Foundation Cracks: What Is Normal and When to Worry

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

We’ll dive into expert insights to help you assess your foundation cracks with confidence.

A strong and solid foundation in Orlando, FL, is essential to the integrity of any home. However, over time, cracks may develop in foundations due to various factors like settling, weather conditions, or even natural wear and tear. Homeowners often find themselves asking, "Are these cracks normal?" and, more importantly, "When should I be worried?"

Understanding the different types of foundation cracks and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial to prevent further structural damage. In this blog, we’ll dive into expert insights to help you assess your foundation cracks with confidence.

What Causes Foundation Cracks?

Before determining if a crack is serious, it's essential to understand the underlying causes. Here are the most common reasons foundation cracks occur:

• Soil Movement: Expansive soils, such as clay, can shrink and expand with moisture changes, putting pressure on the foundation.
• Settling: New homes often settle within the first few years, leading to minor cracks. This is a normal process as the foundation adjusts to the soil.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Freeze-thaw cycles can cause the soil to contract and expand, affecting the foundation.
• Water Damage: Poor drainage around the home can lead to excess moisture, which weakens the foundation over time.

Types of Foundation Cracks: What’s Normal?

Not all foundation cracks are a cause for alarm. Some are entirely normal and can be managed with regular maintenance. Below are some of the most common types of cracks and what they indicate:

• Hairline Cracks: Typically less than 1/8 inch wide, hairline cracks are common in newly built homes as they settle. These are usually not a concern as long as they remain small and stable.
• Vertical Cracks: Often a result of normal settling, vertical cracks are typically not serious. However, if they become larger over time, it may be time to investigate further.
• Diagonal Cracks: Diagonal cracks can occur due to uneven settling or shifting in the foundation. While they can be normal, wider diagonal cracks may require professional attention.
• Horizontal Cracks: These are more serious. Horizontal cracks, especially in basement walls, often indicate significant pressure on the foundation from soil or water. These cracks can lead to structural problems and should be inspected by a professional immediately.

When to Worry About Foundation Cracks

While some cracks are normal, others may signal more serious structural issues. Here’s how to tell when a foundation crack requires professional attention:

• Width Matters: If a crack is wider than 1/4 inch, it is generally a cause for concern. Larger cracks often suggest more severe structural issues.
• Expansion Over Time: If you notice a crack expanding or changing direction over time, this could indicate ongoing foundation movement.
• Water Seepage: Cracks that allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space need to be addressed immediately. Water intrusion can lead to further foundation damage and other costly repairs.
• Bowing or Buckling Walls: Horizontal cracks accompanied by bowing or buckling walls often indicate severe pressure on the foundation and require urgent attention.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), nearly 25 percent of homes in the U.S. will experience some form of structural distress, including foundation issues, during their lifespan. Addressing foundation cracks early on can help mitigate the risk of significant damage and expensive repairs.

How to Check for Foundation Cracks

To check your foundation for cracks, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the Exterior: Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for visible cracks in the foundation. Pay close attention to areas near downspouts and along corners.
2. Check the Interior: Look for cracks along basement walls, around windows, and in the floors. Any unusual gaps or widening of cracks should be noted.
3. Monitor Changes: Mark the ends of any cracks and take note of their width. Recheck periodically to see if they are expanding.
4. Hire a Professional: If you're unsure or notice any concerning cracks, it’s always best to consult with a foundation repair specialist for a thorough assessment.

Expert Help When You Need It

Understanding when to worry about foundation cracks can save homeowners from significant structural issues down the line. While some cracks are a natural part of a home settling, others may signal more severe problems. The best course of action is to regularly inspect your foundation and call in an expert when necessary. If you have concerns about foundation cracks in your home, SERVPRO® is Here to Help® with expert inspections and repairs.

By staying proactive and informed, you can protect your home and ensure a safe, stable foundation for years to come.

Understanding the Risks of Standing Water in Your Home

6/10/2024 (Permalink)

The sooner you address standing water, the better off you'll be in the long run.

Standing water in your home can pose significant risks to both your property and your person. Whether it's the result of a plumbing leak, flooding, or a malfunctioning appliance, standing water should be addressed promptly to mitigate potential dangers. In this blog, we'll explore the various risks associated with standing water in homes and discuss why it's crucial to take action quickly.

Structural Damage

One of the most immediate risks of standing water in your home is structural damage. Water can weaken building materials such as wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to warping, swelling, and deterioration. Over time, prolonged exposure to standing water can compromise the structural integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs and renovations.

Mold Growth

Standing water creates the perfect environment for mold growth, which can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions, and can quickly spread throughout your home if left unchecked. 

Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity don't mix, and standing water in your home can create electrical hazards. If water comes into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, it can lead to short circuits, electrical fires, and even electrocution. It's essential to avoid contact with standing water until you can safely shut off the electricity to the affected area.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Standing water on floors or stairs can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents. These accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe fractures or head trauma. It's essential to exercise caution and avoid walking through standing water until it has been properly removed.

Contamination

Standing water can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens, especially if it originates from sources such as sewage backups or floodwaters. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to a wide variety of issues. It's crucial to wear protective gear, such as gloves and boots, when dealing with standing water to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants.

Damage to Belongings

In addition to causing damage to the structure of your home, standing water can also ruin personal belongings such as furniture, carpets, clothing, and electronics. Water can seep into porous materials and cause irreparable damage, leading to the loss of valuable items. Prompt action is essential to salvage as much as possible and prevent further damage to your belongings.

Pest Infestations

Standing water can attract pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and rodents, which thrive in moist environments. These pests can pose additional risks and exacerbate existing problems in your home. Removing standing water and addressing any underlying issues can help prevent pest infestations and maintain a healthy living environment.

In conclusion, standing water in your home poses numerous risks to both your property and your health. From structural damage and mold growth to electrical hazards and contamination, the dangers of standing water should not be underestimated. If you encounter standing water in your home, it's essential to take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate the associated risks. Whether you tackle the cleanup yourself or enlist the help of professionals like SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando, the sooner you address standing water, the better off you'll be in the long run.

What To Do If Your Furnace Is Flooded

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Document Damage

The furnace is most likely your top priority. However, it’s important to note other property damaged in the area. Use the following process to document losses and assign values in a notebook or spreadsheet:

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

Don’t forget to include items that may have no monetary value but are still of high importance to you. Professional recovery services are available to try and save irreplaceable items such as documents or photographs.

Investigate Coverage and Decide to Repair or Replace

A burst pipe resulting in a furnace flood is an insurable event, so make sure to check with your provider. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends replacement versus repair of a flooded furnace. Property owners may receive advice that the furnace will work again after a total dry-out and perhaps some minor electrical repair. However, the life of the unit is reduced. You likely don’t want to choose repair over replacement and have a related problem surface a couple of years later, long after the claim closes.

Care of Air Ducts

The quality of air from a furnace is only as good as the ducts it travels through. Your final task is to schedule a professional air duct cleaning to ensure ducts are clean, dry, and free of mold and debris. Thankfully, your friends at your local SERVPRO can take care of that for you.

Tasks associated with a furnace flood are something nobody wants on their to-do list. Take this systematic approach for the return of a safe and comfortable home. For additional information, call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155.

Factors to Consider When Drying Out Water Damage

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

After a plumbing disaster, Northwest Orlando homeowners need a water-vac to pull water off the floor, open the doors and windows, and rent a rug shampooer from the local big box store.

To restore a home takes a professional restoration service. Drying a house with water damage in Northwest Orlando requires attention to four key factors that affect humidity. SERVPRO restoration specialists train to analyze each one, knowing which drying methods and equipment they need to use in each home. It all comes down to heat. 

Humidity levels determine the level of water vapor in the air in a home compared to its capacity. A level of 60 percent or higher indicates the air is saturated. That dramatically slows evaporation and increases drying time. Specialists use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity level in each affected room. Working dehumidifiers can lower the level up to 20 percent every 24 hours.

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

Air movement increases using dry air to spread across damp surfaces like walls, tables, and countertops to increase the evaporation rate. Air movers and fans' combination to increase air movement is useful to dry clothing in a gentle manner, which doesn't damage the fabric.

Temperature is an essential factor. Since the preferred range to dry home and property is 70 to 90 degrees, we try to engage the HVAC system if it is operational. If not, specialists use space heaters to raise the internal temperature. They monitor the temperature to keep it under 80 degrees on the first day, however, since a higher temperature can increase the humidity.

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando uses every tool and method available to return every residence to a dry, safe condition for families to live in once again. If you have had a recent water issue in your home, call (407) 698-5155 to schedule a visit. We are here for you.

Factors to Consider When Drying Out Water Damage

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

After a plumbing disaster, Northwest Orlando homeowners need a water-vac to pull water off the floor, open the doors and windows, and rent a rug shampooer from the local big box store.

To restore a home takes a professional restoration service. Drying a house with water damage in Northwest Orlando requires attention to four key factors that affect humidity. SERVPRO restoration specialists train to analyze each one, knowing which drying methods and equipment they need to use in each home. It all comes down to heat. 

