Don't Get Caught with a Faulty Chimney this Holiday Season!

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let a sooty chimney ruin your Holidays

Chimney Fire Facts

While the chimney in your home may look great, it’s real purpose is to carry dangerous gases from your furnace, wood stove or fireplace away from your home and family.

However, if you don’t give any thought to your chimney before you light your wood stove or fireplace this winter, you may not be enjoying the warm glow of your fireplace or wood stove very long.

The Reason?

Damaged or dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires that will damage homes, buildings and injure people.

Signs of a chimney fire can include:

A hot and intense smell.
Loud cracking and popping noise.
Large amount of dense dark smoke.
Chimney fires can be explosive, noisy and dramatic enough to alarm your neighbors and people passing by. People have reported sounds resembling a large freight train with flames and dense smoke shooting from the top of the chimney.

The best prevention of chimney fires is to have regular inspections performed by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep.

Most Chimney Fires Go Undetected

Most slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have the fuel to be dramatic, they often go undetected until later inspections. However, the temperatures they reach can get very high and cause a lot of damage to the chimney structure and the combustible parts of your home.

9 Signs That You Have Had A Chimney Fire

Since a chimney, damaged by a chimney fire, can endanger a home and its’ occupants and a chimney fire can occur without anyone being aware of them it’s important to have your chimney regularly inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Here are the signs that a professional chimney sweep looks for:

If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, a certified sweep will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a new liner system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution.

Puffy of honeycombed creosote.
Discolored and/or distorted rain cap.
Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe pr factory built metal chimney.
Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners/
Cracked or collapsed flue tiles or tile with large chunks missing.
Heat damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney.
Creosote flakes and pieces found on the room or ground.
Roofing material damaged from hot creosote.
Cracks in the exterior masonry.
Proper Maintenance

Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. CSIA recommends that you call on CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps®, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.

Know your Water Shut-off Do's & Don'ts

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Know where the water shutoff valve is before it's too late!

How to Find Your Shut-Off Valve

Knowing where your water shut-off valve is could mean the difference between a small water damage and a large one. Start by looking around the perimeter of your house/property. Usually, the shut-off valve will be on the side of your house/property that faces the street (water mains usually begin there). If you're having trouble finding your valve, you should check the plumbing section of your property inspection report. The location is usually written there with a picture of the valve. As a last resort, you may want to utilize the street-side shut-off valve, located at the beginning of your water main.

How to Operate Your Water Shut-Off Valve

Once you find your shut-off valve, you will need to know how to turn it on and off. There are different types of valves and different ways to turn them off and on. Below you will find the way to operate the most common used valves:

Knife Style Valve. A knife style valve resembles a straight handle. In order to open the valve, you'll want to put the handle parallel to the pipe. Turning the handle sideways will then shut the valve.
Round Handle Valve. A round handle valve turns in a circular motion to be turned on and off. In order to turn the valve off, you'll want to turn it left until it is tight.
House Side Valve. There is a street-side utility box for your house. You can access it by lifting the lid and putting it to the side. The side of the box facing your house will contain the house side valve. It usually had a knob or nut to turn off and on.
Street Side Valve. The other side of the utility box facing the street will contain the street side valve. This valve is only supposed to be handled by water companies, so you will want to ignore it (it likely won't be able to be used without a special tool anyways).
If you have any questions about water, mold or fire remediation, call your local professionals at SERVPRO® of North Sarasota.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, SERVPRO® of North Sarasota Emergency Service 941-365-4614.

Don't Get Caught Out of Business!

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

The damage was greater than expected to the contents!

This water damage was caused by a fire sprinkler system at a local bridal shop. The owner called up in a frantic state because they had several appointments booked and a bridal show scheduled. This before photo shows the damage that was caused by the sprinkler system and how much damage it caused within a very short time.

SERVPRO of North Sarasota was called in to help clean up from this water disaster. The owner was shocked and surprised to see how quickly our team gathered together and came out to assess the problem and just how wonderfully we worked to get everything in pre-damage condition. So, when water damage strikes your home or business, strike back by calling the cleanup team the insurance industry has trusted for more than 40 years at 941-365-4614. “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of North Sarasota is faster to any disaster.

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated

Hurricane Season Is Upon Us

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause a lot of damage.

You will get some warning with a tropical storm or hurricane.

As the Storm Approaches

In Sarasota, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch and other areas of Sarasota and Manatee counties, listen for weather updates on local stations and on NOAA Weather Radio. Stay tuned to the latest information.

REMEMBER: Hurricanes can be unpredictable. There is always potential error in the forecast track from the National Hurricane Center. Don’t focus on the exact forecasted track, listen to local officials. (For more information go to www.noaa.gov or www.weather.gov, click on Tampa Bay area.)

Check your Disaster Supplies. Get any needed items.

Clean and fill bathtubs and sinks before a storm so you’ll have extra clean water.

Turn refrigerator and freezer dials to the coldest settings and avoid opening the doors to help keep perishable food in case of a power outage.

Refill prescriptions. Maintain at least a two-week supply of medication during hurricane season.

