Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Cleaning Up After a Tampa House Fire
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
Clean up and restoration after a fire is serious business. Call well trained professionals. SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888.
A fire in your home, can be frightening and costly. Knowing where to turn for assistance after the fire is critical. When you consider training, experience and expertise, SERVPRO of West Tampa is the clear choice.
Once you have dealt with the immediate aftermath of the fire and have made sure that everybody in the area is safe, call both your insurer and SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888.
You are strongly advised to stay clear of the building because structural integrity may be compromised. It’s best to wait for the restoration team to arrive. They will be able to assess the situation and let you know if it’s safe to enter.
Our trained, certified crews are on call 24 hours a day and ready to take action to help quickly.
Locally owned and operated, we are part of the community and care about getting you back into your home as soon as possible. Whether your home or business is located in Tampa, Town n Country or Rocky Point you can rest assured we are faster to any size disaster.
There is no substitute for training and experience. As fire and water damage specialists, our business is built upon fire and water restoration expertise. We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.
Using the Right Restoration Tools and Equipment for Tampa
There are all kinds of reasons why fire damage could become a problem for homeowners. No matter what the cause, it needs to be dealt with in a safe and controlled manner. This is why restoration services are the right option. These teams have access to specialized equipment (dehumidifiers, air movers, and blowers) that can be used to safely remove the damaged portions of the building and start repairs on the rest.
Dehumidifiers are a common sight on fire damaged lots, because they are usually needed to reverse the impact of water from previous firefighting efforts. As moisture can be incredibly destructive, particularly if left to stagnate, it’s imperative that heavy duty tools are used to dry the air and delay or disrupt the growth of mold. This is a complicated process, and it should only be undertaken by professionals.
SERVPRO of West Tampa is dedicated to responding immediately to your Tampa fire damage emergency. A faster response is the key to help prevent additional damage and reduce the restoration cost.
If you are in need of a reliable fire damage restoration service, SERVPRO of West Tampa has everything that you need. We can provide state of the art equipment, innovative restoration techniques, and a supportive hand to guide you through the crisis. Call us (813) 855-0888.
Removing Mold from Homes in Tampa
3/8/2022 (Permalink)
Discovering mold in your home can be unsettling. The first step if you discover or suspect mold is to call SERVPRO of West Tampa. Removing mold requires experience and training.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references.
Discovering Mold in Tampa
When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home.
Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth. Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity.
SERVPRO of West Tampa specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888.
The Right Training for the Job
SERVPRO of West Tampa is an IICRC firm. The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.
These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
if You Suspect Water Damage or Mold in Your Home, Don't Wait To Take Action
3/3/2022 (Permalink)
Leaky roof and ceiling can lead to serious water damage, call SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888.
Leaky Roof and Tampa Water Damage
Most people think a roof leak in Tampa is just a structural problem. However, it poses several safety and health risks as well. The constant intrusion of water slowly but steadily works its way down from your roof to your foundation, compromising the integrity of your whole structure if left unchecked.
To prevent this slow but devastating water damage to your Tampa home, you need to address roof leaks very quickly. At the first signs of roof damage, get in touch with our staff at SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888. We are trained to handle these situations in an efficient manner so we can avoid further damage to your home.
One thing we may likely have to replace are ceiling tiles where the water came down through your roof. Usually, these are less expensive to replace than to dry. Plus, water can stain the tiles and make them bow, so they become an eyesore as well if not replaced.
SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians can remove ceiling tiles during the drying process so air can circulate and dry the wet areas above the tiles.
When the water has gone down through your walls, drying several layers of sheetrock requires longer drying time. Drying just one layer of wet drywall usually takes five to seven days, and two segments can take ten to fourteen days.
We monitor the layers using a penetrating moisture tester with Teflon coated probes. These probes are used in inconspicuous places, and we patch the holes during the process of restoration. When wet, drywall becomes more fragile, so we make sure to be careful as we work. It stabilizes more as it dries out.
SERVPRO of West Tampa staff also checks and dries all flooring and subflooring for any water damage. If needed, we take the appropriate action depending on the type of floor and set out air moves and dehumidifiers to ensure a faster drying time.
Suspect Mold in Tampa?
If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Tarpon to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.
Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof, chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a perfect environment for mold growth.
SERVPRO of West Tampa are the ones to call when you have a leaky roof and water damage to your home. Call us right away at (813) 855-0888 when you realize there is a problem, and we can be out to your home in a timely fashion to help you restore your structure.
Mold Can Spread Quickly, If You Suspect Mold Call Us Today
2/28/2022 (Permalink)
Mold in your home may require professional attention today, call SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888.
