Recent Posts
Pink Residue: Understanding and Preventing the Fungal Menace in Your Bathroom
3/9/2023 (Permalink)
pink-colored grime is actually a result of a specific type of mold called serratia marcescens
As a homeowner, you have an endless list of projects to manage. You step into the shower and notice the once-white grout on the floor is now a shade of pink. Over time, the inside of your shower curtain and tub ledges tell the same story. You might think that the pink color is a result of neglect and lack of proper cleaning, but the truth is that the pink-colored grime is actually a result of a specific type of mold called serratia marcescens.
Understanding Where Pink Mold Grows
Serratia marcescens thrives in damp, warm environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. This type of mold is known for its pink, red, or orange color, which can make it easy to spot. It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including tile, grout, silicone, and other materials commonly found in bathrooms. It can also form on surfaces that are frequently exposed to water, such as shower curtains, bath mats, and other bathroom fixtures. The mold can also be found in the drain area where water and soap scum accumulate.
Preventing Pink Mold Growth
This type of mold can produce an unpleasant musty odor and can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms. It is crucial to clean and sanitize your bathroom regularly to prevent the growth of serratia marcescens and other types of mold. This includes cleaning the tub, shower, and sink, as well as other fixtures that are exposed to water. If you notice any mold in your bathroom, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.
At-Home Remedies
Mold can be a common problem in homes, particularly in areas that are damp or have poor ventilation. While it is important to address the root cause of mold growth, such as fixing leaks or improving ventilation, there are several at-home ways to effectively reduce small amounts of mold. Remember to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, when cleaning. For spot-treatment, try:
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray the solution onto the affected area. Let it sit for several hours before scrubbing with a brush and wiping clean.
- Baking Soda: Mix 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste, then apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for several hours before scrubbing with a brush and wiping clean.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and spray the solution onto the affected area. Let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing with a brush and wiping clean.
- Tea Tree Oil: Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water and spray the solution onto the affected area. Let it sit for several hours before scrubbing with a brush and wiping clean.
While these at-home remedies can be helpful for small spot-treating, larger or more severe cases require professional intervention.
Trusting the Professionals at SERVPRO
SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs/Longwood, a professional cleaning and restoration company, can help homeowners address mold and other issues in your home. Their trained technicians use advanced equipment and techniques to safely and effectively remove mold and prevent it from returning.
They can also provide a range of services such as cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing to keep your home looking and smelling fresh. Don't let mold take over your home. Trust the experts at SERVPRO Team Nicholson to get the job done right and give you peace of mind. With their help, you can enjoy your clean and fresh-smelling shower once again.
Women in Restoration: Potential Unlocked
3/8/2023 (Permalink)
We’re excited and proud to be a part of the future of the restoration industry.
Half of all SERVPRO Franchise Owners are women.¹ Surprised?
Not us. Although women make up just under 11% of the construction workforce, and about a fifth of the restoration workforce, when we look at our team, we see women excelling daily in a variety of roles from Production Technician to Construction Manager.
Our SERVPRO community is fostering an atmosphere where all employees can form genuine working relationships with their colleagues, embracing the unique perspective of each individual to provide the best cleaning and restoration services for our clients.
Why the Restoration Industry?
The restoration and remediation industry is nurturing by nature. We’re often interacting with clients after extreme damage to their property. It takes a team of empathetic people to support our clients through some of the worst days of their lives.
Jessica Dooley, Construction Manager at our SERVPRO of Bartlett/Cordova location in Memphis, TN reassures her clients to, “keep your eye on the prize because at the end of this, and this will end eventually, it will be over and everything is going to be beautiful again.” She also prioritizes setting realistic expectations and communicating frequently, often texting updates to her clients, and keeping them in the loop every step of the way.
The restoration industry provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives during their most challenging moments, and employees like Jessica exemplify the caring and supportive approach that sets our team apart.
Investing in Potential
Women make up 33% of Team Nicholson’s workforce, more than double the industry average. Why? We invest in potential. Our Financial Controller, Cassie Wyatt, started her SERVPRO journey on the Production side of the house, as a Construction Administrator. As one of our more tenured female employees, Cassie has witnessed Team Nicholson’s exponential growth and fostered her own success along the way.
