What to Do If You Smell Mold But Can't See It

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

If you smell mold but can't see it, it is important to take action to identify and address any potential mold growth in your home.

If you detect a mold odor in your home, but you can't see any visible signs of mold growth, it is important to take action. Mold can grow in hidden areas, such as behind walls or under flooring, and it can cause structural damage if left unchecked. Here are some steps to take if you smell mold but can't see it.

Determine the Source of the Smell

The first step is to try to determine the source of the mold odor. This can be difficult, as mold can grow in hidden areas that are not easily accessible. Start by checking areas where moisture is common, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Look for signs of water damage or leaks, such as discoloration or warping of surfaces.

Hire a Professional

If you are unable to locate the source of the mold odor, or if you suspect that there may be mold growth in hidden areas, it is best to hire a professional such as SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Ferguson. A mold remediation specialist can conduct a thorough inspection of your home and identify any hidden mold growth. They can also provide recommendations for remediation and prevention.

Use a Mold Test Kit

If you want to try to identify the presence of mold yourself, you can use a mold test kit. These kits are available at most hardware stores and can be used to test for the presence of mold in the air or on surfaces. Keep in mind that these tests are not always accurate and may not identify all types of mold.

Address Moisture Issues

If you do detect mold growth, it is important to address any underlying moisture issues. Mold needs moisture to grow, so eliminating the source of moisture is key to preventing further growth. Fix any leaks or water damage promptly, and ensure that your home is properly ventilated.

Hire a Mold Remediation Specialist

If you do have mold growth in your home, it is important to hire a professional mold remediation specialist to address the problem. They will be able to safely and effectively remove the mold and prevent further growth. Attempting to remove mold yourself can be dangerous, as it can release spores into the air and cause respiratory issues.

If you smell mold but can't see it, it is important to take action to identify and address any potential mold growth in your home. Determining the source of the smell, hiring a professional, using a mold test kit, addressing moisture issues, and hiring a mold remediation specialist are all steps you can take to ensure that your home is free of mold growth. By being proactive, you can prevent the potential structural damage and health risks associated with mold growth.

From Cleanup to Restoration: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fire Damage Recovery

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business can be a devastating experience, leaving behind significant damage and destruction.

A fire in your home or business can be a devastating experience, leaving behind significant damage and destruction. In addition to the emotional toll, fire damage can also pose a health risk and affect the structural integrity of your property. The cleanup and restoration process can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it successfully. In this blog, we'll cover the fire damage cleanup and restoration process.

Step 1: Safety first

Before beginning the cleanup process, it's important to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Be sure to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator, when handling any fire-damaged materials. In addition, be aware of any hazards such as electrical wiring, gas leaks, or structural damage, and do not enter the property until it has been deemed safe.

Step 2: Assess the damage

Assessing the extent of the damage is a critical step in the cleanup and restoration process. This includes identifying the areas that have been affected by the fire, smoke, and water damage. Be sure to document the damage with photos and notes for insurance purposes.

Step 3: Remove debris

Remove any debris or damaged materials, including furniture, carpet, and insulation. Be sure to dispose of them properly and in accordance with local regulations.

Step 4: Clean and disinfect

Thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas. This includes using specialized equipment to remove smoke and soot from surfaces, as well as treating any mold or mildew growth that may have occurred due to water damage. Use a HEPA filter vacuum to remove any loose particles and clean surfaces with an appropriate solution.

Step 5: Restore and rebuild

Once the affected areas have been cleaned and disinfected, it's time to restore and rebuild. This may include repairing or replacing damaged structural elements, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Be sure to work with licensed contractors and obtain necessary permits before beginning any restoration work.

Step 6: Final inspection

After the restoration work is complete, a final inspection should be conducted to ensure that all damage has been addressed and that the property is safe for occupancy. Be sure to obtain a certificate of occupancy from your local government before returning to the property.

