Broken Pipe Damages Commercial Property in Wright?

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in commercial water damage restoration in Okaloosa County.

Our Fort Walton Beach team responds to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Wright. We know that our fast emergency response time and use of powerful, industrial-grade equipment saves our customers time and money in many cases. Broken plumbing pipes are a common cause of water damage. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety offers some examples of how pipes can fail or be compromised:

Corrosion: Corrosion is a common cause of pipe failure. In coastal areas, the high humidity, saltwater exposure, and airborne salts can accelerate the corrosion process. Over time, corrosion can weaken pipes, leading to leaks or burst pipes.

Aging Infrastructure: Some commercial properties may have older plumbing systems. As pipes age, they become more susceptible to deterioration and structural weaknesses, increasing the risk of pipe failures.

Water Quality: The quality of water can also contribute to pipe failures. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause mineral deposits to accumulate inside pipes, leading to reduced water flow, clogs, and ultimately pipe failures.

High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can put undue stress on pipes, causing them to weaken and fail over time. If the water pressure in a commercial property is consistently too high, it can lead to leaks or even burst pipes.

Call Us!

When your commercial business or home in Wright needs emergency water damage restoration services, our local Fort Walton Beach team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fort Walton Beach Business Saved from Water Damage?

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Businesses trust us to restore water damage quickly and efficiently in Okaloosa County.

Our Fort Walton Beach team has been restoring water damage for local businesses for over twenty years. We know that every minute counts when your commercial business has a water damage emergency because water is invasive and will seep into any porous surface in its path quickly. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to commercial water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here is a water damage timeline that describes the damage water can do in one day:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Fort Walton Beach needs fast emergency restoration services, our local Fort Walton Beach team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Attic Flooding Damages Home in Lake Lorraine?

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

According to industry estimates, 75 percent of water heaters fail before they are 12 years old. For this reason, having water heaters inspected professionally is a good idea.

Our Fort Walton Beach team has been restoring water damage in the Lake Lorraine area for over twenty years. This picture shows a water heater failure that caused attic flooding that weakened the structural supports in the attic and damaged the ceiling in the room below. When needed to complete a restoration of this magnitude, we can provide a full range of rebuilding services offering our customers full continuity of service that eliminates the headache of having to manage multiple vendors and trades.

Once the water is removed and the damaged areas are completely dried, we clean and sanitize the area and complete final restorations to return your property to pre-water damage condition. We can help with everything from replacing drywall and installing new carpet to making major repairs when reconstructing specific areas or rooms is required.

Call Us Today!

Flooding emergencies can occur at any time. When you have a flooding situation in your home or commercial business in Lake Lorraine, our local Fort Walton Beach team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Failed Supply Line Causes Flooded Floor in Mary Esther Home?

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Our Fort Walton Beach team is highly trained to restore water damage. Mary Esther residents and businesses have relied on us to restore water damage for over twenty years. When you have a water damage emergency, every minute counts because water is invasive and can cause considerable damage in a short period of time as follows:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Metal begins to rust and corrode
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible

Call Us Today!

When water floods your floors and you need fast emergency water damage services in your Mary Esther home or commercial business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Overflowing Bathtub Floods Floors in Fort Walton Beach Home?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Okaloosa County.

Sometimes water damage is caused by broken pipes, and sometimes, as in my case, it is caused by forgetting to turn the bathtub water off before it floods the floor. When I noticed the water pooling outside the bathroom door, I knew I had to act fast. I turned off the tub water and called the local Fort Walton Beach team.  

Their restoration crew arrived quickly and immediately began extracting the water. They set up powerful air movers and air blowers and documented and monitored the drying process to ensure all surfaces were dried completely. Thanks to their fast response time and use of industrial-grade equipment, the floors, drywall, and baseboards were salvaged and did not have to be replaced.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time and for many reasons. When you have a water damage emergency in your Fort Walton Beach home or commercial business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Could the Bubbling Paint on My Ceiling be a Sign of Water Damage in Wright?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Our local Fort Walton Beach team has been restoring water damage for Wright residents and businesses for over twenty years. We know that our fast emergency response time saves our customers time and money in many cases. If you notice paint bubbling on your ceiling or wall, you have a water leak either from water entering your home or building from an outside source, or you have a water leak resulting from a leak in your plumbing system. If left unchecked, the damage will not lessen and could lead to more serious damage and costly repairs. Here is a water damage timeline that demonstrates the type of damage water can cause in one day:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

Call Us Today!

When you discover bubbling paint or other signs of water damage in your home or commercial business in Wright, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Stay Safe During a Major Storm in Niceville?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach is a trusted leader in storm damage restoration services in Niceville. After any storm, flooding event, or disaster, your water supply may be contaminated. Before a major storm blows in, it is a good idea to prepare for any eventuality. Here are some water safety tips from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

If you are in a disaster or emergency, it’s important that you take steps to prevent illness from unsafe water.

After a storm or disaster

• Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to drink, wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula
• Use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene
• Follow your state, local, or tribal health department for specific recommendations regarding boiling or treating water in your area
• Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which increases the need for drinking water

Call Us Today!

When you discover storm damage in your home or commercial business in Niceville, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Toilet Causes Mold Outbreak in Valparaiso Home?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water and mold damage restoration in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach has been remediating mold damage in Valparaiso for over twenty years. Almost all mold problems originate from water damage, so if you have had recent water damage or water leaks, you may have a mold problem. Toilet leaks are a common cause of mold damage. The Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips for detecting a toilet leak:

• One way to find out if you have a toilet leak is to place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Make sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank.
• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is often an old faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it. It’s usually best to replace the whole flapper, which is a relatively easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself project that pays for itself in no time. 

Call Us Today!

When you discover mold growing in your home or commercial business in Valparaiso, our team of professionals in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your mold and water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Signs of Hidden Water Damage in Ocean City?

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Does your water bill seem unusually high? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted in United States homes each year. Many water leaks are hidden, and even minor water leaks can cause significant damage to a home over time. Our local team in Fort Walton Beach uses advanced technology and techniques to locate hidden water damage in homes and commercial businesses.

The EPA offers the following leak detection information:

• A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water use. It’s likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.
• To check for a toilet bowl leak, place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing, you have a leak. 

Call Us Today!

When you need help with water damage in your Ocean City home or business, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Broken Water Heater Causes Property Damage to Fort Walton Beach Home?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage in Okaloosa County quickly and efficiently!

Some home appliances can fail at any time and can cause significant damage. Our local Fort Walton Beach team has been restoring Okaloosa County water damage for over twenty years. damage in Niceville. Often, leaks can go undetected, causing excess moisture within the walls, leading to mold growth and damage.

“I used SERVPRO to handle mold growth within my walls when my water heater broke. They not only came right away but did a fantastic job. Not only did they use premium materials, they also painted as if nothing ever happened.” Phillip G.

Our technicians are trained and certified to restore water and mold damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We have the training, equipment, and experience required to get the job done the right way the first time! Thousands of people in the United States experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day. The most common causes of water damage are:

• Severe weather
• Clogged gutters
• Leaking pipes
• Washing machine water supply line leaks
• Condensation from air conditioners
• Blocked drains
• Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
• Leaking water heaters

Call Us Today!

You never know when a home appliance will fail and cause water damage, but when you discover water damage in your home or commercial business in Fort Walton Beach, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We'll restore your property damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Rain-Damaged Home in Valparaiso?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

For more than twenty years, our local team in Fort Walton Beach has been responding to water damage emergencies in Okaloosa County. Valparaiso averages 66 inches of rain each year, making it one of the wettest places in Florida. One way water can enter the home is through wall-mounted air conditioning units. Here are some helpful tips from the Institute of Business and Home Safety for protecting your home from heavy rain:

Check wall air conditioners.

Internal Drain

If the air conditioning unit has an internal drain, make sure the pipe size is adequate and water is running and flowing freely in order to handle a high volume of water.

 Caulking of Air Conditioning Unit Sleeve: Look for any gaps, cracks, or other damage that indicates improper caulking around the edge of the sleeve to the exterior of the building. This increases vulnerability to water entry.

 Orientation: Tilting the air conditioning unit sleeves slightly (two degrees) towards the exterior wall can significantly reduce the water’s entry.

 Weather Stripping: Proper weather stripping between the air conditioning unit and the sleeve can reduce the water from entering.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Valparaiso has water damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We'll restore your damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding Disaster Caused by Faulty Washing Machine Supply Line in Ocean City?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

For more than twenty years, our local team in Fort Walton Beach has been responding to water damage emergencies in Ocean City. Our technicians have the training, experience, and equipment to restore water damage emergencies quickly and efficiently. Routine inspection of your washing machine supply lines may prevent severe water damage. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety offers these helpful tips for maintaining your washing machine supply lines:

• Look for signs the supply hose may be ready to fail—blisters in the hose, worn tubing, stress cracks, or a loose connection
• Replace the supply hose with a reinforced steel braided hose if it shows any sign of wear
• Tighten the connection if it feels loose. The most common site of failure is near the connection where the hose bends.
• Replace supply hoses every five years, even if there is no evident deterioration or wear. Some signs of deterioration may occur from the inside out and may not be visible until it is too late. When replacing washing machine supply hoses, always choose a reinforced steel braided hose over the traditional un-reinforced rubber hose. These hoses will last longer and are far less likely to result in catastrophic water loss.

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your Ocean City home or commercial business, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We'll restore your water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Common Causes of Water Damage in Niceville?

