When to Save and When to Let Go: Deciding What to Restore After Water Damage

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

If you’re unsure about what can be restored and what should be replaced, consider consulting with a professional restoration service like SERVPRO.

Dealing with water damage in your home can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding what items can be saved and what needs to be let go. In Tampa, FL, where storms and flooding are common, understanding the restoration process is crucial for homeowners. Knowing when to restore and when to replace can help you make informed decisions that protect both your home’s value and your peace of mind.

Assessing the Extent of Water Damage

The first step in deciding whether to save or let go of water-damaged items is to assess the extent of the damage. Not all water damage is the same, and the severity often depends on the source of the water and how long the items have been exposed. Water damage is classified into three categories:

• Category 1 (Clean Water): This is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or faucet. 
• Category 2 (Gray Water): This water is slightly contaminated and can come from sources like washing machines, dishwashers, or some toilet overflows.
• Category 3 (Black Water): This is highly contaminated water, such as from sewage backups or floodwater.

What Can Be Saved?

Once you’ve assessed the damage, you can start deciding what to restore. Some items are more likely to be successfully restored than others.

Furniture and Upholstery

Furniture made of solid wood can often be restored if the damage is from clean or gray water. However, furniture made of particleboard or MDF is less likely to withstand water damage. Upholstered furniture can sometimes be saved if the water exposure is brief and the water is clean, but it may require professional cleaning and drying.

Important Documents and Books

Books, photos, and important documents can sometimes be salvaged using specialized techniques like freeze-drying. However, the success rate depends on the extent of the damage and how quickly you act. 

Electronics

Electronics are particularly vulnerable to water damage, and even small amounts of moisture can cause irreversible damage. If the item was submerged or exposed to black water, replacement is usually the safest option. If exposed to clean water and dried quickly, there may be a chance of restoration.

Flooring and Carpeting

Hardwood floors can sometimes be restored if the water is removed quickly and the wood is dried properly. However, if the wood has warped or started to rot, it may need to be replaced. Carpet exposed to gray or black water usually needs to be replaced due to contamination.

When to Let Go

Sometimes, the best decision is to let go of certain items, especially if they pose a risk or if the cost of restoration outweighs their value.

Risks

Items exposed to black water, such as sewage or floodwater, are often too contaminated to save. These items should be discarded to prevent the risk of harm.

Cost Considerations

Restoration can be expensive, and in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace items rather than restore them. For example, restoring a severely water-damaged piece of furniture might cost more than buying a new one.

Final Thoughts

Water damage is a stressful experience, but knowing when to save and when to let go can help you navigate the restoration process with confidence. In Tampa, FL, where water damage is a common concern, it’s important to act quickly and make informed decisions to protect your home and belongings.

If you’re unsure about what can be restored and what should be replaced, consider consulting with a professional restoration service like SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast. We can assess the damage, provide expert advice, and help you restore your home to its original condition.

Understanding Foundation Cracks: When to Worry and When It's Normal

6/26/2024 (Permalink)

Foundation cracks are a common concern for homeowners, but not all cracks indicate serious structural issues. Understanding what is normal and when to worry can help you address foundation problems before they escalate into expensive repairs. Here's what you need to know about foundation cracks:

Types of Foundation Cracks

There are several types of foundation cracks, each with its own characteristics and potential causes. Hairline cracks, for example, are thin cracks that are typically less than 1/8 inch wide and often occur as a result of the natural settling of a home. These cracks are usually harmless and can be easily repaired with caulk or epoxy.

Vertical cracks, on the other hand, run straight up and down and are often caused by minor shifts in the soil beneath the foundation. While vertical cracks may not pose an immediate threat to the structural integrity of your home, they should be monitored for any signs of widening or movement.

Diagonal cracks are another common type of foundation crack and can indicate more serious issues with the foundation, such as soil movement or hydrostatic pressure. These cracks often appear at a 30-45 degree angle and may be wider at one end than the other. Diagonal cracks should be inspected by a professional to determine the underlying cause and the appropriate course of action.