She says, “I’ve stayed with SERVPRO and Team Nicholson for almost nine years because there is so much opportunity to learn and grow with the company.” Cassie shares that during her time, it’s been amazing to see other women earn opportunities to advance within the organization as well, especially those under her leadership.
She wants to keep the momentum going by sharing her knowledge with others who are just starting out, helping them achieve their career goals. She adds, “...the best advice I can give other women is to just be consistent. Keep pushing, keep working hard, keep learning, and absorb as much knowledge as you possibly can. Your knowledge is your power!”
Keep the Momentum Going
Our Training Director, Lori Wilson, is a driving force behind our company’s training and development initiatives, creating opportunities for all employees to obtain industry certifications and learn best practices. With over 10 years of experience in the restoration field, Lori is using her expertise to help other women go after leadership roles.
Lori was recently appointed as an advisor for the Women in Leadership program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s Center for Professional Learning. She shared her enthusiasm in a recent Facebook post, “...In the restoration industry women in leadership roles is becoming more prevalent, and that is very exciting!”
Lori has thrived in this industry, earning IICRC certifications as a Master Water Restorer, Master Fire Restorer, Master Textile Restorer, and IICRC Instructor. She loves, “...helping people see their potential as leaders and helping them grow..”
Lead the Way
At SERVPRO Team Nicholson, we’ve witnessed the positive impact a diverse workplace can have on our employees and our customers. We’re excited and proud to be a part of the future of the restoration industry.
Sources: ¹John Sooker, SERVPRO Executive Vice President, US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Zippia
What It’s Really Like to be a Restoration Professional: Hidden Challenges of the Disaster Recovery Industry
3/7/2023 (Permalink)
While on the job, crews learn some of the unique challenges that are not immediately apparent to those outside the industry.
Hidden Challenges of the Disaster Recovery Industry
The restoration industry is critical to the rebuilding and recovery process of commercial and residential properties after disasters, such as fires, floods, and storms. These industry professionals work tirelessly to help homeowners and business owners return to their properties as quickly and safely as possible.
While on the job, crews learn some of the unique challenges that are not immediately apparent to those outside the industry.
These challenges, while daunting, are actually a great opportunity to showcase skills and problem-solving abilities. Here are some of the hidden challenges faced by restoration professionals and what it's really like to work in the disaster recovery industry.
What It’s (sometimes) Like to Work as a Restoration Professional
- Limited Accessibility
Some areas of the building may be difficult to access, such as CRAWL SPACES, attics, or basements. Restoration professionals must be able to navigate these spaces safely and effectively in order to properly assess and mitigate the damage. Thankfully, the International Residential Code (IRC) now requires crawl space entrances to measure a minimum of 16 inches high and 24 inches wide.
- Time Constraints
Restoration work needs to be done quickly in order to minimize the damage and PREVENT FURTHER DETERIORATION. This can be challenging, particularly in the aftermath of a major disaster spanning a large region, like when Hurricane Ida hit the gulf. When a large region is affected, multiple buildings need to be restored at the same time. In general, a 24/7 emergency service restoration professional should be on-site within a few hours of being contacted—if not sooner—to assess the damage, develop a plan to mitigate it and begin the restoration process. The specific timeline for response may vary based on factors such as the severity of the damage, the location of the property, and the availability of resources.
- Unforeseen Complications
Sometimes, the damage is more extensive than originally thought, or hidden issues are discovered during the restoration process. Anyone who has taken on a home renovation project knows the construction adages all too well. Restoration professionals must be able to adapt to these complications and develop new plans of action as needed to keep the project going, as is within their means.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies
Restoration professionals often need to work with insurance companies and their adjusters to get the necessary coverage for the restoration work. This can be a time-consuming and complicated process, particularly when dealing with large-scale damage. However, the frequency of these transactions can make professionals familiar with insurance claims, creating a more efficient experience for all parties.
- Keeping Up with the Latest Technologies and Techniques
The restoration industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. Restoration professionals must be able to stay up-to-date with these changes in order to provide the most effective and efficient service. Thankfully, SERVPRO takes training seriously and invests heavily in their employees' frequent education and development.
Rewarding
Working as a restoration professional can be as rewarding as it is demanding. It takes a dedicated individual to pursue this line of work, but there are many positives to the job that make it all worthwhile.
Why Choose Restoration?