In conclusion, the fire damage cleanup and restoration process is a complex and challenging task. However, by following these steps and working with experienced professionals, you can successfully navigate the process and restore your property to its pre-fire condition. Remember to prioritize safety, document the damage, remove debris, clean and disinfect, restore and rebuild, and conduct a final inspection. With the right approach, you can overcome the devastation of fire damage and move forward with confidence.

4 Things You Should NOT Do After Water Damage

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

Here are 4 things you should never do after suffering from a water damage event.

After a water loss, it's tempting to try and take matters into your own hands. But the best way to prevent more damage from happening is by calling professionals trained in water damage restoration as quickly as possible. Here are 4 things you should never do after suffering from a water damage event.

Don't use electronic appliances near water.

If you have electronics that were damaged by water, don't use them. Water can cause electrical appliances to short out and start a fire, or even electrocute you if you try to use them. Don't plug in anything that has been exposed to moisture until it has been thoroughly dried out by a professional. For example,

Don't stand under a sagging ceiling.

This might seem obvious, but it's important to remember that water can cause ceilings to sag. When you're in your home after a water damage event, don't stand under any sagging sections of the ceiling. When the weight of the water becomes too much, the ceiling can collapse ontop of you.

Also never stand in a flooded room. Not only can the water be highly unsanitary, but the water may also be in contact with electrical outlets.

Don't clean up on your own.

The first thing to do after water damage is to call a professional. This may seem like an obvious statement, but it's surprising how many people try to clean up and repair their homes on their own after a flood or burst pipe. While you may think you're helping by doing this work yourself, there are many reasons why hiring professionals is the best option:

• They know what they're doing.
• You'll save money by hiring someone instead of buying supplies yourself.
• If something goes wrong during repairs, professional contractors are insured.
• Experienced professionals won't cut corners.

Don't wait to call professionals.

If you've ever experienced a flood or other water damage, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath. The longer you wait, the worse things get.

For example:

• Waiting too long means that mold and mildew will have time to grow in your home or business.
• The longer water sits untreated on your property, the more damage it causes.
• Secondary damages are more expensive to repair.

If this sounds familiar then don't worry--we're here to help! Our team has been trained in all aspects of restoration work so we can handle any type of project regardless of how big or small it might be! When you call a company such as SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Estero, you can count on an immediate response to your loss 24/7.

The best way to prevent more damage is to call a professional.

The best way to prevent more damage from happening after a water loss is by calling professionals trained in water damage restoration as quickly as possible. A trained and experienced professional will quickly respond to your loss and begin the mitigation process immediately, having your home or business back up and running again in no time. 

Preparing for Storms

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing for a storm will reduce the risk of damage to your property.

Storms can be very destructive, and they can cause you to lose time and money. Prepare yourself for a storm by making sure your property is ready for the worst.

Secure loose Rain Gutters and Downpipes

It’s important to secure loose rain gutters and downpipes before a storm. They can become dangerous if they are not secured properly, as they can fall off and cause damage or injury. Make sure that your rain gutter is secured by checking that it has enough screws in place, and you may also want to check its connection with the fascia boards at the top of your house.

Move Vehicles Under Cover

Move vehicles, boats or trailers under cover to protect for wind and rain damage. Park on the highest point of your property or in a garage or car port if possible. This will protect it from floodwaters and falling trees, which are more likely to occur during high wind conditions.

Secure Outdoor Furniture

Winds can cause damage to outdoor belongings. Secure patio furniture and accessories to prevent damages to windows or doors. Make sure play equipment is well secured to the ground. Ensure items are not blocking drains or access to your house and car.

Stock up on Bottled Water and Nonperishable Foods

Stock up on bottled water and nonperishable foods such as canned goods and dried fruit. Keep a torch, battery-powered radio, spare batteries, candles and matches in an easy-to-reach place. If you don't have a battery-powered radio, wait until you can get one. You should also make sure that you have spare batteries and candles in case the power doesn't come back on immediately after the storm passes.

If the worst happens, however unlikely it may be, it's best to prepare for all potential outcomes as far ahead of time as possible.