Horizontal cracks are the most concerning type of foundation crack and can indicate significant structural issues, such as foundation settlement or hydrostatic pressure from expansive soil. These cracks typically occur near the middle or top of the foundation wall and may indicate that the wall is beginning to bow or buckle under pressure. Horizontal cracks should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to your home's foundation.

When to Worry

While some foundation cracks are normal and not cause for concern, others may indicate serious structural issues that require immediate attention. Here are some signs that you should be concerned about foundation cracks:

• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch
• Cracks that are jagged or uneven
• Cracks accompanied by bowing or bulging walls
• Cracks that appear suddenly or are rapidly expanding
• Cracks that are leaking water or moisture

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult with a professional foundation repair contractor as soon as possible to assess the severity of the issue and determine the appropriate course of action.

Foundation cracks are a common occurrence in homes, but not all cracks are cause for alarm. Understanding the different types of foundation cracks and knowing when to worry can help you address foundation issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. By monitoring cracks and consulting with a professional if you notice any concerning signs, you can protect your home's foundation and ensure its long-term stability.

Water Damage Emergency Tips

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

When you're dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast responds immediately and uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water. They monitor and document the process to verify your property dries.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house? Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Do activities that are safe for you to perform. Wet materials can be heavy. Be careful!
• Have A Water Damage Emergency? Call (813) 694-9092.

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 the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

However, if disaster strikes, trust your local SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast to be by your side when you need us. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- including holidays! 

Spring Cleaning? Don't Forget the Carpets.

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

When's the Last Time You've Had Your Carpets Cleaned at Your Home or Business? 

Spring cleaning brings visions of dusting off shelves, organizing closets, and decluttering from winter's hibernation tendencies. Although we don't want to admit it, most of us can't remember the last time we've had our carpets cleaned!

Our carpets are the most apparent offenders when we think about what makes our home messy or unclean. Unfortunately, according to some recent microbiology research, the average carpet is 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat! Gross! When broken down, that means there's an average of 200,000 bacteria per square inch. Sounds like we need to clean our carpets! And while it may seem like bacterial infections are the risk here, it is allergies.

Springtime brings a fresh onset of allergies, but one way to combat those is to have your carpets cleaned (we can help you!).

When shoes from outside and brought into the house, bacteria, pollen, and dust can be tracked into the carpet fibers. These allergens can later be kicked up into the air, causing household allergy symptoms. Not to mention thousands of dead human skin cells have settled into the carpet fibers, along with pet hair. This makes for a dust mite buffet, as dead skin cells are their primary food source. Dust mites can inflame allergy symptoms.

So what can you do? Vacuuming is essential, so be sure to do this at least weekly. This will help with the dust mites and the pet fur, but you need to get your carpets deep-cleaned for the best effect.

While you can clean them yourself with an at-home system, it's not recommended. Water that can be left behind from cleaning may form mold, which will further irritate allergy symptoms. When you're ready for a thorough spring cleaning, give us a call! We'll be over in no time to clean your carpets.

Water Damage Emergency Tips

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

When you're dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast responds immediately and uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water. They monitor and document the process to verify your property dries.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house? Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Do activities that are safe for you to perform. Wet materials can be heavy. Be careful!
• Have A Water Damage Emergency? Call (813) 694-9092.

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 the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Drying Out Water Damage

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

After a plumbing disaster, Tampa Southeast homeowners need a water-vac to pull water off the floor, open the doors and windows, and rent a rug shampooer from the local big box store. To restore a home takes a professional restoration service. Drying a home with water damage in Tampa requires attention to four key factors that affect humidity.

SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast restoration specialists train to analyze each one, knowing which drying methods and equipment they need to use in each home. It all comes down to HEAT. Humidity levels determine the level of water vapor in the air in a home compared to its capacity. A level of 60 percent or higher indicates the air is saturated. That greatly slows evaporation and increases drying time. Specialists use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity level in each affected room. Working dehumidifiers can lower the level up to 20 percent every 24 hours.

