Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Protecting Your Garage and Car from Storm Damage
9/11/2024 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO, we are committed to helping you prepare for and recover from storm damage.
At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of preparing for storm season, especially when it comes to safeguarding your garage and car. Storms can bring about a range of hazards including high winds, flooding, and hail, all of which can cause significant damage. Taking proactive measures to protect your garage and car can save you from costly repairs and inconvenience.
Secure Your Garage Door
One of the most vulnerable parts of your garage during a storm is the garage door. Ensuring that your garage door is reinforced can prevent it from being blown open by strong winds, which can cause structural damage to your garage and home. Consider installing a bracing kit or upgrading to a wind-resistant door. For added protection, you can use horizontal or vertical bracing on the interior of the door.
Elevate Items in Your Garage
Flooding is a common consequence of severe storms, and your garage is often the first area to be affected. To protect your belongings, elevate items off the ground using shelves or pallets. This simple step can prevent water damage to tools, equipment, and other stored items. Additionally, consider moving valuable or irreplaceable items to higher ground or inside your home before the storm hits.
Protect Your Car
Your car is a significant investment, and protecting it during a storm should be a priority. If you have a garage, ensure that your car is parked inside and away from windows. If your garage is full or unavailable, consider using a car cover specifically designed for storm protection. These covers are made from durable materials that can shield your vehicle from hail, debris, and water.
Install a Surge Protector
Storms often bring lightning, which can cause power surges and damage your electrical appliances. Installing a surge protector in your garage can safeguard your tools, garage door opener, and any other electrical equipment from power surges. This small investment can save you from costly replacements and repairs.
Maintain Proper Drainage
Ensuring proper drainage around your garage can significantly reduce the risk of flooding. Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water from accumulating around your garage. Installing a French drain or trench drain can also help divert water away from your garage during heavy rainfall.
Secure Loose Items
High winds can turn loose items in and around your garage into dangerous projectiles. Before a storm, take the time to secure or store away any loose items such as garden tools, bicycles, and outdoor furniture. This not only protects these items from damage but also reduces the risk of them causing damage to your garage or car.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance can help you identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your garage before a storm hits. Check for any cracks in the walls or foundation, ensure your garage door is in good working condition, and inspect the roof for any signs of wear or damage. Addressing these issues promptly can enhance the resilience of your garage during a storm.
By taking these proactive steps, you can better protect your garage and car from the damaging effects of storms. At SERVPRO, we are committed to helping you prepare for and recover from storm damage. Stay safe and take action now to safeguard your property.
Strengthening Your Shelter: Roofing Repairs and Maintenance for Storm Resilience
5/29/2024 (Permalink)
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, especially during storms. From heavy rains and gusty winds to hail and falling debris, storms can wreak havoc on roofs, leading to leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs. However, with proper maintenance and timely repairs, you can bolster your roof's resilience and minimize the risk of damage during severe weather events. In this blog, we'll explore essential roofing repairs and maintenance practices that can enhance your home's storm resilience and protect your investment.
Regular Inspections
Routine roof inspections are essential for identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Schedule inspections at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to assess the condition of your roof and address any issues promptly. Look for signs of damage such as missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, and loose or deteriorating seals around vents and chimneys.
Repairing Damaged Shingles
Damaged or missing shingles can compromise the integrity of your roof and increase the risk of leaks during storms. Replace any damaged shingles promptly to prevent water infiltration and protect the underlying structure. Use roofing cement to secure loose shingles and replace missing ones with new ones that match the existing roof material.
Reinforcing Flashing and Seals
Flashing and seals around roof penetrations such as vents, chimneys, and skylights are vulnerable points that can leak during storms if not properly sealed. Inspect flashing and seals for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or deterioration, and repair or replace them as needed. Use roofing cement or silicone caulking to reinforce seals and prevent water intrusion.
Clearing Debris and Cleaning Gutters
Debris accumulation on the roof and in gutters can impede drainage and cause water to pool, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage during storms. Remove leaves, branches, and other debris from the roof surface regularly, and clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and minimize maintenance.
