businesses in Miami to help with commercial water removal, any time of day or night. We know emergencies happen without warning, so we keep out Green Fleet of trucks and vans stocked with equipment and always ready to go. The sooner we begin with extracting water, the less there is to pull out of your store. This significantly reduces the amount of time required before we can initiate the process of drying out your store.

After our water extraction team begins with the hand-held units, our building services team can inspect your flooring. Tile and marble flooring respond best when repair work begins immediately. Water can seep underneath tiles and sections of marble can retain water, letting mold set in, as well as stains and discoloration. We use the Injectidry and its floor mats to remove moisture held by the grout between tiles and the pores in natural marble.

Any amount of water can increase the water vapor inside an enclosed space. We need to eliminate this from your store and bring its humidity levels down to normal. Moving the air around is not enough without including a desiccant machine. Even when surfaces feel dry to the touch, moisture can still exist deeper inside different materials. Office furniture can also keep moisture inside upholstery fabric and any cushion's cells. 

Ceilings with acoustic tiles can retain moisture, as heat rises. Warmer air can hold larger amounts of moisture than cooler air found closer to the floor. However, because microbes can grow anywhere their spores land, ceilings also must remain damp-free to protect your store and your inventory.

We work as quickly as possible to make things like normal again, “Like it never even happened.” Making sure you can reopen your store to the public without unnecessary risks caused by a disaster is why we are always ready to respond to your call.

Because SERVPRO of South Miami is near Coral Gables, Miami Gardens, and Key Biscayne, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. This proximity helps get your business operations reinstated fast with as little interruption as possible. Call (305) 269-8900, 24/7, whenever you need to dry things out after a disaster happens.

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Water Damage To Your Miami Property

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you handle your water damage in Miami.

Miami residents don’t panic over water damage, call us today we will help.

As homeowners we do everything possible to protect our home investment from possible damage. However, there are most likely always going to be times when the unexpected occurs, often leading to damage and losses that are beyond your control. When facing water problems in your Miami area home, you need access to a company that understands your situation.

If you end up dealing with water damage on your Miami property from basement floods, water leaks, kitchen floods, a sewage backup, or natural disaster, give us a call. We have all of the skills, knowledge, and equipment necessary to remove standing water and dry everything in a highly efficient manner. Our certified Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Technicians (IICRC) know what to do to restore your home to its fullest potential. 

At SERVPRO, water damages are one of our most common calls. We have 24/hr emergency response teams available at a moment's notice to tackle these events quickly. Our onsite team performs a full assessment of damage found on your property, and communicate with you whenever necessary, so there are no surprises. Every area of your home affected by the event receives the proper attention, and our entire team helps you understand what is about to happen in your home.

SERVPRO can provide you with a wide variety of restoration services. Everything from damage mitigation, to cleaning and restoration, all of which are designed to adjust to fit your unique situation. Whether you have a small drip in the kitchen or a problem throughout the entire house, our technicians are prepared to handle your water problem thoroughly. 

You can count on SERVPRO to provide you with quick, efficient water removal, drying, deodorization, and restoration services you can count on to return your property to a quality preloss condition. We can even help you learn how to recognize signs of water damage in your home, giving you the power to limit any losses you might experience.

Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for full-service cleanup and restoration services throughout Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and surrounding areas. We have an entire Green Fleet available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, “We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.” (305) 269-8900

If you would like to know more about Miami, click here.

Restoring Flood Loss to Coral Gables High School Field House

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

We know how important it is to keep your Coral Gables activities up and running, let us help you with the flood.

Don’t let your Coral Gables students miss their events because of a flood, call SERVPRO today.

The fieldhouse for the high school outdoor athletics for Coral Gables area institutions is an essential building for storing equipment, preparing for games and practices, and other tasks relative to operating a successful sports team. While this structure is a staple near football fields and tracks, it is also part of the property that can become susceptible to flooding as it already sits along the natural basin designed for high school stadiums. Restoring the structure is critical for both the team and the school, and our SERVPRO team can help.

As you might expect, flood damage in Coral Gables school buildings can migrate quickly from the penetration point, affecting multiple areas of the building. Because the building serves as the location for pre-game preparation and practices throughout the week, the inability to use this facility can strain the resources of the athletic department and become a costly situation for the team. With the importance of high school football in the greater Miami and south Florida regions, anything that compromises a team’s success must be addressed promptly.

Protecting your investment in equipment, jerseys, and the structure itself is a strong consideration for choosing the fast and confident response of our SERVPRO professionals. We have experienced personnel who care about the work we do and how to get your building back to preloss condition quickly. Standing water, for example, can get removed through continual extraction with submersible electric pumps or gas-powered trash pumps.

Cleaning the structure is the best way to make clean and gray water flood losses have the least impact on your team and the school. We have potent cleaning products ideal for disinfection, such as our line of chlorine-based agents. For a faster turnaround on the cleaning to get the facility in use again, we can use a milder-scented botanical-based disinfectant as well.

With the importance of athletics in the area, restoring a structure like the field house can keep the team following the same routine and better poised for success. You can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Miami team to make these flood losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (305) 269-8900.

To learn more about Coral Gables, click here.

Our Storm Damage Specialists Can Save Your Hurricane-Damaged Restaurant In Miami

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Give our experts a call today at (305) 269-8900.

Fast Turnaround For Hurricane-Damaged Restaurants In Miami

Your restaurant stays busy in Miami because there are always people looking to avoid the dredge of cooking at home. After a disaster strikes the coast, however, you might have more than some missing shingles or a broken window to contend with and require flood recovery. As tempting as it might be to avoid professional restoration as much as possible, our team provides a fast turnaround to get your business full of hungry patrons again quickly.

Flood damage in Miami restaurants can cripple your business, and make it unsafe for you to continue standard operations until specific safeguards are in place like containment. Any contamination threats can close your doors right away, so you need to rely on the experienced staff we dispatch to your address following severe weather incidents. We have water restoration experts capable of addressing standing water and drying solutions, but also have cleaning technicians and biohazard recovery specialists that can complete all the necessary steps between disaster and “Like it never even happened.”

A substantial deterrent to your success is waiting on third party subcontractors to handle mold growth and remediation in your building, and that is what makes the fast response of our SERVPRO team so vital. Our preparedness for these emergencies can help us to address saturation and exposed materials quickly, identifying which areas are most potentially prone to mold and microbial threats. We have a full line of potent antimicrobial products that can help to eliminate mold spores present on surfaces and protect them from potential colonization.

Removing standing water is also vital to protecting your investment in the furniture and fixtures in the dining area. Between wooden legs of chairs and tables, to the bases for booths, prolonged exposure to even excessive moisture can warp and distort these structural elements to the point of requiring replacement. We have efficient extraction tools and hundreds of air movers available to give your job the attention it needs during flooding.

As challenging as flooding can be for a business, it can lead to a restaurant never opening again if the owner does not take aggressive steps quickly following the disaster. Our SERVPRO of South Miami team is here to help however you need. Give our experts a call today at (305) 269-8900.

For more about Miami click here.

We Are Available 24/7 For Your Miami Home After A Flood

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Drying mats placed on hardwood boards in a South Miami kitchen can prevent the need to replace this costly flooring.

Storm Damage Can Flood a Miami High Rise Quickly

Miami and the other communities that exist along the southern coastline of Florida remain perpetually at risk of powerful storm systems moving through the region. While many of the structures have become reinforced in their construction to withstand some of these more devastating conditions, this is rarely (if ever) a full-proof solution. After Hurricane Andrew, the Dade County Constructions Code changes have further fortified new and reconstructed buildings. Destructive storms can have a catastrophic effect on your high-rise apartment building, especially when you consider how many units can become affected by this unexpected disaster.

From broken windows to a destroyed portion of the roof, storm flood damage in Miami high rises is more probable than you might have thought. Our SERVPRO team has helped in multiple large loss projects that can help to infuse our experience and commercial-grade equipment into real-time solutions for your property. Because of standing water being an issue with flood damage, the team becomes limited by our potential extraction equipment. Not all of our powerful water extraction tools can get implemented within these apartments, so we must determine what can work provided the situation

We strive to provide our customers with the ideal service that they have come to expect, and most of that success hinges on adapting to changing situations. High rises have limited space, so our SERVPRO technicians utilize tools to remove standing water in any one apartment without entering another without reason. In these situations, you can expect only a handful of equipment options exist and are difficult to get to the flood damaged portion of the property on a specific floor.

Sump pumps are ideal for standing water situations that exceed two inches in depth. Depending on the type of disaster our professionals address, we can often discharge water into an available drain, and the mobility of the unit helps to overcome flooding in multiple areas of the house. This water removal action can also help in below building parking areas. Wands can also help in these situations, especially when the depth of standing water is lower than the recommended volume to use the sump pumps.

We cannot anticipate the destruction that powerful storm systems can have for your coastal home. No matter what time disasters strike or how severe the situation, we have a rapid response team ready to mobilize as soon as you call. You can reach our experienced SERVPRO of South Miami technicians anytime at (305) 269-8900.

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How Flood Cuts Help with Residential Miami Water Damages

8/25/2019 (Permalink)

Count on us for your Miami water damage, we will always be there.

Let SERVPRO expose you to the right ways in Miami.

Many practices play a significant role in maintaining a smaller and more manageable recovery of flood-damaged Miami homes. As a premier restoration team in the area, we strive to provide our customers with a tailored experience that precisely suits the needs of their home and seeks to reduce unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction whenever possible. An effective way to accomplish this while still addressing widespread floodwater is through flood cuts made into the drywall and paneling on your property.

Flood damage in Miami homes can be devastating without specific measures and techniques deployed immediately by our SERVPRO professionals. We have a crew of Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) and those trained in Applied Structural Drying (ASD) to begin combatting the standing water in your property beginning as soon as we arrive. Our professionals reach your address with the full measure of our cutting-edge extraction and rapid drying equipment, helping us to address saturation and exposure concerns starting immediately upon completion of the damage assessment.

Certain practices help to make these extractions and drying efforts more effective and efficient, and flood cuts are one of them. This process begins with an assessment of saturation in construction materials like the drywall to determine how much moisture has become wicked from the base of the wall. Depending on the severity of the situation, more than half of the lower portion of the wall can become damaged by moisture. Hygrometers and probing moisture detection devices help to identify the dryline. Everything below this line gets carefully cut out and removed to allow our SERVPRO professionals access to the wall cavities beyond.

With the flood cuts already made, we can employ effective extraction practices like our portable sump pumps and engine-driven trash pumps to quickly remove standing water in these areas of the property. Once removal and drying complete in these areas, which gets double-checked with the same moisture detection devices, we can prepare the area for reconstruction.

While there are many steps between the flooding disaster and the full recovery of your home, our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help you every step of the way. We have a full crew of qualified technicians endorsed through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) prepared to help 24/7. Give us a call anytime disasters strike at (305) 269-8900.

To see more about Miami, click here.

A Leaky Faucet Can Spell Major Water Damage Issues For Your Miami Home

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to any home at any time. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Water Damage Restoration In Miami 

Say Miami, and most people respond with words about tourism or a particular TV show still in syndication around the world. For more than six million of us, though, that first word is home. In every home, though, things happen. Often, it is the minor disasters like a broken shut-off valve that throws an owner or resident’s life into chaos. 

Thorough remediation of water damage in Miami residences is not a simple process. SERVPRO restoration teams perform every task needed to not only return each home to its original, dry condition but also to prevent the risk of further damage. 

Most plumbing failures spread treated or clean water across the floors, making it possible for our teams to preserve the carpets as long as the water does not soak in for too long. In one case, a two-bedroom home was unoccupied over the weekend, so the water from an overflowing toilet tank soaked into the carpet and pad for two-and-a-half days. That caused the top and bottom layers to separate, running the carpet completely. 

SERVPRO technicians drew out the water to reduce the weight and disposed of the carpets and pads immediately on finding the problem. Fortunately, this was limited to the carpets in the dining and living rooms, and the hallway leading to them. 

After disposal, team members used an air mover to dry the now exposed concrete floor. The device put out a flow of warm air, swiftly drying the surface. They used a squeegee to pull water out of the corners and soaked it up with a sponge. 

The soaked carpets also raised the humidity level inside the home, testing high enough to allow mold spores to begin expanding and growing if left to lower by itself through natural evaporation. To lower it faster, team members set up a dehumidifier in the dining room to draw water from the surrounding air. They also installed two fans, pulling air from the hallway and affected rooms and directing it outside, increasing the effectiveness of the dehumidifier. 

For SERVPRO of South Miami, our goal is to return a dry, safe home to every one of our neighbors. If your residence here, in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, or Hollywood recently suffered a plumbing failure or other water intrusion, call us today at (305) 269-8900 to begin restoration. We are here for you.

Click here to see more about Miami. 

The Miami Fire Recovery Challenge Met by SERVPRO--Odor Removal

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Travels Far and Near for Fire and Water Restoration Projects, Not Just in Miami

Professional Help for Lingering Odors After Miami Fire Damage

One of the most frustrating things a Miami homeowner encounters after a fire is lingering smells. No matter how thoroughly cleaned an area appears after a fire, smoky smells remain. Candles, air freshener sprays, and solid odor-controlling products work briefly, but the smell comes back. Strategies that merely mask odors need frequent renewal. Even when used regularly, they grow tiresome or can “mix” with the malodor to create an even more unpleasant aroma.

Rather than trying to manage post-fire damage odors in Miami on your own, reach out to our restoration professionals. We work with you on malodor issues, recognizing that everyone perceives smells differently. The process we follow has several steps, and we repeat methods or move on to different approaches until we find a solution.

SERVPRO deodorization specialists inspect for any charred debris overlooked, also checking in building cavities. Removal of the item carrying the smell reduces the problem significantly. Deep-cleaning of surfaces helps as well. Identifying objects such as furnishings, window treatments, or other porous contents or fixtures holding odors allows us to evaluate whether to deodorize or discard. HVAC systems can accumulate and spread soot and odors. SERVPRO checks the ductwork and cleans if needed. Duct cleaning is a process onto itself but can greatly inhance indoor air quality IAQ.

Surface cleanup still might not be enough to clear all smoke smells. SERVPRO’s stock of odor-fighting equipment also includes thermal foggers, a tool whose chamber heats deodorizing chemicals to recreate the fire conditions. The chemicals seek and pair with the odor-bearing particles and neutralize their smell. Ozone machines and hydroxyl generators are potent options as well. SERVPRO technicians train in their safe and efficient use.

Ozone machines send out charged O3 particles, and hydroxyl generators create hydroxyl radicals (-OH.) In different ways the ozone particles and hydroxyl radicals react with and change the chemicals in the soot particles that cause odor, rendering them neutral in smell. SERVPRO consults with you about the risks and benefits of using this equipment and instructs on any temporary evacuation needed.

SERVPRO of South Miami offers Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained deodorization specialists who persist until fire-related smoke odors are gone. Call us at (305) 269-8900 for a consultation.

Here you are in Miami

Is Water Damage in South Miami Ruining Your Morning Expresso?

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

There is no room for water damage in this picture. Call SERVPRO of South Miami to quickly restore your coffee shop.

My South Miami Coffee Shop is Drowning

Part of the beauty of living in Miami is that you can find food offerings from all of Latin America and indeed the world. Wherever a person goes, they can enjoy empanadas from Argentina, Venezuelan arepas and the very popular Cuban croqueta. This diversity is the reason why your new coffee shop featuring delicious breakfast items, needs to be agile and persistent to stand out among the competition. Keeping your restaurant clean and efficient is essential to making your customers happy and gain their loyalty.

The competition also makes water damage to your restaurant in Miami such a threat to the survival of your business. If you are unable to restore your restaurant quickly after a pipe burst causing a minor flood, you stand to lose your customer base and its revenue. By calling SERVPRO, you can save yourself time and money by trusting expert water restoration technicians (WRT) to bring your restaurant back to normal.

At SERVPRO, we recognize that eateries face specific rules and regulations regarding the handling of food products, which is why we work closely with you to protect your business from this standpoint. Our crew also recognized the need to save inventory as much as possible, so we work quickly to separate affected areas from the rest of the restaurant, to preserve your goods from water damage.

Our industry-grade equipment is essential to normalizing levels of humidity in your coffee shop. To achieve full restoration, we bring in air movers, drying mats, dehumidifiers, and even injectidry technology to encourage a fast turn-around. When all is dry, we apply disinfecting and deodorizing solutions to leave your place squeaky clean and free of foul odors. We tailor our action plan to your specific needs and the nature of each surface we are cleaning and restoring.

Do not let your coffee shop dream go down the drain. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 and let us leave your place “Like it never even happened.”

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SERVPRO Provides Mitigation Services and the ERP Plan to Help Prevent Extensive Damages to Miami Properties

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Restoration and Cleanup for Miami Area Properties after Disasters, Check Out the ERP Plan

Why SERVPRO is a Strong Choice for All Disaster Recoveries in Miami

We are a team that has worked hard and continues to do so – helping those both in our area and throughout the country. Disasters never have a convenient time to strike, so our SERVPRO of South Miami team must remain vigilantly prepared for threats that happen in our coastal communities and all over the State of Florida. We are part of a national-scale disaster relief team, the Large Loss Recovery Team, to help crises in other parts of the country, and that same level of dedication and commitment drives our local restoration services as well.

Water
From plumbing breaches to natural disasters, water damage in Miami is a situation that our SERVPRO professionals must stay prepared to face. With ready trailers stocked with professional-grade products and cutting-edge equipment designed to address standing water, saturation quickly, and other threats that exist after a water loss incident, we have a prepared team for whatever situation exists. With years of experience combined with our accreditations with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) and in advanced topics like Applied Structural Drying (ASD), we can give your property the attention it needs from the moment we arrive.

Much of the work that we do to restore Miami homes contending with widespread water damage is to focus on the extraction and drying that the property needs. For standing water concerns, we have a deep inventory of advanced equipment ranging from wet-vacs and portable pumps to shaft-driven truck-mounted options capable of very powerful removal. Drying is another crucial element, and this occurs most successfully when combined with continuous monitoring of the situation with discovery tools like thermal imagery and hygrometers.

With so many root causes of water damage that can affect homes and businesses throughout the Greater Miami area, no two loss incidents are the same. We give every property the same thorough inspection and assessment to draw up a specific restoration plan tailored to the building and its damage.

Storm
Our storm response team is one of the areas of great pride for our SERVPRO team. We know how quickly that storm damage in Miami can get out of control, and can continually worsen over hours. With your need for effective mitigation and restoration services, as well as many other properties throughout the region when severe weather events occur, you need a group capable of handling large loss incidents and a spread of affected properties simultaneously.

With a nationally recognized disaster relief team, we have spent many years building up our inventory of loss equipment and service vehicles in our Green Fleet to suit every significant emergency that could exist. From our 40’ RVs designed to provide temporary housing or a mobile command center for projects occurring out of our area, we can effectively address and manage complicated cleanup like the aftermath of hurricanes.

Our storm damage crew is also adamant about helping Miami homeowners and businesses throughout our area to develop Emergency READY Profile(S.) These ERP plans get you prepared for urgent action. These Plans, both residential and commercial, can consolidate an action plan to mitigate damages and interruptions. Request a no-obligation meeting.

Mold
As one of the leading mold remediation teams in the state of Florida, our SERVPRO professionals can effectively manage the mold damage in Miami properties. We know how fast these situations can get out of control, and that is why we have spent so much time and energy to develop a practical approach to contain the situation and work to carefully reduce the presence of mold colonization in a property once it gets discovered.

While our professionals can help to inspect and assess mold damage that might be present in a Miami home, many contact our team when they already know they need restoration services. We can utilize our leading equipment for tasks like containment and improving indoor air quality (IAQ.) With years of hands-on experience contending with humidity-driven mold growth in our coastal communities, our IICRC-Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) can handle even severe microbial threats to properties.

We have approaches that suit the mold damage present, including soda blasting and antimicrobial sprays. Once the colonization has gotten removed from your Miami home, we can put our other areas of expertise to work in deodorization, cleaning, and restoration of the property to make these mold events “Like it never even happened.”

Fire
Having the right tools to handle fire damage in Miami properties is a large part of addressing the concerns that these disasters can leave behind. With even small flare-ups capable of producing multiple effects simultaneously, our SERVPRO professionals must stay prepared for any threat faced and tailor our response to the needs of your property to complete tasks efficiently and cost-effectively.

While our restoration services to contend with fire damage in area home and businesses rely on our trained technicians accredited through the IICRC in areas like Fire & Smoke Restoration and Odor Control, it also partly hinges on the equipment and devices used to restore a Miami home after the incident. We set ourselves apart from much of the competition in southern Florida by having 5-ton A/C units and trailer generators capable of providing long-term portable power.

Much of the restoration services that we can offer fire-damaged Miami homes hinges on our fast response to get mitigation processes started. With useful tools to improve IAQ concerns as well as products like chemical sponges and advanced cleaning agents to address soot and smoke residues, we can quickly improve the appearance and function of your damaged property. Our goal is to limit replacement needs by providing efficient recovery solutions for compromised installed construction materials.

Even with our national disaster relief response team, we want to be a name that area residents and businesses bring to mind when emergencies occur. We have the experienced personnel and equipment to help through any disaster. Let our SERVPRO of South Miami team help you to develop your own ERP Plan so that we are ready to help you without delay when disaster strikes. Give us a call anytime at (305) 269-8900.

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How Severe Storms Can Flood Miami Resorts

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to SERVPRO that we help your through a time like flood damage.

Please let us help your business in such a dire situation.

Severe weather systems are a nearly constant threat to the residences and businesses of the Greater Miami area, and despite shoring and precautionary measures to prevent destructive situations like flooding from occurring, storm damages can allow these devastating effects to penetrate structures of your resort swiftly and severely. 

Even with substantial storm damage, it is the flood damage in Miami resorts that can often be the costliest and most detrimental to your overall reputation. The severity of these conditions is often considerably devalued and poorly assessed, allowing management and janitorial staff of your resort to only work to resolve the superficial issues that exist and not the full extent of the damage to your facilities. Our SERVPRO professionals have years of experience to combine with our extensive training to obtain certifications for Water Restoration (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT) and even biohazard cleanup for potential contamination scenarios. 

We have access to the full capability of a Large Loss Recovery Team to combine our resources with other branches throughout the state of Florida. We can join both our personnel and extensive inventory of advanced recovery tools to address even substantial loss incidents with the same confidence and effectiveness as any commercial property in our coastal region. 

Our SERVPRO team can appreciate how damaging disasters can be to your reputation and your loyal patrons much more than to the buildings you oversee. We work to keep your business going despite even widespread cleanup and recovery, and if this is not possible, then we work around the clock to get your doors back open as soon as possible after flooding occurs. With our experienced team of restoration specialists, we can quickly make flood effects “Like it never even happened.” 