Humidity levels determine the level of water vapor in the air in a home compared to its capacity. A level of 60 percent or higher indicates the air is saturated. That dramatically slows evaporation and increases drying time. Specialists use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity level in each affected room. Working dehumidifiers can lower the level up to 20 percent every 24 hours.

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

Air movement increases using dry air to spread across damp surfaces like walls, tables, and countertops to increase the evaporation rate. Air movers and fans' combination to increase air movement is useful to dry clothing in a gentle manner, which doesn't damage the fabric.

Temperature is an essential factor. Since the preferred range to dry home and property is 70 to 90 degrees, we try to engage the HVAC system if it is operational. If not, specialists use space heaters to raise the internal temperature. They monitor the temperature to keep it under 80 degrees on the first day, however, since a higher temperature can increase the humidity.

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando uses every tool and method available to return every residence to a dry, safe condition for families to live in once again. If you have had a recent water issue in your home, call (407) 698-5155 to schedule a visit. We are here for you.

Commercial Water Damage Remediation in Your Business

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Some of the Regular Water Damages SERVPRO Sees in Hotels

Water damage can happen anywhere in a hotel, but some areas and types of damage happen far more often than others. When problems go beyond simple cleanup and sanitation matters, your cleaning personnel or company may be ill-equipped to handle the consequences of significant water damage. Professionals in the restoration industry are specialized in fast and complete hotel services, ensuring rooms stay clean, undamaged, and pleasant-smelling after the incident. If these common problems happen in your building, call a highly-esteemed restoration company or use our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) system to get a crew of technicians to your location.

Overflowing Sinks and Bathtubs

One of the reasons SERVPRO might be called into hotels is when a guest causes a sink or bathtub to overflow. Guests remain in their rooms for various lengths of stay, so it may not be uncommon to only find out about the matter days later or when water starts to leak elsewhere and cause further damages. SERVPRO inspectors create a detailed assessment of the situation to understand what specific problems might come from these scenarios and estimate our work times and costs.

Water Line Leaks and Breaks

With so many water lines running throughout the building, it may not be uncommon for them to leak or burst, especially when they are ancient. Be sure to call us as soon as you suspect that a water line may have been ruptured, as the speed of our response may be critical to prevent as much damage as possible. To avoid most water line problems in your hotel, make sure that pipes receive semi-regular maintenance and checkups.

Left-Open Windows

Any time a guest can open a window, the potential for damage rises. Currently, there are laws about which levels can have fully-open windows in certain facilities, but regardless, if the window opens even a tiny bit, moisture can enter the facility. If guests can open a window in your hotel rooms, they may forget to close it before a storm rolls through the area. Water entering through the open window can cause significant damage to the carpet and upholstery.

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando can handle both small, isolated incidents and large-scale disasters throughout an entire building. For the best outcomes, call quickly after an incident at (407) 985-3200.

What Is The IIRC? What Does It Mean For Me?

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

What Is An IICRC Certification? Why Does It Matter?

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries. 

When considering who to call for water damage, do you go with the company your insurance company recommends? How about your neighbor’s recommendation? In the internet age of information-overload and bias, how can you know what’s right? Who really does the best job? Who does the most work for the money? Who handles a water loss job from start to finish? SERVPRO is proud to be your one-stop-shop for disaster relief after a fire, flood, or storm—but don’t take our word for it—let us show you.

Your local SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando is proudly an IICRC accredited firm.

What is an IICRC Certification?

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise.

All IICRC Certified Firms must:  

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.  
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. 
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.  

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has paved the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.  

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including:

1. allied trades persons
2. manufacturers
3. international, national and regional trade associations
4. individual or franchise professionals
5. cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations
6. insurance industry
7. training schools
8. contractors and public health professionals

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

We don’t take this stamp of approval lightly—we uphold it. If your home or business suffered water, storm, or fire damage, call us for 24 hours emergency service or for a free estimate.

Understanding the Types of Water that Lead to Water Damage

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando can make water damage "Like it never even happened." Call (407) 698-5155.

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

Being educated about water damage types can help give you peace of mind and help you attack the issue efficiently. There are three general categories of types of water that lead to water damage.

1. Clean Water

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

2. Grey Water

Grey Water comes from a source with some contaminants in it. If a leak or puddle of "Clean Water" is left for too long, it can turn into Grey Water. Other sources include sump pump failures, overflowing washing machines, and even some sewage pipes. This water type may cause people and animals to become sick if their exposure is high or consumed. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155 to handle the water professionally. We have immediate response times and are available 24/7.