Trimming Overhanging Branches
Overhanging tree branches can pose a hazard to your roof during storms, especially if they are dead or weak. Trim back branches that hang over your roof to prevent them from rubbing against or falling onto the roof during high winds. Prune trees regularly to maintain a safe distance between branches and your home's structure.
Reinforcing Roof Decking
Weak or deteriorating roof decking can compromise the stability of your roof and increase the risk of damage during storms. Inspect the roof decking for signs of sagging, rot, or water damage, and reinforce or replace damaged sections as needed. Consider upgrading to stronger materials, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), for added resilience.
Investing in roofing repairs and maintenance is a proactive strategy for enhancing your home's storm resilience and protecting your property from weather-related damage. By conducting regular inspections, repairing damaged shingles, reinforcing flashing and seals, clearing debris, trimming overhanging branches, and reinforcing roof decking, you can fortify your roof against the elements and weather storms more effectively. Remember, a well-maintained roof not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provides essential protection for you and your loved ones during severe weather events.
When Storms Hit Tampa Southeast, SERVPRO is Ready!
10/6/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Storms
When storms hit Tampa we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1700 franchises across the country as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast today! We are here to help.
How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm
10/6/2023 (Permalink)
After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your property for storm damage. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to things like dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, which indicate hail damage. You may see missing tiles or other signs of roof damage from the ground, but most leaks don't represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from something requiring minor roof repair. Find the source of the leak, stop it, and clean the water damage.
Find the Leak Source
During storms in Tampa, Southeast wind damage lets the rain into your roof. From the inside of your home, look for stains that indicate the source leak and areas needing roof repair. You may see water stains on your ceiling or coming down a wall. When you see that, get your flashlight and head to that area. Here are five familiar sources for a roof leak:
- Vents and fans
- Chimneys
- Window dormers
- Vent pipes
- Unsecured nails and nail holes
Fix Water Damage
To complete your roof repair:
- Start looking for materials damaged by water.
- Check for discolorations and rotting wood and wet drywall and insulation.
- When you find mold, remain careful and don't spread during cleanup.
A mold remediation professional can help create a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. If you haven't found mold, be sure to start drying any wet materials immediately. Mold can begin growing on wet damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.
How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm
9/25/2022 (Permalink)
After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your property for storm damage. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to things like dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, which indicate hail damage. You may see missing tiles or other signs of roof damage from the ground, but most leaks don't represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from something requiring minor roof repair. Find the source of the leak, stop it, and clean the water damage.
Find the Leak Source
During storms in Tampa, Southeast wind damage lets the rain into your roof. From the inside of your home, look for stains that indicate the source leak and areas needing roof repair. You may see water stains on your ceiling or coming down a wall. When you see that, get your flashlight and head to that area. Here are five familiar sources for a roof leak:
- Vents and fans
- Chimneys
- Window dormers
- Vent pipes
- Unsecured nails and nail holes
Fix Water Damage
To complete your roof repair:
- Start looking for materials damaged by water.
- Check for discolorations and rotting wood and wet drywall and insulation.
- When you find mold, remain careful and don't spread during cleanup.
A mold remediation professional can help create a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. If you haven't found mold, be sure to start drying any wet materials immediately. Mold can begin growing on wet damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.
Mitigating Damage After a Storm
9/25/2022 (Permalink)
Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this year, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. Damage can be caused by strong winds or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.
Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms
Thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, but winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are stronger and can cause severe damage. It can produce many types of adverse weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, etc. Thunderstorms are responsible for wind damage cases in the U.S. However, storm damage repair may be costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year; understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.
It's important to know when a storm is approaching your area and what type of storm it is so you know the potential and level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the potential for wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your home when severe weather strikes.
Preventing Wind and Storm Damage
Most wind damage starts by flying debris either from plants or other structures unsecured. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects are either secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.