There are many resorts that people can choose along the beaches and coastline surrounding our region, and disasters can make people question if yours is the right choice. Let our SERVPRO of South Miami professionals get you back in business quickly after a damaging flood event. Give us a call at (305) 269-8900.

Click here to learn more about Miami.

The Benefits of a Pack-Out after Storm Surge Flood Damage in Miami

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO focus on the damage… while you focus on getting back to the precious moments.

SERVPRO will take on the burden.

Miami residents are vigilant about flooding risks posed by rising sea levels combined with seasonal storm activity. Not only are the structural components of a dwelling exposed to the devastation heavy rains, overland runoff, and storm surge inflict, fixtures and contents also can suffer significant damage. As restoration industry leaders in the region, we use a secure and reliable protocol to move household goods, furnishings, and personal possessions from flooded homes to safe and climate-controlled spaces for evaluation and treatment during restoration.

Flood damage in Miami is complicated by the possibility of salt water contamination. Non-coastal areas experiencing flooding contend with chemicals, pathogens from human and animal waste, mud, and other hazardous substances mixed with excessive rain or overflow from waterways. Salt water absorbed home contents increases the destructive nature of flood water. Our team is familiar with saltwater incursion and skilled in strategies to remove salt and other corrosive or dangerous contaminants from your possessions.

SERVPRO employs the Contents Claim Inventory System (CCIS) to document and track the articles we move from your flooded home. Traditional check-off lists join digital options including photos and barcoding, to ensure security. As our specially trained production facility technicians examine each item, we note the condition, devise a restoration plan, and document the results.

Our SERVPRO team members attend rigorous training courses sponsored by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an international standards development organization. Rest assured that the products and methods we use to remove salt and other contaminants from items as diverse as your living room furniture to books and pictures to a child’s favorite stuffed animals or other “lovies” follow research-based best practice protocols.

Clearing the space in your home with a pack-out permits the SERVPRO technicians on site to work unimpeded, using the latest techniques to flush the salt and other contaminants out. Removing flood-soaked contents speeds the cleaning, containment, extraction, disinfection, and drying phases of remediating your residence. The packed-out items get the focus needed to restore them as well, avoiding expensive replacement and preserving irreplaceable memories.

SERVPRO of South Miami has your flood damage needs covered even with substantial salt water contamination. Call (305) 269-8900 to explore the best options for your flooding scenario.

Click here, to learn more about Miami.

How to Deal With Water Damage in Your Miami Residence

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Salt water damage can cause serious corrosion issues. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

The Effects Saltwater Has On Your Miami Area Home

Around this time of year, many Miami homeowners have water damage on their minds. For those of us out here living on the coast, dealing with the way saltwater affects our property, and our belongings is a way of life. Hurricanes or severe weather systems can deliver salty, brackish water as far as a quarter mile inland in most situations. 

Dealing with salt water damage in your Miami area home makes an already dangerous situation even that more expensive, dangerous, and difficult to restore. You want someone on your side, working with your insurance company, that helps limit your losses and knows everything about working with saltwater damage in your home. Look for a company that has all of the personnel, equipment, and resources needed to get the job done right.

Technicians at SERVPRO understand how salt reacts to the insulation and metal wiring used to construct your electrical system. Salt chemically reacts to most metals, including; zinc, iron, and steel. It also reacts to concrete and a majority of the materials used to construct your home. The salt pulled ashore during a storm holds an electrical charge that allows it to penetrate a variety of materials. After salt takes hold, it takes a trained professional to address the damage correctly. Corrosion is a large problem for oceanside living.

Why fix something so common? Well, once exposed to salt, electrical components corrode, causing shorts and other problems. You want a professional to flush your home with fresh water, eliminating the salt component. SERVPRO may not provide this exact service, but it should be done if you sense a problem with any electronic devices in your home. Once out of the way, they can also address water damage, mold damage, and make the restorations needed to return your home to a quality condition. SERVPRO technicians can help with all of this and more, including concrete foundation problems, carpet, paneling, and furniture restoration. 

The fully certified restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Miami are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We provide lasting flood damage solutions to homeowners throughout Coral Gables, Hollywood, and Coconut Grove areas. Our entire team is proud to provide quality restoration services to everyone in our surrounding communities and always look forward to doing our part to keep everyone safe. (305) 269-8900

Click here to see more about Miami. 

When A Fire Has Destroyed Your Miami Garage, Our Professionals Are Ready 24/7 To Help!

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Our emergency response crews are ready 24/7 and can be onsite in hours to mitigate your fire loss.

SERVPRO Tackles Big Fire Damage In Miami Garage

After fire damage happens to a home, one of the most important things a homeowner can do is avoid the area. Why? This inhibits the spread of smelly soot particles to currently unaffected areas of the home. If it winds up in your ductwork, they will require cleaning to get rid of the smoke odor.

SERVPRO answered a call from an owner in Miami with extensive fire damage to their attached garage from an electrical fire. During the call, we advised the homeowner to keep the interior door to the garage closed and to tape around the door frame. This action assists in keeping odor-causing soot particles out of other areas of the home.

On arrival, we immediately contained the doorway to the garage and began scoping the damage. There were few contents in the garage in restorable condition; many of the power tools were a loss as the rubber coated wiring inside and outside melted. Our technicians packed out the homeowner's standing metal tool chest and a couple of large metal shelving units that needed cleaning but were otherwise in good shape for remedial actions at our location.

After removing salvageable items and debris, our technicians went to work on the charred building materials. Sheetrock damaged by fire requires removal as it contributes nothing but odor. We utilized controlled demolition techniques to save as much of the framework as possible for rebuilding the garage.

Our technicians used vacuums with HEPA filtration to pick up soot particles left and then deployed air scrubbers with HEPA filters to capture particulate matter smaller than the human can see but does not escape detection by the human nose if left behind.

The final stage of getting the fire loss area ready for rebuilding comes in the form of disinfection and odor control. We hand clean all surfaces to ensure, and if any residual reminders of the fire remain, we eradicate it. We have many methods for odor control, and in this case, we chose to apply thermal fogging to the garage area to thoroughly neutralize odor so the garage would be ready for rebuilding.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. Our emergency response crews are ready 24/7 and can be onsite in hours to mitigate your fire loss and restore your property to its preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more about Miami.

We Hold The Training Certifications Required To Restore Your Miami Home After A Flood Damage Disaster

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

The carpeting and padding were destroyed, and the subfloor was saturated with water. We pulled out the carpet and padding and discarded it properly.

Why Flood Damage in Miami Should Be Professionally Mitigated

Water damage from flooding is a situation Florida residents are not unfamiliar with. In fact, a home in the Southern part of the state is five times more likely to experience flooding than damage from fire.

Flood damage in a Miami home is one of the most severe types of residential property loss events. Groundwater has the potential to contain everything from sewage, debris, and contaminants, which is why it carries a rating of a category three biohazard. When it infiltrates the interior of your home, it should be cleaned up by professionals to ensure your home is sanitary for healthy habitation.

Recently, we mitigated damage left behind by a flash flood that affected the back entryway and kitchen. The homeowner cleaned as much as he could with his wet/dry vac before our arrival, but he quickly realized that would not be enough and called us. SERVPRO technicians removed the table and chairs for drying and cleaning in another location and used portable extractors to remove residual water.

The water wicked into the sheetrock a few inches, so we employed a technique known as "flood cuts.” We measured about six inches above the waterline and cut away the unrestorable sheetrock, so the wall cavity gets maximum air flow to dry faster. Fortunately, our probes showed no migration to the subflooring.

Once we extracted as much water as possible and scoped the room to determine where excess areas of moisture remained, we began the drying phase. SERVPRO technicians hold many certifications in the restoration sciences such as Applied Structural Drying. We know air movers play a crucial role in drying, because of the wind-velocity they can achieve.

During drying, the highspeed air flowing over surfaces causes embedded water vapor to rise where a dehumidifier captures it. Progressively drier air blows and water loss areas dry more quickly. After drying, we completely cleaned and sanitized the affected areas and ensured they were disinfected and ready for the family to enjoy their home again.

SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 knows large or small, flood damage can feel overwhelming to deal with. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 and we arrive within hours because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

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Our Fire Damage Experts Can Clean Wet Smoke Residues In Your Miami Condo

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach our crew 24/7 by calling (305) 269-8900.

Cleaning Wet Smoke Residue In Miami Condos

In many of the Miami condos stretched out along the coastline, people strive to maintain the look and aesthetic appeal of these properties through constant maintenance and upkeep. While many of the potential hazards have gotten partially addressed through reinforced construction and flood diversion techniques to protect condos against severe weather threats, other disasters like fires can still threaten an area residence at any time.

While fire damage can vary from one Miami condo to another, there are common concerns shared with all of these instances that must get addressed by competent and qualified professionals. Our licensed technicians have extensive training and continued education in the fire loss recovery niche of the restoration industry, making us ideal experts to handle every facet of returning your fire-damaged condo to its original condition.

Among the primary tasks of our SERVPRO team when we first arrive at your condo is to assess the entire scope of the damage. Understanding the tools and processes required immediately can help us to limit the restoration time and cost for our customers. During this inspection, we can often earmark belongings and furniture throughout the condo for temporary removal and cleaning during restoration. These items can get taken to our facility for focused cleaning, deodorization, and other attentive actions to return them to preloss condition.

Wet smoke is always a possibility for local fires, and the residue and staining this instance can cause can be problematic for our professionals to address. With sophisticated vacuums, brushes, and effective cleaning agents, our SERVPRO team can protect marble countertops, plush carpeting, and other amenities. Wet smoke is not something that homeowners should attempt to address on their own, however, as these residues can set in quickly to allow staining that can prove stubborn and challenging for even talented restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team to remove.

Your condo features premium building materials and some of the most exceptional aesthetic combinations throughout the entire Miami coastline, and this is a reason that these appealing features are worth preserving and protecting when disaster strikes. You can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Miami professionals. You can reach our crew 24/7 by calling (305) 269-8900.

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South Miami Homeowners Gain Protection from Contaminated Floodwaters with SERVPRO on the Job

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

South Miami Home and Building Owners Benefit from Professional Floodwater Removal by SERVPRO

Unmitigated Flood Damage Can Take Over Your South Miami Home

Bad weather can push stormwater into your South Miami home and saturate its interior. While water that flows from a broken pipe inside the structure of your property is considered clean and holds little risk, once water passes across the ground, the number of pathogens and unknown chemicals it contains significantly increases.
 
Because of the risks posed to residents in South Miami, flood damage requires professional mitigation experts. SERVPRO's specialists know how to keep your home's losses from spreading and how to get things back “Like it never even happened.” Responding quickly to your emergency helps us keep your overall costs as low as possible, reduces the amount of work needed, prevents many of your possessions from becoming damaged, and protects your family from experiencing unwanted health effects caused by contact with contaminated floodwater.
 
As long as no efforts begin to remove the flooding away from the property, it spreads out and harms other areas and the contents within those places. To stop the spread of water from traveling to different areas, our experienced team uses containment methods that block off damaged areas from other sites and extraction machinery. Continuous drying of your house keeps undamaged contents safe.
 
Making everything safe again requires extensive disinfecting of flood-damaged areas and belongings. We use industry-leading formulas that leave little or no residue, does not cause most materials to bleed or lose color, and works rapidly. Some of your items require a light misting with this, allowing us to wet the surface thoroughly, while others require an immersion. The surfaces of intact items in your home, such as door frame and other durable items come clean again with a thorough wipe-down.
 
Regular communication with you, as well as efficient handling of the job's details, holds your overall restoration costs down when it comes to flood damage mitigation. Because we disinfect the surfaces of your home as soon as we begin the job, your family should not come in contact with flood-borne microbes that might cause unwanted health effects. Our use of moisture detection equipment and monitoring systems prevents over-drying and the possibility of missing sections that need our attention.
 
SERVPRO of South Miami wants to help your family recover quickly after flood damage affects your Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, or Hollywood property. Contact us by calling our 24-hour service line, (305) 269-8900.

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Why It's Important To Contact Our Crew After A Water Damage Disaster In Your Miami Home

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Involving a professional in the cleanup of water-damaged properties helps address all issues.

Why Seek Professional Assistance For Water Cleanup In Miami

A water loss incident may not seem complicated to address. Whether a faulty plumbing line or a weather event such as driving rain releases the water, you may think that all you have to do is scoop it out and air the property to restore normal conditions. However, in practice, you realize it takes more to deal with the damage. Involving a professional Miami restoration company to help with cleanup has many benefits.

Whether the case involves clean or gray water, it ends up soiling the property. Soiling can happen as the water dissolved dyes in fabrics or leads to chipping of paint from surfaces. The water can also spread debris such as dust and even household wastes. Cleaning the soils left over after the incident is, therefore, a necessary part of the water cleanup process in Miami. Our SERVPRO technicians use professional cleaning agents and EPA-registered disinfectants to ensure we clean your property to a sanitary level.

The main problem after a water loss is the standing water so extraction and drying all moisture traces is crucial. Such extraction should happen promptly because letting the water sit for more than twenty-four hours can lead to severe problems such as mold development. Drying the area too fast can also have its challenges because it can cause wood and similar materials to crack. Our SERVPRO technicians set a drying goal for balanced drying. We use moisture meters to determine the level of wetness in materials allowing us to determine the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to use. We also determine the best positioning of such equipment when setting the goal.

Bad odors can develop quickly after water loss incidents. Under humid conditions, smells are more prevalent because the moisture dissolves and carries the odor vapors to the nose. Removing such odors helps restore the property to its preloss state. Our SERVPRO technicians take specific steps to deodorize the property dealing with the damage “Like it never even happened.” We air scrubbers to remove airborne particles and hydroxyl generators to neutralize odor particles.

Involving a professional in the cleanup of water-damaged properties in South Miami, Coral Gables, and Hollywood helps address all issues. Call SERVPRO of South Miami to assist. You can reach us at (305) 269-8900 any time.

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Here is a Method That is Helping with Fire Damage Remediation in Miami

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire damages your home, it is best to react quickly and call in professional help. Team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7 to take your call.

One Factor in Restoring Fire Damage in Miami Depends on Where the Smoke Went

When we get a call requesting an emergency response team to a residential fire, our technicians get to work immediately diagnosing where the smoke went. Sometimes homeowners tell our technicians that the fire was in a limited area of a room, but unless contained, soot particles and smoke residues can get transferred to other areas of the home and require treatment to eliminate odor-causing particles.

While remediating fire damage in Miami, our technicians may contain areas by using clear, poly sheeting over doorways and vents to stop the spread of soot any further in the home. We track the probable path of the smoke and test for the types of residues we are dealing with. There can be different types of residues in a single area, and each requires a different cleaning method to be effectively removed.

For example, frying a frozen turkey is extremely dangerous, yet 900 homes are damaged every year according to the National Fire Protection Association. When the ice from the turkey hit the hot oil, the ice becomes steam and expands to over 1500 times its original volume resulting in a massive flash fire. The result can be smoke residue from a protein fire from the turkey which leaves little in the way of visible residue and a considerable amount of pungent odor, wet residue from synthetic or rubber everyday kitchen items in the area and dry smoke residue from burned wood and organic building materials.

SERVPRO technicians address each type of residue with their knowledge of the cleaning methods needed. Wet smoke needs a wet sponge treatment to lift the greasy, heavy residues. While dry smoke does not need to be wet and dry sponge methods are used to lift it away from surfaces.

After a fire odors may be an issue that thorough cleaning does not completely eradicate. Our technicians have equipment such as thermal foggers and hydroxyl generators to completely neutralize all traces of smoke smell. If any building materials are beyond restoration, we offer a complete line of building services to return your home to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of South Miami has emergency response teams available 24-hours a day by calling (305) 269-8900. No matter if your fire damage is large or small, we can clean up, eliminate odors and rebuild.

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Use SERVPRO to Deal With All Water Damage Issues in Your Coral Gables Home

3/10/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage take over your home, call SERVPRO for help.

Older Pipes Cause Water Damage to Your Home in Coral Gables

The “City Beautiful” truly lives up to its name. With its shaded streets, lush with vegetation, it is a pleasure for those who live, work and play in the Gables. Many of its homes retain the beauty of their original construction, and it is easy to see the history that lives within each of them. However, older construction brings some challenges to modern life. Water damage caused by a burst older pipe is not uncommon within this beautiful community. Whether a tree root made its way into the plumbing or it just broke due to age, calling an expert team to restore the home to its mint condition is essential.
 
If there is water damage to your Coral Gables home reach out to SERVPRO immediately and avoid any further damage to your property. Every minute counts when your floors and walls are covered in water. The longer it stands on surfaces such as original wood floors or saturating your walls, the more extensive the damage to your home. Our SERVPRO team is available 24/7 to respond expediently to your emergency.
As a homeowner, it is hard to tell just how much water has made its way in to the foundation of your house. Our Green Fleet is equipped with the latest technology to extract any standing water and to monitor moisture levels in your home. Our handheld equipment allows us to enter into crevices to extract water and dry them, while heavy-duty pumps can eliminate larger accumulations.

In Coral Gables, the possibility of mold following water damage is especially worrisome because of the age of most homes. Our SERVPRO technicians are specifically trained and IICRC certified to mitigate the proliferation of mold in your home and to remediate any that might exist. Keeping the right levels of moisture by using air movers and dehumidifiers allows us to achieve just that. Our expertise also prepares us to work rapidly to avoid the buckling of hardwood floors, all by maintaining the right level of humidity in your home.

Do not be afraid of a broken pipe or its resulting water damage. Just call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 and allow us to work for you. In no time at all your home will look “Like it never even happened.”

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If Your Roof Is Damaged It Can Spell Major Flood Trouble For Your Miami Condo

3/2/2019 (Permalink)

You can always depend on the fast response of our highly-trained SERVPRO of South Miami water restoration technicians.

Damaged Roofs Can Flood Miami Condos

Storm damages are a common concern for Miami residents. When severe systems develop and make landfall in the area, they can arrive with a destructive force capable of quickly damaging condo roofs and siding. While the structural damages alone can be problematic and require an immediate response from licensed contractors, the vulnerabilities of the roof can allow runoff and direct rainfall to enter your condo unabated. Preventing this damage might initially be inevitable after roof damage amid a severe weather event, but our professionals can help with fast mitigation solutions and effective restoration strategies.

When flood damages occur in your Miami condo, time is of the essence to get the water removed quickly and the saturated materials dried. The longer that these effects persist, the less likely preservation of these damaged elements becomes. Our SERVPRO team can arrive with fast extraction equipment like our truck-mounted pumps. These machines can remove water from your property at a rate of 300psi, which can quickly allow our technicians the opportunity to set up drying equipment in your water-damaged condo.

Mitigation after a flood involves many steps, but the first of these are emergency board up services. This preventative action can keep further water flow from coming from the damaged roof area until reconstruction efforts can safely begin to this exposed area of your property.

Our Contents Department also works to remove at-risk and currently exposed items and belongings from the condo to our facility nearby. There they can get focused drying, cleaning, and disinfection efforts that can return them to their original condition. Once flood restoration and reconstruction complete on the condo, we can return these items to their original positions within the property to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When flooding affects your condo, you have a finite amount of time to protect the structure and the contents of your property from irreparable damages. You can always depend on the fast response of our highly-trained SERVPRO of South Miami water restoration technicians. Give our crew a call anytime that you need us at (305) 269-8900.

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Mold Can Be An Unwanted Guest At Your Next Pool Party In Coral Gables

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Holding a pool party for your friends might sound like an excellent way to socialize but could lead to mold damage.

Pool Parties Can Leave Your Home Hosting Mold Damage In Coral Gables

Holding a pool party for your friends might sound like an excellent way to socialize in Coral Gables, but tidying up takes time afterward. Not only must your home get a good cleaning, but any areas left damp from showering and changing out of wet swimwear needs a thorough drying session. Running the exhaust fan in each bathroom can help.

When airing out locations left damp, or even drenched, mold damage in your Coral Gables home can take hold. SERVPRO can help prevent the further spreading of microbes and get your home's interior environment back under your control. Mold and mildew do not require extreme elevations of humidity to become active, so we find it crucial that we restore normal levels of moisture in your home first.

We dry out your home's damper areas with desiccant machines and search for trapped moisture that can seep out and feed microbes. When materials become inundated with microbes, they often become too damaged for us to restore. We enclose such areas with heavy-gauge plastic sheets. With an air scrubber and flexible tubing, we eliminate microbes and spores from the space as we cut mold-damaged materials away from your home's framework.

Because plastic also holds in moisture, bags that might harbor mold in the case of forgotten wet laundry from the pool also work to keep moisture and microbes from escaping as we pull ruined drywall from your home. Before anything leaves a negative pressure chamber, we double bag it and knot it to keep everything securely inside. We can then remove these safely to the outside of your home.

Treating once-moldy areas with antimicrobial liquids that dry fast keep mold from coming back again. This and keeping a dehumidifier on hand for future parties can keep your home free of mold infestations. We can help you choose one that you can easily control and use.

SERVPRO of South Miami wants to assure our customers in Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove that we're here to help resolve any problems they experience involving mold damage in their residence. Calling us at (305) 269-8900 gets the remediation process started, where we make everything “Like it never even happened.”

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When You Have A Leak In Your Kendall Home Call The Experts

1/6/2019 (Permalink)

This busted pipe caused water damage.

Water Removal Technicians In Kendall Talk About Various Extraction Tools

When a water leak occurs inside your Kendall residence, many gallons of water can pour into your building in a short amount of time. Once your contents and building materials get wet, it is wise to call in a professional water removal company such as SERVPRO. Once water starts affecting things inside your home, the matters can get worse quickly if they are not dealt with right away.  It only takes between 48 and 72 hours for mold to start to develop when organic materials such as wood or paper get wet. Rapid water removal can help reduce the chances of problems getting worse over time.
 
As soon as our SERVPRO technicians receive your emergency damage call, we respond promptly. Our fast 24/7 service enables us to conduct water removal in Kendall right away. The first and most important phase in any restoration project is the extraction phase. It is much easier to remove water when it is in liquid form right after the leak takes place. To do this, we utilize heavy-duty extraction equipment.
 
To start, we either use a truck-mounted or portable extractor. Portable units are ideal for getting into tight spots. Truck-mounted extractors have more power and work better for large projects. Once we decide which extractor to use, we decide among a variety of tools to attach to the vacuum motor.
 
Our SERVPRO crew always uses the most advanced technology when mitigating problems at your house. We have at our disposal several different types of extraction tools to use depending on the application. We can use water claw extraction tools to complete a variety of jobs. One unit is composed of a metal base with an adjustable handle that the operator stands on to help compress saturated carpets. There is also a handheld version that our technicians can use for smaller carpeted areas and furniture.
 
Our highly trained team is IICRC certified and available to assist you 24 hours a day and seven days a week. If you ever have a moisture-related problem, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 immediately after a problem occurs. 