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

For more than twenty years, our local team in Fort Walton Beach has been helping people in Niceville with water damage emergencies. Water damage is the most common form of property damage in the United States. Here are some statistics about water damage:

• 98 percent of basements in the United States will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans
• 37 percent of homeowners in the United States claim to have suffered losses from water damage
• 5 billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the United States
• $6975 is the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim
• The average age of failed washing machine supply line hoses is 8.7 years
• 75 percent of water heaters fail before they are 12 years old

Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day. Here are the most common causes of water damage:

• Leaking pipes
• Severe weather
• Clogged gutters
• Washing machine water supply line leaks
• Condensation from air conditioners
• Blocked drains
• Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
• Leaking water heaters

Call Us Today!

When you have water damage in your Niceville home or commercial business, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We'll restore your water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Will I Know if My Water Damage is Completely Dried in Lake Lorraine?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

For twenty years, our technicians in Fort Walton Beach have been responding to water damage emergencies in Lake Lorraine. Most of the surfaces in homes and businesses are porous, so when they are exposed to water, the water can seep into them. Although these surfaces may be dry to the touch, they may retain moisture, which, left untreated, can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying and Dehumidification Process

We use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area. We also monitor and document the drying process to ensure the damage is dried thoroughly. Here is some additional information from our website about our drying process.

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping floors, walls, and furniture
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, accelerating moisture evaporation

Call Us Today!

Our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or business has water damage in Lake Lorraine. We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Refrigerator Floods Floor in Fort Walton Beach?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration in Okaloosa County.

Our local technicians in Fort Walton Beach have over twenty years of experience restoring water damage. I had no idea my refrigerator could flood my floor until it happened!

In a study published by the Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS), 75 percent of water damage losses involving an ice maker were caused by a supply line failure. Proper installation of the ice maker supply line hose is essential to avoiding water damage.

Here are some refrigerator loss prevention and maintenance tips from the IBHS:

• Tightly connect the hose to the valve, and avoid over-tightening
• Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks
• Inspect the hose every six months
• If kinks are present, replace the hose
• Leave a three-to-four-inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping
• When pulling the refrigerator out for cleaning or service, avoid getting the hose caught beneath the wheel
• Locate the water shut-off valve
• Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off, and replace the valve if needed

Call Us Today!

When your home or business has water damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your water damage in Fort Walton Beach “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What is the Most Efficient Way to Dry Water Damage in Mary Esther?

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

We monitor and document the drying process in Okaloosa County.

Our local technicians in Fort Walton Beach have over twenty years of experience restoring water damage in Mary Esther. Most surfaces in homes and businesses are porous, and water can seep in easily. Although these surfaces may be dry to the touch, they may retain moisture, which, left untreated, can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying and Dehumidification Process

We use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area. We also monitor and document the drying process to ensure the damage is dried thoroughly. Here is some additional information from our website about our drying process.

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping floors, walls, and furniture
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, accelerating moisture evaporation

 Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Mary Esther has a water damage emergency, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Black Water Contamination in Fort Walton Beach Home?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

We restore sewer backups 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Our local technicians in Fort Walton Beach have the specialized training, equipment, and protective gear necessary to safely clean and restore sewage backups. There are three categories of contaminated water, as follows:

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, it can degrade into category two or three

Category 2: “Gray Water”

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category two water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces or dishwasher overflow.

• It May contain bacteria and viruses
• It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 3: “Black Water”

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• It may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Fort Walton Beach has a sewer backup emergency, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Powerful Equipment Saves Water Damage Customers Time and Money in Fort Walton Beach?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach used powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment to restore water damage quickly and thoroughly. This equipment rapidly removes water from surfaces and the air, minimizing the chances of secondary damage and saving our customers time and money in many cases. Here are some examples of the equipment and technology we use:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

• Surface moisture meters
• Infrared imagery
• Evasive moisture detectors
• Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Fort Walton Beach has a water damage emergency, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

When Should I Have My Water Heater Inspected in Ocean City?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians are on call to respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Our Fort Walton Beach team has been restoring water damage in Ocean City for over twenty years. Water heaters require periodic inspection and maintenance to keep them running optimally. Here are some tips for the professional maintenance of water heaters:

Use a qualified service professional for the following:

• Clean burners yearly for gas and oil-fired water heaters. Have the service professional inspect flues and vents for cracks or loose connections that could leak deadly exhaust gases.
   
• Have a qualified plumber replace your anode rod once every two to five years
   
• The service life of a temperature and pressure (T & P) valve is usually three years. Even if a T & P valve looks fine from the outside, manufacturers recommend they be removed and visually inspected for accumulations of corrosion deposits

• Call a qualified plumber if your water tank is leaking
• If the T & P valve is discharging water or steam, the ONLY safe intervention is to remove the heat source by cutting off its fuel, if you can. For an electric heater, trip the circuit breaker; for a gas heater, shut off the gas.
• If your water heater overheats, call a qualified plumber and allow the water heater to cool naturally. Never try to relieve the pressure yourself. Never add cool water to the tank, and never try to cool it by spraying it with a hose. 

Call Us!

When your Ocean City home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Signs That I have Water Damage in My Niceville Home?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

We have been restoring water damage in Okaloosa County for over twenty years!

Do you hear water dripping in your Niceville home but cannot locate the source? Or, maybe you smell a strong, musty odor? If so, you probably have water damage lurking inside the walls or ceiling of your home. Our local team in Fort Walton Beach responds to more water damage emergencies each year than any other form of property damage emergency. Here are some of the signs that you may have water damage:

• Dark or wet spots on the walls or ceiling
• Wet areas or water pooling on the floor
• Flaking, cracking, or bubbling paint or drywall
• Hearing the sound of running water that you can’t place
• Hearing the sound of dripping water that you can’t locate
• Visible dripping water you can see but dripping where it should not be
• Significant increase in your water bill for no known reason
• Strong, damp, musky odors
• Visible mold growing 

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your Niceville home or commercial business has water damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach is on call 24-hours a day to assist you. We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call. Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Do I Have Hidden Water Damage in Lake Lorraine Home?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach responds to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day, every day of the year in Lake Lorraine, and we typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Water damage often occurs due to a leak somewhere in your walls or ceiling and may not show visible signs until the damage is more extensive. Here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for ways to find leaks in your home or business:

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. After ten minutes, if any color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks

Call Us!

When your Lake Lorraine home or commercial business has water damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Prevent Water Damage In My Okaloosa Island Home?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted water damage restoration specialists in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach has been restoring water damage on Okaloosa Island for over twenty years. Routine inspection of indoor plumbing systems can help identify minor issues before they become major problems. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute to help you maintain your indoor plumbing systems:

• Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Every year, make it a practice to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks and replace them all every five to seven years.
• Inspect showers and tubs.Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
• When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine.Never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money, and time.
• Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time on Okaloosa Island. When your home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, our team in Fort Walton Beach can respond 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water-Damaged Belongings in Fort Walton Beach?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

We clean and restore water-damaged clothing and household items in Okaloosa County.

Do you know that we pretest every item to ensure we use the most effective cleaning method when restoring water-damaged clothing, furniture, and household items? Our team in Fort Walton Beach provides a full range of water damage restoration services, including contents restoration for your belongings. Depending on the type of exposure, we may use one or a combination of the following:

• Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned 
• Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product 

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us!

When you have a water damage emergency in your Fort Walton Beach home or commercial business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach will clean and restore the water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage Emergency in Fort Walton Beach Home?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Water is invasive and can cause extensive damage to a home if fast action is not taken to mitigate the problem. SERVPRO® of Fort Walton Beach offers this water damage timeline describing the damage water can do over time:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Metal begins to rust and corrode
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible

More Than 1 Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Fort Walton Beach has a team of water restoration technicians on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. We’ll restore your water damage in Fort Walton Beach, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fort Walton Beach, Water Loss, SERVPRO's Great Restoration Services

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Your Fort Walton Beach Home? SERVPRO is on the Way--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

How SERVPRO Keeps Personal Properties Profitable in Fort Walton Beach through Water Removal

Whether the water came from a storm, leak, or appliance mishap on your Fort Walton Beach rental property, you should prioritize removing it as quickly as possible. Professional damage mitigation companies like SERVPRO can arrive 24/7 as an emergency response to developing situations on your property, and we focus our efforts on both controlling costs and expediting our work processes to return the property to optimal conditions. Here are a few examples of how a call to us could save you thousands after a disaster happens on your property.

The faster that your property in Fort Walton Beach can receive water removal services, the less time should be needed to return the building to its normal operating condition. As water sets in and causes damages, it can create other problems that require additional time to rectify, even with powerful equipment and many technicians working on the project. We stay ready around the clock to respond to rapidly developing situations and bring industrial-strength water extraction pumps and dehumidifiers to both remove water and prevent additional problems from happening before the next renters arrive for their stay.

When dealing with a water catastrophe, rapid restorations also help to mitigate overall costs related to the incident. Problems such as mold growth and foundation damage can cost thousands of dollars to reverse if they are allowed to happen. Calling in a professional company to mitigate damages and remove water can help your property avoid these additional expenses. Plus, if additional problems do arise, we hold a wide range of applicable certifications and can keep most restoration work under one company and bill. Consider the implications and effects to neighboring condos in the building.

Over time, damages accrued on a property can cause the overall value to drop and waver. Even if you manage to remove all visual signs of damage on your own, an estimator may still look unfavorably on a property that sustained past damage but did not employ certified technicians to conduct repairs.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach can provide emergency water removal services for your property and keep costs as low as possible. Call us at (850) 863-2552 for our services or a quote.

Strategies to Remove Standing Water and Begin the Drying Process

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

water damage

Removing water from surface materials in your Fort Walton Beach home requires several tools and technologies in our growing inventory of recovery equipment. After a thorough inspection of your property following a disaster, we can identify the most appropriate mitigation and restoration plan for your specific structure. Ultimately, we make these decisions based on the most efficient path to returning your home or business to its original condition. 