Reduce the risk of Damage to your property

If a storm is approaching, it's important to prepare yourself, your home and your family. Using the elements as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning can also help you get ready for a storm. Preparing your car in advance of a potential emergency can make all the difference in getting out safely if one occurs.

If you’re prepared for a storm, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of damage to your property. This will also help you save time and money when it comes to dealing with any repairs that need to be made. If you want more information on how to prepare for a storm, check out this site. https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather

Office Fire Safety 101: Workplace Fire Prevention Tips

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Check regularly your Fire Extinguishers.

Office Fire Safety 101: Workplace Fire Prevention Tips

Fires are a common occurrence in any workplace. It's up to you, as the employer, to take the necessary precautions to help prevent them from happening. As an employer, it is your responsibility to maintain a safe work environment for employees and visitors. This includes ensuring that all fire safety regulations are followed and that employees understand their role in preventing fires from breaking out on-site.

Ensure Fire Doors are Closed

• Fire doors should be closed at all times. If a fire door is open, it could cause a backdraft to occur inside your building and cause smoke to enter.
• Backdrafts can also start fires inside of buildings that are normally well-ventilated and safe from outside threats.

Keep Fire Exits Clear

This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent workplace fires. Keep fire exits clear at all times, and don't let them become storage areas. If an emergency occurs, you want to be able to get out of the building as quickly as possible without having to worry about tripping over something or getting caught in a crowd.

If a disaster strikes your business premises, such as an earthquake or other natural disaster, make sure that everyone knows where they're supposed to go if there's an evacuation. Make sure that any necessary items are either kept near exits or stored elsewhere in case there isn't time for people to access them after evacuating the building due to a fire or other emergency situation (such as heavy flooding).

Assign Specific Responsibilities Throughout the Workplace

Assigning specific responsibilities throughout your workplace can help ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

• Designate someone to be responsible for calling 911 and alerting others if there's an emergency. This person should not be involved with putting out the fire or evacuating people, but should instead focus on making sure that all employees are safely evacuated from the building.
• Assign someone who is able to put out fires in their area, as well as a backup person who can take over if needed. This person may also be called upon to evacuate people with disabilities or other special needs, such as those that require assistance moving through crowds of panicked coworkers who are rushing toward exits at full speed (which is never a good idea).

Regularly Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers

To ensure that your fire extinguishers are in proper working order, it is important to make sure that you regularly check the pressure gauge and tamper seal. The correct pressure range for a fire extinguisher can vary depending on the type of extinguisher, but if you have a CO2 or ABC dry chemical extinguisher, it should be within 40-60 PSI. Additionally, you should make sure that the tamper seal is not broken before use. If an extinguisher has been discharged or if the tamper seal has been broken, then it must be replaced immediately because of potential damage from exposure to high temperatures caused by use or misuse.

To ensure optimal coverage during a fire emergency at work, each company should have at least one multipurpose dry chemical unit per floor of their building space; this means that there should be one multipurpose dry chemical unit per person who works on each floor of your business (including employees who work remotely).

Have a Smoke/Fire Alarm System Installed and Inspect it Regularly

The most important steps you can take to help protect your employees are to have a smoke/fire alarm system installed and inspect regularly.

• If this does not sound like something you've been doing, there's no time like the present to get started.
• Don’t forget that these alarms need to be tested frequently—at least once per month—to ensure they are working properly and will alert your company if they detect dangerous levels of smoke or fire.

Test Your Emergency Lighting System

You should test your emergency lighting system every month, at a minimum. This will ensure that all of the lights are functional and that they are properly positioned to provide adequate light during an emergency situation. It’s also important to test the lighting after work is done on the building, especially if it involves new wiring or plumbing work. You don’t want to learn that a fire has broken out while you're sitting in darkness because the wiring was accidentally cut.

In addition, make sure you perform periodic tests of your fire alarms and sprinkler systems as well - even if there's no indication that anything is wrong with them!