Mold In Your Tampa Home
When mold infests a Tampa home, the damage and the restoration costs can vary widely. If caught quickly after the mold begins growing, both are minor, and the emphasis stays on cleaning and removing mold from surfaces. If the mold has had months to grow unnoticed, then the focus can shift to removal and replacement of affected property, both personal and structural.
When this happens, Tampa homeowners have a unique opportunity for remodeling their homes, especially the bathroom. SERVPRO technicians can remove the tiles, shower, bathtub, and other bath items, and replace them at the direction of the homeowner.
Mold rarely penetrates tile surfaces, but it does grow into the grout material that seals the tiles in place. The same material also forms a seal between pieces of a shower or bathtub unit, keeping water from leaking or seeping in behind them and causing further damage from wood rot. SERVPRO restoration teams train to remove the grout and tiles carefully.
If mold has grown into the walls behind the tile, our teams can remove and replace those as well. After removing the affected drywall, specialists spray the framing behind them and the surrounding area with an anti-fungal agent to make certain no live mold spores are still present.
Before installing the new panels, the teams use a combination of air movers and fans to increase circulation and dry out the bathroom to reduce the chance of mold growing again. If the interior humidity is very high, they augment these devices with a dehumidifier to draw water from the surrounding air.
With a new wall, it is a perfect time to replace the tiles, or even replace the entire bathtub and shower area with a one- or two-piece, drop-in unit. Technicians can make many of these changes at the homeowner’s discretion, but for very expensive replacement items, the team leader always recommends using the manufacturer’s installation team to set and seal them in place.
SERVPRO of West Tampa has trained technicians ready to help if you suspect mold. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration, and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of West Tampa and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
A mold infestation is something no homeowner wants to happen in their residence. Cleaning and replacing affected property can be an opportunity to upgrade the home. If this is your situation, call SERVPRO of West Tampa at (813) 855-0888 today to begin restoration.
Water Damage in Your Tampa Business, SERVPRO of West Tampa is Your Team
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
There are several ways that water can cause problems in your office building. Some office complexes have the luxury of on-site gyms and fitness areas, complete with showers and locker rooms, and clogs in showers can cause back-ups. Toilets might overflow, a kitchenette sink's water feedline could break, or a multitude of other situations develop quickly.
When you have water damage in your Tampa office building, you should call SERVPRO of West Tampa, experts in commercial water removal to ensure that the problem is corrected. Water damage, mold, electrical problems including life-threatening hazards can develop. These problems increase and intensify as time passes.
SERVPRO of West Tampa has expertly trained technicians who know how to remove any standing water and then track down all of the water that escaped into cracks, crevices, and other porous areas. These areas might not even be known to you, let alone be visible.
Water not only can travel down and sideways, as well as evaporate and travel to other areas within a building, our technicians also use methods to find higher concentrations of moisture.
These areas can lead to problematic water damage in the future, so it is best if they are completely eradicated now, instead. Using moisture meters makes this aspect of our work simple and easy to complete in a short amount of time.
When areas are found to have high humidity or moisture, we then, according to the specific needs, engage in ridding the area of the excess moisture until it is within normal moisture levels.
These water extraction tools include heaters, which increase the rate of evaporation, air blowers, used to help air currents whisk away moisture from surfaces, and dehumidifiers, which remove the moisture from the air and drain it into a container. We do this until it is "Like it never even happened."
Call the SERVPRO of West Tampa Team
No matter what kind of water emergency your office building sustains, call us, SERVPRO of West Tampa, to ensure that water removal efforts are complete and able to protect your building from future damages. SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888, and we can be reached at any time, whenever you need us most.
SERVPRO of West Tampa Is Here To Help With Your Mold Issue
11/29/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of West Tampa, Call us at (813) 855-0888 if you find or suspect mold damage
Mold can grow anywhere the right conditions are present, even if the area has never had an infestation before, and these conditions might already exist somewhere in your home. Although mold prevention is not easy, the alternative option is to deal with the fungus after it has already been allowed to spread, which is a much more expensive and difficult process.
Keep The Home Dry
Most homes in Tampa with mold damage receive the damage as a side effect of some other type of water damage. When any part of the home including the bathroom remains inundated with excess water, this creates the perfect environment for spores to begin to grow.
Contacting a professional water removal company like SERVPRO soon after the water damage comes to light can prevent mold and other issues from developing at all.
Close The Windows
Longtime residents know Florida's humidity well. Open any window, and you can feel it for yourself. Fungi thrive in hot and humid conditions, and by keeping doors and windows open in your home, you work against the climate control systems that would otherwise discourage mold growth. You don't have to keep your home shuttered all day, but closing doors and windows when you are not around could be a good idea.
