WATER REMEDITION/RESTORATION: CONTACT SERVPRO OF VERO BEACH IMMEDIATELY FOR FAST, RELIABLE SOLUTIONS

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Water remediation and restoration

From leaking faucets to broken water heaters to flooding, water damage is one of the most common problems you can face as a homeowner. If not taken care of immediately, water can cause expensive damage to your home. It can also lead to the growth of hazardous mold.

When the worst happens, call the water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO® of Vero Beach. With one call, we’re at your side, providing expert guidance on what to do, with the experience to fix the problem, fast. We are available 24/7/365, every day of the year to provide you with emergency water damage restoration services.

SERVPRO® of Vero Beach offers a range of services, from water extraction and structural drying to dehumidification and odor removal. We use the latest technology and techniques, and all of our technicians are highly trained professionals. Our goal is to restore your property to a safe and healthy environment.

We understand that water damage can occur suddenly and without warning, and the impact can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and call SERVPRO® of Vero Beach. We’ll help you get your life back to normal in no time.  “Like it never happened”.

Tips on Mold Damage in your Home or Business

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Mold spores on the wall due to a small pinhole leak in the bathroom pipes.

Mold, a common issue, can silently invade your residence or building and wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home or business. Understanding the nature of mold, its causes, and signs on when to call SERVPRO of Vero Beach are essential for effective mold remediation.

Understanding Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments. It reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air, which can settle and grow on various surfaces. Mold is commonly found in areas with excessive moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and areas affected by water damage.

Causes of Mold Growth
Mold requires three main factors to grow: moisture, a food source, and the right temperature. Common causes of mold growth include:

Water damage: Leaks, floods, or excessive moisture due to plumbing issues or roof leaks can create an ideal environment for mold to thrive.

Poor ventilation: Insufficient airflow and inadequate ventilation in areas prone to moisture can contribute to mold growth.

High humidity: Areas with high humidity levels provide an environment where mold can flourish. This is particularly true in Florida with warm temperatures and humid conditions.

Identifying Mold Damage
Early detection of mold damage is crucial for effective elimination. Look out for the following signs of mold growth:

Visible mold: Black, green, or white patches of mold on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces suggest an active mold infestation.

Musty odor: A persistent musty smell is often an indication of hidden mold growth.

Water stains: Discoloration or water stains on walls or ceilings may indicate an underlying moisture problem and potential mold growth.

Identify and address the source of moisture: Identify and fix any water leaks, plumbing issues, or sources of excessive humidity to eliminate the conditions that promote mold growth.

Preventing Mold Damage
Prevention is key to avoiding mold damage in your home. Implement these preventive measures to create an unfriendly environment for mold growth:

Control humidity levels: Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to maintain humidity levels. On average, Florida homes should maintain indoor humidity levels between 45% and 55%

Improve ventilation: Ensure proper airflow and ventilation in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows periodically when needed.

Regularly inspect and maintain: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address any water leaks, plumbing issues, or areas of excess moisture promptly.

Properly ventilate appliances: Ensure appliances such as dryers and stoves are vented outside the home to prevent moisture buildup.

Mold damage is a serious issue that requires understanding, proactive measures, and swift action. Early detection and addressing moisture issues are essential in controlling mold growth. Regular maintenance and proper ventilation will help create a healthy, mold-free living environment for your home or business. Our team at SERVPRO of Vero Beach is licensed, 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.

WHEN STORMS OR FLOODS HIT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SERVPRO OF VERO BEACH IS READY!!

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

As the weather becomes more unpredictable, it's important to be prepared for severe storms that may occur in Indian River County. Whether you're dealing with tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods, you can protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Below SERVPRO of Vero Beach provides valuable tips on staying safe and secure during severe weather.

WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

When severe weather hits, it's essential to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure during severe weather:

• Check the National Weather Service website or local news for the latest forecast. Be aware of what severe weather is expected and when it will occur.
• Have a plan. If you have a family, make sure everyone knows the plan.
• During severe weather, watch the National Weather Service or your local news for updates on the situation. Have a NOAA Weather Radio to listen to for updates even if power is lost.
• When severe weather is approaching, protect yourself and your property. Bring any loose items from outside that could become projectiles in high winds. If flooding is expected, take steps to protect your home or business from water damage.

TIPS FOR SEVERE WEATHER PREPARATION

• Clean out rain gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage during storms.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home to prevent damage from falling limbs.
• Secure loose outdoor items like lawn furniture, grills, and toys.
• Have a plan for where you and your family will go if you need to evacuate your home.
• Pack an emergency kit with food, water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio.

BUILDING AN EMERGENCY KIT

If severe weather is headed your way, being prepared is important. Here are some ideas for building an emergency kit: Start with the basics: water, food, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight. Customize your kit based on your specific needs. Consider adding prescription medications, extra batteries, a generator, and pet supplies. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the emergency kit is located and how to use the items inside it. Regularly check and update your emergency kit so it's always ready to go when you need it.

WAYS TO STAY SAFE DURING SEVERE WEATHER

1. Stay indoors as much as possible during severe weather.
2. Avoid areas prone to flooding or other damage if you must go outside.
3. Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes and a waterproof jacket.
4. Pay attention to local weather reports and warnings and be prepared to take shelter.
5. Have an emergency kit ready if you lose power or need to evacuate your home
6. Keep a close eye on animals during severe weather and bring them inside if possible.
7. Be aware of hazards such as downed power lines and broken glass.

No matter what weather event is the cause, always document any damage with photos so you will have them if you need to file a claim for damages. It is best to consult with your insurance company beforehand to be sure.

Whether facing flash floods, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or hurricanes, having a plan in place can minimize damage and ensure the well-being of occupants. From securing windows, stocking emergency kits, and inspecting the property, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference.

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