- To help people in their time of need and make a real difference in their lives
- To work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with new challenges every day
- To develop a wide range of skills, from construction to communication and customer service
- For career growth and industry advancement opportunities
- To work with a team of like-minded individuals who share a common goal of helping others
- To CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY and make a positive impact on the local area
- For job security in a career, as disasters and emergencies will always occur and restoration services will always be in demand
Can SERVPRO be a Career?
The restoration industry offers a diverse range of career paths and opportunities for professional growth. If you're looking for a dynamic work environment that allows you to make a difference in people's lives, then SERVPRO may be the perfect fit for you.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, SERVPRO offers a wide range of career paths.
Aftermath of Home Fires: Understanding Smoke Damage
3/7/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood, our fire and smoke damage restoration experts have years of experience handling the aftermath of home fires.
Experiencing a home fire can be an extremely frightening and traumatic event. Once the flames have been extinguished, the focus turns to the damage left behind.
The Impact of Smoke Damage
While the damage caused by flames is visible and often the primary concern, the impact of smoke damage should not be overlooked. In fact, smoke damage can be just as devastating to a home and its contents, and it can occur even in areas where the fire did not directly reach.
Common Issues After House Fire
The following are some of the most common issues like to smoke damage after a home fire:
- Charring
- Warped plastic and wood
- Discoloration
- Yellow stains on walls and ceilings
- Household textiles covered in soot
- Smoke odor and particles found on upholstered furniture, drapery, clothing, and carpets
One of the most significant impacts associated with smoke damage is the presence of smoke odor throughout the home, which can linger for months if not addressed properly. Restoration professionals can rid your home of odors by cleaning and sealing surfaces, HVAC cleanings, using an AIR SCRUBBER, Ozone treatments, and thermal fogging, among other methods.
Cleaning Up
Salvaging items impacted by smoke damage generally isn’t easy for the average person without the right knowledge or tools. It is a complex process that requires the expertise of a smoke damage restoration professional.
Some methods professionals use to clean smoke are:
- Dry cleaning: Smoke-damaged clothing and textiles can often be salvaged through professional dry cleaning.
- Ozone treatment: Ozone machines can be used to remove smoke odor from items like furniture and carpets.
- HEPA vacuuming: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums can remove soot and other smoke particles from surfaces.
- Thermal fogging: This process involves using a machine that releases a fog of deodorizing chemicals to neutralize smoke odor.
To Restore or To Replace?
Specialists assess the damage to both the home and its contents, determining what can be saved and what must be discarded. Professionals often prefer to restore rather than replace damaged items because restoration is usually more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. On top of that, many items have sentimental or historical value, so professionals do their best to restore rather than replace. By restoring items to their original condition, restoration professionals can help reduce waste and preserve valuable resources for the customer—it’s a win-win.
SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs
At SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood, our fire and smoke damage restoration experts have years of experience handling the aftermath of home fires. If you or a loved one has experienced a fire, including the associated smoke damage, please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer free consultations and are always here to help you get back on the road to recovery.
What To Do After a House Fire
1/31/2022 (Permalink)
Your Orlando home was likely not built to stop house fires before they spread to other areas of the house. In general, most of the materials used for the construction of your home are fire kindling, able to catch fire quickly and spread throughout the property. On top of that, the popular open-concept floor plan lays out the perfect environment for fires to spread from room to room more easily than other floor plans.
While flames do much damage on their own, other substantial effects of a fire are smoke and soot damages.
Soot Damages
Soot is most concentrated where it burned longest, but matted debris and film from the combustion leave a dark or black residue on surfaces, furniture, flooring, and other materials, too. Removing this residue requires multiple approaches. For wall surfaces, scrubbing with wet and dry sponges can often remove the bulk of the film. Confined spaces like ductwork require high powered vacuums.
Smoke Damages
Smoke damage often presents itself in the form of a harsh odor lingering in fabrics, carpeting, and open spaces throughout affected areas of your house. Removal of this odor typically requires thermal fogging, a process that releases an unscented chemical compound into the environment and contents of the room to break apart odor molecules and leave no discernible scent behind.
The Right Solution
Unfortunately, this causes a bigger mess than most people are equipped to handle. Fire damage proves to be challenging to remove without the right equipment. We always suggest hiring a professional fire cleanup and restoration expert. We may be biased, but SERVPRO is just that. We have the experience, tools, and techniques to help you through widespread fire, smoke, and soot damages.