More Tips

Fire is an ever-present danger in any workplace. Whether you are a business owner, a supervisor, or an employee, it's important to know how to prevent fires in your place of business. Not only do fires pose a threat to the safety and well-being of employees and customers alike, they also cost money and time that could be spent elsewhere. You can help prevent fires by following these tips:

• Keep your workplace clean and free from combustible materials.
• Educate yourself on fire prevention techniques.
• Make sure all employees follow proper fire safety procedures.

There is no substitute for a well-trained and prepared workforce. A fire emergency can happen at any time, and every employee should be ready to respond quickly and effectively. Employees who are trained to use the fire extinguishers in their area will be able to quickly put out the fire before it spreads through the building. If everyone knows what their responsibilities are in case of an emergency, then everyone is better able to handle the situation when it happens!

Reasons Why You Need Professional Mold Testing and Inspection

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

This home had a mold infestation caused by flood waters entering a home.

Reasons Why You Need Professional Mold Testing and Inspection

Mold is a common issue that can affect areas such as homes and businesses in the Bonita Springs area. If not treated properly, mold can spread rapidly through your home and cause serious issues for everyone present in the affected area.

It could be an expensive problem to ignore

As you probably already know, mold is a common problem in homes. But did you know that 27% of American homes have mold growth? 

If you ignore the problem, it could be an expensive one to fix. Mold damage can be costly to repair and remediate, and if you don't know how extensive your mold contamination is, it's hard to budget for it. For example, if you need to replace drywall or floors in your home because of mold damage, this can cost thousands of dollars even for a small area. The cost of professional testing and inspection services is far less than what you'll spend if left unchecked.

You need to know how bad the problem is

You will want to know how bad the problem is. Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours, and it can cause a lot of problems if you don't act quickly. We have all heard stories about people who thought they had a small mold problem but discovered that their house was full of toxic spores. A professional inspector can help you identify what kind of mold is affecting your home and help you understand why it's there, so that you can take appropriate action to get rid of it permanently.

Professional mold inspection and testing offer peace of mind.

You also want to know what solutions are available so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your situation.

Professional mold inspectors have both the education and experience needed to provide a thorough analysis of your situation without bias or partiality based on price alone. By hiring a professional, you will have someone on hand who understands all aspects involved in determining whether mold has taken hold in your home or building—from environmental conditions causing moisture problems through visual inspections down through microscopic analysis of surface samples collected from your property.

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons why you should hire a professional inspector or company to do your mold testing. The most important thing is to take care of any problems before they get out of hand and cost you more money than necessary down the road. If you think that maybe your home might have mold growth or an issue with mold, then it’s best not to wait. SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Estero can take care of all your mold remediation needs in your home or business.

How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your home in Bonita Springs, FL, experiences a water leak, you can file an insurance claim to cover repairs and replacement costs.

How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim

Water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claims. If your home in Bonita Springs, FL, experiences a water leak, you can file an insurance claim to cover repairs and replacement costs. But even if you're not sure what type of water damage occurred or how it happened, filing a successful claim is possible by following these steps:

Step 1: Stop the Leak

If you have a leak and it's not too major, the first thing you should do is stop the flow of water. You can do this by turning off your main water supply, or by using a bucket or other container to catch it. It's important not to use towels or cloths for this purpose; these materials will only absorb the liquid and allow it to continue flowing into your home as soon as they become saturated. Similarly, don't try using your hands—your skin will likely become irritated and/or cut from being exposed to so much moisture. And finally: don't attempt to plug up leaks with brooms either (and especially not duct tape).

Step 2: Record the Damage

The next step to filing a successful water damage insurance claim is to properly document your losses. You'll need to take pictures and record the details of the damage.

Take photos of all of the following:

• The affected areas, including any damaged floors, walls, or ceilings
• The source of the leak (e.g., a broken pipe)
• The amount of water that has spilled on your property

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Agent

The next step is to call your insurance agent. This is an important step because he or she can help you with the claim process and make sure that your rights are protected. It's also a good idea to do this as soon as possible, even if you're still waiting around for repairs from a water damage company.