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How Professionals Remove Mold From Your Kendale Lakes Home

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

Failure to remove the moisture source can cause a mold colony to become a recurring problem.

Reasons That Lead to Recurring Cases of Mold Damage in Kendale Lakes

A recurring mold problem can be a huge pain to address. Mold readily proliferates, but you
can eliminate it easily too if you take the right steps. When the problem recurs, it means
some things are not done correctly during the remediation process. We have IICRC certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians who take all necessary measures to offer a lasting solution to your mold problem.

If your efforts to fix mold damage in Kendale Lakes do not touch on all affected areas, the problem might recur in the areas you fix. Even if it does not recur, you keep dealing with issues like musty smells - which are common with mold infestations. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate your property thoroughly to identify all areas that the problem might reach. Using FLIR thermal cameras, we can check even concealed areas without tearing them down first. 

Cleaning is part of mold remediation procedures. In a bid to remove debris and staining on surfaces, you might use the wrong approaches that fuel future growth. One such method is cleaning affected areas with bleach when trying to eliminate spores. However, the moisture left fuels future growth since the spores occur naturally in the environment. Failure to isolate affected areas during the cleanup process can also spread the problem to unaffected areas. Our SERVPRO technicians use professional cleaning agents when damp wiping is necessary. We rely on dry cleaning approaches such as HEPA vacuuming. We also use air scrubbers to kill spores and improve air quality. 

Moisture is the main ingredient fueling most incidents of mold infestation. However, this is not to say that mold only requires moisture to thrive. An organic food source, oxygen, and warmth are the other factors that help mold to grow. Most environments only lack moisture, so any presence of moisture leads to mold growth. Insufficient drying efforts or failure to identify the moisture source leads to a recurring mold problem. Our SERVPRO technicians use fast air movers and industrial grade dehumidifiers to remove excessive moisture. We also have moisture detection tools like thermo-hygrometers, moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermal cameras to detect any hidden moisture. 

A recurring mold cycle might be hard to break. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 to help you. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.  

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When Water Invades Your Miami Antique Store

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Antiques, due to their age, are already fragile. Call SERVPRO of Miami to restore your water damaged property.

A Leaking Pipe in Your Ceiling Can Cause Water Damage Inside of Your Antique Store

The last thing you want to happen inside of the antique shop you own is a water event. Given the antique status of your merchandise, they are not replaceable should they become damaged. Wooden furniture is susceptible to absorbing the water that falls onto it from the ceiling, clothing can become discolored, and any metal could rust. 

Leaving unattended water damage inside your Miami antique store can cause microbial growth.  It is best to call for help immediately to prevent further deterioration to your merchandise, such as mold. Getting professionals onto the scene of the disaster can help reduce costs and even save your merchandise. 

When you phone SERVPRO, we always prioritize working with your schedule. Foot traffic is essential to your business, and we know that the longer your doors are closed, the more money you have lost. SERVPRO can send technicians to your property on any day of the week and at any time. If the pipe begins to leak excessive water right before you close, we can work through the night. If you arrive in the morning to find your shop soaked, we can work through that day.  

Our technicians can bring advanced equipment to your store, designed to combat water damage. Once SERVPRO does a brief investigation and develops a drying plan, we can begin the remediation. First, we can move any dry merchandise to your dry storeroom. Once we have the area of damage isolated, we can start to set up our equipment.  

SERVPRO uses drying mats, dehumidifiers, air movers, and ventilation box fans to combat water destruction. All of these devices are designed to encourage evaporation and, when used in conjunction, they do so at an accelerated pace. We can use extractors on your carpeted floors. Extractors are a vacuum-like piece of equipment with a heating element attached; they are designed to dry carpet and upholstery as it removes water. After drying your store, we can pack up and allow you to reopen your doors for business.  

If a leaking pipe causes water damage in your storefront, never wait to get the help you need. Speak with SERVPRO of South Miami by calling the number (305) 269-8900. We can rush to your business and get the job started right away.

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If Water Has Damaged Your Practice Facility In Miami Call Our Experts

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

With water damage to your Miami high school indoor practice facility, much of the investment stands at risk of becoming unsalvageable.

Restoring Miami High School Practice Facility With Water Damages

Between our Dolphins or our Hurricanes, football in Miami is a big ordeal. Even down into the high school levels, practice facilities see action throughout the year training the upcoming greats to play on Saturdays and Sundays in the years to come. Damages to these facilities can compromise a school’s ability to ready players for the roles they have on the field, and so fast action is necessary to resolve water loss incidents immediately.

With water damage to your Miami high school indoor practice facility, much of the investment stands at risk of becoming unsalvageable. From leaks in the structure itself to plumbing concerns, water loss incidents can be costly for the school and must get addressed as promptly as possible to avoid unnecessary demolition and reconstruction when extraction and drying would have sufficed.

The flooring throughout some of the areas of your facility might be tailored to simulate turf players could experience in the games to come but might also be padding for comfort and sure footing. Either of these materials can get adversely affected by absorbing the present water throughout the affected area and without the attention of fast response technicians like our SERVPRO team, ultimately end up requiring replacement.

Our rapid response team can arrive quickly to both assess the full scope of the damage to the facility and to get to work on extraction and drying efforts. The more thorough that our SERVPRO professionals can be with these steps, the less restorative actions that have to follow. A combination of our air movers and dehumidifiers can help to vaporize moisture trapped in affected materials and extract it from the air.

When your sports facility is at risk for damages from water, you need a team of professionals that can arrive quickly and ensure that the job gets done correctly. Inadequate cleaning can allow persistent moisture to welcome mold growth into the building, which can be a hazard to both the property and those that use it. Give our SERVPRO of South Miami water restoration technicians a call today at (305) 269-8900.

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Kendall Furniture Water Loss--Found by SERVPRO

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Don't Hang Your Furniture in Kendall to Save It from Water Damage--Call SERVPRO

Factors to Consider When Restoring Water Damaged Upholstery in Kendall  

Water damage restoration services are meant to address problems that result from an unfortunate water event. There are several ways in which moisture affects your items, and the restoration process is meant to come up with appropriate solutions. We are going to look at the kind of damage the moisture leaves on wood furniture and upholstery, and the various techniques we use to address such challenges in Kendall.

When the wooden furniture in your Kendall home is exposed to water damage, spots can appear, joints may weaken, swell, or crack. It is possible to use specialized wood care procedures to remove the water spots and repair some levels of damage. Our SERVPRO technicians can compare the cost of repair and replacement and recommend the best option. Warping is a common occurrence when particleboard furniture gets exposed to water. The warp appears when the non-laminated area absorbs water, and the laminated part resists the moisture.
 
The wood framing of your upholstery can also swell and crack. If that happens, its joints weaken since the glue may lose its adhesive properties, which means additional damage occurs. Also, part of the upholstery's fabrics may become wet and lead to the development of water spots. When attending to such situations, our SERVPRO technicians may decide to wet the entire furniture to prevent water lines from forming.
 
Though it is hard to guarantee complete spot removal, there are technical aspects that our SERVPRO technicians consider when working on your property. Before we decide to use any spot removal procedure, we start by pretesting to ensure the safety of the fabric is assured and avoid challenges like color bleeding. We also have to determine whether we are removing an oil-based stain or a water-based stain before we select the stain removal procedure.
 
SERVPRO of South Miami is a certified and licensed cleaning and restoration company that uses industry proven-procedures to offer working solutions. Call (305) 269-8900 when you need residential or commercial services at any time of the day.

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Do You Need Flood Insurance for Your Miami Home?

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Storms happen in Miami. Verify your flood insurance coverage and call SERVPRO when unwanted water enters your home.

Staying On Top of Insurance for Flood Damage in Miami

In many parts of the country, including Miami, flood damage is one of the leading causes of financial hardship among homeowners. The key to overcoming financial trouble after a storm is first to have a robust insurance policy, but even those with homeowners’ insurance may not have the coverage they need to weather the storm. To control their monthly costs, many people opt out of or do not purchase flood insurance, but this can be a crucial misstep.

How Likely is a Flood?

In the Miami area, flood damage is more common than elsewhere in the nation thanks to our frequent yearly and seasonal storms. Whether or not your home sustains flood damage in a hurricane depends on the size of the storm, its direction of travel, and where your home is positioned relative to other buildings in the neighborhood. If your property lies at the end of a street or a slightly lower elevation than the surrounding area, you may be at high risk of flood damage. However, in the event of a catastrophic storm, the entire town could be flooded at once.

What Insurance Covers Flood Damage?

Home insurance covers some aspects of flood damage, such as damage from collapsed chimneys and high winds, but water removal and restoration work may require a special flood damage policy to pay off. What is and is not covered by your insurance may vary depending on your provider and contract, so be sure to get in touch with an insurance representative to learn where your coverage may be lacking.

Is it Worth the Cost?

Flood damage can cost thousands to repair, even with efficient and cost-saving professionals like SERVPRO working on the case. Floods with safety hazards may incur extra costs, as well. A slight extra premium each month can save you from footing a substantial bill the next time a hurricane comes around.

SERVPRO of South Miami is there to help should a storm ever cause significant damage to your home. For any questions or our professional services, call us at (305) 269-8900.

Did you know that Miami is the only large city that is founded by a woman?  Click here for information on Julia Tuttle.

Are You Embarrassed By the Water Damage Due to Leaky Pipes in Your Kendall Factory? Here's What To Do

10/21/2018 (Permalink)

When leaky pipes cause damage in your factory, contact SERVPRO to get you back up and running.

Commercial Water Damage caused by Leaky Pipes in Kendall Factories


Kendall factory managers must meet several regulations regarding workplace safety and other environmental conditions to keep their plants open and running smoothly. These regulations are in place o control the number of risks to the health and safety of workers. They can also help keep factories stay in good shape structurally, as well.

Manufacturing plants in Kendall with commercial water damage can suffer other problems besides those involving human resources. The machinery needed for injection molding, printing, and other tasks in the fulfillment of customer orders can rust internally when humidity stays elevated for too long. When stations run less efficiently, production suffers. SERVPRO can help you locate problem areas in your factory involving leaks and other intrusive water and work with you to resolve the situation, bringing your employees and machinery back to their full potential again.

When your manufacturing processes require water, lines feeding equipment can exist throughout your buildings. Anywhere these lines exist, water can leak from either loosened joints, faulty valves, or split tubing. Repairing these might require a licensed plumber, and we partner with several in the area who can assist in the mitigation's primary step. Getting leaks resolved allows us to get started with restoring normal humidity and cleaning up any areas with signs of water damage.

After clearing away damaged materials, we set up machinery to remove any remaining moisture and excess microbes from the air. Air movers often become useful during this stage as they help push air towards desiccant machines and air scrubbers. Restoring air quality quickly can help maintain a low population of destructive microbes that would otherwise lie dormant until a future time. Moisture activates these microbes and causes them to begin actively growing.

A lower humidity level also makes temperatures feel closer to reality. Damp conditions can increase sick days as can increased humidity in warmer environments. Feeling sleepy because of higher temperatures combined with increased water vapor can lead to increased accidents.

SERVPRO of South Miami can help get your factory back to great shape by resolving issues involving water damage. Call us at (305) 269-8900 for assistance with your factory in Sweetwater, Dadeland, or Key Biscayne.

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After Hurricane Florence, SERVPRO of South Miami responded quickly to the USS North Carolina Battleship Welcome Center.

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew arriving at Dram Tree Boat Launch in Wilmington, NC, on September 18th. Photo courtesy of Miles Early

Experienced Commercial Storm Damage Restoration Team Arrives By Boat

The devastating winds of Hurricane Florence impacted the North Carolina coastline after days of anticipation. Hurricane Florence turned Wilmington, N.C., from a peninsula into an island. The city of Wilmington opened distribution centers for food and water shortly after the historic floods from the mighty Hurricane Florence.

The USS North Carolina Battleship Welcome Center suffered catastrophic damage to over 60% of the roof and exposed the interior spaces to torrential rains throughout the majority of the storm. The Chairman of the Battleship Commission (Mr. Chris Boney) contacted SERVPRO executives as soon as he became aware of the roof damage to the visitor center. SERVPRO immediately mobilized a team from South Florida lead by Miles Early (franchise owner) and Robby Buys (project manager) to quickly assess the situation and get crews and dehumidification equipment onsite to limit damages.

Our SERVPRO team made it as far north as Bolivia, NC, when flooded and impassible roads stopped us. Fully aware of the importance of the Battleship Memorial to the people of North Carolina, the team made the decision not to wait for roads to open, but rather to hire a charter boat and obtain Coast Guard approval to travel 30 miles up the Cape Fear River from Southport.

On September 18th, the SERVPRO of South Miami crew arrived at a public boat ramp adjacent to the Battleship with enough equipment and people to begin vital remediation efforts. Battleship staff transported the team and their equipment to the ship. SERVPRO’s quick and determined response to the Battleship, along with the valiant efforts of the Battleship Maintenance Staff, saved tens of thousands of dollars in damages and enabled the Battleship to recover from a devastating hurricane quickly.

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Heavy rain, wind damage, and flooding can cause substantial damage in just a few minutes. SERVPRO of South Miami has the training, equipment, and experience to handle large commercial water or storm damage emergencies. Our team can respond quickly to manage the restoration project through to its completion.

The Benefits Of Hiring The Best Mold Damage Remediation Team In Kendall

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores exist naturally in all of the environments that we live in from our vehicles to our living rooms on a microscopic level.

Mold Prevention And Inspection In Your Kendall Residence

Working to preserve and protect your Kendall residence is a responsibility that many homeowners in the area take to heart. Learning how to avoid and prevent certain damaging circumstances can help a family to limit extraneous costs from restoration or remediation work that lasts much longer than it should have. In an instance of mold growth in your home, being able to work actively to prevent the occurrence or to spot the warning signs of colonization can save you time and money in the long run.

While you might find yourself surprised by the idea of mold damage in your Kendall home, this occurrence happens more often than you may believe. The conditions required for mold growth are not challenging to produce with the right set of circumstances, so educating yourself first on how the organism grows and thrives is critical to preventing it. This awareness can make the jobs of our SERVPRO remediation technicians easier to manage and accomplish when we get to work on removing a present colony.

One of the first things that you need to understand is how mold develops. Mold spores exist naturally in all of the environments that we live in from our vehicles to our living rooms on a microscopic level. When these spores come into contact with persistent moisture and warmth (temperatures at/or exceeding 65 degrees), they begin to colonize. The entire process takes upwards of three days, so addressing the moisture you discover can prevent the mold colony from ever seating onto a surface.

The trouble is, sometimes mold growth occurs in areas where you do not frequently go such as a crawlspace beneath your first floor. Regular inspections can help you identify mold colonization before the growth has gotten out of control. In its earliest stages, colonies show up as spots along organic materials and surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians can also perform this thorough inspection of your home to identify active colonies or potentially problematic conditions that could allow it.

The discovery of mold growth in your home can feel overwhelming to contend with, but our SERVPRO of South Miami remediation specialists can help. Our emergency response team can help you to remove a colony and restore the damage that it might have caused. Give SERVPRO a call anytime that you need us at (305) 269-8900.

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SERVPRO of South Miami Responds to Hurricane Florence Damage in North Carolina

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Miami assists with the cleanup and recovery of the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Welcome Center after Hurricane Florence.

U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Welcome Center Damaged by Hurricane Florence. SERVPRO is here to help!

With Hurricane Florence dissipated, North Carolina struggles to recover from the immense damage that the severe weather caused. With record-breaking flooding throughout coastal communities, families and businesses have become displaced and in dire need of professional restoration practices to bring their properties back to their preloss conditions.

One of the locations that suffered considerable damage in coastal North Carolina was the welcome center for the U.S.S. North Carolina battleship. This 13,000 square foot structure suffered significant roof damage, which allowed the runoff and torrential rainfall from Hurricane Florence to enter the building and flood it entirely. Our professionals had to act quickly to preserve what structural components they could and to lessen the possibilities of secondary effects like mold growth.

Our SERVPRO franchise has always sought to help those when they need it most, and that reach extends through our National Recovery team. This select group of our experienced technicians helps to provide our expertise and equipment to disasters that far exceed the limitations of the local restoration companies serving that community or region. Our commitment to providing help to this ravaged area could not even wait for the flood waters to subside, and our team rented a boat to bring our equipment and personnel to the U.S.S. North Carolina Welcome Center structure.

From extraction techniques to drying the damage that the building experienced throughout the flooding, our SERVPRO of South Miami technicians still work to bring this building back to its former glory. Much like our team that still works to bring hope and restoration to a recovering North Carolina, our technicians are always ready to help you through whatever disaster you or your property might have to face. Give us a call anytime that you need our experienced professionals at (305) 269-8900.

For updated information on the battleship’s re-opening, click here.

Grilling Ribs and Steaks in Miami Gardens? Invite SERVPRO to Cleanup Any Mishaps with Fire Loss

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Miami Gardens Grilling Flare-Up? Call SERVPRO to Cleanup the Mess

Fire Damage Technicians Out of Miami Gardens Discuss Problems with Barbecues

During this time of year in Miami Gardens, many people enjoy barbecuing on the grill outside. Many do not realize it, but outdoor barbecues are very often a source of fire damage. At any time, the wind can pick up and send a chunk of charcoal flying toward your house. Since it is estimated that 75% of American families own an outdoor grill the risk is one that everyone should take seriously. Every year around 600 structures experience fire damage as a result of outdoor cooking, which is almost two every day.
 
According to the statistics, the summer months are when most grill-caused burns take place. In Southern Florida, barbequing is a year-round event. One minute you can be grilling a steak outside in Miami Gardens, then fire damage can suddenly occur. Most of the cases of structure fires started by barbecues happen when people use charcoal or other solid fuels. However, when propane or gas grills leak, they can also set components and fixtures ablaze.
 
Once a flaming hot piece of charcoal gets close to fuel outside your home or your house itself, the cooking fuel can start a fire that can burn just a part or all of your building. Once the fire gets extinguished, and everyone is safe it is time to call in SERVPRO's experts to assess the situation. Initially, our estimators go in and inspect your entire property for problems. We come to your place equipped with a testing kit that helps us determine whether we can restore things inside your house or not. Once we have inspected everything that got affected, our SERVPRO estimators write up a preliminary estimate for you and your insurance adjuster. Often, all it takes is a spot-inspection to identify the problem areas and start a cleanup and recovery service.
 
Even if the fire did not burn into your house very far, smoke could still be a problem. Smoke consists of partially combusted particles that solidify when they come into contact with cooler surfaces. Once smoke hits a surface, it can penetrate into the item causing burnt odors to exist and coat the surface of the object with soot residue.
 
If you ever have an accident while barbecuing like 600 other Americans every day do, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (786) 610-5955 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Procedures to Deal with Mold Damage in Your Miami Home

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Miami Condo Mold Remediation Done Right by SERVPRO

SERVPRO Offers Various Techniques and Methods for Mold Remediation

Mold damage can be quite significant to both your property and health when action is not taken immediately. Mold leads to the decomposition of organic materials in your home, and the damage is severe when left for a long time. Miami is one of the areas that faces such incidents, and you should know how to deal with these issues.

The first step in dealing with mold damage in Miami is to establish containment. You should contain the mold contamination to ensure it does not spread, but how? Our SERVPRO technicians always ensure that the unaffected areas of your home are protected from the spread of the molds by installing plastic sheeting, establishing negative air pressure in contaminated areas, and sealing HVAC vents. It is vital not to introduce airflow to an uncontained area to avoid spreading the contamination to other areas.
 
The mold needs to be removed from the contaminated areas and the method used does depend on the type of surface the mold is consuming. The SERVPRO experts clean nonporous materials that are damaged by molds in your home and help to restore them by HEPA vacuuming if the surface is dry or by wiping with a detergent solution if the mold is in a layer of soil. Porous materials such as carpeting and fabrics that have visible mold growth typically need to be removed and discarded. But there are instances of salvaging soft materials and fabrics. In long-duration exposures, we may have to remove wood materials that have been weakened by rot.
 
We need to dry all the materials in your home that had been affected by the mold using air movers, and this step requires much expertise. Your home needs to be dried to its normal moisture content levels to ensure no more mold growth in the future in the treated areas. Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have years of experience dealing with mold and the necessary tools required.
 
SERVPRO of South Miami is a locally owned franchise ready and able to assist you with all your mold damage needs. We have skilled technicians with a range of equipment. Call us at (786) 504-1595 and learn your options.

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Detrimental Effects Of Commercial Water Damage Can Permanently Close Your Miami Souvenir Shop

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

When a souvenir shop in Miami sustains commercial water damage, responding quickly can help make reopening possible.

Effects Of Commercial Water Damage

Miami's many attractions bring in tourists from all over the world and boost our area in many ways. Tourists enjoy finding unique finds to take back home for themselves and their friends and family. Summer storms can make things wet in our area and leave businesses soaked afterward, even when property and business owners prepared for the event. Interior water leaks can cause just as much damage as torrential storms.

When a souvenir shop in Miami sustains commercial water damage, responding quickly can help make reopening possible. Waiting for a 'better time' can cause a business to fail, never to reopen again. SERVPRO wants to help all our local businesses succeed after a disaster. We train our employees, so they become certified by the IICRC. These certifications ensure that the damage affecting your business gets the mitigation service needed to make everything “Like it never even happened.”

After arriving, SERVPRO's crews go to work cleaning and sanitizing all of your affected merchandise, regardless of the source of the water. When Category 2 or 3 water caused the damage, we remove carpeting and other porous and now-saturated materials. Replacing these items must occur to restore a healthy interior environment. With Category 1 water as the source, we can often restore these items, but only if restoration work begins immediately after the incident. Calling us as soon as you know a problem exists with water damage can decrease your restoration costs significantly.

Making sure that all areas of your store dry out requires special machinery to prevent water damage from escalating. Water seeps into everything, and in every direction. Variations in a material's composition or position can cause it to take on more water than other materials. We check throughout your shop to determine where the heaviest concentrations of water exist and then continue to monitor these areas to verify the successfulness of our efforts. Any remaining moisture can later cause microbial infestations or continued water damage within your shop.

SERVPRO of South Miami serves Kendall and Sweetwater, as well, and can help you restore your small shop after you experience water damage. Call us at (786) 504-1595 for a fast response and effective assistance in mitigating the damage.

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Miami's Commercial Flood Damage Experts Discuss Problems With Lightning

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

During severe thunderstorms, there are many elements that can cause damage to your property in Miami.

Commercial Flood Damage

During severe thunderstorms, there are many elements that can cause damage to your property in Miami. Severe weather causes things like high-speed winds that can cause commercial flood damage. Wind can blow stuff like branches and rocks into your warehouse's structure creating holes for water to enter. If it rains enough during a Miami storm, your business district could flood which can also cause water to get into your company's warehouse.