Do Not Ignore Warning Signs
A small patch of mold may seem harmless and easy to deal with, when it is, in fact, just an extension of a much larger mold problem. Mold can grow behind walls, below floors, and in hiding places. SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians use advanced thermohydrometers to detect pockets of moisture and mold growth throughout the home any time they respond to a mold damage call.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Tampa provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
SERVPRO of West Tampa has helped local homeowners to fight mold damage for years and can help to eliminate any fungal problems in your home in a quick and efficient process. Call us at (813) 855-0888 as soon as you find damage.
Flooding In Tampa Doesn't Have To Mean Losing Your Home
3/15/2021 (Permalink)
If you need restoration help with your Tampa home or business Call SERVPRO of West Tampa at (813) 855-0888.
Although floods can happen any time, most incidents catch Tampa homeowners unawares. Floods, especially from storms, involve a myriad of challenges like contamination, and damages that spread all over the property. Even if you expect a flood, such challenges can overwhelm you. Certified in IICRC restoration of storm-damaged properties, we have the skills necessary to tackle all problems that may arise.
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of West Tampa arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Our biggest weapon against flood damage in Tampa is anticipation. We have fully stocked storm trailers ready to deploy at a moment notice to any location where flood damages property. When we arrive at the loss site early enough, we can take steps that prevent secondary damages. A good example is boarding up your property to keep weather elements out and removing any free items from the flooded sections to keep the water from ruining them.
Many hazards exist in flooded properties. For example, as the water flows over different areas, it carries several contaminants including biohazards to the house. The water level in the house might also reach electrical outlets, so anyone venturing into the house faces electrocution hazards.
The SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians are trained to anticipate such problems, which is why we carry the necessary PPE, Personal Protection Equipment, to all loss sites. Such equipment includes rubber gloves and boots to protect against contaminants. We also spray EPA- registered disinfectants into the water before starting other restoration processes.
Porous materials absorb contaminants from the floodwaters, and it is hard to remove all traces of such contaminants through cleaning procedures. For the safety of the occupants, the best option is to remove all porous materials from the affected area.
The SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians anticipate contamination of carpets, drywall, insulation, and other porous materials so in our toolboxes we have carpet shears, duckbill knives, pry bars and other tools to facilitate safe removal without damaging untouched materials. We also have heavy-duty plastics to hold the materials removed for safe disposal.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Dealing with flood damage is easier when you have a highly trained team assisting you. Call SERVPRO of West Tampa at (813) 855-0888 to help restore your property.
If You Suspect Mold, Bring in The Team In Tampa That Understands Moldrsta
3/15/2021 (Permalink)
It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named.
Understanding Mold In Tampa
Mold growth and abatement require you to strike a balance between the conditions that allow fungi to flourish and the comfort of the average human. If you constantly battle mold in a commercial setting, another approach may be needed. Work with SERVPRO of West Tampa to discover and permanently remedy the moisture problems that cause persistent mold growth.
Your housekeeping staff is top-notch, yet you never seem to get ahead of hotel mold damage in your Tampa lodging property. Every time a housekeeper cleans a guest bathroom, they are to look carefully for mold and mildew. They almost always find a patch and apply a bleach solution to eradicate it. Although mold is common in all bath areas, struggling with it daily is unsustainable and an indication that your plan is not working. We would love an opportunity to evaluate your situation to see our mold remediation protocol offers a better and more permanent outcome.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.
Mold needs oxygen, moisture and a source of carbon-based nourishment to grow and prosper. Your hotel baths have plenty of oxygen. You might be surprised to know the remaining nourishment sources are possibly the thin coating of invisible soap scum for carbon and the water used to dilute the bleach solution. SERVPRO staff train to learn how to locate, contain and remove the microbial growth, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedure to remediate mold in schools and commercial buildings.
We use targeted biocide or anti-microbial products to disinfect the area, a much better decision than the use of bleach. Bleach lightens the color of the mold but does not remove or kill the tiny fungi. This explains why the same area darkens time after time, even after serious scrubbing by your housekeepers. The SERVPRO of West Tampa team then takes the investigation a crucial step further. We determine why the moisture level in your bathrooms is providing such an efficient incubator for mold.
Measurements of ambient humidity reveal the moisture content of the air alone in your guest bathrooms encourages the mold outbreaks. The answer is variable, including an inspection of your HVAC systems and a close look at how well your ventilation fans are reducing moisture. One thing that makes a huge difference is to link the bath light with the fan at all times, eliminating the choice for your guests to shower and bathe without the fan running.