The tools and technologies that promote water restoration for Fort Walton Beach homes and businesses can vary significantly from one property to the next. As a leading restoration company for the Gulf Coast Area, we have a broad assortment of extractors and water removal tools to address both standing water and trapped moisture in porous materials like wood flooring and carpets. 

What Are the Best Tools to Remove Surface Water?  

Standing water can be one of the most destructive effects left behind after a water damage incident. Without quick action, absorption can occur to exposed materials. The removal of standing water is an essential effort to prevent unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction of areas that could otherwise be preserved. Some of the best types of tools for this action include:

• Pumps – Electric submersible pumps and other units like high-pressure extractors and self-priming trash pumps are vital in different conditions to remove surface water. The effectiveness of these extractors hinges on the depth of the water involved. Under two inches of standing water causes the pumps to lose prime and become less effective.

• Vacuums – Vacuums are a versatile water removal tool in our arsenal because of their portability. In addition to these units' mobility, wet vacuums are even more useful when combined with various wands and attachments for specific extraction scenarios. 

• Wands – Special attachments for vacuums in submersible pumps can help resolve specific issues encountered in removing water. Wands are exceptionally beneficial for areas where accessibility is an issue.

Need Water Mitigation at Your Fort Walton Beach Property? Think SERVPRO

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

You want a trusted team of experts with the equipment your property needs after a water incident occurs. Call SERVPRO right away.

How Can Hiring SERVPRO for Water Mitigation Help You Prevent Long-Term Damage to Your Fort Walton Beach Home?

A water damage incident can have a lasting impact on your property both in terms of affecting its cosmetic appeal as well as structural integrity. Hiring SERVPRO professionals for water mitigation of your Fort Walton Beach home can help you prevent such long-term damages. 

Before SERVPRO professionals can begin the water mitigation of your Fort Walton home, they determine the extent and severity of the damage using moisture sensing equipment. The water remediation plan is tailored toward the type of material involved and the amount of water present. It is crucial to use the right equipment and drying conditions to speed up the process. 

What are the Different Classes of Damage That SERVPRO Techs Encounter During Water Cleanup of Fort Walton Beach Homes?   

Depending on the type of the size of the loss, material involved, and the amount of water present, water damage in your Fort Walton Beach home can be classified into the following four categories-

• Class 1: Affects only a small area of the building, and the materials absorb minimum moisture. SERVPRO technicians usually use an open system dehumidification to dry class 1 water damage. 
• Class 2: More extensive damage and water usually is wicked up the drywall up to 24 inches. Moisture also seeps into structural components. SERVPRO techs use strategically placed dehumidification systems and air movers to speed up the drying process. 
• Class 3: Water loss affects a large part of the building, with ceilings, subfloor, walls, insulation, and carpets are all saturated with water. Mitigation requires efficient use of water-moving equipment in a combination of dehumidification.
• Class 4: Involves materials that have very low porosity and permeability. Some examples include hardwood, plaster, stone, and crawlspaces. It involves a lot of bound water, and it takes a long time to dry class 4 water damage completely. 
• Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for any questions regarding water damage.  

Water Removal for Your Destin Home After Washing Machine Malfunction

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home? SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Acts Fast to Remove Water and Restore Your Home Quickly 

With many newer homes in Destin having a laundry room on an upper level, this poses a risk of severe water damage if the washing machine ever malfunctions. Water can easily seep through the flooring into the ceiling and rooms below. A situation like this needs to be handled as quickly as possible to avoid further damages, but cleaning up a large mess requires professional knowledge and tools.

Your home is a significant investment, so when water damage in Destin has threatened any part of it, the faster you act, the better. Hesitating to get water removal services allows more damage to occur, resulting in a more massive repair bill. SERVPRO is standing by at any hour, ready to help you when a water disaster strikes. We know these things never happen at a convenient time, so we are here whenever you need us with the experience necessary to restore your home to the way it was.

Since water can spread and get into and through a majority of surfaces, floors, walls, and obstructions, we first determine the scope of the damage so we can adequately mitigate it. Doing so protects your home from future mold and other residual problems. Since we cannot always see with the naked eye where all the moisture and water are, we use thermal cameras and moisture meters to find all the areas affected.

Then, if needed, SERVPRO techs remove materials like drywall, subflooring, and flooring that have been affected to salvage the substructure and framing of your home. We also separate and store your personal property during the restoration process. Finally, we recover anything possible, cleaning and sanitizing all that can be restored.

Water Removal Services

We can then begin water extraction and drying. First, the standing water is removed with industrial-sized pumps, and then dehumidifiers and air-movers are brought in to finish the drying process. Times can vary depending on how much moisture is present, but this step can take a few days at least, during which we monitor all of the equipment.

The affected areas are then treated to prevent mold and bacteria. Any rebuilding can now be done. When needed, we bring in other professionals to help with this step.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach realizes your home in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or Mary Esther is a significant investment, so we treat it as such. Therefore, when you contact us at (850) 863-2552 for any water damage emergency, we take care of your home as if it was our own.

Speed, Training, and the Right Equipment Critical to Restoring Water Damage in Fort Walton Beach

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing failures can lead to ceiling plus water damage as shown in this Photo. SERVPRO minimizes the deconstruction in this Fort Walton Beach Home

SERVPRO Focuses on Restoration over Replacement

Unlike some other cleanup tasks, responding to water damage in Fort Walton Beach cannot wait. The harm done to structural materials, fixtures, and contents begins immediately after water intrudes and is progressive, worsening over time. Partnering with a reputable water damage restoration company is the key to returning your home to preloss condition.

Professional water damage restoration for your Fort Walton Beach home aids the property owner in several meaningful ways. Extraction of large amounts of water needs heavy-duty equipment and a technician's experience with its use. Issues of water contamination when the source is flooding or sewage backup requires expert assessment and proper disposal. Our crews have Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training, ensuring water damage management over many situations meets industry standards.

Water left to soak the wooden framing and flooring of most homes deteriorates these essential supporting building components. Swelling and warping occur if water is not removed fast. Drywall and ceiling tiles crumble when saturated, necessitating swift drying. Mold damage is a risk if the moisture is not removed within 48 hours. SERVPRO technicians use their coursework and experience to measure moisture levels, find hidden pockets of water, and remediate both quickly. Drying targets are calculated, and our crews position air movers and dehumidifiers to pull water vapor out of structures and fixtures. Monitoring of moisture reduction is continued throughout the process.

Restoring Water Damaged Materials

A layperson may believe that soaked materials must be torn out and replaced. SERVPRO focuses on restoration, using strategies learned in IICRC classes to dry out a broad range of items efficiently for use again. Hiring our crews can save money over the long run by placing structures and contents back in service for you. Expensive carpeting and irreplaceable hardwood floors respond well when skilled workers employ the proper techniques. Walls and ceilings dry and look "Like it never even happened." When the response is speedy, and the tools used are well-matched to the problem.

Even water damaged documents and pictures are restorable through resources available to SERVPRO. Advanced methods such as lyophilization, or freeze-drying, remove water vapor without further damage to the paper. Your most treasured heirlooms and important documents have new life after our treatments.

Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 to discuss your water damage restoration options. We are eager to assist our neighbors at this challenging time and pledge to be honest and trustworthy throughout the process.

SERVPRO provides water removal services when appliances in Fort Walton Beach flood the home

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Appliance malfunctions may cause extreme water damage. SERVPRO has the services and manpower for any size disaster.

Dishwasher Overflows Can Cause Water Damage in Fort Walton Beach

If you like the beach and like to fish, Fort Walton Beach is the place for you. It is a resort town that sees a major increase in people and revenue during the summer months. Because it is a resort town, there is a lot to see and do in the area. 

Modern City with Ancient Roots

Today it is a city where people come to relax and play, but its roots go deep in history. The Fort Walton Culture, a prehistoric settlement, thrived from roughly 100 – 1550 AD. The first Europeans arrived on the scene with the explorer Alva Nunez Cabeza de Vaca. John Anderson was one of the first to settle in the area in the 1830s. 

Famous People of Fort Walton Beach

The city is, or was, home to quite a few notable people, including Lonnie R. Moore, a Korean War Double Ace. Other famous people who hail from Fort Walton Beach include:

• Richard Covey – Astronaut

• Matt Gaetz – current U.S. Representative

• Aric Almirola – NASCAR winner

• Jason Elam – Super Bowl Champion – Denver Broncos

• Edward L. Hubbard – Airforce, Vietnam Vet, author, artist

• Carolyn Murphy – International model

• Danny Wuerfful – Heisman Trophy winner

Okaloosa Island

Dolphin watching is one of the fun activities on this beautiful island. The water is stunning emerald green, and the beaches are pristine. There is plenty to do here, including jet skiing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. The kids will have a great time at Wild Willie’s Adventure Zone. It’s the biggest family entertainment zone in Northwest Florida and is a favorite of dinosaur lovers. The whole family is going to enjoy the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Here you can learn all about water creatures, and even swim with the dolphins. The boardwalk has all the fun shops you would expect in a beach resort, and summer evenings end with fireworks.

Indian Temple Mound & Museum

Learn all about the history of Fort Walton Beach, dating clear back to prehistoric times. This museum is one of four that make up the Heritage Park and Cultural Center. You pay one price, and you can visit four museums:

• Temple Mound Museum

• Garnier Post Office Museum

• Fort Walton Temple Mound

• Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum

The museum is full of fascinating exhibits. The early people who dwelled there were known for their pottery-making skills. Here you can see an amazing display of prehistoric ceramics. There are over 1,000 Native American artifacts plus displays for early explorers, settlers, and pirates. Don’t skip the other museums as they are very interesting as well.