Clear your yard of lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans and other potential airborne missiles. Leave the swimming pool filled and super-chlorinated. Cover the filtration system.

Protect your windows and glass doors with plywood or storm shutters. Brace double entry and garage doors at the top and bottom.

If there is a chance flooding could threaten your home, move important items such as electronics, antiques and furniture off the floor.

Fill your car’s gas tank and check oil, water and tires. Gas pumps won’t operate without electricity.

Secure your boat early. Drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic after an evacuation order is issued.

Get cash. Banks and ATMs won’t work without electricity and few stores will be able to accept credit cards or personal checks.

Never sweep or blow yard leaves, pine needles, grass clippings or soil into the street or storm water system. This clogs up the storm water pipes and prevents water from draining.

If you own a business, follow your Business Continuity Plan. For more information on how to create a Business Continuity Plan, go online to www.ready. gov

Call SERVPRO of North Sarasota 941-365-4614

Fires Can Happen In The Early Morning Hours

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

House fires can be devastating.

In the early morning hours, SERVPRO of North Sarasota received a call from homeowners letting us know about a fire that was engulfing their home.  The fire ignited from one of their collectible corvettes parked in their garage and the fire then spread to the inside of their home.

When we arrived on the scene, firefighters were just cleaning up from the smoke damaged home.  The soot carried throughout the whole 2,500 Sq. Ft. home and destroyed many belongings and even left no trace of two vehicles on the garage except for the body frame. We were able to assess the area and let the homeowner know that we will do our best to clean up the damaged areas to where it will feel like home again. 

We know how it was to deal with fire damage within a home and the time it will take to get this all squared away.

Call SERVPRO Of North Sarasota 941-365-4614.

You Can Always Trust SERVPRO Of North Sarasota!

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of North Sarasota is always ready to assist you.

In Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Lakewood Ranch and other areas in Sarasota and Manatee counties, it doesn’t just take a hurricane or flood to cause damage but every day to day appliances we use can. Everyone has a toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioner, water heater and/or more. Each one of these can cause a water damage in your home. If you encounter a water damage call SERVPRO of North Sarasota so we can get to the water issue before it gets any worse. Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of North Sarasota is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped.

24-Hour Emergency Service

In our business, you need us fast! The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money. SERVPRO of North Sarasota is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Trained, Uniformed Professionals

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® Professional will walk you through the job process and then work quickly to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible.

Call SERVPRO of North Sarasota at 941-365-4614

IT’S THE UNSEEN WATER THAT CAUSES THE MOST DAMAGE AND PROBLEMS

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Here when you need us.

Any Type of Water Damage In Your Facility Is Bad.

Living and working in Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, there’s no such thing as a small disaster.

Especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria - or causes mold, rot and other unseen damage. Water can hide in the walls, under the flooring and inside cabinetry. Water damages can affect the value of your property. So, before you get out the mop bucket and box fan to try and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect your property.

SERVPRO of North Sarasota understands how disruptive unseen water damage can be for your business. For this reason, SERVPRO of North Sarasota offers 24-hour emergency response and, under normal circumstances, will have a trained, uniformed Professional on-site within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of North Sarasota can help you regain control quickly while drying, deodorizing and protecting your facility and contents.

So, before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration specialists at 941-365-4614 SERVPRO of North Sarasota.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN FLOOD WATERS THREATEN

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding

The Time To Prepare Is NOW!

• Knowing the types of flood risk in your area, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather all of your supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

24 Emergency Service

Call SERVPRO of North Sarasota 941-365-4614

SERVPRO of North Sarasota Is Faster to Any Size Disaster 

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water and fire damage. We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you need help. A fast response helps lessen the damage, limits secondary damage, and reduces cost.

Fires In Your Home

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Home Fire

Here in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Lonfboat Key, a fire in your home can happen before you know it. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, your home can be engulfed in flames.

Learn The FactsAbout Fires

• Fireis FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Before a Fire

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

During a Fire

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
• If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
• If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.  Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.  Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.  If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.  Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes.  Cover with a clean, dry cloth.  Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.
• For more detailed fire safety tips visit www.ready.gov

SERVPRO of North Sarasota understands how disruptive and scary a fire can be in your life. For this reason, SERVPRO of North Sarasota offers 24-hour emergency response and, under normal circumstances, will have a trained, uniformed Professional on-site quickly to begin emergency services. By responding quickly, SERVPRO of North Sarasota can help you quickly regain control of your home and your life.

So, if a disaster does happen, call your local fire damage cleanup and restoration specialists at 941-365-4614 SERVPRO of North Sarasota. We’re faster to any disaster.

Why Clean Carpet or Upholstery?

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning

Living and working in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch can take up a lot of your time, so who has time to worry about clean carpeting? Clean carpeting in your home or office not only makes it look clean but also make your home or office feel more warm and inviting.

Preventative Maintenance

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet. IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance includes: 

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Professional Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

SERVPRO of North Sarasota will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today. SERVPRO of North Sarasota is ready to serve you.

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning? Call Today 941-365-4614