Roof damage reduces during the construction phase when the roof deck, shingles, or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. Roofing material should latch to the deck.
Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck. Siding damage reduces at the construction phase. Fastened siding isn't as likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger storm-resistant structure.
Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of structural damage.
Mitigating Damage After a Storm
Close any openings made in the structure by the wind. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem.
Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nails over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed. Falling trees and tree limbs can open a structure with sudden violence. Tree on a structure is a severe personal and structural safety issue.
Trees, at times, won't shift positions. It can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Fallen trees may mask severe other safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. The wires may still be alive, and the tree itself energized. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.
Suppose your home or business sustains wind damage during a storm. In that case, it is essential to contact a storm damage restoration professional as soon as the storm is over to help limit and repair the damage. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
When and Where Hurricanes are Most Likely to Occur
8/28/2022 (Permalink)
Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, storms outside of these dates aren't unheard of. Activity ramps up in August, usually peaking in September and again in October.
Two main factors cause most hurricanes during this active season:
1. Warm ocean waters (80 degrees or higher).
2. Weak vertical winds (little change in wind direction and speed with height).
This is the season with the highest frequency of west-moving weather disturbances in the tropics that develop into hurricanes.
The difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon is location! In different regions, people refer to thunderstorms as hurricanes, while people near the equator in Africa and Australia refer to them as cyclones.
If your home or business is effected by hurricane activity this season, call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast. We'll work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."
When Storms Hit Tampa Southeast, SERVPRO is Ready!
8/27/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Storms
When storms hit Tampa we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1700 franchises across the country as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast today! We are here to help.
When a Disaster Strikes Your Home, Call Our Crew!
8/21/2022 (Permalink)
Why SERVPRO is the Choice For Restoration
With decades of experience across the restoration services that we offer, we know how to help when every minute counts. We have teams, trailers, and service vehicles prepared to roll out from our SERVPRO facility 24/7 to address the harsh effects of water, fire, storm, and mold losses. We have trained professionals to handle more specific recovery niches like air duct cleaning, biohazard cleaning, abatement, and reconstruction efforts. These talents, aiding in every facet of our customers' work, improve our efficiency and effectiveness in your home or business.
Storm
Storm damage is a common situation that our SERVPRO professionals must address. Properties must remain prepared for inevitable run-ins with hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, damaging winds and other harmful conditions. Our ability to handle these situations is partly due to our commitment to the training and growth of our specialists, ensuring that each loss incidents gets technicians that can:
- Extract and dry up floodwater (WRT – Water Restoration Technician)
- Clean contaminated areas where they exist (Biohazard Cleaning)
- Deploy air movers and dehumidifiers for effective drying solutions (ASD – Applied Structural Drying)
- Clean Carpets and other flooring types (CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician)
- Prevent microbial growth or address present colonization (AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)
Our disaster team is committed to having the top-tier equipment that gets the job done quickly and correctly for you. We keep storm trucks stocked with inventory of recovery and mitigation tools, including submersible pumps, engine-driven trash pumps, power washers, air movers, and dehumidifiers.
We offer a full-service approach amid a crisis so that our customers do not waste time finding secondary contractors to handle other aspects of their recovery. We have skilled professionals to perform board-up and tarping services for your residence amid flood penetration. We can also oversee full-scale reconstruction once we complete mitigation.
Water
We know how easily water loss incidents can develop, and that's why training our restoration technicians in this niche is a constant and continual process. The science of restoring water damage is evolving. So our professionals have to move along with it – putting these new practices and equipment into use to help our customers with the most efficient and practical approach. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and the outcome of your loss incidents goes far beyond our IICRC training.
Our restoration team has access to equipment and machines that far exceed the limitations of conventional recovery tools. The truck-mounted water extractors that our SERVPRO team uses, for example, can handle the removal of thousands of gallons of water every day. Combined with multiple other impressive equipment pieces, this vehicle sets our professionals apart in water damage restoration.