When you face the effects after a house fire, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood responds quickly to get your home back to preloss conditions, as soon as possible.
My Leaky Roof Caused Water Damage, Now What?
1/27/2022 (Permalink)
Homeowners know how expensive roof repairs and replacements can be. When looking to buy a new home, one of the first questions often asked is “how old is the roof?”. Different roofs typically last different lengths of time. Generally, asphalt shingle/composition roofs last around 20 years, fiber cement shingles last around 25 years, and wood shake roofs last around 30 years. Since it can thousands of dollars to replace a roof, it is important for homeowners to keep their roofs in the best shape possible.
Things like heavy rains, storms, and any type of adverse weather can reduce the life of a roof or require repairs along the way to keep it functioning. Some of the most common signs of water damage on your roof include:
- Ceiling is discolored
- Mold begins to grow in rings
- Smelly odors coming from the walls
- The texture of the flooring begins to change
- Water begins to accumulate
Roof damage signs can be misleading since they often appear in places other than the roof. For instance, you may have roof damage but the issue appears on the ceilings, floors, attic, walls, around home appliances, or even along the home’s exterior or foundation. The most important thing to know about roof water damage is the need to act quickly. If left untreated, damage repair can become extremely costly as the fallout reaches different areas of the home.
If roof water damage is discovered in your home, it is extremely important to take specific safety measures.
- Catch any dripping water with buckets.
- Determine whether or not the leak is coming from the roof.
- Talk to a roofer to decide what the next step should be.
- Reach out to a water damage restoration specialist to address the issues caused by the roof problem.
At SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood, our water damage repair and restoration team is highly trained and has many years of experience in restoring a home after roof damage. Contact us today at (407) 830-9899 and we will send our team out to get your home back to normal in no time.
4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Water damage is one of the most costly disasters your home or business can experience. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that billions are spent on water damage each year. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood for preventing water damage.
1. Be careful where you plant.
Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.
2. Clean out roof gutters.
On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.
3. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals.
Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.
2. Never pour grease down your sink.
It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease into an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Contact us at (407) 830-9899.
Goal Setting for the New Year
1/20/2022 (Permalink)
Owning a small business is no easy feat. From working long hours to wearing many different hats that ensure the business is running smoothly, small business owners often find themselves with a stressful, overwhelming to-do list. It is not easy to be in charge and know that the livelihood of so many depends upon the success of your business. As such, it is important to set realistic, yet lofty business goals for each and every year.
The last year was likely filled with more downs than ups, teaching many business owners how fickle industries can be and how important it is to be dynamic in staying afloat. In 2022, many business owners will look to gain back the business that they lost in 2021 and 2020. Setting new goals for a new year can be a daunting task and sometimes leads to generalization. Writing down general goals can be a helpful way to direct your thoughts, but business owners really looking to achieve great things in 2022 must be more specific.
The goals that you set for 2022 should be precise, feasible, and communicated throughout the company. Too many small business owners make the mistake of writing down goals and failing to share them with their staff. In order to be successful in 2022, you must share your vision with your entire team. We recommend pinpointing two or three objectives and then mapping out what it will take to get there.
Some of the most common small business goals for 2022 include:
- Improve the company’s productivity
- Implement a social media plan
- Reduce business costs
- Set aside time for networking
- Re-evaluate customer service protocols
- Revamp the company’s website
- Institute an incentive program for employees
While the above goals are just examples, they serve as a way to direct your thoughts. Small business owners should hone in on a couple of goals and then create a specific strategy for achieving them. Involve as many people on the team as necessary in creating the plan to achieve the goals. Share the goals amongst the entire team and hold yourself accountable.
At SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood, we know the past two years were difficult for everyone. We are confident that our community is for the hardships that we have overcome and we take pride in serving your community for any and all damage restoration needs. On behalf of our team, here’s to a successful 2022!
Preparing your Business for Storm Season
1/20/2022 (Permalink)
It's never too early to prepare your business for Florida's hurricane season.
While it is still “winter” in Florida, it is never too early to prepare for hurricane season. The rain and winds blow in before we know it, and homeowners possible water and storm damage if either strikes their property. But what about your business? Doesn't it need preparation too? Well, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs/Longwood is here to help with some tips and tricks to get storm (and possibly hurricane) ready this coming spring.