Why Our Team For Mold?
SERVPRO of West Tampa specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If hard to manage mold outbreaks are causing your hotel review scores to dip, contact SERVPRO of West Tampa for a comprehensive evaluation and mold remediation. Call us at (813) 855-0888 to solve this problem.
Restoration And Renovation In Tampa
3/10/2021 (Permalink)
When disaster strikes the Tampa area, call SERVPRO of West Tampa call us for a fast response time, professional clean-up, and reconstruction of your home. When you decide to replace the chipped bathtub and outdated tile you can call us for that as well.
Bathroom remodeling for Tampa homes is a special service our SERVPRO of West Tampa office provides area homeowners. Since the removal and preparation for restoration and remodeling is the same, helping residents modernize and improve their home is a natural growth out of our original mission.
Our remodeling team starts by sitting down with the homeowner to determine what they want, and we can offer our input. Our remodelers can install any tile and fixture, and paint or prepare the walls and ceilings to meet their color requirements as well. If desired, our crew can install modular units for the tub and shower enclosures.
Once our team has the plan, they start by carefully removing the old fixtures and pulling down any tile. If the homeowner wants to donate old fixtures that still look good and function, the team leader can help him, or she makes the arrangements for the items to be picked up.
With the tub, sink, and other items gone, SERVPRO of West Tampa team members inspect the walls and ceiling for any water issues. If the drywall shows sign of crumbling or other damage, we prefer to remove and replace them before continuing with other steps of the remodel. We can apply an antimicrobial agent for protection again mold growth. Next, we paint the walls and ceilings, and then apply tiles where indicated by the owner. Once everything is in place, we use fans to increase air circulation to more quickly dry the bathroom.
Finally, we carefully install the new bathtub or shower, sink, and other fixtures. Our crews carefully set the new items in place to avoid any possible damage or misalignment. With everything in place, teams use the fans again to speed up drying and ventilate the room.
Since we are a water and fire cleanup and restoration company, we make sure that the exhaust ventilation in the bathroom is adequate to evacuate excess moisture after a shower.
Our goal at SERVPRO of West Tampa, is to provide a remodeled bathroom that the homeowner can enjoy as quickly as possible. We are here for our neighbors, regardless if it to help improve the value of their home or to rebuild it after a disaster. If you need us, call today at (813) 855-0888 to get started.
If You Suspect Mold In Your Home, Trust Our Team
3/2/2021 (Permalink)
If your walls look like this, it could be mold. Call us today at (813) 855-0888.
Mold growth on walls occurs mostly due to water leaks, condensation, and high humidity. Condensation occurs when water vapor meets a cold surface and transforms into liquid form. Things like steam from hot water or drying wet clothes inside the house increase the humidity in your home. Failing to address high humidity levels in the house can eventually lead to mold growth on the walls.
Certified And Trained Professionals
Your best bet against mold damage in is contacting SERVPRO of West Tampa. Our technicians are highly trained and highly experienced in mold remediation, and we always follow IICRC guidelines to ensure a thorough and complete restoration process. Our equipment and products are designed to return your property to preloss conditions as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened."
Mold on drywall is a serious concern. Since drywall is high in cellulose, it is extremely vulnerable to mold damage. In most cases, SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians often resort to cutting out and disposing of any drywall that has mold growth on it, as there is no practical way to completely remove it from the material.
Mold usually grows unnoticeably behind walls, where there is plenty of humid, moist air. Mold growth can also occur behind wallpaper, as wallpaper glue holds organic debris that becomes a source of food for the mold. SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians use effective inspection methods to detect mold damage behind walls.
Signs of mold on walls include bulging, discoloration, and cracked or peeling paint. If you notice these signs on your wall, a closer inspection may reveal the development of mold growth. These signs could also be an indication of mold growing in the wall cavities. Small patches of mold on your walls may represent a larger mold colony that is slowly growing on the other side. You can easily identify the presence of mold through its unique musty odor.
SERVPRO of West Tampa specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
Apart from serving as the last line of defense against external elements, your walls provide a space for hanging your favorite items and photographs. If you notice signs of mold, SERVPRO of West Tampa can come in and begin the mold damage control process. Call us today at (813) 855-0888.
Certified Technicians Can Respond Quickly To Water Damage And Mold
1/28/2021 (Permalink)
Trained experts with the right equipment can respond quickly. SERVPRO of West Tampa a call at (813) 855-0888.
How can you prevent mold damage to your Tampa home?
It starts with understanding some facts about the creation of mold colonies and understanding what you need to do to get rid of the mold that has begun to form.