Lightning is another aspect of thunderstorms that can cause problems. If lightning hits your roof, it can cause issues that create water to enter your building which can cause commercial flood damage to your Miami business. Any time water enters your structure it can ruin a variety of building materials inside your warehouse. If excessive moisture is left inside a structure for too long, mold growth can occur. If mold starts to grow, it can cause health problems for your company's employees and customers.

Any time water enters your business' warehouse prompt mitigation is necessary. Our SERVPRO restoration crew knows that removing moisture within 48 hours to prevent mold growth is essential. The first thing our experts do when arriving at any emergency damage call is to secure the area. Storms can cause problems to buildings that create things like trip or fall hazards for the occupants at your place of business. We inspect the entire affected area and repair all of the hazards that we can. If there are places that have hazards such as electrical issue we block off the are until a certified electrician can fix the problem.

Next, we repair the hole where water entered so that no more moisture can ruin building materials. If the problem was created by lightning, then our SERVPRO technicians board up and seal off the hole created so that water cannot continue to leak into your warehouse. Before mitigation procedures begin we determine what is required to permanently fix the lightning damage and include it in the estimate.

We conduct all work procedures in ways that can keep your business functioning. If you ever need help after lightning strikes your business, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (786) 610-5955 24/7.

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Never Get Stressed By Flood Damage In The Crawl Space Of Your Miami Property

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Getting the water out is among the first steps that our SERVPRO technicians perform when attending to flood damage incidents in Miami.

Flood Damage In The Crawl Space Of Your Home

Though crawl spaces are known to contain some moisture, it a different case when flood damage takes place. If the crawl space gets filled with water and you fail to address the situation as soon as possible, it can be costly and difficult to salvage your items. There are steps that professionals take to prevent mold damage and restore your Miami property.

Getting the water out is among the first steps that our SERVPRO technicians perform when attending to flood damage incidents in Miami. To do this work, we use specialized pumps and truck-mounted water extractors. We are aware of the submerged and floating debris which might be present in a crawl space, so, we use suitable methods to overcome such challenges. If necessary, we can perform minor demolitions to make the site more accessible for efficient restoration.

After removing the water-soaked debris and the standing water, it is time to dry the crawl space. By using air movers, our SERVPRO team can initiate the drying process. Since there is additional moisture which gets added to the air, we can run dehumidifiers to reduce the additional water vapor. Depending on the situation we are dealing with, we can decide to use refrigerant dehumidifiers or desiccant dehumidifiers.

Sometimes some water-sodden debris can penetrate into cracks and rot. When that happens, it is common for unpleasant smells to develop and we have to eliminate the odor-causing agents. We may deodorize the suspect areas to neutralize the odors. By using deodorants that have anti-microbial abilities, we can prevent mold growth.

The operations of our SERVPRO team are as per the IICRC regulations, and we always adhere to the local and state standards. Additionally, we use the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to stay protected during the restoration process.

SERVPRO of South Miami has highly trained technicians that use advanced equipment to deal with all commercial and residential disasters. Call us at (786) 838-4620 when you experience storm, mold, fire, and water damage disasters, and we can return your property to its earlier condition.

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Working to Get Your Miami Home's Fire Damage Insurance Claim Through Quickly

7/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians assess the damage after a fire as part of our operating practice. Contact us right away for best results.

Our SERVPRO Technicians Work Diligently to Assess the Damage in Your Home After a Fire

A fire in your Miami home can be a challenging thing to make sense of, let alone to face. With the slew of damages that result from even the smallest of blazes, these lingering effects and acute conditions require immediate attention and a professional’s touch to restore and rebuild properly. Regardless of the size of the fire that started in your house, finding the right professional assistance can make what follows afterward to go much more efficiently.
 
Once the fire has gotten extinguished in your home, you can begin to take a better look at the fire damages in Miami that you face. Fortunately, a thorough inspection and assessment is part of the SERVPRO process when we are called to give estimates or to provide the necessary information to an insurance provider that has reached out to our company.
 
This assessment helps our team to better determine the full scope of the present damage and what has to happen to restore your home to preloss conditions. Often our project manager and estimator both assess the damage, working out a running catalogue of damages and equipment necessary to complete this restoration most efficiently.
 
The estimation itself is often shared with the homeowner but ultimately given to the insurance provider or adjuster, so that the claims process can move along. The sooner that this claim can get processed, the faster that work can begin on your house to bring it back to original conditions. Our SERVPRO team often works directly with the insurance company representative to save you time and the headache of running necessary paperwork and information back and forth.
 
As you can see, our team puts a lot of time and effort into making a restoration that your home needs as simple and easy as possible. We strive to respond quickly and to get started promptly in helping to clean up the mess and return your home to its former conditions. You can count on our SERVPRO of South Miami fire damage specialists. Give us a call 24/7 at (786) 610-5955.

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Predictable Flood Damage In Kendall Can Still Be Devastating

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Preserves and Protects Possessions During Storm Recovery in Kendall

Preparation and Fast Action Can Mitigate Storm Damage in Kendall

Experts term the climate in Kendall as “tropical monsoon,” reflecting the warm to very hot average temperatures and marked contrast between a drier and wetter season. The warm weather months from May through October can welcome over 36 inches of rain, often in strong storms including tropical depressions and storms to hurricanes. Although residents might realize a flooding event is always possible during the monsoon months, coping with the reality of a flooding emergency in one’s home is still incredibly challenging if it happens.
 
The looming threat of flood damage in Kendall means residents must be on alert constantly. At the same time, the risk fosters the development of reliable and experienced restoration companies, owned by local business people who invest in our community. When heavy rains and winds result in flooding to your home, rely on our IICRC trained technicians and the powerful equipment and innovative products we employ to make your home “Like it never even happened.”
 
Flood damage requires fast remediation as the water often contains contaminants that can accelerate deterioration of structural components and contribute to microbial growth. SERVPRO responds 24/7 as flooding does not respect typical business hours. Our crews arrive swiftly with the skills and the equipment necessary to develop and execute a thorough flood damage remediation plan onboard our service vehicles, ready to get to work pumping and extracting the water.
 
If the storm knocked out the power, SERVPRO works undeterred, employing our truck mounted removal equipment. Water more than two inches deep pumps out, and then our crew uses wanded extractors to pull moisture out of crevices and recesses as well as attending to floors and coverings. We do not guess. Instead, we measure for moisture and scan for hidden water trapped behind walls and under floors. Failure to remove all the water exposes your home to complications like mold and progressive deterioration of vulnerable building materials like drywall, insulation, and metal.
 
Drying is a science, requiring training in psychometry, which our employees receive and review periodically. SERVPRO air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers aid in the drying as our skilled crew position the equipment in the most advantageous pattern. Water migrates out of structures and into the air if that air is maintained at the usual low level of humidity. Evaporation occurs swiftly if all the components balance and we are experts at determining the proper equilibrium.
 
If flood damage has your number during the latest storm SERVPRO of South Miami is eager to assist you in solving the equation of winds plus rain in your favor. Our phones answer round the clock at (786) 838-4620, and we look forward to joining forces with you.

More about Kendall by clicking right here.

Mold Damage Experts in Kendall Talk About Severe Cases

6/30/2018 (Permalink)

When you find mold in the corner, or elsewhere in your home, contact SERVPRO to investigate the cause and remediate the damage.

Team SERVPRO Understands How Mold Forms and Spreads Throughout Your Home

If a building such as your Kendall rental home has a problem like a pipe break, the issue can go unnoticed if it is unoccupied. Most houses contain a vast amount of organic materials including the wooden structural components, drywall, some types of contents and sub-flooring. These organic materials work as good food sources for microbial growth when the temperatures are ideal, and there are elevated moisture levels. As time goes on the contamination can spread and get more and more severe.
 
Once a fungus forms, it grows structures called hyphae that spread across the materials and release spores. During any mold damage project in Kendall, it is important to keep these microbes from spreading and causing secondary problems. Since fungi can cause health effects with some people, containing the area is essential to prevent spores from spreading to unaffected areas.
 
The first step our SERVPRO technicians take when starting the mitigation process is to build a containment chamber around the affected areas. The chamber gets built with thick plastic sheets and metal poles and is made to seal in any dust or contaminated particles that get put into the air during the work process. An air scrubber then gets attached to a side of the chamber and works to clean the air from harmful microbes as the remediation process takes place.
 
If the contamination is extremely severe, the entire home can be contained so that harmful microbes do not get into the outdoor environment. In every severe mold mitigation case, our SERVPRO technicians wear IICRC certified personal protective equipment to protect themselves from the harmful substances and to keep them from spreading contamination elsewhere. Once the containment chamber gets set up with the air scrubber attached to create negative air pressure inside the chamber, we begin removing contaminated contents and materials.
 
If contents inside the building are contaminated, then they get removed before treating structural materials. If the items can be cleaned and saved, then they get moved off-site to a clean and disinfected location. If the objects got badly damaged, then they get disposed of in sealed plastic trash bags. If you ever need help with remediating a house with severe contamination, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 24/7.

Click here for more information on the city of Kendall.

Why A Balanced Drying System Is Necessary During Water Damage Restoration in Kendall

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team can handle any water damage emergencies, no matter the scope or size.

SERVPRO Has State-Of-The-Art Equipment To Restore Your Home

Whenever there is a water damage event in your home, the first thing you naturally think of is how to dry your contents and the structure. The drying process requires specialized drying procedures, and in this post, we are looking at how the operations of different equipment make the process a success. Dehumidifiers and air movers are the most common equipment that we use when drying most water events in Kendall.

Our SERVPRO technicians understand that water damage incidents in Kendall require a balance in the setup of both the dehumidifiers and air movers. The work of the air movers is to enhance airflow on wet surfaces, and that means the way we position them is so vital. Increased airflow leads to an increased rate of evaporation which translates to higher humidity in the layer of air surrounding the wet surfaces.

On the other hand, dehumidifiers work by producing dry and warm air. For the dry air to circulate in the structure and reach the wet surfaces, air movers must be in place. To ensure we do not end up with a slower drying process, our SERVPRO technicians make sure that the number of air movers is not too little when we compare it to the number of dehumidifiers we have in position. Dehumidifiers work best when there is more moisture to extract from the surrounding air.

Setting up too many air movers compared to the number of dehumidifiers we have in operation is also not appropriate. Such a situation indicates that the rate of extracting the moisture that air movers add to the air is slower. If that occurs for a longer duration of time, further water damage is likely to happen once the moisture condenses and settles on your contents. That is why our SERVPRO technicians put in place a balanced drying system when restoring your property.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources


SERVPRO of South Miami is a trusted and proven Leader in the Restoration Industry. Call us at (305) 269-8900 when you need both commercial and residential cleaning and restoration services.

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Overcoming Water Damage To Your Kendall Home

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Water damages to your Kendall residence can appear in a multitude of ways.

Water Damage To Your Home

While appliance malfunctions and mishaps often top the list for causes of water emergencies to Kendall homes, another contributor is homeowner error. Often small mistakes or forgetfulness can lead to a water incident that requires thorough cleanup from a professional restoration team. Regardless of how you might have allowed the damage to occur, or how widespread it might be, you have a team at your disposal that is always ready to help.

Water damages to your Kendall residence can appear in a multitude of ways. Many homeowners become convinced that merely drying up the water they can see is sufficient for solving the problem, but this isn't always the case. Your own insurance company is going to encourage you to seek out the assistance and expertise of professional water restoration company like our SERVPRO team, and there are several reasons why this is a wise decision.

From the moment that our experts arrive at your home, we begin to catalog the damages that we see in the affected area and all of the adjacent rooms and floors to this region of your house. This process helps our SERVPRO technicians to formulate a plan, but it also aids in ensuring that every effect of the water incident gets dealt with accordingly.

Not all water emergencies require extraction, but drying is a universal practice common to nearly every single water damage project that our technicians undertake. Regardless of the severity, ensuring that the area (both what can get readily seen and what lies behind walls, under floors, and in other places) gets entirely dry prevents persistent damage to the structural integrity of your property and helps to reduce the risks of developing secondary damage such as mold growth.

Overcoming water damage in your home is something that can often require the expertise and professionalism of our SERVPRO of South Miami technicians. Our emergency response team is always standing by for any issues that might require a rapid response. Give us a call anytime at (305) 269-8900.

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Fire Damage Technicians Out Of Kendall Explain Different Types Of Smoke Residues

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

Kendall Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup and Restoration Needed? Contact SERVPRO

Soot and Smoke Odors and Films Are Handled by SERVPRO

If a fire ever starts on your property in Kendall, the heat and the smoke coming from the blaze can both cause you problems. The flames and heat can burn structural materials and components causing them to be removed and replaced. Smoke coming from the burn can travel throughout the entire home and ruin items.
 
Smoke residues can permanently stain contents and building materials requiring them to be replaced. In some fire damage scenarios in Kendall, it is possible to save your possessions and building materials with cleaning and removing soot residues. How easy it is to clean items depends on the types of soot present inside the structure after the burn takes place.
 
Cleanability of soot residues varies based on how wet or dry the smoke that traveled through the building was. Dry smoke is created by blazes that burn natural materials at a fast rate and have plenty of oxygen. Wet smoke is produced by fires that burn synthetic materials slowly and are oxygen-starved. Most fires create a variety of both wet and dry smoke throughout their duration.
 
Dry smoke is easier to clean than wet smoke, and our SERVPRO technicians can wipe it off with dry sponges or clean it with water-based chemicals. Vacuuming carpets and fabrics of loose soot and debris are very useful as an initial step. If the smoke is more dry than wet, less aggressive cleaning methods can be used to remove the soot. If the smoke is too wet, then cleaning can be extremely difficult or impossible.
 
If the fire starts inside your kitchen, then there is a good chance that the fuels burned was a protein such as meat, poultry, or fish. Proteins produce smoke that leaves behind residues that are yellow or amber in color. Protein residues created foul odors and must get cleaned so that odors are eliminated. In some cases, all areas of the home must be cleaned because foul odors can exist even if the protein residues cannot be seen.
 
Fuel oil soot can also be created during a fire. In colder climates, soot tags that resemble black spider webs can be seen in corners and ceiling areas. Fresh soot usually comes in large or small particles and can usually be cleaned easily. For professional help cleaning different types of soot residues, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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How To Deal With Commercial Water Damage When In Kendall

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can affect your businesses in many ways, and that calls for mitigation measures to check on the loss and risk.

Commercial Water Damage

Water damage can affect your businesses in many ways, and that calls for mitigation measures to check on the loss and risk. Usually, water is penetrative, and if you waste any time, it can penetrate your machinery and equipment and with no time signs of mold growth and odors results. If you run your commercial operations in Kendall, you need to treat everything as an emergency.

There are initial steps that our SERVPRO technicians follow when attending to water damage in Kendall that we want you to know. The restoration starts by conducting a thorough inspection of your property. During this step, we can analyze the extent of the damage and evaluate whether there are existent hazards at the site before the restoration work can start.

Always contact certified professionals like SERVPRO as soon as the incident takes since removing the excess water is necessary. If the water sits for a long period, what was salvageable may end up being unsalvageable. As a result, we use water extractors and pumps to do water removal. If there was an unnoticeable water penetration, there are high chances of having mold in the structure. We perform mold cleanup and perform deodorization to prevent future growth since it can lead to health effects.

At SERVPRO, we can help you with material replacement. After a water damage incident, the chances are that your office furniture, flooring, drywall, carpeting as well as other materials may need replacement. While it is possible to replace some of the water-damaged contents, there are some cases where replacement is necessary. Before doing that, we perform an inspection to determine what you need to replace.

IICRC certifies our SERVPRO technicians, and we follow all the state regulations when working for you. We understand that safety is vital in any restoration work and that is why we observe safety measures such as wearing protective gloves, overalls, and use helmets.

At SERVPRO of South Miami, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster whether it is storm, mold, water, and fire related. Call us at (305) 269-8900 and get the chance of working with a reliable and tested industry leader.

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Trusting Professional Restoration To Handle Your Kendale Lakes House Fire Damage

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

We have the tools and experience to clean and restore your fire damaged property.

SERVPRO is The Company To Call When Fire Damage Strikes Your Kendale Lakes Property

When fire ravages your Kendale Lakes home, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the effects you have to face. While you might want to do your best to care for these immediate concerns on your own, often trying to resolve and restore damages of this nature only get worse from inexperienced attempts to remedy them. Fortunately, you always have professional restoration services at your disposal to help you overcome even the most traumatic of lingering symptoms and pressing concerns.

Since there are so many different causes of fires, the damage that they cause can vary significantly as well. Finding the right approach to dealing with the fire damages to your Kendale Lakes home can be as simple as reaching out to SERVPRO. Our experienced restoration technicians get specially trained in all varieties of fire damages and the best methods of restoring your home and its contents from each effect it could experience.

From the moment that our team arrives at your home, our assessment begins. We inspect every area of your home, even the rooms adjacent to where the fire occurred to get a full scope of the damage that your home faces and what has to happen to restore it entirely. This process is better for you to get involved with as well, so you can voice some of your most pressing concerns as well as have parts of our restoration process explained to you so you can adequately prepare for your role in the process.

Tackling each of these effects and symptoms might take some time, but our SERVPRO professionals work to restore your home and its contents thoroughly. The process includes working directly with the insurance company which handles the claim you have to make for the damage to the house, to save you the stress and legwork of working with an insurance company adjuster on your own.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources


While there are many facets to the restoration process following a fire to your home, you are always in good hands with SERVPRO of South Miami. Our experienced fire restoration technicians are available 24/7 to help you when you need us the most. Give us a call anytime at (305) 269-8900.

For more on Kendale Lakes, click here

Mold and Mold Damage in Your Kendall Residence

4/8/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can appear differently on different types of materials. Contact SERVPRO right away should you see or smell mold in your home.

SERVPRO Effectively Tackles BOTH Visible and Hidden Mold Damage

We rely on our homes in Kendall to keep us warm and dry. Most of the time, they handle this very well. However, sometimes our homes let us down in this regard. Dampness or water can make it into our homes and increase the risk for mold growth. Because some molds can cause health effects for you and your family, it is essential to get the problem handled as soon as you realize there is mold growing in your home.
 
Mold and mold damage in your Kendall home can pop up just about anywhere where the conditions are right. Sometimes they begin in a hidden area, so you might not know they are there right away. SERVPRO techs can assist you in finding the colonies of growth. We have the experience and tools to do this and to clean it all up before it spreads any further.
 
Average mold, such as black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, thrives in damp, dark, and unventilated conditions. The less it is disturbed, the more they can spread. You may not even realize that mold has been growing for months, or even years, out of sight in your home. Some go against traditional conditions and can grow in colder temperatures. Fusarium and Cladosporium are both tolerant to cold temperatures. They can develop on fabric, carpets, and wooden surfaces quite easily.
 
Some molds emit an unpleasant odor that is musty. You may notice them faster in these cases. Chaetomium is one of the smelliest kinds you can find. SERVPRO techs look for this type of mold on drywall and other nearby surfaces.
 
When moisture is the culprit of mold growth, there are a variety of areas in your home in which it can grow. It includes underneath appliances like the washer, water heater, dishwasher, and fridge. It can also include pipes and connections to these appliances. Pipes can leak and may have condensation which leads to mildew and mold.
 
SERVPRO of South Miami has all the tools needed to find any hidden mold in your home in Coconut Grove, Kendall, or Miami Gardens and clean it up correctly. Dial (305) 269-8900 to get in touch with us immediately if you suspect you have mold growing in your residence.

Click here for more information on the city of Kendall.

Flood Damage Technicians Based Out of Kendall

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to call SERVPRO as soon as possible after flood damage to dry out your home and minimize the damage.

Rely on the Trained Professionals at SERVPRO for Expert Flood Damage Mitigation

During violent storms, Kendall is one area that is prone to flooding. Excessive rain often leaks into your home from the outside. Sometimes wind created by the storm throws objects into your house.

If a window or exterior wall gets punctured, rain likely gets inside your structure. SERVPRO's flood damage professionals in Kendall have experience in mitigating storm-related problems. Sometimes water coming in from the outside has a high contamination level.

To start, we always test the water that got into the building to see what the contamination level is. If the rainwater has a high contamination level, then many items including building materials and contents get removed and replaced. Water with low contamination levels often gets mitigated through our specialized drying and extraction process.

To start off, all rainwater inside your home gets extracted with top-of-the-line equipment. We use different extensions to vacuum up water out of the various building materials inside your house. Our extraction equipment contains a specialized extension used to extract water out of furniture and upholstery.

Once all water gets vacuumed up, the technicians at SERVPRO begin the drying process. Air movers are set up to increase evaporation inside the affected area by replacing moist air with warm and dry air. Dehumidifiers also get placed inside the building to pull moisture from the air and pump out hot, dry air that gets used by the air movers.

In some cases, other equipment and techniques get used for drying in unique situations. We use specific equipment for drying out ceiling and wall cavities or crawl spaces. Techniques like removing baseboard and drilling holes in the drywall to pump air into a wall cavity may also get used in specific scenarios.

When a rainstorm causes damage to a house, many times the exterior walls retain moisture. Exterior walls sometimes are difficult to dry out because the insulation inside the walls restricts air flow. In which case, holes get drilled into exterior walls in the top and bottom so that air flows throughout the wall cavity.

Drying exterior walls is usually a smart idea because replacing the walls gets expensive. For professional help with structural drying, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 any time of the day, seven days a week.

More on Kendall here.

Kendall's Fire Damage Professionals

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

After the fire is put out and no longer a danger, it is time to assess the damages.

Fire Damage Professionals

In most cases, you will never expect it, but it is a possibility that a fire starts inside your Kendall home. Any time a fire starts the priority is to make sure your family and your pets are safe. Next, the blaze gets put out either by you or the fire department depending on the severity of the fire.

After the fire is put out and no longer a danger, it is time to assess the damages. When figuring out how the fire damaged your house, it is wise to call SERVPRO's fire damage experts in Kendall to help you find all of the damaged areas. When a fire starts, the flames, heat, and smoke coming from the burn all cause different types of damage inside your home.

Our experts at SERVPRO get trained in the theory of fire. When flames start, smoke and soot collect onto surfaces all over the building. When it comes to removing residues, some is hard to remove, and some are not.

Whenever enough heat reaches any material, combustion occurs. Combustion is the act of solid substance turning into a gas through the application of heat. Sometimes soot is created by elements burning but not fully combusting the entire way. In this case, the sediment formed from partially charred materials is harder to remove.

When full combustion occurs, the burnt materials turn into smoke that gets released into the air. When a fire is actively burning, the smoke contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are both gases that are hazardous for humans to breathe. Once the fire gets put out, the harmful gases subside.

Smoke coming out of fire causes materials to get enveloped by a foul odor. Smoke also contacts surfaces and leaves soot and smoke residues that stay after the smoke dissipates. Soot left by smoke is usually easier to clean off of most surfaces than carbon resulting from half-burnt materials.

