Closing your seasonal home.

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Heading North for the Summer?

During the month span of October to April, the Florida population is said to increase by 5% due to the “snowbird” season.  It is the warm weather, beautiful beaches, outdoor dining with live music, adventurous trails, the list goes on for reasons why northerns flock to Florida to avoid the treacherous winters.  The length of time tends to vary for how long individuals stay but its typically six months here in Florida and six months at their northern home.  With that being said, there are preparations that need to be made to snowbird’s winter Florida homes before they return north.  With thorough research, here is a checklist to make sure that when you return to Florida in the fall there will be no surprises. 

Here is a break down of tasks to do the week before and the week of departure.

Week Before.

• Have you central air conditioning serviced, and humidistat calibrated
• Update the homeowner’s insurance.
• Forward mail, cancel news papers and magazines.
• Suspend or discontinue cable and internet services.
• Have stucco inspected for cracks and sealed if any.
• Inspect all windows and doors, have them repaired if needed.
• Clean out all gutters and drainage.
• Install surge protectors.
• Schedule pest control services
• Meet with and hire a home watch professional to check on your property.
• Arrange for landscaping to be maintained.
• If necessary, have pool regularly scheduled for maintenance.
• Call us at SERVPRO of Vero Beach to perform a Duct Cleaning.

Week of Departure.

• Set up a dehumidifier, make sure the drain is securely placed.
• Bring in lani furniture.
• Vacuum upholstered furnishings and do a thorough dusting.
• Dispose of all perishable food
• Clean out refrigerator and freezer.
• Test the timers for lights, leave at least on light on inside home.
• Leave contact information with a neighbor.
• Clean the inside of appliances and disconnect them
• Turn off the water to the house and put hot water heater on vacation mode

Lake in Your Laundry Room?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our team responded to a large-scale water loss caused by a burst pipe.

Air conditioners break, pipes leak, and plumbing backs up, but what can we do about it? As property owners it is important to have your home and appliances maintained properly and frequently. Despite the inconvenience that maintenance might seem like, water damage is much, much worse. 

Common Issues

Recently we have been seeing a lot water damage caused by air handlers. In many cases, the air handlers leak for an extended period of time and eventually cause the ceiling to cave in. In cases like these, not only do you have water damage, but also a mess of wet insulation and drywall. As the summer heat continues, we all work our air conditioners a little harder than they're used to which can lead to malfunction and overfilling of the AC drip pan. Have your HVAC system checked and air ducts cleaned to prevent this cause of loss. 

Over time even the best plumbing can fail, whether it just be regular wear and tear or a random break. Many homeowners have made the switch over to PEX piping due to its durability and temperature resilience. Another common cause of water loss is a leaking water heater. It is recommended that water heaters are serviced annually to take care of buildup and issues before they can cause damage. 

If your home or business is affected by water damage, our highly trained team is here to help 24/7, 365 days a year. 

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Derechos; Straight Storms

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

As you can see, the straight storms pass through land like a wall of destruction.

What are Derechos?

    Derechos can be simply summarized as strong, straight-line storms that don't cyclone like hurricanes and are commonly accompanied by powerful thunderstorms. The storms are called "derechos" as it means "direct" or "straight ahead" in Spanish. The storm damage is described as "straight line wind damage" as it causes damage comparable to tornadoes, but along a straight line. The wind strength may be inconsistent along the derecho path and the stronger winds are caused by downbursts. Past the devastating winds, derechos have another thing up their sleeves! Derechos are often accompanied by thunderstorms and have hurricane force winds. 

What's the risk to us?

    Derechos are less common in Florida, but have occurred in the past. As property owners and renters it is important to understand the different risks that can affect our lives and land. Derechos have been called many things in the past, but most importantly, they are dangerous and we all need to be informed and prepared. 

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROVeroBeach.com

772-770-0501

Lightning Fire or Nightmare from Above?

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be immense and our team is trained on how to make it "Like it never even happened."

Lightning Fires

Lightning fires seem to be the stuff of nightmares but have no fear SERVPRO of Vero Beach is here. Sometimes a better understanding can ease your fears and you can find comfort in facts and plans. It is important to us that our community stays safe and we do our part to mitigate possible dangers.

"Beware of an oak, it draws the stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the flash; creep under the thorn, it can save you from harm."

Lightning Fire Facts

-Lightning fires usually start during dry lightning storms, like heat lightning or storms with little precipitation, but any ground strike can cause a fire

-Nearly 90% of lightning accidents occur in more rural areas

-Trees or high structures near your home or business pose a threat, not coverage

-Lightning rods don’t prevent lightning strikes but lead the strokes on a safer path

Fires can leave your property with immense damage no matter the cause of loss and our team is here to help. 

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROVeroBeach.com

772-770-0501

Commercial Concerns: Water and Storm Damage

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our crew responded to a gym that had a big water loss. We were able to get up the water and place drying equipment so that the gym could reopen ASAP.

As the not-so-gentle summer showers continue, there has been a rise in water intrusions in homes and businesses. Water damage can occur at any hour and we're here to help. As a business owner, you may be caught up in the daily hustle and bustle, but are you prepared if an emergency occurs?