The first thing that you need to understand is that moisture is like fuel for mold spores to seat and grow into colonies. You want to cut back on the moisture in every area of your house, not just the spots that you believe are familiar places to spawn fungus. The reduction can happen in several ways that you might already be using, considering the excessive humidity typical of most Tampa homes. Without moisture in the air, colonies are much less likely to ever form on surfaces in your house. If you suspect mold or water damage call the experts at SERVPRO of West Tampa.
Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that mold spores exist naturally in the air that we breathe. Its natural existence means that if the conditions are right, any room in your house can suffer mold damages. Our SERVPRO of West Tampa certified technicians have dehumidifying devices to get rid of the moisture anywhere in your home.
Your bathroom is likely one of the most troublesome spots for the production of mold, especially if you are not regularly using the exhaust fan when taking showers and baths. This resulting steam from the warm water can linger for quite a long while as molecules in the air, pairing with mold spores to find a place to seat and grow. If you do not have an exhaust fan at all, this is a critical element to every single functioning bathroom. Ensure that you have one and that you use it appropriately.
If mold already exists, you should give our remediation technicians a call at SERVPRO of West Tampa to assess the damage and remove present colonies.
Make The Call To Protect Your Home
SERVPRO of West Tampa has experienced technicians and the right equipment to help you with mold, water damage or any other restoration work you might need.
Mold damages might not be all that uncommon to Tampa homes, but you should know whom to call if you happen to find some in your own home. Give SERVPRO of West Tampa a call at (813) 855-0888. You can reach us anytime.
Understanding Mold In Your Tampa Home, Knowing Who to Call
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
There is a lot of information online about mold that is outdated and simply wrong.
Scientific knowledge and recent discoveries dispel much of these commonly held beliefs that many surmise to be true. Knowing the facts can help you in your responsibilities in protecting your home. If you suspect mold call SERVPRO of West Tampa today (813) 855-0888. A trained, certified technician can respond quickly.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications.
Mold likes bleach.
Cleaning with bleach and other household cleaners only masks the growth and presence of microbial infestations, there is little reason to use bleach. For example, bleach bought in the grocery store contains very little sodium hypochlorite, the substance that makes bleach a good cleaner and stain remover for whites in the laundry, but the majority of the contents is plain water. Microbes love water, from any source, including bleach and other cleansers. Besides, the sodium hypochlorite molecules are too large to penetrate into the actual drywall because the paper covering is too dense. We have training in not only mold remediation, but also in mold prevention and can apply microbial growth inhibitors that make recurrence much less likely to happen.
Mold cannot grow in conditions of normal humidity. Mold must have moisture to grow. Without moisture, microbes become dormant and pose little threat unless disturbed. Disturbing microbes can release them into the air. When these living but dormant microorganisms settle in damp or moist areas in your home, they begin to grow.
Having a dehumidifier running, especially in damper areas of your home can significantly reduce the amount of moisture in the air inside your entire home, not just the immediate vicinity near the dehumidifier. SERVPRO has easy-to-maintain dehumidifiers that we can install for you.
Water can appear almost anywhere in your home. Leaks under sinks are common, but toilets and tubs can leak underneath their drains. Refrigerators can also have small leaks in their ice maker's water lines. Misaligned siding on exterior walls can allow precipitation to enter. Basements can develop cracks in walls and floors that become gateways to moisture.
Our trained technicians know how to use state-of-the-art technology, including infrared devices and hygrometers. These devices quickly show where moisture is at and allows us to put a stop to any further problems for you. When your home is dry, damage from fungal growth is much less able to happen.
If mold damage does exist, calling us, your local SERVPRO of West Tampa at (813) 855-0888 can put a stop to it, restore your home once again, and make future growth nearly impossible.
Trust your certified SERVPRO of West Tampa cleanup and sanitization experts.
4/6/2020 (Permalink)
In these times of stress and uncertainty, the best way to combat the threat of COVID-19 is to be prepared.
When it comes to disinfection and sanitization, SERVPRO cleanup practices follow CDC guidelines and use EPA-approved products. We’re here to help you protect your business and your employees – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
This is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888
SERVPRO's Mold Remediation Plan Begins with Locating the Source of the Damage
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
Call The Experts If You Suspect Mold
Even when were not in the storm season residents on Florida’s Gulf Coast still need to be vigilant about the effects of water filled weather systems. Even if you feel confident that any damage your home sustained during the season has been repaired adequately, it is possible that the conditions are still ripe for microbial growth. Mold spores are always at hand awaiting just the perfect combination of moisture, temperature and a material upon which to grow.