Whenever dealing with a fire or smoke damage problem, it is essential to get the official opinion from the experts. For a complete and professional remediation job, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for help 24/7.

Click here for more about Kendall.

Mold Damage Cleanup Services in Kendall

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Seeing or smelling mold in your home can be frightening. Call SERVPRO right away and we will find the cause so as to prevent a recurrence.

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Seek Out the Root Cause of a Mold Infestation in Your Home

Mold damage is a hideous and often stubborn problem for your home and business. In some cases, it can do more harm than just being unsightly. These fungi thrive in damp areas and can cause various health effects. Mold and mildew exist in our environment as naturally occurring microorganisms, but when they exceed normal levels, they can affect your family, property, and even your house.
 
If you notice the presence of mold in your home, contact SERVPRO immediately for mold damage cleanup services in Kendall. Mold comes in various shades and spreads easily through the air in the form of spores. Our mold remediation experts use special, IICRC-certified techniques to eliminate these microorganisms and make your home more hospitable again.
 
Mold can grow virtually anywhere in your home. The most vulnerable places to mold damage include basements, bathrooms, caulking, window frames, plumbing, ventilation systems, drywall & sub-flooring, cabinets, furniture, and wet walls. Bathrooms and basements are considered the ideal locations for mold growth in the home, but one big place that should not be overlooked is the attic.
 
The primary cause of mold damage in the attic is poor ventilation. SERVPRO technicians can correct this by installing air movers and dehumidifiers in the room. It is also advisable to open the windows to facilitate proper air circulation. Homes in colder areas are particularly vulnerable because heat from the ventilation system meets the colder roof and forms condensation. This moisture drips onto ceilings, insulation, or any other surface in the attic, creating a suitable environment for mold growth.
 
It is important to understand the root cause of mold damage in your home; otherwise, you risk having the same problem again. During the mitigation process, SERVPRO mold remediation experts can check for poor ventilation, excess condensation, and leaks in the roof. We can also remove mold-damaged materials such as textiles, plywood, and drywall, and disinfect the area with effective antimicrobial products.
 
If mold damage has overrun your home, you can count on SERVPRO of South Miami for quick and efficient mold remediation services. We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry and can return your home to preloss condition as soon as possible, "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (305) 269-8900.

Click here for more information about the city of Kendall.

Quality Flood Damage Restoration Services Available in Miami

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Cracks in your foundation walls, windows that stick and jammed doors are all signs of major flood damage requiring professional attention.

SERVPRO Acts Fast to Minimize the Effects of Flood Damage

Vast amounts of water cause intense flooding throughout the area nearly every year. Hurricane season has Miami homeowners on edge, expecting massive damage to a variety of things, including roads, buildings, vehicles, and more. 

Unfortunately, some Miami area homeowners may not see the full extent of flood damage on their property for several years. Due to standing or hidden water that causes additional damages to their foundation or structural components which lead to failures as time progresses. 

When flooding reaches higher levels, there is not much anyone can do to stop water from causing damage that takes its toll on your home. However, having an expertly trained SERVPRO technician inspect your home after flooding can help protect your future. 

Time is critical after a flood; you want to check for signs that could indicate problems that require professional attention. Cracks in your foundation walls, sticky windows, and jammed doors all serve as warning signs that foundation damage exists on your property. 

If water entered your home, contact a flood damage restoration specialist, like SERVPRO. Our technicians can remove wet padding, carpeting, and flooring that often lead to corrosion, rot, mold or other safety hazards, causing long-term damage.

SERVPRO can also help you prepare for future floods, giving you access to IICRC-industry certified technicians, advanced equipment, and a variety of quality restoration services you can count on to get your home back to normal after a flood. 

We help members of our local community get flood damage under control as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our technicians easily move personal possessions, furniture, and household items to a safe, dry location, where they can receive professional evaluation and restoration that helps return them to a quality pre-damage condition. 

Our team manages your restoration process from start to finish while keeping you informed throughout the process. It is our goal to meet or exceed your expectation and provide you with the answers you need to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for flood damage restoration services 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. “We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster,” and offer advanced cleaning and restoration services you can trust. (305) 269-8900

More on the city of Miami here.

SERVPRO Now Services Miami Gardens, Kendall, And Pinecrest

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers Property Damage Restoration Services to the Miami Area Including Miami Gardens, Kendall and Pincrest.

Fire & Smoke, Water, Storm and Mold Remediation Are the Cornerstones of SERVPRO Services

SERVPRO of South Miami is proud to welcome the communities of Miami Gardens, Kendall, and Pinecrest into our service area. We are eager to demonstrate the experience and skill of our highly trained restoration technicians, production managers, and marketing staff. We strive ceaselessly to meet or exceed the expectations of both business and residential customers, including new clients in our expanding base of communities.
 
When you experience an accident, system failure, or natural disaster that causes damage to your property, a reputable and seasoned partner in the restoration industry is what you seek. We know water, fire, storm, and mold damage does not respect timetables yet requires immediate attention. The team at SERVPRO of South Miami is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
 
Water damage is a common threat in the suburban Miami area, whether from internal issues like plumbing or appliance fails or external events like heavy rains or flooding. SERVPRO of South Miami prepares our water damage restoration crews through IICRC approved training to handle all aspects of water damage remediation. Our equipment is highly efficient, assisting in removing water swiftly and drying saturated building materials thoroughly before permanent or secondary damage occurs.
 
A fire in your Pinecrest business or home is frightening and devastating. The SERVPRO of South Miami fire damage response crews arrives as soon as authorities give clearance, and assess the scene for safety concerns and the extent of the damage. Our crew members expertly match cleaning methods with the many types of charring, soot, and smoke damage a fire inflicts within your property. We arrange for repairs and restore all areas affected, including employing effective deodorization techniques, so your premises returns to you "Like it never even happened."
 
Storm damage in Kendall needs fast and expert attention, and SERVPRO of South Miami delivers. We secure weather-damaged buildings with temporary supports and tarps to keep further damage from the elements minimal. Then a complete assessment determines the list of tasks we complete -- from water removal to structural drying, to arranging for the repair and replacement of an endless range of building materials and contents. Our goal is to transform your battered building back to its preloss condition quickly and completely.
 
In the humid and rainy climate of South Florida, your Miami Gardens home or business can suffer from mold growth and damage. The mold remediation team from SERVPRO of South Miami use EPA developed and approved protocols to contain and remove mold growth on your property. Advanced technology like negative pressure air scrubbers keeps you and your family or employees safe during mold remediation. We also find and eliminate the source of moisture that caused the mold to grow and work with you on a plan to avoid future mold outbreaks by keeping areas dry and humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.
 
When you need a full-service disaster restoration company, look no further than SERVPRO of South Miami. Our number at (305) 269-8900 is answered day and night, and our experienced and compassionate employees are ready to assist.

For More Information Regarding this Area of S. FL click here.

Mold Damage can Develop Anywhere Inside Your Miami Home

2/4/2018 (Permalink)

When mold hides, we find it. Contact SERVPRO when you smell the mustiness that comes with a mold infestation.

SERVPRO Tackles Active Mold While Offering Prevention Tips

Many of the activities the typical family engages in every day while at home in Miami seem harmless, and unable to damage the residence. However, some house cleaning methods can make some problems worse.

Some housekeeping practices, such as feather-dusting or using a non-HEPA filter on the vacuum cleaner, can quickly spread microbes within a residence and cause substantial mold damage in Miami. Because the small size of the spores permits them to remain airborne for long periods of time, they can also spread farther than you might expect.

Also, because spores come in such a small size, they also easily find their way into spots that aid them in avoiding your detection. Once in an enclosed area, microbes can soon grow out of control. The areas that seem to develop substantial mold colonies include those behind large appliances and pieces of furniture, as well as on the floor below these items.

Part of the problem persists in many homes because of a lack of air circulation to these locations, which would otherwise dry out any moisture that accumulates in such locations. Moving larger household furnishings away from the wall can increase air circulation and solve the situation before it becomes too severe, however, doing so can create a safety hazard for small children.

The professional mold remediators at SERVPRO have extensive experience in combating mold and hold IICRC certificates in Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT). Regardless of where you might find microbial colonization taking place inside your home, we can help you restore things “Like it never even happened.” Because many strains of mold can cause health effects, we take special care to contain any mold that we handle so it cannot spread to other areas. To prevent future problems, we can discuss preventative measures with you, helping ensure your home stays protected from microbial activity.

The experienced technicians at SERVPRO of South Miami are always ready to respond when you need them most. Call our local number, (305) 269-8900, to speak with an expert about the mold damage affecting your home. We can quickly remediate the area affected and help prevent any further ongoing problems.

Click here for more on Miami. 

Mitigation Of Flood Damaged Personal Belongings In Your Miami Apartment

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damage creates more problems than just mold and mildew risks.

Mitigation Of Flood Damaged Personal Belongings

Professional restoration services work with homeowners, business owners, government agencies, and insurance adjusters on a daily basis. In Miami, we also work with people who rent their dwelling. When damaging events happen to their home or apartment, their personal belongings can also suffer harm.

Miami residents can benefit from similar flood damage restoration services, just like property owners benefit. We can perform the cleaning and restorations on-site or at our facility. If your landlord also hires us to mitigate the flood damage to your home, we can still provide you with the timely service you deserve. We train our employees to work well in a team and also to diversify their job duties. Our goal is to make everything “Like it never even happened.” for all our customers.

In addition to their customer care training, our employees also engage in training, receiving certifications from the IICRC. We understand the science behind preventing mold and mildew, and their stains, throughout your home. Flood damage creates more problems than just mold and mildew risks. Removing your belongings from the flooded areas of your home can help save them from further harm.

We also serve our customers by packing up non-damaged belongings and household items. As we do this, we list each box's inventory to streamline insurance claims and to ensure each box finds its way back to its original location in your home upon completion of the job.

Concerning your belongings suffering from the flood event, we clean these of any contaminants and promptly return them to their preloss condition. What we may have been unable to restore in the past is now possible because of significant developments in restoration science. Staining can still pose a difficult challenge, but some stains release their grip on fibers more readily than other stains. Chemical agents help us in our work.

Some chemicals come in the form of hydroxyl gas, which can help eliminate solid substances that can pose problems for many clothing items. We have found that restoration after flooding saves money, time, and aggravation, helping residents recover quickly because they need to replace fewer garments.

SERVPRO of South Miami helps all residents in the area restore belongings and other property after succumbing to flood damage. Let us help you with professional mitigation. Calling us at (305) 269-8900 puts you in contact with our 24-hour services, every day of the year.

Click here for more about the city of Miami.

Leaky Drinking Fountains Can Cause Commercial Water Damage To Hotels In Coral Gables

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Hotels in Coral Gables can find themselves facing commercial water damage should their drinking fountain or cooler leak.

Commercial Water Damage

Many people in Coral Gables are concerned with staying hydrated, and a quick sip of cold water here and there can help. Many businesses, including hotels, use drinking fountains and water coolers to provide this perk for people using their services. Low in cost, these convenient sources of drinking water provide benefits to both the business and the people catered to by the business owners.

However, hotels in Coral Gables can find themselves facing commercial water damage should their drinking fountain or cooler leak. Both can suffer from small cracks, either in the cooler's frame or various seals, or water lines that wiggle loose. Carpeting around the area can easily hold moisture for long periods without it becoming known.

SERVPRO professionals can help mitigate water damage that creeps up on business owners. Typically positioned near a wall, fountains and coolers that leak can damage walls and floors equally harshly. One of the first signs of a problem with a water leak might be peeling paint near the area. Any electrical outlets can become shock hazards if water enters their circuit boxes or saturates any wiring.

Our Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) understands the risks of damaged materials and can help guide you through the steps needed to protect your staff and guests. Because such water is clean and did not travel far, we can typically restore carpeting. When possible, we do this before repainting any walls to avoid trapping moisture under drop cloths. This also helps prevent microbial activity that can eat away at carpet fibers and backing materials.

Even though water is a tasteless and odorless liquid, it often creates odors when it comes into contact with carpeting, furniture, and many other materials, even after drying. We can solve odor problems related to water leaks, making everything “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of South Miami's technicians use their experience and training to restore various businesses to a preloss condition. To reach our 24-hour services, contact us by calling our local number, (305) 269-8900, any day of the week, year-round. We can help restore your hotel quickly and efficiently, with little to no interruption for your guests.

Click here for more about Coral Gables.

Steps Involved in Mold Damage Remediation Process on Your Miami Property

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Miami Properties Get Relief with the Help of SERVPRO

Trust SERVPRO for Professional Mold Removal Services

Mold poses health effects and property damage in the humid climate of Miami. However, professionals can help to control the extent of damage and restore your property to preloss conditions.
 
Here at SERVPRO, we have a team of experts with years of experience in mold removal. Our technicians use a multi-step process to identify, remediate and restore your mold damaged Miami home in no time. Here are some of the things you should expect when you hire professional mold remediation.
 
Containment of the damage
The first step toward the mold remediation process is confining it to the affected area. When you hire professionals, one of the first things they do is take steps to prevent mold from spreading to the unaffected areas. Some of these measures include the following.

Installing plastic sheets that act as physical barriers to the spread of the mold
Using negative air pressure in the affected area to reduce spreading of the spores to unaffected regions
The SERVPRO professionals also establish ‘clean rooms’ and ‘decontamination rooms’ to store equipment  

Mold removal
After containing the damage, the next step is the actual mold removal process. Mold removal process varies depending on the contaminated surface. If the surface is non-porous, it is usually cleaned and wiped. However, porous surfaces with visible mold growth such as fabric, drywall, and insulation often need to be safely discarded.
 
Mold from the non-porous material is removed using HEPA vacuuming. The HEPA vacuum eliminates the mold and prevents the spores from spreading in the air. If the surface is damp, it is usually wiped with a detergent. Various techniques such as damp wiping, sanding and wire brushing are often used to remove mold from non-porous surfaces.  

Cleaning and follow-up
Once the mold has been removed, the HEPA vacuum is used to clean the dust and settled spores. The cleaning usually is done in multiple rounds with the time given for the spores to settle between the rounds. Making sure that the area is dry and clean is critical for preventing regrowth and secondary damage. Typically, the final move is an application of an antifungal agent to help prevent the regrowth of new spores.
 
Call SERVPRO of South Miami today at (305) 269 8900 to schedule an appointment with our mold experts. We are here to help you get the mold damage under control as soon as possible.

Click here for more information on the city govt.
 

Identifying and Responding to Electrical Fire Damage in Miami

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical fires must be handled differently than regular fires.

It is Important to Understand the Difference of an Electrical Fire

Electrical fires are different from regular fires in a few ways. While both have the potential to spread across your home and cause a much more significant problem, small fires and electrical fires must be approached and considered as fundamentally different processes. Electrical appliances, plugs, and cables are among the leading causes of fire damage in Miami, accounting for hundreds of confirmed cases every year and potentially much more where the source is unknown.

What an Electrical Fire Looks Like

Electrical fire damage in Miami can often look exactly like regular fire damage, albeit with a few fundamental differences. Most importantly, the source of the fire should be an electric appliance or cable and easily identifiable as such. Use common sense here: if you think the object on fire has an active wall connection or battery, treat it as an electrical fire. However, some electrical fires can also give off additional warning signs. Some may burn an unusual color, or send off sparks in either sporadic bursts or a consistent stream and pattern. If you observe any of these warning signs, be wary, and treat the fire with as much caution as possible.

Dealing with Electrical Fires

Eliminating a small electrical fire is relatively easy, but if done improperly, also very dangerous. Electrical fires cannot be put out using water-based products, including some older types of fire extinguishers. The electronics underneath are likely to be very unstable and prone to becoming an electrocution hazard, especially when sprayed with a stream of pressurized water. The only time water should be used against an electrical fire is long after the fire has spread, and firefighters are forced to use water hoses to douse the flames. Make sure your home has modern, functioning CO2 or chemical fire extinguishers placed at critical locations so that you can effectively combat any type of fire, even an electrical one.

SERVPRO of South Miami is a locally owned company with national resources dedicated to helping local homeowners respond to and recover from disasters and damages to their home. Call us at (305) 269-8900.

For more information about the Miami Fire Department, click here.

Items That Can Be Saved After Mold Damage in Miami

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can lurk behind furniture and walls or appear in plain sight. Contact SERVPRO when you see or smell the presence of mold in your home.

Our Technicians Quickly Evaluate the Items Damaged By Mold Based on Their Porosity and Permeability

Toxic mold is a serious threat to Miami homeowners. It feeds on organic materials and can ruin your items beyond repair. Worse still, these fungi can cause mold-related health effects. Like with all living organisms, mold and mildew require certain elements to grow and thrive. These include moisture, mold spores, proper temperatures, and, of course, carbon items. When these elements are sufficient in a given area, they create the ideal environment for mold growth.
 
SERVPRO is a longstanding restoration company that has been fighting mold damage in Miami homes for many years. We are proud to offer our IICRC-certified technicians to respond to your emergency when it happens. Our resources include advanced cleanup and drying equipment designed to get rid of mold growth entirely, "Like it never even happened."
 
SERVPRO technicians can easily remove mold damage from materials that have a solid surface, for instance glass, metal, and plastic. We use antimicrobial products and water, among other tools, in the remediation process. Porous items cannot be "safely" cleaned, treated, or effectively kept in the sun due to their "porous" nature. Mold spores build up in small spaces, increasing their chances of survival. Once they find a pore that is small, safe, and comfortable enough, the mold spores lay dormant and wait for moisture to initiate growth. Their roots grow downward, making them extremely stable on porous items.
 
On the other hand, "non-porous" materials are salvageable after mold damage. SERVPRO mold remediation experts can wash and dry them using special techniques because of the absence of pores. Without pores, it means that the spores cannot burrow into the item, instead remaining on the surface where they are easily expendable.
 
Removing mold damage from fabric clothing is easy but still requires professional assistance. Apart from safety purposes, washing alone cannot restore mold-damaged clothing to its original state. SERVPRO technicians can provide the best solution to ensure that you do not lose the item completely. It is important to clean the material sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of sustaining irreversible damage.
 
Research has shown that mold takes anywhere between 24 and 48 hours to make an impact. If you detect the presence of mold growth in your house, let SERVPRO of South Miami come in and assess the damage. You can reach us anytime at (305) 269-8900.
 
For more information regarding Miami, click here

Safe, Commercial Water Removal in Miami

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

Drying carpets and making sure that they will still hold up to regular foot traffic is one of our primary tasks. After water damage, contact SERVPRO.

Team SERVPRO Arrives with the Equipment and Manpower Ready to Remediate ANY Level of Water Damage on Your Commercial Property

The worst weather has probably passed Miami for the year, but wind and rain are still happening. It is more important than ever that businesses already damaged remove water as quickly as possible.
 
Commercial water removal in Miami needs to be accomplished by a professional service. Businesses with multiple offices like a law firm may decide that a little rain is not nearly as bad as the recent hurricane and try to cut corners. That is never a good idea, as a rented Water-Vac and a Rug Doctor cannot replace the experience and training SERVPRO brings to every water disaster.
 
Rental equipment is not the same quality that our response team brings to each home. It is not maintained on-site like the commercial grade machines we have and have access to in our nationwide network of equipment. Even the new devices available for purchase at a big box store do not have the power and options our technicians bring to the job.
 
When carpets and structural property have suffered previous water damage, further time underwater accelerates new problems. For example, carpet that was cleaned and dried still sustained some damage even if delamination did not occur. Minor damage to the back of the carpet accelerates future risk with the next flooding situation.
 
SERVPRO technicians examine carpets before beginning work with pumps and extraction wands. They avoid areas that show bubbles beneath the surface or a few loose threads from the nape. After extracting water from the rest of the carpet, we use specially designed heaters and air movers to dry these spots without agitating the surface and accidentally causing more problems.
 
Multiple incidents of water damage require a professional response each time to remove it with either no or at least minimal damage. SERVPRO of South Miami has been serving Miami-Dade County for over 20 years and helping businesses return to serving their customers as quickly and safely as possible. If you need us, call today at (305) 269-8900.

For more information regarding Miami, click here

Preparing For Hurricane Irma Surprises In Your South Miami Winter Home

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Irma--First Evacuation in South Miami, then for Cleanup Call SERVPRO

Rely on SERVPRO for Cleanup and Sanitation After Hurricane Irma

Every year you look forward to returning to the balmy breezes and temperate climate that appealed to you when buying your second home. Now that there is a serious chill in the air up north it is time to plan your trip back to South East Florida. This fall, however, you are plagued with concerns about how well your South Miami winter dwelling held up to the challenges of Hurricane Irma. You need a professional partner in your Sunshine State community to help you assess and remedy any harm this severe weather event visited on your holiday home.
 
The strong winds and torrential rains that swept through Florida and the South Miami area when Irma approached and then made landfall could have caused significant adverse impacts upon your beloved winter home. Any part of your detached house, condo, or townhome with even a slight imperfection was highly likely to allow water to take advantage of the weakness and invade. Older windows, perhaps casually maintained, commonly fail to hold back the force of a hurricane strength wind, the result being significant quantities of water forcing its way into your vacation haven.
 
Water is a tremendously destructive force, and when it saturates commonly used building materials, fixtures, and decor, an extensive list of destructive consequences follow. Window sills soak up the water and swell, warping and twisting, making it impossible to open and close the windows again properly. Blinds and draperies become waterlogged and stained, the materials decomposing into ruin. Floors and walls nearby also take the brunt of the water, bulging and buckling. Carpets experience delimitation, where the fibers permanently pull away from the backing, destroying the floor covering.
 
Perhaps the most devastating after effect of water incursion is mold damage. When water damage goes unabated for 24 to 48 hours the likelihood of microbial activation and proliferation is exceptionally high. Mold spores are present at all times in your Florida home, but without a source of moisture they simply collect on surfaces and float through the air. Water forced into your Florida dwelling by the cataclysmic winds of Irma can be the catalyst for mold damage in all areas of your property. Failed electrical power can also dramatically increase the RH relative humidity within your unit.
 
Be prepared for the probability that wind-driven moisture made its way into your Florida home. Engage the services of a reputable storm damage recovery company like SERVPRO of South Miami to assess the harm and devise a comprehensive plan to restore the destruction as soon as you make your back to your winter hideaway, or even before your return. (305) 269-8900

More information about hurricane from your local gov't here.

Avoid Costly Fire Damage Throughout Your Coral Terrace Home By Contacting Experts Today

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, fires occur on their schedule, causing fire damage to your Coral Terrace home when you least expect it.

Avoid Fire Damage

You may find that many professionals recommend having a qualified professional inspect your Coral Terrace home before tragedy strikes. They do so because it is much easier and far less expensive to catch fire hazards early. Restoration technicians can perform an inspection of your property that gives you insight into what to avoid, lessening potential risks.

