Water damage? What you can do until help arrives.

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

However big or small the damage left behind, flooding is the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with. With ruined floors, items being washed away, and damage around every corner, you may look around and wonder: what now? Let SERVPRO guide you through the next steps, call (813) 867-2445.

Until Help Arrives

While getting a jumpstart on the restoration process is important, even more important is your safety. First and foremost, decide if it is safe for you to remain inside your home, or if you’d be in less danger outside of your home. Regardless of your location, be careful that the activities you perform don’t put you in a position to get harmed. Post-water damage, some actions which may have been inconsequential before are now potential hazards. Be cautious as you move around, as the most severe dangers water damage can leave behind is electrical damage and slick floors which increase the risk of falling. Be careful when handling wet materials, as these may become heavier than expected. 

After a Flooding

Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to secure your safety, it’s time to deal with the aftermath of the flood. There are various actions you can take to minimize damage. Likely, you will find plenty of excess water around your home. Mop this up as you find it, especially when found on wooden furniture. Then you’ll want to begin moving items. Wet upholstery should be moved and put away to dry, as should art, loose items found lying on the floor, and colored rugs. With this done, there are a few more precautions you can take. Use wood blocks or aluminum foil and wedge them between furniture legs or wet carpeting. To dry out any remaining moisture in your home, turn on your air conditioning.

What no to do

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Keep these tips in mind to avoid making costly mistakes. 

Don’t leave items lying around on the floor, especially not colored items like books which can leave behind stains. Move wet fabrics to a dry place, and if you have furs or leathers, hang them up to dry. Don’t use household appliances like your TV, or use your vacuum to try to remove excess water you discover. Avoid turning ceiling fixtures on if you have wet ceilings, and be sure to steer clear of rooms where the damage is so severe that the ceilings have begun to sag.

Let SERVPRO guide you through the next steps, call (813) 867-2445.

5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage can destroy more than just your physical property. It can also destroy your company’s revenue for a period of time and pose a health risk to customers and employees if the water damage is not handled properly. Mitigating the water damage quickly is critical in order to minimize its impact on your business. 

The most common five causes of commercial water damage are: 

1. Storm Damage

Severe weather from hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flash floods can cause significant water damage to your property. Before a storm hits, make sure that your building is prepared for possible severe weather. Keeping your gutters cleaned out and free of debris is an extremely important part of being prepared for a potential storm. In addition, it is important that your property has a functioning drainage system to help water drain away from your building. 

2. Roof Damage

While high winds or heavy rainfall can cause roof damage, your roof can also be damaged due to improper roof maintenance, such as missing shingles or cracked caulking. If a large tree branch or a tree trunk falls onto your roof, it can cause structural damage as well. At the same time, heavy rooftop equipment—common with commercial buildings—can create entry points for water intrusion due to missing screws, punctures from maintenance tools, and ventilation panels not being 100% waterproof when hard, driving rain occurs. 

3. Broken Pipes

Commercial water damage due to broken or damaged pipes is extremely common, unfortunately. Due to the pipes usually being inside walls, floors, or ceilings, it can be difficult to identify the exact issue or even where the leak is occurring within your building. Water damage professionals, such as ourselves here at SERVPRO, can help you find the leak with leak detection tools and equipment. If you notice any signs of water damage with an unknown cause—water stains on walls or ceilings, loose tiles, and musty or moldy smells—call a professional right away in order to keep the damage from spreading even further within your building.

4. Leaking Sprinkler Systems

Like broken or leaking pipes, your building’s sprinkler system can also cause water damage due to leaks. Inspect your system regularly to help avoid potential leaks. By routinely checking your sprinkler system and keeping an eye out for wet carpet or walls, you have a better chance of finding a leaking sprinkler system before it creates bigger problems in your walls or ceilings. 

5. Window Damage

Broken windows or windows that are not sealed properly can allow water or moisture to seep into your building. This could be the result of poor installation or a lack of maintenance. It is important to routinely check to make sure that your windows are not cracked and the sealant is still in place and undamaged. 

Do You Have Water Damage?

If you do have commercial water damage occur, call SERVPRO of Sun
City Center, Ruskin South at (813) 867-2445. Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we! Our team provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.