3. Black Water

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

Clean and Grey Water has the potential to turn to Black Water if left standing or unattended. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155 to help remove water and disinfect your home immediately if this affects your home, and avoid exposing you and your household as it can cause illness. Our team of professionals can help in any circumstance needed!

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

6 Steps to Prevent Water Damage

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

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

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

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

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

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

Step 3. Clean Out Your Gutters

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

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

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

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

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

Step 6. Turn Off the Water

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

For 24/7 emergency water damage response contact SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155. A team of highly trained water damage specialists will quickly dry and restore your home to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Water Damage Emergency Help

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

When you're dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando responds immediately and uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water.

SERVPRO documents the damage and cleaning process to verify your property's drying. After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Check for electrical hazards.
• Watch out for "slip and fall" hazards.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What to do After Flooding 

• Gather loose items from the floor.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove or prop up wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil, wood blocks or cinder blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
• Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando because we specialize in water damage cleaning, restoration and reconstruction!

What NOT to do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

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

What To Do If Your Furnace Is Flooded

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with a burst pipe in Orlando, Florida, can feel like an overwhelming task. Divide the process into manageable steps to decrease anxiety, increase efficiency in the claims process, and get your furnace up and running again.

Document Damage

The furnace is most likely your top priority. However, it’s important to note other property damaged in the area. Use the following process to document losses and assign values in a notebook or spreadsheet:

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

Don’t forget to include items that may have no monetary value but are still of high importance to you. Professional recovery services are available to try and save irreplaceable items such as documents or photographs.

Investigate Coverage and Decide to Repair or Replace

A burst pipe resulting in a furnace flood is an insurable event, so make sure to check with your provider. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends replacement versus repair of a flooded furnace. Property owners may receive advice that the furnace will work again after a total dry-out and perhaps some minor electrical repair. However, the life of the unit is reduced. You likely don’t want to choose repair over replacement and have a related problem surface a couple of years later, long after the claim closes.

Care of Air Ducts

The quality of air from a furnace is only as good as the ducts it travels through. Your final task is to schedule a professional air duct cleaning to ensure ducts are clean, dry, and free of mold and debris. Thankfully, your friends at your local SERVPRO can take care of that for you.

Tasks associated with a furnace flood are something nobody wants on their to-do list. Take this systematic approach for the return of a safe and comfortable home. For additional information, call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155.

Avoid Freezing Pipes as Temperatures Drop

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

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

Add Extra Insulation

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

Caulk Holes and Cracks

All holes and cracks near pipes should remain sealed to keep cold air and keep warm air inside. Be sure to check on the inside and the outside of the building.

Drip your Faucets

Turning on the faucet can relieve pressure in the pipe. This simple act keeps the pressure from building up and reducing the chances that the pipe bursts, and you have a flooding situation.

Open the Cabinet Doors

If cabinet doors are open, warm air will circulate the pipes. Chances of water freezing within the line decrease when the air around the pipe is kept warm.

Make Sure the Heat is Up

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

If disaster strikes and damage occurs by frozen pipes flooding your property, our team here at SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando is ready to spring into action and make it "Like it never even happened." Call us anytime. We're ready to respond to your emergency 24/7.

Factors to Consider When Drying Out Water Damage

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

After a plumbing disaster, Northwest Orlando homeowners need a water-vac to pull water off the floor, open the doors and windows, and rent a rug shampooer from the local big box store.

To restore a home takes a professional restoration service. Drying a house with water damage in Northwest Orlando requires attention to four key factors that affect humidity. SERVPRO restoration specialists train to analyze each one, knowing which drying methods and equipment they need to use in each home. It all comes down to heat. 

Humidity levels determine the level of water vapor in the air in a home compared to its capacity. A level of 60 percent or higher indicates the air is saturated. That dramatically slows evaporation and increases drying time. Specialists use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity level in each affected room. Working dehumidifiers can lower the level up to 20 percent every 24 hours.

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

Air movement increases using dry air to spread across damp surfaces like walls, tables, and countertops to increase the evaporation rate. Air movers and fans' combination to increase air movement is useful to dry clothing in a gentle manner, which doesn't damage the fabric.

Temperature is an essential factor. Since the preferred range to dry home and property is 70 to 90 degrees, we try to engage the HVAC system if it is operational. If not, specialists use space heaters to raise the internal temperature. They monitor the temperature to keep it under 80 degrees on the first day, however, since a higher temperature can increase the humidity.

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando uses every tool and method available to return every residence to a dry, safe condition for families to live in once again. If you have had a recent water issue in your home, call (407) 698-5155 to schedule a visit. We are here for you.