Unfortunately, fires occur on their schedule, causing fire damage to your Coral Terrace home when you least expect it. Having access to an IICRC certified team of professionals can have a major impact on the quality of your restoration after a fire, and give you the help you need immediately. Never settle for less when dealing with getting your home back on track after emergency situations occur.

The fire itself causes significant damages to surfaces touched by flames. Combustion often causes permanent damage, making restoration impossible. While some of the areas require replacement materials installed, other surfaces are fully restorable. However, it takes a professionally trained technician, like those offered at SERVPRO, to limit any losses you might experience.

Smoke, soot, and ash residues often make their way into every crack and crevice, reaching a far wider area than the original fire. A small kitchen fire, for instance, can spread smoke throughout your home that continually causes damage until someone addresses the problem appropriately. SERVPRO uses a variety of cleaning methods and equipment to mitigate damages to various surfaces in your home.

Water issues always accompany a fire, because firefighters use water to put the flames out. They do a great job, and we appreciate what they do. However, if this water is not taken care of immediately, residues begin to penetrate tougher surfaces making it harder for restoration technicians to restore many of the contents of your home. Fast response is an essential part of a successful recovery. SERVPRO gives you access to experienced professionals, trained and certified in fire, smoke, and water damage restoration services, who offer full-service solutions to get you back into your home as soon as possible after a fire. We take the lead, managing your entire restoration from start to finish, and thoroughly explain every step of the process.

SERVPRO of South Miami has technicians ready to answer your call. We are proud to serve Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and many other local communities (305) 269-8900.

For more information on Coral Terrace click here.

Trained Professionals Remove Flood Damage From Your Miami Home With Care

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Getting help from a qualified company is an excellent way to ensure you have professionals working towards protecting your interests.

Flood Damage Removal

Even the most frugal among us have precious items we want to protect. Whether you have a treasured book collection, an advanced gaming room, or a collection of antique dolls, it helps to know that someone is available to give our Miami area property the attention it deserves after a flood.

We all understand that storm season is upon us and want to protect our Miami homes from flood damage that these storms often bring. Getting help from a qualified company is an excellent way to ensure you have professionals working towards protecting your interests, should tragedy strike.

You can count on SERVPRO to provide specialized services, designed to adjust to your unique situation. We give you access to technicians dedicated to providing excellent services on every job, meeting or exceeding any expectations you may have. Seeing the look on your face after returning your property to a quality pre-flood damage condition fills us with satisfaction, making every moment worth it.

SERVPRO’s IICRC certified technicians scramble for deployment the moment you make the call, 24/7, regardless if your problem occurs during the day or night. We have rapid response teams that arrive in fully stocked Green Fleet vehicles, ready to tackle flood damage in your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Let’s say you have a couple of inches of water throughout your entire home, quickly making its way into your walls, cabinetry, flooring, furniture, and more. It makes sense to get the water out fast, but more importantly, you need professionals that treat your home’s contents with care, providing full restoration services wherever possible, helping you reduce your losses and prevent secondary damages.

If you have specific items you want us to pay closer attention to, we can help. SERVPRO works hard on every job to help restore picture frames, family photo albums, books, electronics and more. You can rest assured that grandma’s crystal vase is in good hands. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for access to professionally trained technicians who care. Make the call, today (305) 269-8900.

For more about Miami visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami.

Properly Address Mold Damage Found in Your Miami Area Home

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Improperly sealed windows can cause mold to grow in your home.

Basements are an inviting space for mold damage

Mold can grow just about anywhere in your Miami residence; it just needs oxygen, moisture, and organic material to exist. Most species find damp, humid areas of your home especially inviting, which makes it no surprise that the basement is a premium area to find mold.

Basement mold damage found in your Miami area home often results from leaks in your foundation, condensation caused by improperly sealed windows, malfunctioning appliances, or improper ventilation. You can prevent basement mold by hiring a professional to ensure that the area remains moisture-free, improving the overall environment in your home.

If you already have a moisture problem in the basement of your home, contact SERVPRO for help. We can deliver quality solutions, using professional mold remediation services to take control of the problem. Regardless of what you might read elsewhere, or what someone might tell you, learning the species of mold growing in your home has zero effect on how we treat it. So, avoid getting drawn in by someone who might want to identify your mold.

Not sure if you have mold? One of the most common signs is the smell; stagnant air causes a very noticeable musty odor that you should never ignore. Finding mold in your basement is rather easy. Wherever there are signs of water damage or leaks; mold can grow. Any objects or materials made from organic substances like wood, drywall, carpeting, insulation, or even cardboard boxes used to store other items can serve as a food source, check these areas often.

SERVPRO technicians can help you determine why mold began growing in your basement and teach you simple techniques to prevent future growth. We have many services available that eliminate moisture, control humidity, and remove standing water. Our technicians provide you with unique solutions based on the severity of your situation; each job is entirely different.

SERVPRO of South Miami has IICRC-industry certified mold remediation specialists standing by to assist with any size problem you have in your home. We have highly-trained personnel, equipment, and resources to tackle even the toughest jobs, call today. (305) 269-8900

Visit http://www.miamigov.com/ for more information about Miami, FL.

Dealing With Flood Damage In Miami After A Storm

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

Storms are one of the most destructive natural events.

Dealing With Flood Damage

Storms are one of the most destructive natural events. They can come unexpectedly and cause extensive property damage. The resultant floods can cause trees and power cables to fall, sending them smashing through the roof. Heavy downpours, which are common during storms, can also cause leakages through the shelter. If unaddressed, the excess water can lead to rusting, mold growth, and other undesirable results.

To avoid hefty repair costs after a storm, contact SERVPRO right away for efficient flood damage restoration services in your Miami residence. Our technicians have the training, experience, and techniques to ensure that your property gets back to preloss conditions as soon as possible. We also adhere to IICRC recommendations to make sure that our services are up to par with industry standards.

This type of water damage comes with numerous hazards. They can be as simple as the excess water causing people to trip over, or as dangerous as prompting short circuits on wiring systems. Whichever the case, we need to evacuate everyone during the restoration process.

To prevent any incidents, we have to switch off all circuit breakers at the power supply. This step is important especially if we suspect that water may have penetrated the electrical outlets or wall cavities. A common rule is to place lockout tags and a post warning against reactivating any electric circuitry.

Drying and restoring the building involves using different techniques for different items. Extractors play a major role in water extraction from such things as carpets and upholstery. Aggressive cleaning can lead to carpet delamination, so we have to be very careful when choosing an extraction tool.

As the water removal process progresses, we use a moisture sensor to detect the presence of moisture in soft materials and how far it has traveled. Once it beeps to indicate moisture, our technicians use a moisture meter to show how much water is present. Using a moisture meter effectively requires knowledge on how to apply it on different surfaces – we have specialists who can do this.

When a storm hits your area, you cannot afford to neglect your property. As a locally based restoration company, SERVPRO of South Miami can respond quickly to repair the water damage. Get in touch anytime at (305) 269-8900.

For more information on the city of Miami click here.

Water Damage Detection And Monitoring In Key Biscayne

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

The common denominator in all water damage emergencies is the presence of excess water.

Detection And Monitoring

When a clogged toilet, broken pipe, or a leaking dishwasher hose happens, it can be devastating to the homeowner. The damage may be indiscernibly slow and minor, such as water spots that end up damaging a surface in the long run, or it may be immediate and catastrophic like a flood. Whatever the case, water damage is a significant contributor to loss of property.

If your Key Biscayne home sustained water damage from a broken pipe while you were on vacation, IICRC trained technicians can help you restore it. Our water damage technicians can locate the affected areas and track moisture within the structure using different detection and monitoring devices. SERVPRO professionals are adequately trained on how to use these apparatus in a water damage situation.

Detecting Excess Moisture
The common denominator in all water damage emergencies is the presence of excess water. Our technicians use moisture sensors to detect moisture in soft materials during the water removal process. The sharp probes on the sensor can penetrate through carpets to indicate how far the water has traveled. We use this device during the initial inspection because it is both convenient and very efficient. However, moisture sensors cannot measure the amount of moisture present. Additionally, they are calibrated to signal moisture at only 17 to 19 percent, so our SERVPRO water damage restoration experts use a different monitoring tool to check whether the material is drying properly.

Calculating Exact Moisture Levels
Upon arrival on the property hit by the water damage, our technicians will begin to dry the structure and return the moisture content to normal levels. We use moisture meters to find the moisture content of different materials and determine whether the structure is dry. Penetrating meters can test moisture underneath wood flooring and within wall cavities, while non-penetrating ones have sensors that indicate moisture levels on the surface of materials. Our water removal experts are trained on how to use moisture meters properly to avoid false readings when measuring foil back insulation and steel studs.

Determining Current Temperature and Humidity
In a water damage crisis, it is essential to have an accurate reading of the current temperature and relative humidity. This is where our water damage restoration specialists come into play. We use advanced thermo-hygrometers to measure both of these elements, as well as to determine dew point. SERVPRO personnel will adapt the equipment to air conditions in the room before taking the readings, and then use these findings in conjunction with a psychrometric chart or calculator to calculate the specific humidity.

Do not leave your property to chance in a water damage situation. Excess water can be hazardous in all sorts of ways. As a locally owned and operated company, SERVPRO of South Miami is nearby and ready to help initialize the water removal process. We are on 24/7 at (305) 269-8900.

For more about the city of Key Biscayne, Florida click here.

Avoiding Kitchen Fires in Your Coconut Grove Home

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the most common household fires.

Avoiding Kitchen Fires

Cooking fires are the most common household fires, and you do not have to have a huge, commercial-sized range for a fire to start. From stray dishtowels to grease spills, even a very small cook top in a studio apartment can create a blaze. You should know tips ahead of time to keep you and your family safe in the kitchen.

When cooking, remain in your Coconut Grove kitchen. It may seem like the obvious thing to do, but most cooking fires and fire damage occur from unattended cooking. If you must step away from the stove for any reason, first turn the heat off and move the pan to a burner that is cool.

When a cooking fire has flared up in your kitchen, be sure to contact SERVPRO after the fire is out. We are a professional and experienced fire damage restoration company, and we can repair and clean your home thoroughly for you.

When cooking, use a timer. Regularly check the food, whether you are baking, roasting, simmering, or boiling. When you use a timer, it helps remind you to check on your dish. You also need to keep the stove top clear of any oven mitts, dishtowels, paper towels or anything that can catch on fire.

Keep your stove top clean and wipe up any spills. When a stove top or oven is dirty, cooking with them is an invitation for potential fires. The buildup of grease is very flammable, so clean your stove each time you cook and wipe up any spills right away.

You should also avoid overheating your oils. Cooking oil which is overheated can start to bubble up and smoke, causing it to ignite and spill out. If you are not sure of the smoking point for your cooking oils, you can find charts online. Also, do not dispose of any oil before it has had time to cool. Tossing hot grease into your trash can could make it go up in flames. Putting it in an old food can after it cools is safer before tossing it out.

Our SERVPRO technicians can help you after a fire to put your house back together again. We do an initial inspection and fire damage assessment, plus immediate board-up services if needed. Water removal and drying are done to clean up firefighting efforts, and we remove smoke and soot from all affected services.

SERVPRO of South Miami knows what works when it comes to fire damage remediation. Give us a call at (305) 269-8900 whenever you need our help after a fire.

For more information about the city of Coconut Grove click here.

Historic Landmarks Rebound From Water Damage With Assistance From SERVPRO In Coral Gables

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the trained employees and specialized equipment to restore these treasures, so they continue to share the traditions of our area.

Historic Landmarks Rebound From Water Damage

Our community is home to a number of homes, buildings, and attractions important to the history of the city. Over the years water from rain, plumbing, and storms intrudes and harms structures and interiors. SERVPRO has the trained employees and specialized equipment to restore these treasures, so they continue to share the beauty and the traditions of our area.

Lovely homes built at the beginning of the 20th century frequently get a second life when acquired by civic organizations or individuals. Repurposed as interpretive centers, quaint inns, or B & B, these charming homes sometimes show their age. Your bed and breakfast contain water damage, marring the beauty and utility of a Coral Gables landmark. Working with our project managers and trained technicians brings your lodging back to its former glory.

Pre-existing and current water damage both present challenges to the owner of a century-old home. You may call us for help for an active leak and then find after our inspection that decades of damage lie hidden behind walls or under floors. Our supervisors and work crews confer with you throughout the restoration of your B & B, advising on what tasks must be completed to preserve your investment and to follow local regulations and what is safe to handle at a later time. Wet or damp structures cannot be ignored, and we develop a comprehensive plan to remove moisture and restore the integrity of both the interior and exterior of the building.

Particularly when historical artifacts are in danger of destruction, we use all the strategies our trained workforce learned from industry certification courses to restore rather than tear out and replace water damaged areas and items. Expect a multi-faceted approach employing water extraction, determination of drying goals through scientific moisture measurement, and implementation of a range of efficient and practical moisture reduction methods. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry out walls, ceilings, floors, and attached decor such as carpeting.

One-of-a-kind artwork, wall coverings, and documents receive unique treatments only certified technician complete. Techniques such as lyophilization, another term for freeze drying, succeeds in restoring papers, books, and pictures, skipping from frozen to dry without releasing water vapor in a liquid form. Stained antique wallpaper responds to careful attention from our experts, using the proper products and professional procedures.

Water damage done to your historic B & B has a range of solutions, and SERVPRO of South Miami awaits discussing your options. Call for a consultation at (305) 269-8900 to begin the restoration process.

To learn more about Coral Gables, Florida click here.

Improper Venting Causes Water Damage in Coral Gables

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Bathrooms need to be properly vented in order for the dampness in the room not to cause damage to walls and floors. Call SERVPRO after damage.

SERVPRO Remediates Water Damage AND Helps to Prevent Future Occurrences

Household appliances like dryers, heating systems, and stovetops should vent to the outside of your home. Failure to follow this suggestion sends an unintended infusion of moisture into areas that then experience damage to structure, contents, or both. The team at SERVPRO restores the harm and suggests ways to eliminate the risk in the future.
 
Many areas are at increased risk of water damage within your Coral Gables home. Obvious options are the bathroom or kitchen. Showers and baths raise the ambient humidity of the room, and that steamy warmth causes damage to walls, ceilings, and flooring if no venting directs the moisture elsewhere. Kitchens experience similar issues if the steam created by cooking and baking remains in the area. Laundry rooms are also problem spots. If venting is present and the damage still mounts up, we investigate to find out why rather than simply responding to the visible damage.
 
Some contractors use shortcuts and vent into crawl spaces or attics rather than extend the ductwork outside of the building. This causes moisture to condense above ceilings and walls. When enough water collects, it saturates structural materials and components such as ceiling tiles or drywall. You notice discolored areas creeping across ceilings or paint bubbling or peeling. Walls show dimples or soft spots.
 
SERVPRO technicians evaluate the visible damage, but before we make a plan to dry out the moisture, we locate the source. If the water vapor continues to be vented inside the house, our restoration efforts will not resolve the problem. Correcting the venting configuration is one step. We then use a variety of drying techniques including dehumidifiers and air movers above and below the water damage, as appropriate, to stabilize the structures enough to determine if any material must be removed and replaced.
 
Water damages homes in ways that is surprising to our clients but understandable to us. Our job is not only to restore the damage but to explain to our customers in a professional yet compassionate way how the damage occurred and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. SERVPRO requires extensive training for all staff and assigns experienced project managers to your case so we ensure answers to all your questions.
 
You appreciate the candor and the skills of the staff from SERVPRO of South Miami when water damage restoration leads to the need for additional repairs to fully resolve a tricky situation. Call our water damage detectives at (305) 269-8900 to search for a solution that lasts.

For more information regarding Coral Gables, click here

How SERVPRO Handles Mold Damage On Your Coconut Grove Kitchen Wall

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread really quickly throughout your home. Call SERVPRO at the first sign for assessment and remediation.

From Assessment to Remediation, Our Trained Technicians Eliminate the Mold Infestation in Your Home

Mold damage is a genuine risk for householders living in Miami. Florida has high levels of humidity, and as the spores love moist environments, our state is an ideal home for them. Mold can eat into soft materials, cause structural damage, and even bring about health problems. That is why we recommend putting in a call to SERVPRO at the first sign of fungal growth. Some signs to look out for include the telltale black spores, discolored patches, or a musty smell.
 
It is important to remediate mold damage on your Coconut Grove kitchen wall as soon as possible. After all, your kitchen is where you prepare food for your family so of course, you do not want mold growing there. Our professional remediation process includes removing existing colonies, preventing them spreading further throughout your home, and drying out the damaged area.
 
Your SERVPRO visit begins with a thorough assessment of your kitchen. In some cases this includes removing baseboards or molding to examine the insides of the wall – mold, unfortunately, likes drywall, so a check of the internal wall cavity is often needed.
 
Our IICRC-certified technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging to examine the wall and ensure we focus only on damp areas where mold might be growing. We also check for hidden leaks such as from damaged pipes or faulty appliances. Isolating and removing the source of dampness is key to thorough remediation and helps control growth in the future.
 
Unfortunately, in cases where mold has damaged drywall, it often needs to be replaced. Your technician can advise you on what restoration work is necessary, and safely remove any drywall that cannot be saved.
 
The next step is to use plastic sheeting to seal off the area and ensure spores cannot travel further into your home. Now we have a safe working area and can focus on removing mold and drying out your kitchen walls.
 
Our teams come equipped with brushes, powerful HEPA vacuums, and cleaning solutions to scrub, clean and wipe away visible colonies. We also bring in air scrubbers: These use HEPA filtration to remove particles and spores as tiny as 0.3 microns from the air and reduce contamination.
 
The final step is to dry your kitchen wall and cavity thoroughly. We bring in commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers and set them up in a carefully calculated configuration for effective drying of the area.
 
Do not let mold take hold in your kitchen. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 today for assistance.

For more information regarding South Miami, click here http://www.miamigov.com/home/

Why Air Movement Is Essential For Repairing Flood Damage In Miami Homes

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

The application of air movement at the surface of wet objects is essential for the successful repair of water damage in homes.

Air Movement Is Vital For Flood Damage Repairs


For more than two decades, water damage restorers have been utilizing air moving equipment for the purposes of structural drying. The reason for this is because controlled drying processes depend on evaporation – the transition of liquid water to vapor.

Several different factors influence the rate of evaporation. Most are linked directly to changes in the air around damaged materials. Therefore, the application of air movement at the surface of wet objects is essential for the successful repair of water damage in Miami homes.

The Control Of Microbial Growth
High powered air movers are very effective when it comes to drying surface water. At SERVPRO, they are a critical tool for preventing microbial growth. Practically speaking, if water activity (aw) can be limited to a level below 0.75, the development of microbes is slower. However, if held at a level under 0.65 aw, it is difficult for any microbes to grow, even on the most vulnerable materials.

It means that SERVPRO has to commit to drying all damaged materials in order to reach an equilibrium with an environment below the 0.65 aw cut off. The fastest way to do this is to install air movers and direct clean, dry air over wet surfaces. Crucially, if the exposed surface of hygroscopic substances (plasterboard) get dried quickly but their interior remains wet, microbial growth is still unlikely.

The Even Distribution Of Heat And Air
As the drying process progresses, SERVPRO tightly regulates the humidity, temperature, and airflow within the water damaged space. When air movers get used correctly, they must redirect clean air and support the even distribution of heat to any materials which are still intolerably wet. As the job is nearing completion, the technicians can start to relax humidity and airflow controls, but they must still maintain established drying goals. Moisture tests are carried out periodically to determine how much moisture the materials in the room contain and how long it is likely to take for them to be dried out.

At SERVPRO of South Miami, we take water damage restoration seriously. By using sophisticated structural drying techniques, our technicians ensure that all excess water, damp, and moisture gets eliminated. Call us 24/7 at (305) 269-8900 for fast, effective repairs.

Reduce The Risk Of Mold Damage In Your Miami Laundry Room

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Damp Laundry Can Develop Mold Growth in Your Miami Home

Mold Growth in Miami? Call SERVPRO for Remediation


Your laundry room is an ideal breeding ground for mold. The combination of a damp environment with high humidity and the heat from a washer or dryer makes an environment that spores just love. Mold can damage soft materials beyond repair and can also cause structural damage or even health effects. That is why it is important to do all you can to deter mold growth in your home.
 
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of mold damage in your Miami laundry room. SERVPRO experts recommend the following actions.
 
Do Your Laundry Promptly
Damp and dirty laundry is an inviting prospect for mold spores to grow into patches. Do not give them a place to grow. Make sure that laundry is done regularly and not allowed to pile up. Thorough drying is also important. Wet laundry is still a potential home for fungus even if it is clean. Hang clothes outside to dry or use a dryer.
 
Clean Regularly
Keep surfaces clean and dry as much as possible, so that mold has less chance to breed. Be diligent for signs of mold. A disinfectant solution is an effective cleaning option that also helps reduce the chances of mold proliferation.
 
Check Your Appliances
Laundry room leaks or drips provide even more of an opportunity for fungal growth. A leak that seeps into carpets, walls or floors encourages mildew to grow in those places and cause structural damage. Check your appliances regularly and fix any leaks and replace broken drainage hoses or fixtures at once.
 
Call In The Experts
Once mold is present expert help is the best way to deal with it. As soon as you see signs of mold growth we recommend you put in a call to SERVPRO. Upon arrival, our IICRC-certified experts establish a containment zone. Plastic sheeting keeps mold from spreading throughout your house. Our teams come equipped with negative air machines which pull contaminated air through ducts and exhaust it outside your home.
 
After establishing containment, our experts set to work thoroughly cleaning your laundry room. Powerful HEPA vacuums remove loose spores. Vacuuming is followed by cleaning using abrasion, scrubbing, detergents and damp wiping, depending upon the surface to be cleaned. We also try to clean and restore, and not replace mold damaged elements as a cornerstone of our remediation service.
 
Do not give mold a chance to grow in your laundry room. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 today for assistance.

Homeowners In Coral Gables Prepare Against Flood Damage

2/16/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO often finds catastrophic damage that occurs when residents leave home for the day or go on vacation for extended periods of time.

Coral Gables Homeowners Prepare Their Homes From Flood Damage


Believe it or not, appliance failures happen more frequently and cause more damage to your home than a natural disaster, which makes how you respond to an emergency situation and whom you use to perform your repairs an issue of vital importance.

As the purchaser of a new home in the Coral Gables area; flood damage to the home you are about to purchase may be a big deal. Luckily, the seller is required to fill out a disclosure form and allow a home inspection, helping bring any past problems to light before you purchase.

Hurricanes happen far less often in our surrounding area than other kinds of unexpected flooding events. SERVPRO often finds catastrophic damage that occurs when residents leave home for the day or go on vacation for extended periods of time.