Evaporation is the natural process of water converting to vapor. With large amounts of water, it is slow. Our SERVPRO specialists use pumps and smaller extraction devices to remove the bulk of the standing water. They get the amount below two inches in depth; the rate of evaporation increases. An augment rate of evaporation with dehumidifiers is to exhaust fans to increase movement, forcing saturated air outside the home.

Air movement increases by causing dry air to spread across damp surfaces like walls, tables, and countertops to increase the evaporation rate. Air movers and fans' combination to increase air movement is useful to dry clothing in a gentle manner that doesn't damage the fabric. Temperature is an essential factor. Since the preferred range to dry home and property is 70 to 90 degrees, we try to engage the HVAC system if it is operational. If not, specialists use space heaters to raise the internal temperature. They monitor the temperature to keep it under 80 degrees on the first day; however, a higher temperature can increase the humidity.

At SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast, we use every tool and method available to return every residence to a dry, safe condition for families to live in once again. If you have had a recent water issue in your home, call us at (813) 694-9092 to schedule a visit. We are here for you. 

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

No one ever likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared just in case. Having a solid plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

Make a list of 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school in the event that you are unable. Be sure to notify these people and get their permission. Review the list with your child to ensure they're comfortable with these people, know how to contact them by phone, and know what their vehicle looks like. Including an emergency card in your child’s backpack could prove useful for ensuring your child has the correct, pertinent information.

Communicate with the School

Ensure your child's school is kept up to date about who is allowed to pick them up. They'll need correct contact information and sometimes require a form of identification for their records. Many schools have materials they distribute to indicate designated pick up areas and other important information.

Drop Off Location

It’s scary, but it could happen. If none of the emergency contacts can be reached by phone or they're unable to pick your child up in a timely manner, alternative transportation may have to be arranged. Be sure to have a designated alternative drop-off spot. This could be a friend or relative's house, or another trusted location. Be sure your child knows the location, their current address, and phone number so that they can accurately tell authorities how to get there safely.

Reevaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here.

4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage

2/13/2022 (Permalink)

We’re ready 24/7 – including holidays to help your commercial business recover from sprinkler water damages.

Water damage is one of the most costly disasters your home or business can experience. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that billions are spent on water damage each year. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast for preventing water damage. 

Be careful where you plant.

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

Clean out roof gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.

Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

Never pour grease down your sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease into an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Contact us at (813) 722-1276.

Prevent Water Damage While on Vacation

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

7 Steps to Preventing Water Damage While Away

According to a study done by the Insurance Institute, homeowners' highest insurance claims are water damage. Leaky or busted pipes and appliances cause millions of dollars in damage during freezing weather and storms. Leaky pipes don't take a vacation when you do and can burst, generating hundreds of dollars of repairs. Prevent water damage while your on vacation by using this checklist:

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

Check pipes under your sinks and the water heater for any rust, cracks, or damage. You should check the seals by your windows to make sure there are no cracks. Additionally, check the exterior of your house and see the condition of your roof shingles. If any show damage, getting them replaced before leaving for vacation is a good idea.

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

You must inspect the hoses connected to essential appliances in your home, such as dishwashers, washers/dryers, and refrigerators.

Step 3. Clear Out Your Gutters

Make sure to get any debris out of your rain gutters before leaving for vacation. This way, you won't have any blockages that can cause overflows which can lead to foundation problems and water damages while you're away.

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Make sure it is in good condition and clear any debris from clogging the pit. Run a few tests, listen to the sounds it makes, and ensure that the pump's water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup in case there is a power outage while you're away.

Step 5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you plan on being away from your home during the winter, it can be a good idea to insulate any exposed pipes. This will prevent them from freezing while you are away.

