How To Contain Mold and Begin the Cleanup Process

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup in Westchase, FL

There Are Three Major Steps To Containing Mold

Finding mold in your office building requires immediate attention in Westchase, FL. If you think you have a fungus problem, start the mold removal process as quickly as possible. One of the first and most important steps in mold cleanup is containment.

1. Isolating the Area
Physical barriers are set up to isolate the affected area to prevent mold from spreading into neighboring areas. Heavy plastic is often used to separate the contaminated and uncontaminated areas by sealing doors to individual rooms or covering air vents and windows. Any area that allows air flow to and from the contaminated space should be closed off.

2. Creating Negative Air Pressure
Air from the contaminated area must be removed. HEPA-filtered negative air machines pull air from the contaminated area and expel it outside using a tube or hose, removing airborne mold spores from the site. Once the air pressure inside the containment area is less than the pressure outside, a negative pressure environment is created, continuing to move air out. This is essential for controlling any spores that become airborne due to the mold cleanup process.

3. Stopping Air Flow
Mold contamination can spread quickly if air moves across the affected area. Turning off any cooling or heating fans prevents any spores from growing and multiplying.

After the mold is contained, the next step is removal and remediation. Calling a commercial mold remediation service is always recommended to ensure that mold is carefully removed and the impacted areas of your business are thoroughly cleaned, dried and disinfected. Once removal and cleaning are complete, you should begin restoring and damaged areas. Drywall, flooring and structural components should be repaired or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.

There is no time to waste if you spot mold in your building. Act fast to contain the area and begin the mold cleanup process immediately. Swift action and containment can prevent additional spread and mitigate the damage and losses, ensuring your business recovers more quickly.

How the IICRC Benefits the Restoration Industry

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC's Contribution to the Restoration Industry

Companies in the professional restoration industry work with homeowners and businesses in Westchase, FL, and other areas to mitigate damage after a storm, fire, flood, or other disaster. The IICRC is a third-party certification source for this industry. Here is a closer look at the institute.

Background Information
Some key points about the institute include:

• It was formed in 1972 as the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Inc. by Ed York.
  It has more than 49,000 certified technicians around the globe.
• It provides 26 different types of certification.
• A Board of Directors manages the institute and represents the applicants' interests.
• The Board of Directors is also responsible for upholding the industry's standards and shaping future directions.

Certifications

Technicians who work for a professional restoration company may need training in various capacities. The institute provides certification for relevant areas. If a technician needs a mitigation certificate, for example, the institute can train and certify the employee.

Programs include content processing, fire and smoke damage restoration, carpet repair, building moisture, commercial drying, and water damage, among many others.

SERVPRO Industries, LLC is an approved IICRC Training School. It offers year-round training for many related topics. It provides self-paced programs for Employee Certification training, including:

• Employee training
• Water and fire restoration
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning

After employees complete course materials and an exam, they are awarded certification.

Trained Professionals Benefit the Consumer

It can give you great peace of mind knowing you are working with certified technicians. After a disaster, you don't have time to question whether the restoration company has employees that understand what to do. It's good to work with a business that has industry knowledge and experience.

SERVPRO works closely with the IICRC to provide certified employees that keep up with industry standards and know the latest restoration techniques.

Claims Information Center: The Tool That Works for You

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

As a leading name in the disaster restoration industry, SERVPRO understands very well the insurance claim process and its implications.

The Claims Information Center Is A Useful Tool For You.

The Claims Information Center is available to any insurance agent in the  Westchase, FL, area through the SERVPRO Management Dashboard. This system makes the insurance claim process more accessible by allowing agents to perform initial research and all follow up tracking in one convenient platform.

1. Research

The CIC is a compilation of claims data collected through the years in the corporate ReportER database. From the Managed Dashboard, agents can research claims by type of loss and location. The location can be sorted by region, county and state. Beyond the kind of claim and the location, agents can search by cause of loss. Additionally, they can research response times and even compare the restoration service to national performance statistics.

2. Tracking

As a leading name in the disaster restoration industry, SERVPRO understands the insurance claim process as well as the importance of tracking a claim from project start to completion. Therefore, the Managed Dashboard was designed to help agents follow every step of their claim’s life by providing an easy to read dashboard and tracking software with routine updates.

3. Troubleshooting

The dashboard allows agents to make changes to a claim and resolve any issues without having to revisit sites or call contractors. There is no need to grow frustrated trying to troubleshoot communication issues because it can all be handled from inside the CIC system, saving you time and hassle.

The insurance claim process is difficult enough with trying to communicate with devastated clients and making sure that every document is completed accurately. There is no need for the process to be inundated with unsubstantiated research or constant deliberations with contractors. As an agent, you should streamline your work process and find a tool that works for you. The Claims Information Center can be that tool, providing thorough research and tracking tools at your fingertips. Don’t let one more hour be wasted in the claims process. Find the process that works for you.

7 Places You Wouldn’t Expect To Find Mold

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

If mold is in the pipes of your dishwasher, you may have to contact a mold remediation professional to remove it. Call SERVPRO!

Mold Can Be Found In 7 Surprising Places

Mold is everywhere in the world around us, even in Westchase, FL. Some places you assume you will find colonies of fungi, but here are seven places you wouldn’t expect to find mold growth.

1. Washing Machines

Drums inside washing machines harbor moisture for long periods because they are an enclosed environment. Mold often grows under the drum and causes a pungent odor. If you discover mold or mildew, run a hot water load with vinegar to kill the spores.

2. Windows

Mold on wood is often expected near windows. Mold on the window itself is not. If you discover a moldy window, use a window cleaner or vinegar to kill the mold and remove the stain the spores leave behind.

3. Chimneys

Water can pool on the brick, along with dirt and debris. Once this occurs, it can become a perfect surface for mold growth. Having the chimney cleaned yearly and checking for cracks can help prevent colony growth.

4. Walls

Moldy drywall can hide potential problems for your home. An unexpected hiding place is inside the wall under the mold on the plasterboard. To remove the hidden mold, contact a mitigation specialist.

5. Dishes

If you put damp dishes away, it can become the perfect breeding ground for mold. To remove the mold, wipe the dish with soapy water and run through a load in the dishwasher.

6. Refrigerators

Although you may expect mold on food inside the refrigerator, you probably don’t expect mold to grow on the appliance’s door gasket or in the drip pan. Because food particles can easily be captured in both places, both need a good, regular cleaning.


7. Dishwashers

Known for spreading soapy water, you wouldn’t expect mold to grow inside the dishwashing system but it can. Damp water pipes make it a perfect environment for the spores to grow and flourish. If mold is in the pipes of your dishwasher, you may have to contact a mold remediation professional to remove it.

Keep these seven hidden places in mind. Don’t be surprised by mold growth again!