The common flooding issues that we address at SERVPRO on a near daily basis involves appliance failure or plumbing issues, where an appliance feed line breaks, flooding an entire floor of your home, the basement, or both, depending on the time it takes to discover the problem.

At SERVPRO, we have experienced flooding accidents involving your washing machine; where a hose bursts and can discharge hundreds of gallons of water every hour. We are also familiar with damages caused by breaks in the feed line of your ice maker, dishwasher supply lines, and even damaged water heaters.

To help avoid developing accidental flooding issues in your home, you can perform the proper routine inspections of areas containing a constant moisture source to determine if excessive moisture is present, a line is leaking, or other maintenance may be necessary. You may even want to disconnect such appliances when going on extended vacation or close the main water valve entirely until you return.

We have the ability to address these issues when they happen in your home, but taking the proper precautions to avoid these circumstances developing at all saves you quite a bit of trouble. As always, SERVPRO stresses the value of safety and preparation to prevent these kinds of incidents from forming on your property entirely.


 


Locally Owned Company with National Resources


Contact SERVPRO of South Miami today for helpful advice or the services that you deserve to assist with returning your property to a quality pre-damage condition. (305) 269-8900  

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for Landlords

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

Storms are not predictable. Call SERVPRO to see how the ERP system can work for your business.

Preparation is Key for Water Damage Remediation

SERVPRO's new Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) system allows business owners to easily keep track of all properties and locations during a hurricane, and respond appropriately. Using the tool, you can create multiple individualized profiles and information sets for each property you own, and with just a few clicks after an emergency, our technicians will have all the information they need to get to work on mitigating damage. As a result, they can save owners of multiple properties, such as landlords, thousands in repair costs after a hurricane by responding quickly to each location.
 
During a hurricane, commercial water damage in Coral Gables apartments and rental properties can come in the form of flooding, staining, physical damages, rain exposure, and any of a host of other small problems. Usually, our technicians have to spend precious time evaluating the building and formulating an approach, but this process is hastened with SERVPRO's ERP system. Through it, they can access relevant contact information, building plans and layouts, and critical information about utility systems. This is especially useful in attached properties, which may share utilities and resources with neighboring locations.
 
Generally, the information you submit to the ERP system is the same information that we will ask for during the emergency. The main difference is that instead of having to operate under heavy time constraints and rely on you to be available to provide that information, we can access the information digitally and before we even arrive. When a disaster like a hurricane hits, you can log onto our website or open up the app and have us responding with all the info we need in seconds. For apartments and rental properties, this can include relevant information and contact routes for tenants, ensuring that they make it through the process unscathed as well.
 
SERVPRO of South Miami operates on the principle of mitigation to respond around the clock and save landlords thousands in restoration costs. Call us at (305) 269-8900 for our help or to learn more about the ERP system.

Water Damage Affecting Coral Gables

1/16/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians use wet vacuums and specialized drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to assist with removing excess water.

Coral Gables Being Affected by Water Damage

The new water heater you just had installed in your home late last year didn't work out quite so well. The guys that installed it did something wrong, the thing is already leaking. Unfortunately, you used a small unknown company that is no longer in business. With zero recourse as far as they are concerned, you'll need someone else to come out, figure out why the water heater is leaking and repair some additional water damage that has developed in the area around it. You're looking for a full-service option with a proven history of providing customers with quality work.
 
Dealing with a water damage incident in your Coral Gables home? We can help. We understand that this type of event can occur anywhere in your home at any time. Our expertly trained technicians have several years of experience in performing the services you need to get back on track quickly. Give us a call anytime, we're available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. We work on your schedule, not ours.
 
At SERVPRO, we understand that water damage doesn't just happen, a pipe bursts or a water heater gives up under pressure, leaving damage to your home that leads to repairs. When you have a crisis happen in your home, whether it affects a single room or your entire house, we have access to the expertly trained personnel and professional equipment necessary to perform the services you need.
 
SERVPRO technicians use wet vacuums and specialized drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to assist with removing excess water and drying the affected area as quickly as possible. We use a variety of reliable, proven methods to restore as much of the area as possible before removing and replacing any damaged items.
 
At SERVPRO, we even have access to services that can restore belongings that appeared lost forever. So don't give up on anything until our technicians have had the opportunity to inspect every aspect of the damages you're experiencing, we may surprise you. During our restoration process, we check for structural deficiencies, restore damaged areas and protect your personal possessions.
 
Having a water damage situation directly impact your life and home causes undue stress and anxiety, and we understand that. However, making the decision to attempt to perform the repairs on your own can be disastrous, causing more damage and having additional costs pile up while you wait to contact a professional service. Don't try to do things yourself, we're here to help you get this issue under control.
 

 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Contact SERVPRO of South Miami today at (305) 269-8900.

 

Home Owners Dealing With Flood Damage In Key Biscayne

1/16/2017 (Permalink)

Flood Problems Are Assisted by SERVPRO Professionally and Safely

With a Village bordered by the Atlantic Beach to the east, Crandon Park to the north and Cape Florida State Park to the south, it's hard to think of you as strangers to flooding. Several ongoing efforts are in effect to reduce erosion and sedimentation damages by mitigating the consequences of the waves and storms that surge the surrounding areas during storms and tropical cyclones. Until some of these programs reach fruition, you still face moderate flooding issues and need the assistance of a professional company with the proper resources to help you during emergency situations.

We have the expertly trained professional technicians you need to battle flood damage located right here in Key Biscayne. The offices you contact are a part of a national franchise. However, we are locally owned and operated by people just like you. Living within the same community gives us a unique perspective on your situation. Because we're most likely experiencing it too. With technicians that have years of experience dealing with these types of situations; we can help you prepare for whatever comes your way and return your home to a quality pre-flood damage condition, "Like it never even happened," and fight back when disaster strikes.
 
SERVPRO understands that you're unlikely to stand around waiting for our technicians to arrive before doing something to help restore your property. All that we want is for you to make sure that it is safe to be inside of your home before you attempt any cleanup, item or water removal after your home has flooded. Start by making sure that the electricity in your home is off; this will eliminate any possible electrical hazards that exist.
 
You can assist with your restoration in a few ways that will benefit the technicians that are on the way to your home. Remove any excess water using a mop and pale, just remember to blot the area. Don't sweep the mop back and forth; you'll end up removing protective barriers, causing stains or even damaging your flooring beyond repair.
 
The professionals at SERVPRO ask that you limit yourself to removing small table-top items such as lamps, clocks, decorative items and small appliances. Just remember that some of the larger objects have absorbed lots of water, making them rather cumbersome, do not over exert yourself, remain safe.
 
Because of the experience our SERVPRO technicians possess, we know which signs to look for inside of your home, and we'll be able to determine which of our services to provide to help you best. We can help with the repairs to your home, sure. But we can also restore items to a quality condition that removes them from the loss category.
 
Take this opportunity to contact our offices at SERVPRO of South Miami today and see what we ca do for you. (305) 269-8900

Reopening Fast After Commercial Water Damage at Your Coral Gables Business

11/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Hastens a Commercial Building Reopening After Water Damage in Coral Gables

Water Can Create Many Sorts of Damage to Your Business

Accidents happen, and regardless of the cause, it is how we respond to them that matters. Commercial water damage is no different, and your response can impact the result your business experiences, no matter what type of commerce you are involved in. SERVPRO is experienced in helping business owners and managers bring their businesses back from disaster, no matter how large or small the business.
 
In Coral Gables, businesses affected by commercial water damage can benefit from professional services in cleaning up, the first step in getting everything back to normal. Professional services should be used instead of doing things yourself. Safety, thoroughness, and knowing which steps to take and when are inherent benefits that SERVPRO offers. We do what we do so you can get back to your business operations fast.
 
Inventory that has been damaged needs to be documented so you can be reimbursed by your insurance company. We can assist with this so that the process is smoother for you. However, our goal is to restore as much of your inventory as possible. In addition to reducing the losses you need to claim, it also reduces your wait time in purchasing and receiving replacement goods. This is especially important when seasonal or promotional items are involved. Not having the merchandise your customers want means they can go elsewhere, resulting in lost sales and plummeting profits.
 
Washable, non-porous items can be cleaned at your site, as are your floors, walls, and display racks, tables, and shelves. Some items that were bagged or otherwise packaged may need to be removed from their plastic packaging but are otherwise ready for sale. We can save the UPC codes on items such as these so that you can have a list of non-UPC items made and ready for each register, keeping wait times within normal parameters for your customers. Items that require washing before being placed back on display can be restored to new condition at our site. When they are ready, we will return them to you so you can offer them to your customers. We work quickly because we know your business depends on it, but we are also very precise and detailed so that safety and cleanliness are top priorities.
 
Don't try to clean up commercial water damage on your own. Your safety and that of your employees are too important to take risks. Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 when you have water problems at your enterprise, and we will be there at your earliest convenience.

The 4 Step Procedure for Dealing with Commercial Mold Damage in Miami

10/25/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Can Close Down a Business in Miami

Count On SERVPRO for Mold Remediation for Your Business

If you’ve ever experienced minor flooding in your business – from a leaking tap, for example – you’re probably aware of the importance of mold damage remediation and control. In the presence of moisture, mold thrives. And, as it can compromise air quality and cause health problems for some, it must be quickly removed and neutralized.

Fortunately, this is an easy task with the help of SERVPRO. We have years of experience dealing with commercial mold damage in Miami businesses. So, not only do we have the right tools for the job, our experts are specially trained to identify and eliminate problem areas within damaged properties. We do it fast, and we do it safely to protect the health of your employees and your business.

This guide to a standard four-step mold remediation procedure will give you some information on what to expect from the process.

Step One: Make a Safety Assessment
The first step is always to inspect the business and make a decision as to how to deal with the occupants. The SERVPRO team may request that your employees vacate all or part of the building. Full evacuations are very rare because mold damage is usually confined to one room, corner, or stretch of a ceiling. Nevertheless, this measure is for your safety, and you must ensure that employees comply.

Step Two: Take a Written Report
Once the contaminated area has been secured and there is little chance of employees spreading mold materials to other parts of the building, the team will draw up a written report. This will document the extent of the damage. It may form a useful part of your insurance claim once the remediation process is complete.

Step Three: Remove Damaged Materials
The SERVPRO technicians will then begin to safely remove any materials that are so infested with mold that they cannot be salvaged. In extreme cases, this may include parts of porous drywall and ceiling. If this is needed, negative air machines will be used to expel the contaminants in the atmosphere to the exterior. Moderately soiled items will be vacuumed with HEPA filters and cleaned with detergents.

Step Four: Eradicate the Source of the Mold
Mold flourishes in the presence of moisture. Even if all of the damaged materials and contaminants are safely removed, the problem will return if there is still a leak or other issue present. This is why mold remediation experts are also trained to find and repair sources of moisture in commercial buildings.

If you fear a mold problem in your Miami business, it is critical that you call our experts. This type of problem can spread fast and pose a danger to your inventory and foot traffic. As SERVPRO of South Miami is a local business, we respond to calls fast. Call us 24/7 at (305) 269-8900.

Mold Damage Remediation

9/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remediate all types of mold damage. Call today for an assessment!

There are Many Different Types and Colors of Mold

Did you realize that there are several different kinds of mold which can be found in your home and cause various health problems, depending on the type of mold you are exposed to? There are actually over one hundred different types of mold which can sometimes be found in homes, and below are some of the most common ones.

Mold damage in Coral Gables is something that should be taken care of immediately by professionals such as our technicians at SERVPRO, as it can cause severe health problems for you and your family. Understanding what some common types are is important in recognizing that there is a mold problem in your home:

Alternaria – Many times this is found outdoors, but it can grow in damp places indoors as well, such as under sinks with leaky pipes or in showers. It can spread easily from one area to another.
Aspergillus – A kind of mold found indoors frequently. It can cause several adverse health effects.
Aureobasidium – Found a lot outdoors, this mold can also be found in homes on wallpaper, wooden surfaces and painted surfaces. It can also be found on caulking and damp window frames. It is black and pink in color.
Botrytis – This mold grows in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms with little ventilation.
Chaetomium – This mold many times grows on drywall that has water damage. It gives off a characteristic musty odor.
Cladosporium – This kind of mold is found inside homes quite often. Most kinds of this mold like warm climates, and it can grow in cool areas as well. Many times it grows on fabrics such as carpeting, and on wooden surfaces like floorboards and cabinets.
Fusarium – This mold can also grow and spread in lower temperatures. It can many times be found on water damaged fabrics and carpets.
Penicillium – Many times found growing on materials that have been water damaged, including wallpaper, carpeting, insulation, and mattresses. It is a kind of mold that spreads easily and quickly from one area of your home to another. It usually looks to be blue and/or green.
Stachybotrys chartarum – Many times this mold is referred to as black mold since it has a slimy, black appearance. Sometimes it is referred to as toxic mold, but the mold is not actually toxic. It does, however, make toxic compounds called mycotoxins, and can cause health effects if you come into contact with them. It has a characteristic musty odor and grows many times in places which are damp all the time, such as air conditioning ducts or around leaky pipes.

A professional mold tester from SERVPRO can test your home for mold and inform you what type of mold is growing. We can also let you know how severe your mold problem is and find mold you might not have seen yet. You can schedule one of our technicians to come out to your home by calling us at SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900.

Fire Damage Restoration Experts in Coral Gables

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

A fire inside your Coral Gables home only results in extensive damage due to soot, smoke, and added toxins.

Fire Damage Restoration Experts in Coral Gables

Just what is fire? Fire emits heat and light. It is the outcome of a chemical reaction, called “combustion.” At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the “ignition point,” flames are produced. Flames consist of carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen. In order for combustion and fire to transpire, there must exist the three triangle elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat.

U.S. statistics report that residential homes can expect to average a house fire every 15 years or five fires in an average lifetime. There is a 1 in 10 chance that someone in the home will suffer a fire related injury during their lifetime. The U.S. Fire Administration reported that there were 1,012 home fire fatalities reported between January 1, 2016, and May 17, 2016. Home structural fires generally occurs due to the following:

• Appliances used in cooking; heating; washing machines & dryers; air conditioners and fans; etc.
• Children playing with fire
• Candles
• Chemical and natural gas spontaneous combustion
• Electrical and consumer electronics
• Fireworks
• Holiday Christmas trees holiday lights and decorations.
• Lightning Fires and Strikes Information on incident type, and when and where the incidents occurred.
• Falling asleep while smoking where mattresses, bedding, and upholstered furniture could ignite.

Coral Gables residential fire incidents also occur in businesses, educational properties, health care facilities, prisons, storage areas, vacant buildings, retail stores, and industrial/manufacturing facilities. A fire inside your home only results in extensive damage due to soot, smoke, and added toxins. Water damage is also present, caused from the water used to put out the fire, all of which only increases the cost of restoration. Also, standing water creates an environment for mildew, dry rot, and mold growth.

Smoke odor permeates clothing, furniture, carpets, draperies, bedding, walls, household ducts and nearly everything within a home. DIY deodorizing and disinfecting after a fire does not completely restore internal residential belongings because if it is not done properly, smoke odor will return. Only professional residential restorers are trained in thermal fogging, using ozone generators and using chemical sealers to clear ducts, joints, and crevices. IICRC certified professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Of course, there are fire safety devices that can be installed in Florida homes to help save your home and lives, such as fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. However, if a fire becomes uncontrollable, get everyone out of the house to a designated location. This is a very stressful and difficult time, and you will need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis.

We at SERVPRO of South Miami maintain specialized fire and water damage equipment, and we have the expertise to help you through this tough time. We are members of the community and are proud to serve our other communities, like Miami, Key Biscayne, and Fisher Island. This is why we will always treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. If you experience a fire damage event, call us immediately at (305) 269-8900 so that we can restore your losses to a quality restored condition.

Miami Mold Damage - The Right Way to Deal with Mold Damage in Miami

5/2/2016 (Permalink)

Trust the professionals at SERVPRO of South Miami to take care of your Miami mold damage emergency!

The Correct Way to Handle Miami Mold Damage

In Miami, mold damage is a common problem. It affects all kinds of homes and businesses. It is not something to be scared of because it happens to almost everybody, at some time in their lives. However, it does need to be treated with caution. Mold damage, though common, can be both expensive and can cause health effects. 

This is why the only effective solution for dealing with chronic mold damage in Miami is to call in the experts. Qualified mold damage restoration teams have the necessary skills and expertise to make sure that all of the damaged areas of a property are safely removed. If you do not seek professional advice, you risk the problem becoming a recurring one. 

This guide to the importance of professional mold damage restoration will help you get to grips with the best possible solution. 

Fix the Source of the Issue 

While homeowners can go some way to removing the superficial signs of mold damage in Miami (the visible marks and blemishes), it is much more difficult to pinpoint the cause. And this is vital if the problem is to be eradicated for good. Mold damage restoration experts are trained to look for patterns and uncover the source of the destruction. More often than not, the mold is being caused by an unidentified leak within the building. 

Recognize the Type of Mold 

It is a common misunderstanding to assume that all mold is the same. In fact, there are more than 10,000 different varieties. As they all require a slightly different approach, identification is key to tackling mold damage in Miami. Nobody expects you to be able to distinguish between the characteristics of a thousand mold samples, so take the job to somebody is specially trained for it. 

Use the Right Equipment 

Another important benefit of using a professional mold damage restoration service is access to specialist equipment. You might have a basic dehumidifier in your home or workplace, but this won’t be strong enough to tackle a serious problem. You need heavy duty dryers, blowers, and EPA approved chemicals. If there is evidence of black mold in the building – which causes negative health effects – protective clothing is needed to ensure safety. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

 To find out more about the most effective ways to tackle mold damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of South Miami on (305) 269-8900 today. 

Miami Flood Damage-What to Do?

3/19/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Quick Water Removal to Your Storm Damaged Property

SERVPRO Provides Total Support to Restore Your Storm Damaged Miami Dwelling

Miami flood damage is all too common an occurrence in this part of Florida. Following the experience of enduring the disaster that a hurricane, flood or fire causes, it is very apparent that much flood damage restoration lies ahead. After such a tragedy, the water removal, clean up process, and restoration to the pre-loss condition can feel like a very overwhelming task at hand, but needing immediate attention.
 
The aftermath of any storm event will encompass many aspects before there can be a return to normalcy. The most important initial factor is safety for you, your family, and the structure of your home. Note that you must not return to your home until the local authorities have advised you that it is safe. The range of storm damage to your home and your neighborhood will be the determining factors.

You should take the time to contact your home insurance provider as quickly as you can after the occurrence of the disaster that has affected your home unexpectedly. The insurance provider will then start your claim and send out an insurance adjuster since there is extensive damage. Make sure that you establish your coverage with your agent as some flood damage costs may need a separate policy. He can provide you with further assisted guidance by recommending a professional disaster recovery company like SERVPRO to begin the storm damaged restoration of your home. This national company, with local franchises, is listed as a preferred vendor to over 315 insurance and property management companies.
 
The initial 48 hours is crucial for mitigating water damage. SERVPRO can begin by boarding up any exposed areas to the outside elements. This will also lessen the chances of continuing damage or vandalism. The team can tarp roofs, and even construct temporary fencing around your property. All power must be disconnected to lessen the chance of electrocution or fires. Heavy duty truck mounted water pumps will void the structure of most of the standing water. Wet vacs, sump pumps, continue the water extraction process. Moisture removal is vital to mitigate secondary water damage to possessions, building materials, and mold growth. Air movers, dehumidifiers, and portable generators are available to continue this process.

SERVPRO will provide a CCIS report that inventories all water damaged items, and articles. We can pack-out possessions to be dried, cleaned, and sanitized at our cleaning facility. This report will help in your insurance claim for restitution and restoration of your Miami water damaged dwelling. We will complete the storm damage project by taking you on a walk-through of your property, supplying documentation of normal levels of moisture remaining, and guaranteeing your complete satisfaction. You can return home "Like it never even happened."

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of South Miami has the specialized training, equipment and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition.We respond 24/7 to your emergency. (305) 269-8900

Soot and Smoke Damage Complicate a Fire in Coconut Grove

3/10/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO For Smoke and Soot Clean Up and Odor Removal

Coconut Grove Soot and Smoke Damage Require Professional Restoration and Clean Up from SERVPRO

Soot and smoke restoration are essential after a Coconut Grove fire has damaged your home. Long after the fire has been extinguished, soot can threaten your household with the damage it leaves behind. This greasy residual with a strong odor blackens surfaces and degrades both fabrics and hard surfaces.

In most cases, you will need help from a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO to remedy the problems. They will offer smoke odor removal and home restoration services. They have the tools, heavy equipment, knowledge, and experience to rid your home of all traces of smoke and fire damage. The HVAC system can readily be compromised from smoke and soot. Duct and air handler cleaning are essential to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas of the smoke damaged house.

When fire consumes wood, it creates a thick smoke that can spread throughout the burning home. Smoke is a product of combustion whose particles and character are the results of the temperature of the flames, fuel type, and sufficient oxygen. It carries chemicals and possibly soot with it through the air. These chemicals and soot stick to walls, floors, clothes, furniture, and appliances. Even after you have cleaned your home, there all still many unseen traces of smoke and soot damage that will remain. If you tried on your own to clean walls and hard surfaces, you probably left behind stains. Little by little smoke and soot damage will eat away at surfaces. They are unhealthy to breathe for pets and humans. They are irritants to the skin, eyes, and throat. SERVPRO utilizes specially developed sponges and chemicals to clean smoke and soot residue from furnishings, walls, and ceilings.

Smoke and soot can create plenty of damage to your home after a fire has been extinguished. It can corrode metals and its acidic nature can lead to etched glass. It can cause appliances to fail or work improperly due to short-circuiting or overheating from lack of proper ventilation. It can damage pictures, artwork, and other valuables. It creates weaknesses in wooden structures. It degrades surfaces and destroys furniture. SERVPRO, after severe fire and smoke damage, can pack-out articles, furniture, electronics, and artwork to our cleaning facilities for professional results. They will be returned when your property is once again clean and safe.

Soot is a fine residue made of carbon and fuel by-products (plastics) that can easily stain anything in its path. Aside from damage to material items, it can be very dangerous to breathe, irritating to the skin, and cause severe respiratory health issues. To remove smoke and soot damage from your home, contact SERVPRO to minimize smoke damage through the efforts of our IICRC trained technicians. We will make your ambient air fresh, clean, and safe again "Like it never even happened."