Step 6. Get Someone to Check on Your Home

Call a friend or hire a professional house sitter to check on your home every week while you are gone. Instruct them to ensure that the heat is always on if your vacation is during the winter. Also, show them where the water main is in case of an emergency.

Step 7. Ease Your Mind By Turning Off the Water

Lastly, if you cannot find someone to check on your home, you should turn off the water main. Drain the pipes so that they do not freeze or burst during the colder months. To do this, run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water. Open the cabinets under your sink to let the warm air surround the pipes.

If you experience water damage while you are away from your home, contact SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast as soon as possible at (813) 710-6316.

3 Step Plan for a Flooded Furnace

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

A small amount of water from a broken pipe can flood a fully functional basement and result in a water damage nightmare, especially if the water permeates your furnace. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast identified three steps to help keep you stress-free and organized when dealing with a flooded furnace. Following these steps will make the claims process run smoothly and help your business or home get up and running again.

Document the Damage

The furnace can be the most costly loss in a flood, other damaged property also needs to be considered when documenting damage for insurance. Use the following process to record losses and assign values in a notebook or spreadsheet.

• Photograph the damage.
• Write down the serial number or another unique identifier if available.
• Assign a value.

Don’t forget to include items that may have little to no monetary value but are still of high value to your business, like important documents. Search professional recovery services within the area to save irreplaceable items such as documents or photographs.

Investigate Coverage and Decide to Repair or Replace

A burst pipe resulting in a flooded furnace is an insurable event, so be sure to check with your provider that you are covered. If a natural disaster occurred, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency to inquire if government aid is available. FEMA offers financing options to those who qualify for HVAC and furnace replacement costs.

According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, flooded furnaces should be replaced rather than repaired. For a professional opinion, contact a qualified heating and cooling contractor to inspect the damage. They may advise that the furnace will be operational after a total dry-out and minor electrical repair. However, the life of the unit reduces. You likely don’t want to choose repair over replacement and have a related problem surface a couple of years later, long after the claim closes.

Take Care of the Air Ducts

The air quality from a furnace is often only as good as the ducts it travels through. Call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 710-6316 to schedule a professional air duct cleaning to ensure ducts are clean, dry, and free of mold and debris.

Tasks associated with a furnace flood are something nobody wants on their to-do list. Take this systematic approach to efficiently ensure the return of a safe and comfortable environment in your commercial or residential property in Tampa, FL, for years to come.

6 Steps to Prevent Water Damage

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

The highest insurance claims by homeowners are from water damage, according to a study by the Insurance Information Institute. Hurricanes and floods are not the only sources of water damage. Blocked gutters, leaky pipes, and broken sump pumps can also be harmful to your home. Thankfully, these issues are preventable; and by minimizing the risk of water damage, homeowners can save more money in the long run. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast recommends the following six steps to homeowners who want to proactively protect their homes before disaster strikes. 

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

Check the pipes under your sinks, the water heater for any sign of damage, and the seals by your windows for cracks that might cause water damage. Additionally, examine the exterior of your house, especially the roof shingles where water can leak into the interior. Getting these repairs taken care of before leaving for vacation is key to reducing the risk of disaster. 

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

You must inspect the hoses connected to essential appliances in your home, such as dishwashers, washers, dryers, and refrigerators. If there's any damage, the hose should be replaced to prevent extensive water damage.

Step 3. Clean Out Your Gutters

Remove any debris out of your rain gutters and downspouts. Gutter blockages can damage your fascia boards, cause foundation leaks, and result in mold. 

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Clear out any debris that could clog the pit. Run a few tests, and make sure that the pump's water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup in case of a power outage. 

Step 5. Get Someone to Check on Your Home When You’re Away

Call a friend or hire a professional house sitter to check on your home every week while you're gone. Also, show them where the water main is in case of an emergency.

Step 6. Turn Off the Water

If you cannot find someone to check on your home, you should turn off the water main and entirely drain your pipes. To do this, run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water. 