We also have the capability of addressing the massive loss of water damage for commercial properties and houses. 33 years of industry experience and a roster that features Commercial Drying Specialists (CDS) and those with WRT and ASD endorsements, no job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.
Fire
Our team is responsible for many structures in this area alone; the possibility of fire damage is a persistent threat. Knowing the best approach to handle these conditions hinges on the severity of the situation and what materials, surfaces, and contents have become affected. Our IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and those with additional training in odor control and upholstery/carpet cleaning have access to equipment that can help our team restore loss incidents quickly.
Much of our efficiency in fire recovery stems from these advanced and cutting-edge machines. Soot removal and cleaning, for example, often fall to a combination of specially-formulated cleaning agents and products with automated surface scrubbers that can eliminate residues on surfaces.
Every minute counts in fire restoration. Our technicians obtain IICRC certifications and train to understand how fire damage spreads and the best approach to overcome the damages.
Mold
Before our certified AMRTs can set up containment barriers and begin the often-intricate process of mold remediation—our professionals must locate the source of the moisture and dampness. These conditions are likely to happen again without adequately identifying how the water damage facilitated mold growth.
Sometimes the humid conditions are enough to generate microbial growth, as interior humidity above 60% can grow mold on ceilings and other organic materials. The initial approach is to establish isolation zones using our powerful negative air machines in conjunction with physical plastic sheeting. Mold damage can spread quickly without these containment barriers.
Suppose our technicians reach the situation in your residence fast enough. In that case, many of the hosting materials can be repaired using sophisticated equipment like dry ice blasting machines and soda-blasting equipment. These approaches can remove mold debris without harming the surface and substrate.
You can count the swift response of SERVPRO of Tampa SE team in a crisis. Give our professionals a call anytime that you need us at (813) 694-9092.
Do You Have an Emergency Kit for Severe Weather?
2/6/2022 (Permalink)
Severe weather is unpredictable and safety is important, no matter the season! Be prepared, following these readiness tips to guide you, no matter what type of severe weather you may encounter.
Have a Weather Radio
Weather radios are the most reliable way to receive notifications of severe weather in your area in an emergency. Although cell phones, weather apps, social media, and wireless emergency alerts (WEA’s) are what the majority of us depend on for information, they can be interrupted during severe weather. Be sure to properly program your weather radio so you only receive the alerts you want for your county.
Keep an Emergency Supply Kit
An emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Most emergency management agencies recommend supplies for up to three days. The following is a list you can use as a guideline for mitigating disaster effects:
Personal Items:
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food
- A simple, manual can opener
- Battery or crank operated radio—preferably a weather radio
- Battery or crank operated flashlight
- Extra batteries and matches or lighter in a waterproof case
- First Aid kit with whistle to signal help
- Clothing, blankets, hygiene items & dust masks
- Important documents. (Copy of insurance policy, bank account info, identification, etc.)
- Cash
Repair Items:
- Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape for leaks
- Wrench or other tools to shut off utilities
- Fire extinguisher
Make a family plan
Make sure all members in the household are aware of where they are to go in the event of severe weather. If for some reason the family is separated in the event of a severe storm, have a meeting place established to aid in finding each other amidst the devastation.
Highly Trained with Resources to Handle Storms
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast specializes in severe weather restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We can also scale our resources to handle a larger storm or flooding disaster.
Locally Owned & Operated = Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast today! We are here to help.
How to Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season?
12/15/2021 (Permalink)
Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season
Atlantic hurricane season runs roughly from June 1 thru November 30 each year, with September holding the spot for the peak hurricane month. While, technically, hurricanes can wreak havoc any time of the year, this is the time to be on your guard the most. With that said, there are several ways to prepare for these storms during the off-season so you are not caught unawares.
Stock Up on Essentials
You'll want to prepare for the loss of electricity and the ability to cook by stocking up on water, bread, non-perishables and items you can eat without heating. Also, make sure you have:
- Extra batteries for flashlights or headlamps,
- Portable chargers and cables for cell phones,
- Candles with matches.