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services in Fort Walton Beach

When the dishwasher overflows, it can be a disaster. Gallons of water can come pouring out rapidly. You may be able to mop up some of it, but much of it will seep under the flooring and into the corners of the kitchen. SERVPRO provides emergency services, water damage restoration, and water cleanup that finds even the smallest amount of hidden moisture. Our water damage remediation experts will:

• Use moisture meters and probes to find hidden water

• Employ powerful water extraction tools 

• Strategically place commercial air movers and dehumidifiers

• Use specialty tools to help with drying the flooring

• Apply controlled demolition techniques if needed

• Repair and restore your kitchen

All our water removal services are designed to get you back to normal as soon as possible. Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2522 for professional water restoration services.

What Are The Standard Water Removal Timelines?

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

You can count on SERVPRO’s experienced professionals to eliminate water damage on your property. Call us today.

SERVPRO Expedites Removal for the Convenience of Fort Walton Beach Residents

Water intrusions into homes are very disruptive and therefore require fast action to restore normal conditions. Resolving such incidents fast is also necessary to curtail secondary deterioration of various materials in the property. 

The process of water removal from Fort Walton Beach homes takes different actions with varying timelines. For instance, extracting any standing water is essential before embarking on drying wet materials and contents. In some cases, building materials such as carpet, pad, or insulation have to be removed since drying cannot restore them. 

When SERVPRO handles the removal process, our target is to complete extraction and drying within 24 to 72 hours. With such timelines, there is minimal disruption to daily routines and minimal chances of mold development. We use various strategies to achieve the desired goal, including maximizing extraction to minimize the resources needed for drying. We also use an array of advanced equipment, including:

• LGR dehumidifiers
• Centrifugal air movers
• Portable and truck-mounted water extractors

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach strives to deliver quality water removal services. Call us at (850) 863-2552 if your property is affected.

Stretch Away Anxiety in Fort Walton Beach

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

A leaky faucet or burst pipe can be a hand full. Call SERVPRO for fast and experience service to handle your problem.

Fort Walton Beach Residents Can Take Advantage of Stress-Reducing Yoga

The past year has elevated stress levels in many people to new heights. Learning to relax through yoga is an ideal way to gently help your body and mind unwind and decompress through controlled movements and breathing.

This class taught by Joyce Wu is for all levels of yoga experience, from beginner to very knowledgeable. The event takes participants through simple exercises that encompass techniques for breathing, stretches, and guided meditation. This virtual streaming event happens in the comfort of the viewer's home. It is a good idea to dim your lights and use candles or incense to create an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful. 

• Date: January 6, 2020
• Time:  6 PM to 7 PM PST
• Venue: Joyce Wu teaches classes via Zoom from her studio, and participants are sent a link 30 minutes before class starts

No matter if it is a significant flooding event, backed up toilet, or a pipe break, Fort Walton Beach residents trust SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for their water extraction and restoration needs. 

Fort Walton Beach Properties Preserved from Disaster 24/7

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

For a reliable team that you can count on. Contact the experts at SERVPRO for your homes water damage. We're faster to any size disaster.

Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach for Reliable Mitigation Services

Fort Walton Beach is home to 19,000 people and is packed with history and recreation along Florida’s northwestern coast. Its sister city is Quezon City in the Philippines.

Popular attractions in this Okaloosa County beach town include:

• Emerald Coast Science Center, an hands-on educational experience packed with family-friendly fun
• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, a marine park featuring shows and interactions with dolphins, rays, and sharks since 1955
• Heritage Park and Cultural Center, which houses several museums and cultural sites, particularly those related to the indigenous Mississippian Fort Walton culture

Whether its business or pleasure you are coming to town for, Fort Walton Beach has plenty of shopping, recreation, and cultural landmarks for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Along the coast, you can find plenty of shopping and dining opportunities along Mary Esther Boulevard, as well as Miracle Strip Parkway.

Just across Brooks Bridge is Okaloosa Island, which is filled to the brim with recreation and dining facilities and coastal condos and hotels with an unparalleled view of the Gulf of Mexico. Taking US Highway 98 southeast takes you to nearby Florida panhandle towns like Destin and Miramar Beach. Further west, you can find Pensacola and Warrington.

The Fort Walton Culture

Fort Walton’s history is believed to go as far back as between 1100 and 1550 CE, from a culture closely related to the preceding Weedon Island peoples inhabiting the Old Tampa Bay area during the same period. The name “Fort Walton culture” was coined by Gordon Willey, an archaeologist working at the site.

Many of the pottery and artifacts found in the area are reminiscent of Mississippian craftsmanship. Several ceremonial platform mounds exist in the area, indicating villages central to the Fort Walton culture’s chiefdoms.

The mound structure is as follows:

• The base is constructed from several layers of fill inside of which can be found the remains of even more ancient structures
• The main ramp to access the mound’s summit is paved with a log staircase
• Many mounds still had a building at the summit with a wattle and daub construction
• Many central mounds are surrounded by secondary mounds
• Some mounds show signs of intrusive burial over the years

The Fort Walton peoples and the Leon-Jefferson era tribespeople who came after are the later Apalachee peoples’ ancestors. Their cultures were influenced by increased contact with European–particularly Spanish-- settlers and a decline in the traditional chiefdom system of rulership as colonial territory expanded.

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is not just a Florida State Park: it is also one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the Fort Walton culture’s chiefdom structure and overall culture. The Indian Temple Mound Museum is another hub of Fort Walton culture and history, chronicling an estimated 10,000 years of indigenous societies living in the area with over 1,000 artifacts.

Notable Names and Places in Fort Walton Beach

Quite a few individuals of renown come from this gorgeous coastal locale, including the following:

• Nuremberg trials court reporter and journalist Nancy Kenaston
• Florida 1st District congressional representative Matt Gaetz
• Former Department of Homeland Security Director and retired Coast Guard rear admiral John C. Acton
• Two-time Super Bowl-winning Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam
• World-renowned guitarist Shane Gibson, who is most known for touring with Korn

Fort Walton Beach is well-known for its tourism industry and is home to two crucial United States Air Force bases: Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) and Hurlburt Field. These bases are by far the largest employers in the area, providing jobs for over 27,000 people combined in 2010.

Eglin AFB is one of the largest in the nation at over 700 square miles. Its size allows for a variety of flight exercises, as well as artillery and explosives testing. One of the most notable weapons tests conducted at Eglin was the Massive Ordinance Air Blast (MOAB) in 2003. Eglin also contains a Fighter Wing, Air Armament Center, and a Test Wing. Meanwhile, Hurlburt Field houses many essential components of the USAF, including Headquarters, Special Operations Command, and a Special Operations University.

How Does SERVPRO Measure and Detect Water Damage in a Fort Walton Beach Home?

SERVPRO technicians offer water damage cleanup for Fort Walton Beach properties at any time of the day or night, including weekends and holidays, to minimize damage while maximizing homeowners’ savings. One of the most critical aspects of ensuring this endeavor is successful is an accurate measurement of moisture-affected surfaces with the proper tools.

SERVPRO uses moisture sensors, meters, and infrared imaging to attain the following goals per Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards:

• Returning structures and contents to their normal humidity levels
• Accelerating drying with air movement and dehumidification equipment
• Calculate drying goals based on air temperature and humidity as well as moisture content of damaged items
• Detect and eliminate water damage in and behind structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent long-term structural damage and microbial growth

While sensors and meters are typically calibrated for the measurement of specific materials like wood and drywall, thermal imaging detects potential water damage through changes in temperature. Water damage affecting a structure is usually colder than in dry areas. SERVPRO techs can reach these areas by making small holes in wall or ceiling cavities, for example, or removing saturated sections of drywall or flooring to dry and sanitize materials easily.

Microbial growth can occur in as little as 24 hours after damage occurs so that SERVPRO technicians can remediate with various tools, including HEPA filter air scrubbers, EPA-registered antimicrobials, and agitation tools.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach is a locally owned and operated franchise that is Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call (850) 863-2552 for emergency response cleanup and restoration services for your home.

How Can Homeowners Prevent HVAC Water Intrusions?

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO helps Mary Esther Homeowners keep their HVAC systems maintained for Improved Indoor Air Quality.

HVAC Maintenance for Fall and Winter Can Help Prevent Damage in Mary Esther.

Keeping your HVAC system well maintained not only means it runs more efficiently but can prevent leaking and overflowing from condensation. The last thing you need is for your heating system to go out in the middle of winter due to a malfunction. A leak can cause that to happen and bring with it moisture problems to your Mary Esther residence, requiring the need for SERVPRO to intervene. 

What Should Homeowners Do to Maintain Their HVAC System?

You can prepare for fall and winter weather with some basic maintenance tips. While you may not be able to totally avoid the need for water damage repair in your Mary Esther home, you can do your part. 

• Air Filters – these should be changed every three months, even if you think they do not need replacing.
• Vents – clean them when you replace the air filters.
• Inspections – schedule regular inspections with a professional contractor. Spring and fall will be the perfect time to do this.
• Upgrade – if your HVAC system is more than ten years old, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model.
• Programmable Thermostat – This enables you to control the temperatures throughout the day and night. 
• Insulation – Lighten your HVAC’s load by insulating your attic. 

Keeping your air ducts clean and making sure drainage pans and hoses are working correctly can prevent water damage. SERVPRO can inspect your HVAC system for problems in these areas. We also offer routine cleaning for air ducts that can improve air quality.

If you do experience water spills due to a problem with your HVAC system, SERVPRO can mitigate the damage. We provide water damage repair services to residences throughout the area. Our technicians are well-trained and use advanced technology to mitigate all kinds of water intrusions.

Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for expedient water damage repair service. Contractor Licenses: Mold Remediation: MRSR309, MRSR377.

How Can I Stop Severe Water Damage at My Mary Esther House?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a water catastrophe. Give us a call right away.

With Help from SERVPRO, You Can Reduce Damages from Moisture Exposure and Learn How to Prevent Water Intrusions.