Include shelter-in-place information in your EAP: Knowing when and where to take shelter during a hurricane is a crucial part of emergency preparedness. It is something that ALL of your employees should be familiar with. A basement is the best possible place to be during high winds. However, if your building does not have a basement, you should make sure all employees go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor with no windows.
Implement an emergency notification system: Despite most likely having sirens in your area, strong hurricane winds can often occur with little to no warning; because of this, many people find themselves ill-prepared for a storm with little time to take shelter. Using an emergency notification system like Disaster Alert (iPhone) or Natural Disaster Monitor (Android), employees can be made more aware of severe weather in their area. The app can alert them of the tornado so they can seek shelter immediately.
Have a work from the home policy: Within minutes, a hurricane can destroy everything in its path. This includes property, homes, and businesses, but it can also disrupt business operations for extended periods. To ensure not all operations come to a stand-still, it is in good practice to implement a work from the home policy if it makes sense for your business. This allows employees to continue working, even if they are unable to make it to the office.
Include training in your plans: If employees are not familiar with using emergency plans, they become essentially useless. Ensure that all employees have been adequately trained on how to respond to a tornado to avoid confusion and future injury while looking for shelter.
Being prepared for a storm will keep you and your employees safe and help ensure that your livelihood is still there afterwards. If your business experiences storm damage, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs/Longwood can get you up and running again with our trusted water removal, clean-up, and reconstruction services. Call us anytime at (407) 830-9899.
Does your Orlando, FL Business Need Board-Up Services?
1/20/2022 (Permalink)
If your business was affected by storm or fire damage that results in an opening in your building, you might need emergency board-up services. Any opening in the structure needs to be boarded appropriately to protect the building from the weather and illegal entry. Your insurance policy also requires you to be proactive in protecting your home or business after any damage has occurred. Otherwise, the insurance company could account for any further/secondary damage to the structure as negligence.
Not every situation requires the most extensive board-up that the U.S Fire Administration has in their board-up procedure manual, such as after a fire where the entire home is destroyed and is considered a complete loss. While each emergency board up is different, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs/Longwood is here to help.
Let's take a look at how to properly board up a structure after the damage has caused an opening in the building.
Determining How Much Protection is Needed
- Openings in the basement, first floor doors, windows, and any entry point accessible from a porch, fire escape, or other potential climbing points require additional security measures. Openings should be barricaded with plywood, 2x4s, bolts, and nails.
- Openings at least 10′ from ground level, which is not accessible from a porch, fire escape, roof, or other climbing points, can be secured with nails in each brace and every 12″ around the perimeter. The plywood should be fitted for these openings so that it rests snugly against the exterior frame, butting up to the siding on wood frame buildings and up to the brickwork on brick buildings. It may be necessary to remove the staff bead so that this fit can be flush and tight.
Board-Up
- Cut plywood to fit over the window and door openings, flush with the outside of the molding.
Note: For buildings with a metal door and window frames, the alternative is to cut the plywood and 2x4s to fit the door frame inside buffed up against the band molding. - Cut the 2x4s to fit the horizontal dimension of the plywood. You will need two 2×4 exterior and two interior braces for each window and three sets for each door.
Note: For buildings with metal doors and window frames, the 2x4s for the outside will be cut to the plywood dimensions, fitting inside the door frame, against the band molding. The 2x4s will be cut to the outside dimension of the door or window frame for the inside. - Next, pre-drill 3/8th inch holes in the plywood and the braces.
- The holes will be placed approximately 1/3 of the brace's length from each outside edge of the door and window jam.
- The two window braces will be placed 1/3 of the distance from the top and the bottom of the window.
- The three-door braces will be placed; one in the center of the doorway and one half the center's distance to the top and the bottom of the doorway.
- Place the plywood over the exterior opening and nail it to the frame.
Note: For metal frames, place the plywood and braces inside the frame against the band molding. - Place the 2×4 braces over the interior and exterior of the door or window.
- Place the large washer over the carriage bolt and place the bolt through the holes.
- Place the washer and nut inside and tighten securely. Torque the nut so that it slightly compresses the interior 2×4.
Did you know SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs/Longwood provides emergency board-up services? Let us mark a big task off of your to-do list when preparing for a storm. We understand the anxiety when it comes to managing a business during storm watches and warnings. We are here to help. Call us anytime at (407) 830-9899.
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