Check Your Insurance
If you live in a hurricane-prone region, make sure your insurance covers flooding and other expenses you may incur because of a Tampa hurricane.
Make a Video of Your Home
If your home is damaged from hurricane winds and water, a home inventory video will help prove the pre-storm state of your home and make insurance claims processing easier. It would also be beneficial to make electronic versions of important documents related to your home and your personal information in case the originals are destroyed in the storm. Include digital files of documents such as your:
- Birth certificate
- Driver's license
- Home's deed
- Social security card
Protect Your Property
Install hurricane shutters or plywood of at least 3/4 inches in thickness. You may need to install hurricane clips to secure the roof of your home to the walls. This is important in areas that may receive a direct hit, and install foot and head bolts on all doors.
Make an Evacuation Plan
When it is time to evacuate, go. Make a plan for where you and your family will stay at least 50 miles from your Tampa home. If you can, pre-pack a bag before the threat of an Atlantic hurricane is severe. Load it with clothes, blankets, food, water, electronics and important papers or photos.
Conclusion
Don't Take Risks. Ultimately, people are more important than things. People hurt in hurricane weather evacuate late or stay in their homes altogether. Be wise and get out early. Prepare in order to mitigate panic and this kind of risky behavior.
We are a Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
We live and work in this community; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated cleaning, damage restoration, and construction business, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is a proud and active member of this community and is ready to respond to your Tampa home emergency 24/7/365. Call us today at (813) 543-8430
.
Find Your Leaky Roof Source Quickly
12/15/2021 (Permalink)
After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your damaged property as quickly as you can. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, which indicate hail damage. You may also see missing shingle tiles from the ground, but those don't always represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from a more minor roof feature.
At SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast, we:
- Find the source of the leak
- Stop the leak &
- Clean the water damage.
Find the Leak
During storms in Florida, wind damage can let rain in through your roof. From the inside, look for water stains on your ceiling and walls that indicate the leak.
Common places to see leaky roof damage:
- Vents and fans
- Chimneys
- Window dormers
- Vent pipes
- Unsecured nails and nail holes
Dealing with Water Damage
- Check for discolorations and rotting wood, wet drywall and insulation.
- If you haven't found mold, start drying any wet materials immediately. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize.
- If you find mold, remain careful to not spread it during cleanup. Mold grows on wet, damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. A mold remediation professional creates a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.
For more assistance, call a local construction, restoration, and mold remediation crew like SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 694-9082.
Protection from Wind Damage
12/3/2021 (Permalink)
Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can result in a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to your roof, garage, or car. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is “Here to help” with storm restoration and storm damage protection before disaster strikes. We’re available 24/7 at (813) 543-8430. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm to your home when severe weather hits your property.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when a massive storm is approaching. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast can assist in storm damage protection to help you save time while preparing for the storm. By taking precautions to protect your home, you can ease your mind and reduce the strain on your wallet.
- Secure any potential debris around your home such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects.
- Keep up with regular tree maintenance, trimming dead limbs, and removing weak trees, to reduce the likelihood of structural damage.
- Bolt your doors and windows with foot and head bolts, and reinforce your garage door and tracks.
- Ensure your roofing system has anchored trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind.
- Install a roof covering that will protect the structure from high winds and impact from hail and other debris.
Mitigating Damage After a Storm
A major storm or hurricane can cause extremely high levels of stress.SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is “Here to help” and to lessen the emotional burden on you and your family. It is our top priority to make you and your family feel safe and cared for. We have identified these three key steps you can take immediately after a storm occurs.
- Review and Assess the Damage
- Contact SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene
- Contact Your Insurance Provider
Before you begin inspecting the damage to your home, check local news to make sure that your area is safe. Watch out for downed power lines and other hazards such as broken glass, standing water, and collapsing roof materials. Look around your property for holes in the roof, broken shingles, dents in gutters, and split seams.
Once you have assessed the damage, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 543-8430. We are available 24/7 and are committed to responding immediately to your flood or storm damage emergency. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.