When there is water in unintended areas in your property, various kinds of damages can develop. The intruding water can originate from malfunctioning appliances, broken pipes, or roof leaks. Damages are mostly influenced by the amount of water involved and the time that passes before you take to complete removal. SERVPRO helps avail the necessary capacity to Mary Esther homeowners in terms of skills and equipment to manage water loss incidents.

What should I expect when water damages my home?

A case of water damage in your Mary Esther home can affect almost any systems and materials in your home, but some problems are more common after such incidents including:

• Rotting of wood
• Swelling or delaminating of composites
• Bacteria and mold growth
• Soiling of surfaces and materials

As you have probably figured, some of the problems are readily resolved, while others require replacement or expensive repair of the affected materials. Our SERVPRO technicians provide solutions that can improve the outcome for any type of damage that develops. For instance, our commitment is to reach affected properties within 4 hours. Therefore, when notified of a loss in time, we can perform timely water extraction and moisture control, preventing severe physical damage such as rotting or warping of wooden materials.

Since water intrusion discovery is not always immediate in every incident that affects properties, severe problems may already have developed by the time restoration starts. Our technicians help by using non-invasive methods to probe the loss site and pinpoint the exact areas where materials have deteriorated. For instance, a thermal camera identifies a wet section of the wall or floor cavity without requiring removal of the covering materials. We then use superior techniques for controlled demolition, limiting the destruction done to the property as part of the restoration.

What typically delays the discovery of water damage?

Spilled water is easy to notice on an open surface, such as the floor. However, if the water originates from an enclosed area such as a wall or ceiling space, it might take time to identify. If you are not conversant with the early signs of water intrusion, the damage can develop unabated over an extended period. Some typical signs that can help you identify hidden water intrusions early enough include:

• Walls and ceilings having a spongy feel
• Finishes such as paint or wallpaper bubble or start peeling
• Musty odors
• Stains or patches on surfaces

Delayed detection of water intrusion can also happen if the property is unoccupied during the water spill. Vacationing is one of the main reasons people leave properties unoccupied, and from experience, we have noticed that many water spills tend to happen at such times. Our SERVPRO technicians can give you useful tips that can help limit the chances of water intrusion during your future vacations. Some of the general ideas include:

• Turning off the valve in the main supply line
• Turning up the thermostat but leaving the AC on
• Lowering the temperature of the water or activating vacation mode
• Adding antifreeze to the toilets

Such steps help prevent damage in many ways. For instance, turning off the main supply line eliminates cuts down the amount of water that can be released into the house in case of a leak from thousands of gallons to a minimal amount. Sometimes water damage can originate from indirect water sources such as condensation. Regulating the heat levels in the house by changing thermostat settings ensures that condensation does not happen on the days you are away from your property.

Is it possible to stop damages after the water is released?

Once the water breaches your property, some damages are instant. What you can hope for is to prevent advanced issues. Some advanced problems can develop because of the extended exposure of materials to moisture or improper restoration procedures. For instance, in a couple of days or weeks, wet wood rots or develops physical changes such as warping. On the other hand, rough water extraction procedures can contribute to carpets delaminating. 

Our SERVPRO technicians help expedite water removal processes by using superior water extraction equipment such as wet vacs and water extractors. Removing all standing water within the first 24 hours halts most of the deterioration that leads to secondary damages. We also take precautions to avoid damaging materials during restoration. For instance, we use separate types of wands when extracting water from hard surfaces and carpeted areas. For the hard surfaces, we use squeegee wands, which cannot scratch the surface. 

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has extensive experience dealing with damages caused by water intrusion. Call us (850) 863-2552 to help you restore your home to its preloss state. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does Water Cleanup Affect Indoor Air Quality in Mary Esther?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach can help you manage all aspects of water loss.

SERVPRO Understands How Different Factors Influence Air Quality and Addresses Them during Water Cleanup in Mary Esther

Cleaning up a house after a water spill takes more than extracting pools of water. Failure to take other preventive and restorative steps can lead to several problems, including the development of indoor air quality problems. When our SERVPRO crews respond to water loss incidents in Mary Esther, we perform thorough cleanup to eliminate or prevent any problems.

How does a water spill lead to problems with air quality?

When performing water cleanup in Mary Esther properties, our SERVPRO technicians are aware that the presence of moisture or the processes used to clean dirty areas within the property can end up causing air quality problems. Some factors that influence indoor air quality include:
    •    Humidity
    •    Temperature
    •    Noxious chemicals
    •    Microbial development

Although you might not notice higher humidity, you might experience eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, or other discomforts. Evaporation of spilled water increases the humidity levels in the house. Even after extracting all standing water, any wet materials in the house still contribute to higher humidity levels. Drying all materials and surfaces is, therefore, crucial during cleanup of water damaged properties.

Sometimes the wetness may be out of sight, hidden in wall cavities or even subfloors creating an unexplainable humidity problem. Our technicians rely on advanced equipment to diagnose such problems. For instance, a thermo-hygrometer helps identify rooms with higher humidity levels, thus helping narrow down the likelihood of hidden moisture in the area. We also use thermal cameras to help pinpoint the wet sections behind concealment. After identifying the wet areas, we perform controlled demolition to reach the hidden moisture and clean up the area.

Can restoration of a clean water loss involve noxious chemicals?

Clean water leaks are easier to clean up since they do not contaminate materials or contents in the house. In theory, extraction and drying are the only actions necessary. However, from the previous experiences we have had resolving such water spills, indirect soiling still occurs. Running dyes, rust, and microbial growth can happen, leading to deep soiling of fabrics, upholstery or carpets.
Cleaning such soiling necessitates several processes, including agitation of the surfaces and the use of chemicals, which help dissolve, suspend, or loosen the soils. Mixing different types of chemicals, especially when a particular soil proves challenging to remove, can lead to noxious fumes. Another problem is the inadequate rinsing of the cleaned areas, thus leaving traces of the chemicals embedded within the materials. Such traces can result in the development of bad odor in the house. Our SERVPRO technicians take precautions not to mix some substances known to react with each other, including:
    •    Vinegar and bleach
    •    Ammonia and bleach
    •    Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar

In case there is a need to mix two products that react chemically producing fumes, our technicians wear respirators for protection against inhaling the dangerous gases. After cleaning contents such as carpets or upholstery, we ensure to rinse them thoroughly before drying them. We also ventilate the cleaned areas to remove any odor remnants in the air.

Can I control microbial growth during the cleaning process?

Microbial growth is the process that leads to mold infestation in properties. It can also turn a clean water loss to a greywater loss. Unlike other problems such as soling or staining, microbial growth is a natural process, so most of the factors that support it are already in place before the water spill. Controlling microbial growth is possible through:
    •    Expedited water removal
    •    Applying antimicrobial agents
    •    Immediate removal of mold residues

If you notice the water spill in good time, it is possible to prevent mold development by expediting water removal and drying the premises. Mold starts developing within 24-48 hours after the water loss incident. When you call our SERVPRO technicians to your premises, we try to expedite removal by using several units of equipment such as extractors, air movers and dehumidifiers eliminating the moisture problem, “Like it never even happened.”

Since it might not be feasible to dry all wet materials within a few hours, the risk of mold development from residue moisture persists. Applying antimicrobial products in the areas we clean helps stop or delay such growth, ensuring that we complete drying before any problems develop.
Addressing the different factors that contribute to the state of the indoor air quality at your house eliminates chances of severe problems developing later on. When problems develop fully, they necessitate full deodorization and ventilation, among other processes, to restore standard indoor air quality in the house.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach can help you manage all aspects of water loss. Call us any time at (850) 863-2552 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How Do I Know if the Stain in My Destin Home Ceiling is Water Damage?

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have water stains on your ceiling?

Water Stains Can Indicate Hidden Water Problems in Your Home--Call SERVPRO

Water is everywhere around us, but when this life-giving liquid exists in our Destin homes, we expect it to remain where it cannot do any harm. Sometimes it escapes and makes its presence known but in seemingly minor ways.

Other times, however, your property seems to develop not only visible and unsightly water damage but also the kind that ruins the interior of your home. What many homeowners in Destin never realize about water damage can end up costing them quite a bit of money.

Any type of water leakage, regardless of how slight it seems, means that water exists inside your home in places where it should not. Stains may not seem like severe damage, but they often indicate precisely that. The moisture creating stains on upper walls and ceilings did not appear there like magic. This moisture traveled there to these locations from other areas of your home. 

As it traveled through the materials comprising your home, it affected them. Because this often happens within areas that you rarely or never see, it stays hidden and unknown to you. Significant water damage typically can happen months before stained ceilings show up in your home's interior. A side effect of this intrusive water, possibly from a leaky toilet, a loose shingle, or even a window left open during a rainstorm, often includes stains on upper areas of rooms and possibly wavy or blistering paint.

SERVPRO technicians can help determine the pathways the water took and examine the materials from Point A to Point B for damage. Many facets of your home can become compromised, damaged, or worse by causing other types of damage to start developing in your home. Microbial populations can proliferate once water becomes available to them. Who wants mold growing in their home? Drywall and sheetrock can begin to crumble.

Wherever damaging effects occur, we can skillfully mitigate the problem and make your home "Like it never even happened," quickly. We also ensure that the source of water is fixed and cannot create future damage that you must deal with later. In the case of major leaks or drips, we advise the homeowner to call a certified plumber. 

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach can help you whenever you find water damage and its telltale stains. Call us at (850) 863-2552 to reach our 24-hour helpline and get to the bottom of what ails your home.

Learn more about Destin Beach, FL.

When Your Plumbing Leaks Cause Water Damage in Destin

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

A plumbing leak caused water damage in this home. We completely restored this home using our specialized tools and trained techs.