Because there are many varieties of mold, the conditions will vary, but almost all require water to take hold. SERVPRO can help you isolate the source of water and identify the locations of overgrowth and will then work with you on a mold damage remediation plan.
When your neighborhood suffered storm surge, flooding or leaking from overwhelmed roofs and gutters, mold damage can quickly overtake a West Tampa home. Just when you thought things were back to normal you notice an off smell or a discoloration of ceilings, walls or floor coverings. Contact us immediately if you suspect mold is breeding as time is of the essence in successful management of this problem.
Be wary of anyone who claims to be able to eradicate mold as it is simply impossible in a home setting. What can be done is to isolate the source of the mold and stabilize it so that there is little chance of additional spores moving throughout your home. Then our experienced and trained technicians will remove the infestation using appropriate products for the materials involved. Non-porous surfaces will be wiped clean and disinfected while absorbent materials like insulation or carpet padding will be detached carefully and disposed of according to relevant environmental and hazardous waste guidelines. We will also determine where the moisture that is feeding the mold is and advise on how to remedy that issue.
Even high humidity alone can cause spores to grow so we may evaluate your air conditioning and dehumidification systems toward achieving an optimum humidity level that will not promote mold growth and damage.
Mold growth can be a health concern for some susceptible individuals, and such concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare expert. Avoiding exposure to the fungal growth may be wise and be accomplished by contracting with SERVPRO to abate any mold damage you see or smell in your home. If you are a seasonal resident of the Gulf Coast, a smart move is to have us inspect your location after the tropical storm season to find and remediate any mold damage so that your holiday home is ready for your return at your pleasure without fear of significant mold damage.
When you live in our community, you realize its warmth and beauty can change with stormy weather, transforming your dream home to an incubator for mold damage that SERVPRO of West Tampa has experience remediating.
If you have any concerns about lingering moisture and possible mold damage call us at (813) 855-0888 for a thorough inspection and evaluation.
SERVPRO Provides Remediation for Mold Damage
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
Hotel mold damage is quite common in West Tampa area hotels, requiring owners to contact a quality restoration company immediately after discovery to assess the situation properly before making any assumptions about closing your doors.
SERVPRO of West Tampa can provide you with a quality inspection and assess the extent of damages you are experiencing on your property to determine whether closing your doors to the public is required or not. We specialize in safety and containment procedures that limit the possibility of exposing any guests to contaminated areas during our restoration process.
The extent of damage would need to be rather severe for us to recommend closing your doors. In most cases we can cordon off the affected area and perform the necessary repairs while your business remains open, limiting your loss and getting you back on your feet as soon as possible. We even work through off-peak hours to provide you with the services you need.
SERVPRO has access to all of the personnel and equipment necessary to perform any size restoration, so, we can handle any size situation that you may be facing. Our IICRC certified technicians use personal protective equipment and the proper handling procedures to prevent spreading the contaminations to areas outside of the area.
We also believe in providing you with safety and conveniently design any services to quickly and efficiently restore normal operations as fast as possible, with limited interruptions to your quests or the services you provide them.
Choose SERVPRO to perform your restoration services. We are a one-stop solution for any situation that you face and go above and beyond to make your situation, "Like it never even happened." Fully licensed and bonded services provided by qualified professional technicians that you can count on to get it right the first time.
Contact SERVPRO of West Tampa today to get a handle on any mold damage situation that is affecting your business. (813) 855-0888
Water Damage Your Home Requires Immediate Attention
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of West Tampa Has a Thorough Process in Place to Deal with Your Water Damage
Water damage in your home can come from various sources such as sewage backups, broken pipes, flooding from storms, malfunctioning appliances, and human error like overflowing toilets or sinks. Everyone at some point will likely deal with water damage and the need for water damage restoration services. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888.
When water damage happens to you, do not try to handle it yourself. The trained and experienced technicians at SERVPRO have the proper tools to do the job in your Tampa home correctly the first time. We can extract any standing water from the affected areas using high-powered pumps and wet/dry vacuums. The process includes removing carpeting, furniture, and other items out of the way so they can also be cleaned and dried. If there are items which are unsalvageable, we haul them away for you. After the water extraction is complete, the next step can start.
Structural drying is next. Our trained staff use heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers strategically placed throughout the area for the best drying possible. We can tell which areas need to be dried, as water tends to seep into every nook and cranny. Ensuring the area is totally dry is our business. Once each inch is dry, we can go ahead with the next step.