If you have insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. We will work closely with you and your insurance to find the best approach to your storm restoration.
Contacting a storm damage restoration professional and your insurance provider as soon as the storm is over is imperative to limit secondary damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is “Here to help.” Contact us 24/7 at (813) 543-8430.
Mold Misconceptions
11/29/2021 (Permalink)
When it comes to mold, there's information you need to know. However, that doesn't mean that it's all correct. From mold cleaning tips to which types of mold are hazardous to your health, misconceptions are everywhere. If you find yourself browsing through the internet looking for guidance after encountering mold growth in your home, keep an eye for these common mold myths:
Mold is Only Found in Water-Damaged Homes.
While it's true that mold forms in areas that have issues with water damage, that's not the whole picture. Mold and mildew are always present—both indoors and outdoors. When mold spores land on a surface containing moisture, they can begin to grow. Regardless of whether or not you've had recent water damage to your home or business, all structures have the potential for a mold problem, especially in high humidity areas like crawlspaces and basements.
It's Not a Dangerous Mold if it isn't Black.
While black mold does have a dark appearance, it's not the only type of mold that can cause health concerns. Color alone cannot determine a mold’s level of toxicity, and some dangerous molds come in colors such as brown, green, yellow, pink, or white. Mold can affect people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, so it's important to address any type of mold growth. The CDC recommends that if you believe you have symptoms from mold exposure, you should contact your physician to determine if you should vacate the premises.
Black Mold is "toxic" to Humans and Animals.
Calling black mold "toxic" implies that it is somehow poisonous to those who contact it. No "toxic" mold exists, although molds can be toxigenic. If a toxigenic mold is growing and releasing spores into the air, it can create unhealthy air quality conditions that affect household members. Black mold is one of the most well-known toxigenic molds associated with health concerns.
Mold Can be Treated with DIY Methods.
There's a lot of DIY advice out there from unreliable sources that tell homeowners that treating mold with bleach is enough to fix the problem. Although bleach can indeed be an effective surface cleaner, mold often colonizes porous materials that cannot be treated with this DIY method, like behind walls, under floors, inside insulation, etc. For remediation that eliminates the issue permanently, contact SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast, your local mold removal professionals.
While there's no question that mold can be a headache for homeowners, it's not a problem that has to result in an empty wallet and a damaged home! At SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast, we provide fast, highly effective mold remediation. Best of all, our services are guaranteed!
Don't rely on random, incorrect information from the internet to treat your mold issues—just give our experts a call for a free estimate at (813) 694-9092. For additional information about understanding mold and the mold remediation process, check out our website at SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast.
Mitigating Damage After a Storm
11/8/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO helps Tampa Southeast with wind damage
Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this year, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. Damage can be caused by strong winds or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.
Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms
Thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, but winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are stronger and can cause severe damage. It can produce many types of adverse weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, etc. Thunderstorms are responsible for wind damage cases in the U.S. However, storm damage repair may be costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year; understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.
It's important to know when a storm is approaching your area and what type of storm it is so you know the potential and level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the potential for wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your home when severe weather strikes.
Preventing Wind and Storm Damage
Most wind damage starts by flying debris either from plants or other structures unsecured. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects are either secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.
Roof damage reduces during the construction phase when the roof deck, shingles, or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. Roofing material should latch to the deck.
Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck. Siding damage reduces at the construction phase. Fastened siding isn't as likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger storm-resistant structure.
Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of structural damage.
Mitigating Damage After a Storm
Close any openings made in the structure by the wind. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem.
Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nails over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed. Falling trees and tree limbs can open a structure with sudden violence. Tree on a structure is a severe personal and structural safety issue.
Trees, at times, won't shift positions. It can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Fallen trees may mask severe other safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. The wires may still be alive, and the tree itself energized. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.
Suppose your home or business sustains wind damage during a storm. In that case, it is essential to contact a storm damage restoration professional as soon as the storm is over to help limit and repair the damage. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
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