For 24/7 emergency water damage response contact SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 710-6203. A team of highly trained water damage specialists will quickly dry and restore your home to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

3 Types of Water Damage

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses air movers to dry out your Tampa Southeast home after water damage

Understanding 3 Types of Water Damage

Water damage comes in many forms. It can occur quickly or slowly; it can be a quick fix or a significant, time-consuming property issue. When your property has water damage, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast wants to help you!

Being educated about water damage types can help give you peace of mind and help you attack the issues quickly and efficiently. There are three general categories of water damage.

1. Clean Water

This water is clean and comes from an uncontaminated source. If this occurs, know that it is not dangerous if consumed by pets or people. This type of water damage may occur if an incoming water line bursts, you have a bathroom flood due to an overflowing sink or tub, or have a small leak from an internal water pipe. SERVPRO can help extract the water and dry surfaces out for you. It's essential to have this done by an expert, as any remaining wet areas can bring on further issues such as mold, fungus, or rotting materials.

2. Grey Water

Grey Water comes from a source with some contaminants in it. If a leak or puddle of "Clean Water" is left for too long, this can turn into Grey Water. Other sources include sump pump failures, overflowing washing machines, and even some sewage pipes. This water type may cause people and animals to become sick if their exposure is high or consumed. SERVPRO recommends calling them to handle the water professionally.

3. Black Water

Black Water is the most hazardous type of water damage that can occur. This water is too contaminated and likely comes from a natural disaster or sewage plumbing. This water may sometimes look clean but can contain microbes that can cause health effects. When it comes to home flooding emergencies, Black Water floods can be the most destructive. This is due to the water's unsanitary conditions, causing bacteria, chemicals, and toxins to absorb into the porous items in your home. Carpets, upholstery, and drywall are often destroyed in this unsalvageable disaster.

Clean and Grey Water has the potential to even turn to Black Water if left standing or unattended. Please call SERVPRO to help remove water and disinfect your home immediately if this affects your home, and avoid exposing you and your household as it can cause illness. Our team of professionals can help in any circumstances needed!

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We proudly serve Tampa, FL, and surrounding areas.

Protect Your Tampa Home From Freezing Pipes This Winter

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Freezing Temps Mean Your Pipes Can Freeze and Burst

Now that winter weather is on its way, bursting pipes are a concern—even in locations with a mild winter season, like Tampa, Florida.

If you live in an apartment or townhome, you may receive a newsletter or see signs that tell you to keep the heat on and let your faucets drip, but does that actually protect the pipes from the cold weather effects?

As temperatures drop below freezing, water pipes both at your home and your workplace run the risk of freezing and bursting. When this happens, flooding and damage can occur to the property and possessions. Although bursting pipes can lead to a myriad of issues, the good thing is that this can be avoided. Here are a few tips to help safeguard against freezing pipes:

Add insulation

Pipes located in the basement or attic need protection from freezing temperatures, as they are often uninsulated. Adding insulation, such as fiberglass or foam rubber, can be a solution for exposed pipes in these areas.

Caulk holes and cracks

All holes and cracks near pipes should be securely sealed to keep cold air out and warm air inside. This can be checked on the inside and the outside of the building.

Drip your faucets

Opening the faucet can relieve pressure in the pipe and keep water flowing. This keeps the pressure from building up and keeps water in a moving state, which reduces the chance of frozen water and bursting pipes, potentially causing a flooding situation.

Open cabinet doors

You likely have warmer air circulating throughout the house than what you’d find inside closed cabinets. Open your cabinet doors to let the air warm these uninsulated spaces. This decreases the chance of water freezing inside the hidden pipes.

Turn up the heat

Keep your household or business temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even when there’s no one occupying the building.

If disaster strikes and damage is done by frozen pipes flooding your property, our team here at SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is ready to spring into action and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us anytime–we're ready to respond to your emergency 24/7.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We proudly serve Tampa, FL, and surrounding areas.