Don't wait until you've completed the repairs yourself or replaced damaged items before calling your insurance company or agent. And don't replace any damaged items without consulting your insurer first!

Step 4: Call a Restoration Company

Once you've determined that your home has been damaged, it's time to call a restoration company. Restoration companies help with water damage claims, and they're the best way to get back on track after a leak. The process of filing a claim is complex and can be difficult for homeowners without experience in this area. A good restoration company will take care of all the details for you.

The first step is getting an assessment from a contractor who specializes in fixing water damage problems like yours. They'll do an inspection so they know what needs to be done before writing up an estimate for repairs (which should include labor costs). The contractor will also provide advice on how much time it will take to complete repairs, how long until everything can go back into regular use again, etc. 

Step 5: Monitor Progress

When it comes time for the actual repairs on your home or business, make sure that everything is being done in a timely fashion—and professionally. It's easy to get excited about getting your leak repaired as soon as possible; but if something goes wrong with the workmanship during or after repair, then all of those good feelings could disappear in an instant!

It's also important not to rush into accepting estimates from contractors until they have thoroughly checked out all aspects of what actually caused the leak in your property: this includes checking underground pipes and looking at foundations carefully before giving any kind of estimate.

Water leak insurance claims can be challenging, but with the right information and guidance, you can successfully file a claim. The most important thing is to stop the leak and document all damages as soon as possible. If you are able to do this before making any repairs or replacements yourself, then your insurance company will pay for restoration services so that your home is restored to its original condition.

What is the Commercial Fire Cleanup Process?

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Estero provides commercial fire clean-up and restoration services, Give us a call.

What is the Commercial Fire Cleanup Process?

Fire damage clean-up and restoration is a process that can take weeks or even months to complete. It is critical to understand how the process works and what steps are involved to ensure that your Bonita Springs, FL home or business is completely restored.

Inspect and assess the damage

The first step in the commercial cleanup process is to inspect and assess the damage, which includes identifying fire and smoke damage.

• Fire damage. When it comes to fire, you’re looking for charring or blackening of surfaces, especially those that are normally concealed. The extent of smoke odor can also be a good indicator of how much heat was applied to an item. Smoke damage can range from very light soot marking on furniture or equipment up through complete charring.
• Water damage from sprinkler systems or excessive water used by firefighters during their operations can cause significant damage if left untreated for an extended period – not only to property but also potentially to building occupants’ health if not addressed quickly enough

Plan and take action

Planning is key to success. The more time you spend planning for a clean-up, the better your results will be.

• What are the goals of your commercial fire cleanup project?
• What materials need to be removed?
• How much time do you have to complete the project?
• How many people will work on this project and what skills do they have?

Pack-out necessary items

Once the inspection of your property is completed, you'll want to pack out any belongings that are damaged or can be damaged by the cleanup process. If you are planning on remodeling the space and not moving back into it immediately, then it is recommended that all personal items should be removed from the property during this time as well.

Immediately after an accident, a building's structural integrity may have been compromised. As such, if there were any areas of the structure that appear unsafe or unstable after a fire, then these areas should be removed and replaced before any additional cleaning can begin!

Structure cleaning

Structure clean-up is the process of cleaning the structure of a building. Structure clean-up includes walls, ceilings, woodwork, and other types of surfaces that were exposed to smoke during a fire. The goal of structure cleanup is to ensure that any remaining soot or residue from the fire is removed from these surfaces before they are occupied again by people or animals.

As part of your fire restoration process, you will want to have all smoke-damaged items cleaned and dried as soon as possible after your fire damage occurs. This will help prevent further damage or contamination which could greatly increase both time and costs required for the completion of this step in your restoration project

Contents cleaning 

SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Estero specializes in contents cleaning, which is the restoration of items that have been damaged by fire. This can include clothing, furniture, and personal belongings.

Before cleaning any items or restoring them to their original state, we first perform an assessment of each item’s condition. This helps us determine if it needs to be cleaned or restored and how much work will be necessary on our part to get it back into working order again.