Water Removal Destin – Leaky Plumbing 

Before the discovery, a leaking plumbing joint inside a wall can leak water for hours. Water may fill the cavity inside the wall before it spreads out onto the floor, soaking carpets and anything left lying around. Homeowners may discover the leak only when the homeowner enters the room and find water all over the floor, under cabinets, and inside the wall. 

SERVPRO provides water removal services in Destin and surrounding areas. We also hold contractor licenses for mold remediation: MRSR309, MRSR377. We respond to many water removal requests every year and have been providing service for over 26 years in the community. Our team can be onsite in less than 4 hours of your call to begin water and moisture removal. It is essential to act before mold has an opportunity to grow and become an infestation.

Moisture Removal 

At SERVPRO, we focus on removing all of the water and moisture to minimize water damage to your home. We are experts at mold mitigation and have seen the damage mold can do to a home if moisture is left to linger. We use weighted water extractors, vacuum wands, and suction devices to remove all excess water and moisture. 

If the original water leak is inside a wall, we may have to open the wall to expose the leaky plumbing joint as well as dry this area. We remove the drywall and vacuum all of the water from the area. The water may have also leaked along the wall into adjacent cavities between studs. We remove drywall to gain access to these spaces as well. 

Water under cabinets is removed by drilling access holes into the kick plate of the cupboards and using suction to remove excess water. SERVPRO uses specialized blowers to push air under the cupboards to absorb moisture and dry these areas. We use portable air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture and lower the humidity levels to normal levels. 

Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Mary Esther, Holiday Isle, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

More about Destin.

Why Should You Let Certified Professionals Handle Water Restoration?

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores Water Damage on Wood Floors and Makes it "Like it Never Happened".

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach Technicians Have Been Certified Through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to Handle Complex Water Damage to Your Home

Water damage restoration professionals are needed to deal with both the immediate threat and the invisible threat left behind.  SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach certified professionals have the tools to combat these threats, eliminating them before they have a chance to cause real problems.

When it comes to water damage, restoration crews that are certified will do the best work and are qualified to deal with even the worst disasters possible. A family’s home is precious, but floods and busted pipes can leave it too dangerous to live in. When the worst does happen, a family may be tempted to clean up the damage themselves. This is the number one mistake of homeowners.  We understand that saving money becomes the primary goal due to all that comes with water damage. However, when homeowners try to DIY water restoration, it often ends up costing much more than any amount saved.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach certified water technicians are the people on the front lines against these disasters and we have the resources to deal with a disaster of any scale. Our water technicians have been certified through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) they trained for dozens of hours in the latest industry methods, giving them an edge over the competition. And because IICRC-certified water technicians are also informed of any advancements in the field, they will always have the latest equipment and methods at their disposal. 

That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach for our IICRC-certified water technicians when they are faced with the worst.

If you’re experiencing water damage and need water restoration call us at (850) 863-2552.

Learn More about Fort Walton Beach.

Drying Based on Full Assemblies of Materials in Destin Homes

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.

Why You Need Help With Water Removal in Destin

Drying out a Destin home after a water loss incident or flooding is not the same from one property to another because the materials and their construction may vary. Assemblies are the complete layers of various construction materials that make up interior and exterior walls, flooring, or ceiling spaces. Understanding the presence of each of these individual layers and the best solution to restore and dry them helps to make restoring full assemblies faster and more thorough.

Knowing all of the potential layers that require water removal in Destin homes can help to save our customers time and money. Our SERVPRO professionals get focused training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to appreciate the complexities of modern construction and the obstacles of structural drying. For example, interior wall drying can often be more than addressing saturation of drywall, but also insulation, wood framing, and the wallboard on the other side of the cavity as well.

Part of successful drying where various construction materials get affected simultaneously is knowing the migration path of water. Thermography and hygrometers can both effectively note the presence of higher levels of moisture and saturation, which can showcase where focused drying and recovery efforts are necessary. In some cases, direct drying with positive pressure systems and centrifugal air movers can remove free and surface moisture concerns.

Addressing the full assembly drying obstacles might also demand-controlled demolition. In several situations, removing surface materials can help SERVPRO professionals to more efficiently manage the work to get done and save money on the total restoration project. Our in-house contractors can perform controlled demolition for portions of a full construction assembly when it is critical to:

• Help with the drying process
• Reduce the time drying takes
• Access areas that require more concentrated drying or recovery efforts

After a water loss incident, there can be many materials throughout your house that require thorough drying to prevent microbial development. Our SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach team can help with premier drying and recovery solutions. Give us a call anytime at (850) 863-2552.

Learn more about Destin.

Using High-Pressure Water Removal Equipment To Save Your Mary Esther Home

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners find that tailoring solutions to property emergency are more efficient and less inconvenient.

Using High-Pressure Water Removal Equipment for Subterranean Regions of your Mary Esther Residence

A malfunctioning sump pump is hard to spot before it is too late. This equipment moves water from drains or groundwater and pumps it away from the lower levels of your home. During the winter, rainfall increases, which can put more pressure on your sump pump. Failure allows for groundwater levels to rise and can result in flooding. Handling these situations is often a professional task, although the rising water levels are unlikely to contain solid waste, which is common in flash flooding.

A roster of technicians with qualifications in water removal is essential to Mary Esther residents during the winter season. You can make contact with SERVPRO anytime, day or night, to arrange an inspection of floodwaters in the sub-regions of your home. Frequently, visual inspections are crucial to ascertain the level of water contamination as well as what equipment we require. We believe in getting your residence back to its preloss condition and work hard to find an efficient solution to suit your needs.

A broken sump pump can see water levels rise in crawlspaces as well as basements. Usually, the most effective remedy to rising water levels is pumping water out of the home at high volume. Pumping equipment generally grades on lift capacity and volume. Essentially, how much water is transportable and how the speed at which it transports. Many pumping equipment is submersible, allowing SERVPRO to place it below the standing water level.

During the visual inspection, a SERVPRO technician can decide on what type of pumping equipment to use. Subterranean rooms with flooding may not contain any solid waste. In these situations, high-pressure pumps can remove water exceptionally quickly. These specific pumps are useful in basements or crawlspaces because they offer high lift which makes moving water to the upper levels, and out of the home more comfortable.

Homeowners find that tailoring solutions to property emergency are more efficient and less inconvenient. Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552.

For more about Mary Esther click here.

We Can Dry Your Water Damaged Home In Mary Esther

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today at (850) 863-2552. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Get Professional Drying After Water Damage In Your Mary Esther Residence

As homes age, it is likely to find cracked tiles or leaking pipes in the bathroom or kitchen. Under extreme temperatures, water pipes can burst and flood the interior of a property, causing damage. These and other water loss problems can devastate your home. A primary priority after any water loss incident in your home is drying the affected areas quickly.

Water damage in your Mary Esther home can cause wood rot, mold, and other issues. It is difficult to dry out a home because water can get to hard-to-reach areas. Our SERVPRO team can help you restore the affected structures and contents of your house by providing sufficient water removal and drying services.

Even though the water intrusion in your home may appear to be limited to specific areas, the water continues to migrate toward other dry materials, causing more destruction to floors, walls, cabinets, and other items. Excess moisture in the air can damage other surfaces and promote microbial growth. Your insurance company may also decline your claim for failing to take steps to mitigate a water intrusion problem immediately. Professional drying is essential to avoid issues like:

    •    Ruined flooring
    •    Permanent discoloration of floors and walls
    •    Corrosion of pipes
    •    A compromised electrical system
    •    Mold growth
    •    Foul odors

Our SERVPRO technicians can remove water using portable exactors, which we can take into almost any area of your house. We can dry the affected areas exhaustively by using advanced processes. Our team can expedite the drying process by using axial air movers, which can move large volumes of air. These air movers deliver low pressure at high volumes and can, therefore, cover large areas of affected materials. Removing water from low evaporation materials such as hardwood floors, concrete, and plaster is intricate. We can use desiccant dehumidifiers to dry such materials.

Desiccant dehumidifiers create an extremely dry environment that helps eliminate moisture. They lower the humidity in the air by exposing the humid air to desiccant materials that absorb moisture. Afterward, the moisture is exhausted from the desiccant and expelled as water vapor through the reactivation outlet. Once our drying process is complete, our team can repair the affected structures.

When your home in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or Niceville has water damage, SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach can help you restore it to the preloss condition. Call us today at (850) 863-2552. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Mary Esther click here.

SERVPRO Offers 24/7 Emergency Services To Prevent Water Damage In Your Mary Esther Home

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has what it takes to get water removed out of your Mary Esther home today.

Water damage in Esther is no joking matter, call us today.

Water damage is something that can happen for a variety of different reasons inside the house. When this happens, you are facing immediate structural damage, and you need to figure out where the water is coming from as quickly as possible. SERVPRO’s services and technicians have designed a 24/7 emergency water damage service to be at your beck and call from the moment you notice water damage happening inside your home.

The first step is to determine what is causing the water damage in your Mary Esther home. Water can pool into the house for a variety of reasons, whether due to a faulty household appliance, a busted pipe, or a broken HVAC unit. Mold can develop from excess moisture after water damage. After the source of the damage has been found, we work to minimize the cost of your property damage, and determine the quickest way to get rid of this water as soon as possible. Specialized equipment might be needed to effectively rid your home of water, and dry the areas that have been damaged. 

Depending on the severity of the water damage, SERVPRO uses water detection and drying equipment to restore your home back to its structural soundness. Professional-grade equipment can help improve and expedite your treatment, and thankfully we can offer all of that to you and more right here in Mary Esther. Some of the equipment you may see us using to effectively get rid of water damage includes: 

• Extractors - Machines that get rid of floor water while cleaning your carpets
• Dehumidifiers - Heavy duty drying machines
• Moisture Sensors - These help us find the source of the damage

When water damage occurs in your home, contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for 24/7 emergency service. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

To see more about Mary Esther, click here.