Cleaning and the prevention of mold are next during the process of water damage restoration. Special cleaners and mold deterrents are used. Each area that was submerged in water is cleaned and sanitized, which keeps mold from growing, plus remove any odors. Our cleaning supplies leave behind a clean, fresh scent which you can be quite happy and satisfied with. They are not overpowering, or just cover up the smell from dirty water.
Lastly, if there is any need, we make any necessary repairs, such as re-tiling, rebuilding walls or floors, roof repair, or painting. Each restoration process is different, and we treat each case individually. At this stage is where you get to see your home returned to its state preloss. It is our number one priority that your home has a look and feel like it had before the water damage occurred.
Time is of the essence with water damage, so do not hesitate to contact us at SERVPRO of West Tampa when tragedy strikes. We are easy to reach at any time when you dial us at (813) 855-0888.
Water Damage In Tampa, Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
2/20/2020 (Permalink)
In the United States, 37% of all homeowners have had their property or possessions damaged by extensive water issues. It can be a stressful experience, and it is crucial that, if this happens to you, there is a reliable repair team on hand to help. Fortunately, SERVPRO of West Tampa provides a dependable, high-quality water damage restoration service. Our restoration team is very skilled and has lots of experience dealing with flooding and other water related issues. Water damage in Tampa homes is usually caused by burst pipes, internal leaks, or dysfunctional appliances. The question is, should you wait until your home is facing a serious problem before you ask for professional help? More importantly, will a water damage restoration team respond to an emergency call, if flooding has not yet occurred?Get A Guaranteed Response With SERVPRO
While it may be that other companies respond only to flooding, SERVPRO of West Tampa recognizes the value of early detection and repair. We strongly advise all homeowners to get in touch if they suspect that water damage is developing within their property. Whether it is a leaking roof or a clogged drain; we’re here to help and fix it quickly. The thing to remember about leaks, in particular, is that they never stay small. While that drip in the attic might seem minor now, it is only a matter of time until the moisture creates a bigger hole and a more severe problem. It is always best to repair and restore small amounts of water damage while they remain mostly superficial. Why Small-Scale Repairs Are Important Too
While our state of the art drying and dehumidifying tools are primarily designed to deal with serious cases of water damage, they can be used for small projects too. SERVPRO of West Tampa has a range of dehumidifiers of different shapes and sizes and we can pick the right one for your home. If there is no extensive water intrusion and the soft furnishings are mostly intact, we can work quickly to bring the property back its original condition. Unless the water damage is related to gray or black liquid (from an overflowing toilet, for example), containment procedures won’t be needed. This means that you’ll be able to stay in your home while the technicians work. They’ll repair damaged materials by repainting stained walls, lifting carpets (if necessary), and thoroughly cleaning the affected area.Don’t let water damage turn into a serious problem. Get in touch with SERVPRO of West Tampa for fast, reliable repairs. We are a locally based company, so you can expect us to arrive onsite quickly. Call us 24/7 at (813) 855-0888.
If You Suspect Mold in Your Tampa Home Know The One To Call
12/16/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of West Tampa we have the best training, gear, and equipment available Know the one to call when you suspect mold.(813) 855-0888
If you are being overwhelmed by a mold damage infestation in Tampa, don't hesitate to call on our professional staff to help.
Calling in expertly trained technicians to assist with your situation can significantly enhance the chances of containing the infestation before it has an opportunity to get out of control and cause even further damage to your property.
Our SERVPRO of West Tampa staff knows that mold can quickly grow out of control within 48-72 hours, so we make sure that our technicians are at your door, ready to assist within four hours of your initial call.
A mold infestation may cause health effects for young children, elderly folks or anyone with respiratory issues; it is important to get a handle on the spread of a mold infestation immediately since it can cause many different types of reactions in a variety of different people. But, we do emphasize that most people are not affected adversely by most mold species.
With all of the news reports about the dangers of "Black Mold" recently, it can be hard to determine whether the information you're getting about mold is relevant or not. These reports can be scary, alarming and confusing. It would benefit you to take a few minutes to understand the facts about mold. Knowing certain information will assist you with choosing the correct actions to take to eliminate your mold infestation.
The expertly trained professionals at SERVPRO of West Tampa highly recommend that you remain outside of any affected areas found on your property and suggest that you avoid using your ventilation system until a remediation and restoration service has been performed to mitigate the spread of any existing infestation.
It is necessary to prevent the occupants of your property from making contact with any of the infected areas and for you to refrain from attempting to dry or clean the infected areas yourself. Doing so will assist you in preventing more damage to your property.
SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians have been specially prepared to help you; we have the training, gear, and equipment available to help us gain the upper hand against any size mold infestation and prevent further mold growth on your property.