Water damage can ruin your day and halt production, but left untreated it can become a bigger problem. We offer Emergency Ready Plans so business owners can feel reassured that they have someone in their corner. Owning a business can be stressful and it's important to take what steps you can to protect your assets. Our team is available 24/7 to help restore your business back to working order. 

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Innovation and Improvement

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Owners Jimi and Ursula are at the SERVPRO Convention and are learning about the newest products to help with your restoration needs.

Innovation

Here at SERVPRO of Vero Beach, we're always innovating and growing to better suit our customers' needs. Each job has a unique problem and for that, we need a unique solution. Our team is continuously training and learning new techniques to restore your home or business to its preloss state.  

Improvement

As time goes on, technology advances and becomes more efficient. SERVPRO is constantly evolving and so are our equipment and products. We work hard to use the top of the line tools to help you mitigate any disaster that may strike.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Summer Struggles: Water Damage

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage, give us a call and we’ll surf on over!

We love the summer here in Vero Beach, but more importantly, we love helping our community. See our tips below and as well as things to look out for this summer to prevent water damage in your home or business. 

Air Conditioners

Lately, we’ve been seeing an increased amount of water damage due to HVAC systems. As temperatures skyrocket, we crank up the air conditioning to try to cool down, but this could lead to your HVAC system having a meltdown. With the increased stress on the systems, there can be leaks or other issues with your AC handler that lead to water damage if you’re not careful. Check on your HVAC system periodically and have it serviced when necessary. It’s recommended that you have your HVAC system serviced annually as well as cleaned every three to five years.

Weather Damage

We’re in Hurricane Season and scientists believe this will be an eventful season. Even without the hurricanes, Florida summers bring about afternoon storms and heavy rainfall that can lead to water intrusions in your home or business. If your property is affected by a water intrusion, our team is well prepared and happy to help.

Vacationing

Summer vacation is one of the best times of the year, but sunburn isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. As you travel and leave your property unattended, it is vulnerable to water damage. It is important to turn off your water and have someone who can check on the property for longer stays away. As great as waterparks are, you wouldn’t want one in your living room!

Increased Use

You might be prepared for your kids to be home for the summer, but are your pipes? Over time your pipes and the connections can degrade, and increased usage can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Be vigilant and have your plumbing checked every two years as is recommended by professionals. If you suspect you have a leak, call your plumber to prevent a large-scale water loss.

Here at SERVPRO of Vero Beach, we’re all so happy it's summertime, but we want to make sure you have a safe one. 

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Choose SERVPRO of Vero Beach

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Gibbs, the office mascot and the owners' pup

Independently Owned and Operated

Each SERVPRO is independently owned and operated, but what’s the significance of that? It means that we have the knowledge and support of one of the largest restoration companies in the world while being personalized to our beautiful city. We are a part of the community, and we understand what it means to live in Indian River County. Owners Jimi and Ursula are parents and grandparents and love being involved with their church and community. Our team is like family and our open communication helps us run efficiently and effectively to fix all your restoration needs.

But Still, Why Call Us?

We’re a veteran-owned, small-town living, highly trained restoration company happy to help no matter the hour. Call today; choose local.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Summertime Safety with Fire

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Look at the wonderful fire made by our office manager; she removed flammable debris from the area of the fire and made sure everyone stayed safe!

Summertime brings about some of our favorite things; grilling, camping, and fireworks, but these activities all have dangers that we must be aware of. All these activities involve fire, which is no joking manner. If you’re planning on being around fire this summer, you must be prepared and well informed. 

Grills

Grill fires are one of the leading causes of house fires. It’s important to make sure that your grill is properly cleaned often to prevent the igniting of food residue or leaked fuel. Your grill must be adequately spaced from your home and other flammable objects; manufacturers recommend ten feet minimum.

Campfires

We all love a s’more on a summer evening, but fire safety must not be forgotten. Always watch children and pets around fires, be careful when using an accelerant, and make sure flammable objects are far from the flames.

Fireworks

As we approach the Fourth of July, we start to see all the fun fireworks in stores. As a reminder, fireworks may be pretty, but they can be extremely dangerous. Be sure to keep fireworks away from your home or anything else that is flammable. Do not aim fireworks at yourself, another person, or your home. Please use the utmost caution when handling fireworks.

As always, our team here at SERVPRO of Vero Beach is here to help. Let’s have an amazing (and safe) summer!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Mold in Florida: Why is it so bad?

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

This is mold found covering the wall in the bathroom of someone's vacation home.

Why is mold so bad in Florida?

Many property owners in Indian River County are surprised when they discover mold in their home or business, but mold thrives in our beautiful state. Tourists aren’t the only ones who love the weather here! The humidity and high levels of moisture make Florida the perfect place for mold to thrive. Molds are fungi and do occur in our environment naturally, but an increased amount of spores can cause immense damage to your home or business and can cause health effects. With many people having vacation homes here in Indian River County, properties go untouched and water damage and moisture go unnoticed which can lead to a surprise mold infestation when you return for the summer.

As we enter the rainy season here in Florida, we must be aware of the moisture and humidity levels within our properties and make sure to take care of any leaks or damage before it's too late. Our team at SERVPRO of Vero Beach is highly trained and fully equipped with the experience and equipment necessary to remediate your property’s mold damage. Call us today if you suspect your home or business has been affected by mold!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501