Water Removal Mary Esther – Why It is Important to Act Quickly

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today when it comes to your water damage in Mary Esther.

We care when your Mary Esther home floods, let us help you. 

Anytime a leak in your home occurs the damage it causes can be immediate as well as long term if you do not act quickly. One of the major concerns is mold growth. However, long term moisture issues can also cause wood structures to deteriorate. Act quickly and avoid thousands of dollars in extra restoration costs.

SERVPRO specializes in water removal in the Mary Esther area. Our experienced technicians have been supporting the community for over two and a half decades providing water, fire, and storm damage restoration services. We have experienced in all types of disasters as well as relatively small leaks that require water removal and drying.

Take Action Fast to Remove Water

When you call SERVPRO about water removal in your home, our operators can immediately arrange to dispatch a team to your home. There are several steps homeowners can take to mitigate the effects of the water, including the growth of mold:

• Make sure it is safe to enter the area
• Stop the water leak, turn off the main water valve to your home
• Mop up as much water as possible using mops, towels or even sheets
• Remove small items from the area, dry these items as much as possible
• Meet our SERVPRO crew chief and provide as much information as  
• possible about the situation.

Assessment by Crew Chief 

Using your information provided over the phone and the onsite assessment, SERVPRO can arrange for the appropriate equipment to be brought on site. We aim to remove all of the water and moisture to return your home to its original condition, “Like it never even happened.”

The steps we follow include:

• Removing excess water using pumps and water vacuums
• Inspection of carpeting and underpads, arrange for removal if needed
• Use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area including floors and walls
• Use moisture sensors to find hidden areas of moisture
• Restore and clean contents
• Remove odors and sanitize as needed
• Dispose of damaged materials
• Restore your home – repairs, minor building services as well as reconstruction

Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for 24/7 services. We serve the towns of Destin, Niceville, Shalimar, and surrounding areas. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

To learn more about Mary Esther, click here.

SERVPRO Is Your Best Option To Return Your Water Damaged Home In Destin To Pre-Damage Condition

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians serve the local area, and We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Why Professional Water Removal Should Always Be The First Choice For Destin Homeowners

Water damage is one of the most insidious things that can happen to a property. Water follows the route of least resistance and winds up in subflooring, wicked into sheetrock and other places where it is not visible. Once there, it can be the catalyst for both mold and foul odors. Fortunately, avoiding all those problems is simple: get it professionally cleaned.

When SERVPRO performs water removal in Destin properties, one of the first actions we do is to scope the areas of water loss and track down all areas of migration. The equipment we use for this task includes hard and soft probes, hygrometers, and thermal imaging, which is excellent for finding moisture wicked into sheetrock.

Thorough extraction of water is crucial, and our technicians use different types of water extraction equipment depending on the seriousness of the water intrusion. Submersible pumps are invaluable tools for removing large amounts of water continuously, often used for removal of flood water.

When carpet and padding are affected by category one clean water, it is not automatically a loss because of our extraction methods and restoration techniques. SERVPRO has extraction equipment such as weighted extractors specifically designed to push the water out up and out of the padding. This assists the carpeting in drying and helps prevent both odors and mold from developing.

Professional water extraction can make the difference between restoring or replacing genuine hardwood flooring after a water loss incident happens on a case by case basis. Conventional wet/dry vacuums used in the home cannot sufficiently remove water at the same level of efficiency as our industrial equipment.

The reason we pay meticulous attention to the extraction phase is that the more water we remove, the faster the drying phase goes so you can get your everyday routine in your home back faster.

We know fast, efficient water removal is crucial to limiting loss. Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 when you need assistance with water damage to your property. Our certified technicians serve the local area, and We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more about Destin.

We Have The Equipment And Training To Handle Your Destin Home Restoration

4/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage at this Fort Walton Beach home was due to the roof leaking. We arrived right away and restored it back to normal.

Water Removal Needs to be Fast and Complete to Protect the Floors in Your Destin Property

When a water loss seems minor in your Destin home, you might just reach for a bucket and mop rather than the phone. This choice often comes back to haunt you as moisture can migrate in the blink of an eye and be very challenging to eradicate without professional equipment and expertise. Contacting us for an evaluation by one of our experienced project managers is a wise decision, covering all the twists and turns a water damage scenario can pose.

Proper equipment and well-trained operators are the keys to successful water removal in Destin. No matter how the water found a pathway into your property, we have a set of strategies to get it out fast, including dealing with residual moisture trapped in hidden or difficult to reach spaces or absorbed by porous building materials. Failing to remove all the water and reduce the moisture levels in structural components exposes your home to the risk of progressive build material deterioration and potential mold growth and damage.

Upon arrival at your home, the SERVPRO team assesses the damage, including determining whether water migrated from the original incursion to other areas of the property. If standing water is more than 2 inches deep gas powered pumps begin removing the liquid. Follow up with wanded extractors then reduces the visible water in the affected space to zero. We scan with thermal devices to locate any hidden water caches between walls or in other recesses.

Water that pools up on hardwood floors tends to wick into the wood and seep into the cracks between planks. The subfloor can be saturated when the top layer looks dry. The water absorbed by the underlying plywood or other substrate causes the decorative hardwood layer to absorb water from the bottom up, causing swelling and distortion of the material. SERVPRO goes beyond the mop and bucket, using floor mats attached to negative air pressure equipment to suction up the unseen yet extremely destructive water.

Depend on SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach to have practical and proven solutions to your water removal worries. Call us at (850) 863-2552 to evaluate your water removal needs.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of "JAWS 2" Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm and meet the author as well as local members from the cast and crew click here for more details.

Call Us Right Away So We Can Get To Work On Restoring Your Destin Home

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

We have the right equipment to handle the drying process in your home after water damage. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Turns Around Water Damage to a Hardwood Floor in Destin

The saying, "Time is of the essence" was never more applicable than when you're dealing with water damage. Once even clean water spills inside the home, the clock starts ticking on contamination and secondary damage from spreading to other areas, mold and damage to building materials.

We were called to a home in Destin in the early hours due to a water damage from a dishwasher leak. The homeowner had the habit of loading up the dishwasher and going to bed. The family dog awakened its owner barking at the water which had pooled in the kitchen and was heading towards the living room. The homeowner used towels to stop the water and cleaned up what they could before calling us, but their hardwood flooring had begun to warp, and water remained.

Since we got the call so quickly after the event, our technicians used a penetrating moisture meter to monitor if water compromised the subflooring, it was only moderately damp thanks to the quick action by the homeowner. We decided to try to mitigate the damage done by the water to the flooring since hardwood is denser and tolerates water better than softwoods. We extracted the remaining water and set up air movers and dehumidifiers to quickly dry the hardwood flooring. To ensure focused drying of both the flooring and subfloor, the SERVPRO techs erected a polyethylene tent over the wet area.

SERVPRO knows mold may be an issue, and we wiped down the affected areas with our antifungal solution to inhibit mold growth. Once the area was dry, very mild cupping and warp remained in the wood and the homeowner was advised because of the density of the hardwood, to wait for one to two months to ensure the moisture levels in the wood were completely stabilized, ideally around 12% moisture content, before having the floors sanded and refinished.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Our highly trained SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach team possesses the knowledge and equipment to mitigate water damage to your home. Call us at (850) 863-2552 any time 24/7 and we can be on-site in four hours or less.

Check out the Destin History and Fishing Museum, click here for more information.

Your Guide to Destin Home Water Damage Remediation

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Excess water and drywall are not a good mix. Be sure to contact SERVPRO should your family home face water damage.

Water Damage to Drywall in Your Destin Home

Certain materials used in the construction of your Destin home are more susceptible to damages than others. Drywall, in particular, is among the commonly used structural components that can quickly saturate water damage and prove difficult to salvage. Our professionals have a fast response in water loss emergencies, and part of this fast response is getting the appropriate equipment set up to salvage saturated materials when possible.

Water damage in Destin can spread quickly throughout your home, so it is critical to react quickly to these situations to get experienced professionals headed out to your property with the tools and expertise to help. Drywall can begin absorbing water almost instantaneously, which allows the material to get oversaturated after only a brief period. Understanding what water damage can do to the drywall in your home can help you understand the importance of reaching out to our SERVPRO professionals right away.

As soon as saturation begins in the drywall of your home, the composition of this material begins to change. Over as little as 24 hours, this material can begin to swell and bloat, causing it to lose its form and erode. While immediate response to the situation can often protect much of the drywall affected in your home, our professionals must assess the full scope of the damage when we arrive to determine how far the water damage has spread throughout these materials and how badly they have gotten affected.

Wicking is a problem for drywall, and typically this phenomenon happens from the baseboard up the wall. This situation causes the exposed portion of drywall to allow moisture to move up towards the ceiling. The designation of how far this moisture spreads gets determined by thermal imagery, and our SERVPRO professionals can make flood cuts to remove affected drywall and later replace it once drying has completed.

It is not uncommon for water damages within your home to affect the drywall. Our SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach rapid response team can work quickly to preserve these materials when possible, clean up the mess, and dry out other damaged elements. Give us a call anytime at (850) 863-2552.

Click here for more about Destin.

Some Ways to Avoid Extensive Complications When Dealing With a Destin Home Plumbing Break Scenario

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

When a plumbing break has caused water damage requiring extensive restoration in your home, contact SERVPRO for efficient services.

Plumbing Breaks Can Flood Your Destin Residence

As vital as indoor plumbing is to your Destin home, many homeowners still know very little about the conditions that could affect and strain this network of piping throughout their property. When this strain or degradation leads to a break or leak from one of the supplied pipes, ongoing and damaging flow of water results. Until this supply to the line can get shut off, the pipe continues to lose water into the affected area or wall cavity.