The professional staff at SERVPRO of West Tampa is waiting for your call and are ready to help you right now. Make the call today - (813) 855-0888
The Biohazard Solution in West Tampa
10/10/2019 (Permalink)
We can remove the risks inherent in these scenes and restore a safe environment in your home or business. Call SERVPRO of West Tampa(813) 855-0888
Dealing with a crime or trauma is undoubtedly difficult. Unfortunately, biohazards can linger at the scenes of these events, creating the potential for serious health consequences if they are not properly eliminated.
You can protect yourself from the physical aftermath of a traumatic situation by calling SERVPRO of West Tampa (813) 855-0888 for bio-hazard cleanup.
The Purpose
Blood-borne pathogens, various biohazards, crime scene residues and dangerous chemicals often remain even after the initial crime or trauma.
SERVPRO of West Tampa's professional restoration experts trained in biohazard cleanup have specialized training and equipment. The training allows us to safely remove any toxic material and restore normalcy to the area.
Their expertise is important for people struggling to deal with the repercussions of a variety of unpleasant experiences, including:
Crimes and accidents
Suicides, homicides, injuries, and deaths
Sewage backups
Methamphetamine labs
Chemical spills
Hoarding
Vandalism
Animal waste or remains
The Process
When cleaning a scene, professionals create three distinct zones with biohazard tape and plastic sheeting. The clean area provides a place for them to store their equipment, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The buffer zone offers a secure area for them to don their personal protective equipment. The actual scene that needs to be cleaned in West Tampa is referred to as the control zone.
Once the sections have been established, restoration professionals get to work, eliminating bio-hazards using a three-step process. In the cleaning phase, they remove blood, biological materials, dirt, and chemical residues. They also take out any materials that cannot be salvaged, disposing of them as medical waste. The sanitization phase comes next. Here, technicians spray a sanitizing foam over any affected surfaces. This foaming is repeatedly done until adenosine triphosphate fluorescence testing verifies that the area has been thoroughly sanitized. In the final phase, technicians use deodorizing agents to remove any odors.
At SERVPRO of West Tampa, we understand the emotional and practical challenges involved in dealing with a crime or trauma scene. Our professional technicians have the empathy and expertise needed to tackle biohazard cleanup and restoration situations. Following the protocols established by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), we can remove the risks inherent in these scenes and restore a safe environment in your home or business. Call (813) 855-0888 today to discover more about our services or request professional assistance.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
SERVPRO of West Tampa is locally owned and operated assisting the communities of West Tampa, Tampa, Town n Country and Rocky Point.
We take pride in being members of these local communities and are ready to help 24/7.
Call Us Today – (813) 855-0888
A Broken Sprinkler Head Can Cause Damage to Your Tampa Motel
3/19/2019 (Permalink)
Tampa Area Hotels and Fire Sprinkler Systems for Protection and Safety
In the Tampa Area, SERVPRO Dries Out Water Damaged Motels
When you own and operate a motel, fire sprinklers are a must as part of your safety protocol. They eliminate fires before they can grow and cause more severe damage and risk to lives, and many times are a plus when negotiating for insurance policies for your property.
Unfortunately, sprinklers can create a lot of damage when they go off, which means you deal with both commercial water damage and fire damage in your Tampa hotel. A broken sprinkler valve is a more serious problem if it happens on its own. They go off for no obvious reason, spilling a huge amount of water into your building's ceilings and walls in a very short time.
At SERVPRO, we are professionally trained to handle water damage from a broken sprinkler head. We move quickly to extract the water since time is of the essence to avoid additional damage such as mold growth and deteriorating building elements.
Many factors can cause broken fire sprinklers, including mechanical deficiencies like corrosion, a broken pipe, improper installation, and manufacturing issues. Overheating can also occur. The damage left behind is considerable and can be worse if you do not take prompt action to get in touch with us. Remediation procedures should begin within 48 hours max after the water damage. Most of these cases need specialized treatments which we can provide. Why wait and inconvenience your guests and reduce the next night's revenues?
The water coming out of a sprinkler has enough pressure to damage the items in your motel greatly, but can also stay hidden behind ceilings and walls where it continues to wear away at structural materials. It also allows mold to grow and dangerous toxins to take hold. At SERVPRO, we use special infrared cameras and moisture meters to find any hidden moisture left behind and then dry it out.
It is a good idea (and the law) to have your fire suppressant system inspected each year for obvious reasons. The nominal fee for these inspections is worth it to prevent you from a major undertaking after the failure of your sprinkler system leads to a drenched hallway.
A burst sprinkler head is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by our SERVPRO of West Tampa technicians. For prompt service call us at (813) 855-0888.
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