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster 

When your Coconut Grove, South Miami, or Kendall home experiences fire or smoke damage, SERVPRO of South Miami is dedicated to responding immediately. Call us 24/7 for help. (305) 269-8900

Four Reasons To Call in Experts for Coral Gables Water Damage

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

Keep the Water in the Pool, Not In the House

If Coral Gables Water Damage Strikes, Call SERVPRO

Although there are many minor mishaps and major disasters that can adversely impact your residential property, Coral Gables water damage can have an especially horrific effect on your home. In many cases, homeowners who experience water damage attempt to rectify the situation on their own. However, hiring a team of professional water damage restoration experts from SERVPRO is always a better course of action than the attempt at a DIY project. Learn more about why you should hire professional water damage specialists by reviewing this short outline:

Reason 1: Complete Water Removal
You should hire a team of professional water damage contractors because they will completely remove all standing water from your property. This step is necessary because allowing excess water to stand on your property will generate more damages that result in expensive repairs later on. By having the excess water removed quickly, water damage specialists can prevent this costly process from taking place. Luckily, the water damage technicians from SERVPRO possess the industry expertise, IICRC training, and top-of-the-line equipment necessary to complete this water extraction.

Reason 2: The Property Assessment
This assessment is effective in enabling the water damage technicians to determine the depth and scope of work needed for your property. It is also the precursor to the development of a customized, thorough cleanup plan.

Reason 3: Disposal Of Damaged Items
When water damage transpires on your property in Coral Gables, some of your possessions will likely be wetted or dampened by water. These water damaged items will have to be either disposed of quickly and correctly to prevent sanitary issues from ensuing, or dried and cleaned promptly. These tasks can be done on-site, or if needed, sent to our facilities for completion.

Reason 4: Mold Prevention
When standing or hidden water accumulates on your property, you are more susceptible to a mold infestation. The mold may cause health effects. These fungi thrive best in a damp, dark, warm environment. Our technicians, after gross water removal, will employ air movers and dehumidifiers for final dampness and moisture elimination.

Contact SERVPRO Immediately
Coral Gables water damage can be an incredibly difficult issue. However, calling a team of trained water damage experts can help you eradicate the problem quickly so you can resume your normal life. The best company to call for efficient, effective water damage restoration services is SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified technicians offer excellent customer service, a fast response, and cutting edge methodologies. We will save you money, restore your home to pre-loss condition, and make it "Like it never even happened."

Why Choose SERVPRO of South Miami?

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO of South Miami has the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables us to get your Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or Kendall property dried quickly and thoroughly. We proudly serve our local communities and are ready to help 24/7 at (305) 269-8900

Miami Commercial Storm/Flood Damage Restoration

12/12/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Fast Water Removal Limits Water Damage

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Flood/Storm Damaged Commercial Property in Miami

Although commercial business owners grapple with property issues as part of doing business, dealing with Miami flood damage can be particularly problematic. In addition to necessitating extensive structural damage repair work, flood damage can destroy inventory, stock, supplies, office furniture, documents and electronic equipment. Add to this list potential health issues arising from contaminated water intrusion and possible mold proliferation. SERVPRO suggest the following article may help mitigate water damage to your business facility.

Ramifications of Water Damage Caused by Storm Surges
In many cases, flood damage results from the effects of a storm. There are several types of water damage that can result from storm surges. Some of them include:
• Building displacement or damage
• Mold growth in commercial properties within walls or HVAC systems
• Damage to coastal rail lines, highways, or roads resulting in less accessibility for transportation
• Loss of business, closed doors means lost commercial cash flow, less rent, and loss of customer traffic
• Port closures in Miami area can affect tourist business, stifling of imported products for sale
• Damage to property including contamination from flood water containing contaminants to sewage backup

How To Save On Flood Damage Restoration. Have a flood insurance program. Also, by purchasing business interruption insurance, you can gain reimbursement for a claim and lessen the impact of no revenue stream and thus lower your total costs. SERVPRO is recognized as a preferred vendor by many insurance and management companies. We can help speed the process of water damage restoration. The best way to reduce or prevent damages generated by storm surges is to implement strategies before the onset of hurricane season. Here are some strategies you should implement:
• Build higher. If you own your commercial building, consider the value of finding the property's base flood elevation and building above it. Hire a structural engineer to offer a plan to reinforce your commercial property.
• Place valuables higher. If your building contains more than one floor, be sure to move valuable assets, technical equipment, and computers to the second floor.
• Invest in preventative installations. Be sure to install some back-flow valves in the property's sewer lines. These valves will prevent city sewage from flowing into your property in the event of a storm surge. Have available access to water surge barricading materials such as sandbags. Also, be sure to elevate electrical systems such as extension cords above the region's flood level. You can also utilize cinder blocks to raise your appliances and most valuable assets above anticipated flood levels.
• Select fast-drying material. Carpeting and wet drywall are susceptible to damage from mold. These porous-surfaced building materials normally require discarding after flooding due to contaminants and mold growth. Build or replace with stone products, tile and noncardboard backed gypsum materials.
• Purchase hurricane shutters.

Call SERVPRO Now! To ensure that your Miami commercial property can withstand water damage resulting from floods, be sure to implement the strategies outlined above. Post flooding, the most urgent action is to extract the standing water from the premises. Our company has the equipment, training, and expertise to dry out your building, repair material damage, clean, and sanitize your business. Our IICRC-certified professionals are skilled in thoroughly restoring your property to its previous safe, sanitary condition. "Like it never even happened." Let's get you open for business.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of South Miami has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial water damage or storm emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Call us for 24/7 support. (305) 269-8900

Save Your Home from Fire & Smoke Damage in South Miami

11/16/2015 (Permalink)

One of the more interesting facts about fire is that most house fires start in the kitchen.

How to Save Your South Miami Home from Fire & Smoke Damage

 Dealing With Fire Damage: A Quick Reference Guide

One of the most damaging incidents that can impact an individual's commercial or residential property is a fire. The damages induced by fires are profound and can include water damage, smoke damage, and the deterioration of the property's structural integrity. Nevertheless, learning more about fires and fire damage in South Miami can empower people to make prudent decisions that lead to the preservation of their properties. Get basic information about fires and how to effectively handle them by reviewing this quick reference guide:

 Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is one of the most debilitating results of a South Miami fire. For example, the smoke damage that results from a fire causes unwanted odors. And just as the odor emitted from a cigarette contains carcinogens, so does smoke and the odors it leaves behind. Individuals who consistently breathe in these toxic particles can suffer from several unwanted health complications, including respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and lung disease. For this reason, it's critically important that you attain fire restoration services once the disaster strikes in your home or office. This way, you can have smoke and smoke odors removed quickly and correctly.

 Fire Damage

Although fires in South Miami can begin as a tiny matter, they can also spread throughout your entire property and destroy it. Because all of your furniture, carpets, and surfaces will be in need of attention, it's important to attain fire cleanup services to make sure that the job is completed properly. Fire restoration specialists can expedite and optimize the cleanup processes because they possess the specialized equipment necessary to do so.

 Water Damage

After the firefighters leave the scene, property owners are happy to note that they haven't suffered a complete loss of their home or office. However, the extinguishing work completed by the firefighters oftentimes leaves the property covered in excess water. This standing water must be eradicated immediately because it can promote structural damage and mold invasion if it is not eliminated quickly. 

Although fires can cause a wide range of health issues and structural complications, you don't have to let the natural disaster destroy your well-being or property. Instead, let the professionals of SERVPRO provide you with the detail-oriented fire damage remediation services that will whip your home or office back into excellent shape. Our IICRC-certified technicians work with speed and diligence, and they also provide you with the warm customer service necessary to keep you reassured and comfortable throughout the remediation process. We're ready to help you right now.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Miami is strategically located to respond quickly to your flood and water emergency event. When fire damage, we have the resources and personnel to help. Call us today! (305) 269-8900

South Miami Mold Remediation: A Brief Overview

10/2/2015 (Permalink)

Mold can begin to grow and thrive on a residential or commercial property for several reasons.

Mold Remediation in South Miami: A Brief Overview

When you find yourself experiencing a mold infestation, the most effective and appropriate solution is to attain professional South Miami mold remediation services. As many remediation experts know, leaving your mold issue unaddressed may cause health effects while also compromising the structural integrity of your property. To learn more about mold and why attaining South Miami mold remediation services is so important, consider the following overview:


What Causes Mold?
Mold can begin to grow and thrive on a residential or commercial property for several reasons. For example, natural disasters like fires and flood almost always result in substantive water damage. Because mold grows in moist, water-rich environments, properties impacted by natural disasters are almost always an excellent breeding ground for the unwanted fungus. Pipe leaks also result in the type of water damage that can become the perfect environment for unwanted mold. When mold infestations become so profound that normal removal procedures are ineffective, a specialized modality referred to as mold remediation is required.


What Is Mold Remediation?
Although defined broadly, mold remediation is the process of eliminating mold that measures over 10 square feet. Unlike traditional mold removal methods, South Miami mold remediation must be implemented by a professional team of experts who possess the specialized tools and techniques to expedite and optimize the elimination process.


The Mold Remediation Process
When you call a professional mold remediation company, they will use precautionary containment procedures in conjunction with industrial chemicals to prevent contamination and further spread of mold spores. The only individuals who should ever complete the mold remediation process are industry professionals who utilize the right equipment, including the ideal breathing apparatus.


Prior to cleaning up the mold spores, your property will be contained through the use of plastic sheeting. The sheeting possesses the level of thickness necessary to preclude any microscopic spores from escaping and invading other areas. The remediation specialists will then use specialized equipment to complete the cleanup and repair processes. Some of the specialized equipment utilized will include an HEPA filtered vacuum, industrial strength cleanser, and a wet vacuum. In the event that you are experiencing plumbing issues or roof leaks that generate mold, you may need to call another specialist. After completing the mold remediation process, your professional remediation specialist will work with you to determine whether any of your furniture and books are salvageable or will require replacement.


Conclusion
If you find your residential or commercial property subjected to mold infestation, it's time to call a team of excellent, efficient remediation specialists. To attain the optimized, expedited remediation care that you deserve, trust the professionals of SERVPRO. For many years, we've helped people eliminate unwanted mold and restore their property to its original, pristine state. Call us immediately so that we can do the same for you!
   

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We are proud to be an active member of this community. SERVPRO of South Miami is locally owned and operated, so we’re already nearby and ready to help Coconut Grove, Palmetto Bay, and Coral Gables residents and business owners with any size cleaning or restoration emergencies. We are here in South Miami and are ready to help you. Just call us. (305) 269-8900

Coconut Grove Water Damage Event Calls for a Quick Response

9/14/2015 (Permalink)

Water or Moisture can Ruin A Hardwood Floor

The Importance of Securing SERVPRO for Your Water Damaged Home in Coconut Grove

Water damage to your Coconut Grove home could be the result of many different unfortunate events. It may be from a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood, a burst pipe, or a leaky roof. This water damage may affect the structural integrity of your property. Building materials like drywall, studs, wood flooring, and tile ceilings are susceptible to unwanted water intrusion. Water may swell or stain furniture, damage art, and render appliances useless. Unknown or unchecked water in your house, in as little as 48-72 hours, can lead to the proliferation of unhealthy mold and mildew growth. It's a wise move to contact a water damage restoration company to stifle the negative ramifications of water intrusion. A good call would be to the experts at SERVPRO.    

Cleaning Your Home in Coconut Grove

There are many services provided by water damage experts, two of the most important are the immediate drying out and cleaning up of damaged areas. Specialized equipment such as water pumps, extractors, vacuums, dehumidifiers, and powerful air-movers expedite this process. Water damage experts from SERVPRO are aware that it is extremely important to start these actions within 24 hours of the water event. Correcting water damage issues quickly is the most effective way to mitigate mold and mildew growth and accumulation. Removal of conducive conditions for this growth will aid in maintaining a healthy interior home environment. Unchecked mold growth exposes you and your family to possible health hazards.  

Repairing Your Home

After cleaning your home, water damage technicians from SERVPRO are highly skilled in repairing or coordinating the repair of your property. By hiring this water damage restoration company, you can ensure that your property will be restored to its pre-water damaged condition. These skilled technicians possess the training, equipment, and tools, to tackle most repairs quickly and efficiently. Minimizing your costs are a high priority for SERVPRO, therefore, every effort is made to restore rather than to replace household items and structural materials.

If your property in Coconut Grove has been negatively impacted by water damage, it's good to call a team of professional restoration experts like SERVPRO. These technicians can dry out, clean, repair, and restore your home quickly and effectively. Always faster to any disaster and always acting with compassion for our customers and, we're also skilled in offering exceptional customer service.  We are here to help.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this Coconut Grove community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Miami is close by and ready to respond to your water or flood damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Coconut Grove community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

As water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables us to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. Call us at (305) 269-8900

Smoke Damage Remediation as Part of Fire Damage Restoration in a Coral Gables Home

9/14/2015 (Permalink)

Don't Let Smoke Get in Your Eyes

Fire Damage in a Coral Gables Home May Sustain Smoke Damage

Once your home in Coral Gables has sustained fire damage, obtaining professional fire damage restoration services is important. This restoration process is complex, and the following may sound counter-intuitive. After the inferno, water removal is required because of the firefighters efforts to extinguish the flames. This involves using special equipment to dry out the structure. Water pumps, wet vacs, and dehumidifiers are some of the state-of-the-art equipment employed by SERVPRO technicians for this very important task. Learn more about how securing smoke and fire damage restoration services can assist you by reviewing the following outline: 

The Smoke Damage Assessment

There are two primary components of the smoke damage restoration process: determining the extent of the smoke damage and identifying the type of smoke that has been combusted. For these reasons and more, it's almost always prudent for homeowners to hire professional assistance when smoke damage restoration becomes necessary. These skilled SERVPRO technicians possess the extensive experience, equipment, and expertise necessary to grapple with unwanted smoke damage irrespective of its severity. This restoration company will complete this process by doing a thorough assessment of your property. During this time, you'll also need to contact your insurance agent to ensure that they are aware of the fire damage. In some cases, the insurance company will refer you to a professional fire damage restoration company that they trust. SERVPRO works with over 300 insurance providers and property management companies. If this happens, the two companies will likely work together, SERVPRO providing input, to draft a cost-effective settlement, meaning that you may not have to pay as much money out of pocket. And the entire process can get underway more quickly.

Cleaning Your Home

After performing a thorough fire damage assessment, SERVPRO will move forward with the cleanup process. It is critically important that the cleanup project is initiated as soon as possible.  As previously stated, water removal has to be the number one priority. Otherwise, mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria will have an opportunity to start growing in your home.  Additionally, these remediation specialists will make use of cleaners and deodorizers to eliminate soot and smoke from your property, along with the odors.

Call SERVPRO Today!

When your home in Coral Gables has sustained smoke and fire damage, don't hesitate.  A rapid response by a professional smoke damage restoration service will play a key role in returning your property to pristine condition. We work with passion and persistence to eliminate unwanted smoke and soot from your residential property.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of South Miami is locally owned and operated so we are part of the Coral Gables community too. When you have a ffire or smoke  emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We’re also part of a network of over 1,650 Franchises, including special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

We are faster to any size fire emergency. Call (305) 269-8900

Basic South Miami Water Damage Remediation Steps

6/10/2015 (Permalink)

Damage from water can quickly destroy a home by staining furnishings, encouraging the development of rot and causing the growth of mold.

Basic Water Damage Remediation Steps

Damage from water can quickly destroy a home by staining furnishings, encouraging the development of rot and causing the growth of mold. While some minor water damage can be repaired by a homeowner, in almost every case it is best to allow a South Miami water damage repair specialist to do the work, like SERVPRO. SERVPRO will know what problem signs to look for inside the home and will be able to determine the proper course of correction. Though the use of a water damage specialist is recommended, homeowners can take some basic steps to reduce the damage to their flooded homes.


Before worrying about the South Miami water damage, a homeowner needs to make certain that the home is safe. It is important to inspect the structure for stability and any potential exterior threats. Inside the home, the largest potential threat is electrocution. The power to the home should be turned off by the power company or an electrician before entering the home. Once the power is off, the home can be inspected for damage and other potential safety hazards.


Once it is determined that the home is safe, the bulk of the water should be removed as quickly as possible. Windows and doors should be opened to provide ventilation into the home. Standing water can be removed by the use of a pump, swept out doors or mopped up. Water should be drained into a storm drain or downhill from the property to prevent it from running back inside. Once the bulk of the water is removed, fans can be used to accelerate drying. A dehumidifier can also help to remove excess moisture from the air.


Furniture and other moveable items should be take outside and left in the sun to begin to dry. Wood furniture should be wiped clean. In most cases, upholstered furniture is not worth trying to save as mold will grow inside the furniture if even the smallest amount of moisture is left behind. Pictures and other sentimental items should also be placed in the sun to dry. Clothing should be laundered as soon as possible. A vacuum approved for use with water can also be used to remove excess water from items.


Once a home is as clean and dry as possible, it should be professionally inspected for mold. Mold can grow inside walls, on piping and wiring and in other areas most homeowners cannot easily inspect. South Miami water damage remediation experts, like SERVPRO, can find these hiding places and also apply special coatings to surfaces inside the home to prevent the growth of mold.

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Why Dealing With Kendall Fire & Smoke Damage Requires Professional Assistance

6/10/2015 (Permalink)

Every professional fire restoration job begins with a thorough assessment of the damage.

Why Dealing With Fire & Smoke Damage Requires Professional Assistance

In the aftermath of a major Kendall fire, most homeowners want to move past the traumatic experience and get back to normal as quickly as possible. Naturally, returning the home to a pristine state is a huge part of this process, and many homeowners feel that the next proper step to take is to begin the cleanup process on their own. In truth, this is neither the fastest nor the most effective way to deal with fire and smoke damage. Calling SERVPRO is a much better idea.


Restoration companies with experience cleaning up Kendall fire and smoke damage can call on vast resources that are simply unavailable to ordinary homeowners. They have the expertise to root out every last bit of damage and eliminate all evidence of fire and smoke. They also have the heavy-duty tools and professional manpower necessary to perform a proper cleanup job quickly. Homeowners who attempt to tackle fire and smoke damage on their own typically miss a great deal of damage that should be repaired. Their cleaning techniques are often ineffective; homeowners can even spread around potentially-dangerous contaminants while attempting to clean.


Every professional fire restoration job begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. Many good restoration companies will perform this service free of charge and provide an obligation-free breakdown of the damage they find. With the homeowner's consent they can proceed directly into cleanup operations. It will take time to finish the job, but professionals can be counted on to eradicate every last piece of evidence that a home suffered Kendall fire and smoke damage.


Homeowners who are waiting to start the cleanup process should be careful to avoid any activities that expose them to danger or risk causing further damage. Damaged furniture should not be used; it may have smoke and harmful particulates lodged in it. All foodstuffs that were in the home should be thrown away; they may have been cooked through or even contaminated during the fire. Electronic devices should be carefully evaluated prior to use to ensure they survived unharmed.


It can be extremely frustrating for homeowners to do nothing following a fire. Dealing with fire and smoke damage is simply not a job for amateurs, though. Calling SERVPRO for professional assistance and then taking heed of the advice and instructions provided by professionals ensures that the problems caused by fire & smoke are resolved completely.

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Mold 101: The Basics For Coral Gables

6/10/2015 (Permalink)

Any home that has had a water problem can end up with a mold problem, as well.

Mold 101: The Basics 

Any home that has had a water problem can end up with a mold problem, as well. Coral Gables mold growth is not only unsightly; it can cause deterioration of building materials and serious health problems. If mold is suspected, it should be eliminated from your home as soon as possible. However, mold growth is not always out in the open. Mold can grow unnoticed inside of construction materials and in other hidden areas. A mold inspector can access the mold damage in your home, even in areas that are not hidden from the naked eye.

How Mold Grows
Like any living organism, mold needs certain conditions in order to grow. A moist environment is essential for mold growth. Mold spreads by releasing spores into the air, which settle on moist surfaces that provide organic material that can be used as food. Cool, dark, damp areas are the most common areas where mold growth can be found. If you have experienced flooding, a broken pipe, heavy rains or other moisture damage, you are a prime candidate for Coral Gables mold growth.

Health Problems Associated With Mold Growth
Mold is associated with a number of human health problems, including asthma, lung infections, eye and throat irritation, allergic reactions, wheezing and nasal stuffiness. Removing the mold growth will help to resolve these health problems.

Identifying Mold Problems
A variety of different types of mold can be found growing in homes. Some of these are toxic, while others are not. If you find discoloration on cloth, paper or drywall, you probably have a mold problem. If you notice a lasting, musty odor in your home, it is probably caused by mold. SERVPRO can help you find the location of the mold growth and then eliminate it.

Eliminating Mold From Your Home
A mold remediation specialist, like SERVPRO, can help to test the air quality in your home and find the hidden Coral Gables mold growth that is affecting your family’s health. SERVPRO can then use special techniques and equipment used to remove mold safely from your home.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Mold Remediation Services

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of South Miami has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Differences Between Residential and Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Kendall

6/10/2015 (Permalink)

Commercial spaces with Kendall water damage require more extensive services than residential buildings.

Differences Between Residential and Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Commercial spaces with Kendall water damage require more extensive services than residential buildings. While homeowners have a horrendous mess to clean, commercial property owners have even more to consider when it comes to water damage restoration services.

One tremendous difference in most instances is the size of the area requiring restorative services. Most homes do not exceed three stories along with a possible basement. The square footage of most residential homes is unlikely to exceed 3-4000, including a basement and garage. On the other hand, commercial properties often have dozens of stories, with square footage numbers going into hundreds of thousands. When a pipe bursts on an upper floor, the water can inundate all of the lower floors, creating tremendous damage. Some of it may not even be readily visible when it occurs.

Additional concerns exist regarding Kendall water damage to commercial buildings when compared to residential restorative services. Commercial units often have more furnishings and equipment than homes. Desks, filing cabinets and the various machinery located in the damaged areas must be removed in order for the carpets to be dried properly. In some instances, where items cannot be removed, the restoration professionals must work around these.

Commercial buildings are often built to different specifications that can impede the process of cleaning water damage. Drywall may be double the thickness if it has firewalls. Restoration professionals face added challenges regarding the removal of excess water and testing for dryness levels. Locating wet insulation and extracting it from these walls is another problem encountered with these services. It is also vital that all ventilation systems are thoroughly inspected to discover if the water damage has spread.

For owners of commercial property that has suffered Kendall water damage, it is essential that professional services are obtained quickly. SERVPRO has experience with multi-level commercial buildings. SERVPRO is able to provide verifiable references.

Once hired, SERVPRO must begin by removing all of the visible water and follow up with a complete inspection of the insulation, drywall and ventilation areas. If these locations are not properly dried mold and mildew can result. It is vital that IICRC S500 Guidelines are adhered to, particularly ensuring that the grains per pound of dry air are safe.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available 24 hours a day to get your Coconut Grove business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of South Miami offers professional cleaning and preventative maintenance for your carpet and upholstery that keeps your property looking its best. Our cleaning system offers a number of specialized cleaning options to match your needs. Whether your business needs a deep cleaning or a persistent odor removed, you can trust SERVPRO of South Miami. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services:

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