As traumatic as this might initially seem, it is vital for you to respond quickly to get Destin water removal services promptly to your address. Our SERVPRO professionals have the advanced gear to make extraction work efficient, but our ability to preserve vital structural components and the contents of your home depends on your response time to the incident. Shortly after your call, our response team can have our Green Fleet vehicles loaded up and rolling out to your home.

Once we arrive, we can utilize our leak detection equipment to isolate the location of the damaged pipe. While severe damage to your plumbing system requires a licensed contractor, we can shut off the supply to this portion of a line or the house until the necessary repairs can get made. We work quickly to bring in the appropriate extraction equipment, and also have a truck-mounted pump for substantial volumes capable of pulling out 300 psi.

Having extracted the water from the affected areas, our SERVPRO technicians can then utilize our advanced thermal imagery cameras to determine moisture pockets behind walls and through affected surfaces to determine the height of flood cuts to get made. These controlled cuts to the drywall material give our technicians access to wall cavities for efficient drying techniques and ensure that dry and undamaged material gets installed to replace it.

While you cannot anticipate the strain and aging joints of your indoor plumbing system, you always have a team of highly trained professionals that can help you clean up the mess. Give our SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach water restoration technicians a call today at (850) 863-2552.


Click here for more about Destin.

Our State-Of-The-Art Equipment That Can Save Your Destin Home From Water Damage

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

It takes some advanced gadgets to complete the water removal process.

The Infrared Camera Technology For Water Removal In The Destin Location

If you have just suffered water damage from a leaky roof, broken laundry, or bad plumbing, then you must be searching for information regarding water removal. Water removal is a tricky process because there are times that you may think that everything is dry, but when in fact, excess water can be lurking in places that you might not even think to look.

It takes some advanced gadgets to complete the water removal process in the Destin location. For example, the infrared camera can help detect excess water in the walls, doors, floor, or anywhere that we did not notice. With the infrared camera, it can save us from long-term and expensive repairs and replacements from hidden water damage. If water is left untreated, it can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microorganisms. It could also lead to an unpleasant odor that can linger around your residential area. Unfortunately, the infrared camera is quite expensive and requires a lot of skills and expertise to use it properly.

Fortunately, the SERVPRO technicians have all the experience and tools to remove water from your establishment. They can utilize the infrared camera with temperature sensing range to detect hidden water. They can scan the room with the camera to focus on a specific area like walls, ceilings, windows, toilets, and other closed areas. If they find a circular image that is a different color from the area surrounding it, then that is an indication of potential water invasion. The evaporation process can show the different temperature to allow the SERVPRO technician to identify hidden water. As soon as they notice the evidence of a leak, they can use a moisture meter to confirm the extra water in a particular location. This technology can help identify water damage in its earliest stage before it becomes a bigger problem. The tech can repair this damage by placing an insulated cover over the wet area. With all the right tools and expertise, you know that you are in good hands with these experts.

If you're interested in the state of the art technology for the water removal process, then give SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach a call at (850) 863-2552 for a consultation with our reliable technicians.

Click here for more about Destin.

Our Fast Water Removal Can Save Your Mary Esther Home

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water from a broken dishwasher can ruin your home.

Water Removal Can Save Your Home

Water from a broken dishwasher can ruin your home. It is true that appliances are built to make life easier and to give us more free time. Unfortunately, they do malfunction on occasion like yours did today. There is water all over your beautiful kitchen floor. Luckily, there are trained and skilled professionals nearby that can safely and effectively extract the excess water from your home.

Our SERVPRO water removal team in Mary Esther may use mops, extractors and wet vacuums during the migration process. You can depend on our crew to arrive at your residence within hours after you first contact us. They are highly efficient and work fast to reduce the amount of damage to your property. Standing water can ruin flooring and can cause further damage, which is why it is essential to reach us right away. Our IICRC certified technicians work quickly to solve the problem. They can handle a wide variety of water emergencies and have the proper equipment and expertise to do the job right.

After the migration period, the crew starts the drying phase. Drying the structure may involve the use of air movers, axial fans, and dehumidifiers. The team may also use large drying mats to remove moisture from the floor and to dry the area beneath the flooring. Mold can cause health effects, which is why drying subflooring can be vital to the drying process. The team may strategically place air movers and fans in the area to expedite the drying time. If needed, the crew may use dehumidifiers to reduce the amount of moisture in the area and to increase evaporation.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Contacting us can help prevent mold growth and can save your property. Our SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach crew is fast and reliable and can restore your home when possible. Call us at (850) 863-2552 any time during the day or night. You can trust our skilled techs to respond quickly 24/7.

Click here for more about Mary Esther.

Faulty Appliances Can Offer Water Damage to Your Destin House

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

Often when an appliance causes your home to flood, extraction is a necessary step to the water damage restoration process.

SERVPRO is Here to Help When Failing Appliances Cause Water Damage to Your Home

Your Destin home might have most of the luxuries that many feel that a home needs for comfortable living. The trouble with these implements designed to make your life easier is that you cannot always account for when things start to go wrong with them. Appliances are essential for this comfortable living, but they do not get designed or built to last forever.

While you might not consider that appliances are all that likely to cause water damage to your Destin residence, you could get surprised to learn just how typical it is for these machines to ultimately malfunction and allow significant volumes of water to pour out onto your floor. Washing machines and dishwashers get connected to a direct line of water, and when these machines fail to function correctly, they can continue to fill indefinitely until you manually shut down the supply line valve.

Water damage itself can cause various effects to your home, so taking care of the problem correctly and quickly is essential for less out of pocket expenses and lengthy repairs. Our SERVPRO professionals get specially trained to handle all manner of water emergencies and have the tools and expertise to handle whatever damages you face to help prevent compounding conditions or the need for large-scale reconstruction.

From the moment that our team arrives at your home, we assess the damage that you face and begin putting together a unique approach to resolving the present issues and restoring the area. In many cases involving failing appliances, some water extraction is necessary, and this gets accomplished through the use of wet vacs. Drying the area involves air movers and dehumidification equipment, but it might also involve our large drying mats to penetrate underneath flooring material to ensure the area gets thoroughly dried.

You should never sit around and wait for water damage to resolve itself, as waiting around opens the door for other types of disasters like mold growth. Instead, choose the trusted SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach team to help you clean up the mess and restore the damage that you are facing quickly and efficiently. Give us a call 24/7 at (850) 863-2552.

Click here for more information on the city of Destin.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach customer experience

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

Customers experience with SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach after suffering a water loss in her Destin home

Having a water loss in you in your home is never an easy process to deal with, here at SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach we work hard to make that process as seamless as possible. We stand by our motto and work to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

We often hear positive feedback about our services and crew members. Our owners recently received a typed letter from a more-than-satisfied customer. We are proud to have employees who go above and beyond their responsibilities to make sure customers are taken care of. Keep up the good work, John. You make us proud. 

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach specializes in:  water remediation, flood mitigation, carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, mold removal, fire damage, and smoke clean up, disaster restoration, storm response, and air duct cleaning. SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has been serving the Emerald Coast for over 20 years. We are licensed and insured. SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach (850)863-2552

Until Help arrives- Emergency tips for your home

11/18/2015 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Fort Walton Beach, FL

The Fort Walton Beach area for the next 6 hours is expecting rain and thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may be severe. Emergency tips if you experience water intrusion in your home from rain contaminated water until help arrives.

DO: Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items

DON'T: Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas. Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants. Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach 850-863-2552 to handle your water mitigations needs.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach specializes in:  water remediation, flood mitigation, carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, mold removal, fire damage, and smoke clean up, disaster restoration, storm response, and air duct cleaning. SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has been serving the Emerald Coast for over 20 years. We are licensed and insured.  

Flooding due to heavy rain fall in Fort Walton Beach and Destin area.

10/6/2015 (Permalink)

Fort Walton Beach Business Flooded.

Flooding occurred throughout Fort Walton Beach and Destin Area last Tueday, affecting several Fort Walton Beach and Destin homes and businesses. It was reported around 11 inches of rain fell last Tuesday causing damage to areas throughout Fort Walton Beach and Destin, FL. If your house or business experienced any moisture intrusion, there are some things you should keep in mind while trying to mitigate the damage and keeping your families and employees safe:

1) Flood water is treated as Category 3 water by restoration specialists and insurance companies. This means that it is referred to as grossly contaminated. It could contain harmful bacteria and has the potential to cause health issues to patrons if not mitigated properly. 

2) Highly porous materials such as carpeting and drywall should be removed in most of these situations. Often times these materials cannot be treated with traditional drying techniques. Once those materials are removed, all remaining areas such as concrete and wood framing should be treated with antimicrobials and then dried out properly. 

3) Not everyone has flood insurance. Flood insurance is often contained in a separate policy. Not all insurance companies offer flood insurance and you should check your policy to see what is covered. 

4) Water damage causes more issues the longer you wait. Materials continue to soak up moisture and microbial growth occurs within a couple days. Without quick action, the indoor environment of your home could be at jeopardy.  

If you experience any water damage issues in Fort Walton Beach Destin area please contact your professional, local cleanup team for assistance and stay safe!

Commercial Water Loss

5/19/2015 (Permalink)

Water Loss at a local church in Fort Walton Beach, FL

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach recently assistated a local church with a water loss. A sprinkler went off on the second floor causing a large loss. SERVPRO can handle any size job residental or commerical. SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach was called in on a Monday and had the church ready for Sunday service the following Sunday. 

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach specializes in:  water remediation, flood mitigation, carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, mold removal, fire damage, and smoke clean up, disaster restoration, storm response, and air duct cleaning. SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has been serving the Emerald Coast for over 20 years. We are licensed and insured. SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach (850)863-2552