Reinstallation of cleaned/restored items

The restoration process is complete when you're happy with the results. But don't stop there! It's important to make sure that your belongings are properly reinstalled in their original places and settings.

Items that were damaged by soot, smoke, or heat will need to be cleaned again before being replaced. If any items were destroyed, such as carpeting or furniture, replacements must be purchased. And for those items that can't be restored (like a burned-out light bulb), it's time for replacements too!

The same goes for odor elimination—after all this work, it would be terrible to have lingering smells in your home after everything is finished. A thorough cleaning should eliminate any remaining odors from your space so you can enjoy living there once again without worrying about unpleasant smells sneaking up on you out of nowhere! No need to worry though, SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Estero can take care of it all.

When it comes to commercial fire cleaning services, there are many options available. However, it can be difficult to know which company is right for you and your needs. We hope our guide has helped you understand more about the process and how we can assist you with your next cleanup job!

What To Do If You Do Not Have Flood Insurance

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

FEMA offers several kinds of grants

Water can quickly enter your Estero, FL, house during a major storm. Even if you do have homeowners' insurance, your policy likely does not include flood coverage. Luckily, those without flood insurance can still apply for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Types of Grants

FEMA offers several kinds of grants. They can assist with:

• Home repairs
• Personal property losses
• Funeral, dental or medical costs
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Temporary housing
• Rent

The home repair grant should help you pay for initial emergency restoration services that make your house safe, secure, habitable, and sanitary. However, the government will not cover the costs of returning your home to its pre-flood condition.

You will not have to repay the grant money that you spend. However, you must keep your receipts to prove that the money was used to repair your home. Any money that was not spent was spent on alternative purposes or cannot be documented via receipts will have to be returned to the government.

Eligibility Requirements

Anyone who lives in a county that has been designated a disaster area is eligible for a grant. Even if you have flood insurance, you can use the grant for excess expenses that insurance does not cover.

Renters and college students qualify for grants, as well. Applicants do not need to be under a certain income threshold, either. However, you or a member of your household must be a citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

Application Process

If you believe you are eligible for a grant, you can apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-462-7585. FEMA will then send a letter notifying you of its decision. Those who were denied eligibility can file an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving the letter.

Depending on the flood plane of your local stream, even a relatively minor storm can cause large consequences for your property. That is why the government offers assistance to those without flood insurance.

4 Tips for Handling Candles Safely

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Candles can be beautiful, but safety should always be considered

Candles provide a calm, soothing ambiance, and many people enjoy them for their warm light and fragrance. While candles can bring joy to you and your family, they can also cause damage to your home if they are not used properly. By practicing proper candle safety, you can prevent a candle fire from wreaking havoc on your home in Bonita Springs, FL.

Here Are Four Tips For Handling Candles Safely

1. Put the Flame Out
Blow out candles whenever you leave the room and before going to bed. A candle has an open flame and can quickly ignite nearby objects if not kept under supervision. Avoid using candles when you are sleepy to avoid dozing off while candles are lit. In addition, blow out candles before they reach the bottom of their containers.

2. Keep a Safe Distance
Candles can set fire to flammable objects, such as paper and cardboard if they are burning too close to them. Place candles at least one foot away from anything that could catch fire and burn.

3. Use a Flat Surface
Burn candles on an even, flat surface. Uneven and wobbly platforms can cause a candle to tip over, increasing your chances of a candle fire.

4. Consider Candle Alternatives

There are many alternatives to candles on the market, such as oil diffusers, room sprays, and flameless candles. Using any of these options will eliminate the risk of fire from an open flame, sparing you the headache of repairs and smoke cleanup if a fire occurs.

In addition to the tips outlined above, it is also important to know what to do if your candle develops into a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher close by to put out small flames and keep the contact information for a professional fire restoration service handy to assist with any fire damage. If there is any chance of danger or emergency, call 911 immediately.

By following the safety tips above, you can significantly reduce your risk of a candle fire. Candles can be beautiful, but safety should always be considered before lighting the wick.