Mastering Property Damage Restoration in Florida: Your Ultimate Guide

Above & Beyond Are You Go-To Experts For Property Damage Services Since 1999

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Dealing with property damage can be an extremely stressful and challenging time for homeowners. From burst pipes to hurricane flooding, the damage left behind disrupts lives and requires urgent response. This comprehensive guide will explore the common causes of property damage in Florida, outline the full range of restoration services available, provide tips for choosing a qualified restoration company, and showcase real customer reviews.

Understanding Common Property Damage Causes

Florida’s humid, subtropical climate and exposure to storms leaves homes vulnerable to various types of property damage:

Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most frequent causes of property damage in Florida. Common causes include:

  • Burst or leaking pipes
  • Broken appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters
  • Rainwater intrusion from roof leaks
  • Plumbing failures and overflowing fixtures
  • Major storms and hurricanes leading to flooding

Water damage that is left unchecked can quickly lead to warped floors, water-logged walls, mold growth, and extensive structural issues. Immediate response is crucial.

Mold Damage

With average relative humidity above 70% in Florida, moisture-laden environments quickly enable mold growth after water damage. Some of the most common types of mold found in Florida homes are:

Mold can begin growing in as little as 24-48 hours after water damage. Ongoing exposure poses health risks, especially for those with allergies or compromised immune systems. Our mold removal service offers Florida residents a swift and thorough solution to eliminate mold, ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for you and your loved ones.

Fire & Smoke Damage

While less frequent than water damage, fires can lead to extremely hazardous smoke and soot damage inside a home. Potential causes include:

  • Electrical faults and wiring issues
  • Lightning strikes
  • Candles, fireplaces, or cooking accidents
  • Arson

Smoke permeates deeply into porous surfaces while soot and residue coat surfaces. The damages require thorough cleanup and odor elimination.

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups force waste water to overflow back into the home, creating hazardous conditions:

  • Clogged drains and fixtures
  • Tree roots infiltrating and damaging pipes
  • Broken sewer lines and main line failures
  • Heavy rainfall overloading systems
  • Raw sewage contains biohazards, bacteria, viruses, and foul odors requiring disinfecting and aggressive sanitizing.

Storm Damage

From thunderstorms to major hurricanes, storms often inflict damage through:

  • High wind forces damaging roofs, siding, windows, and structures
  • Heavy rainfall and flooding
  • Tornadoes tearing roofs apart with high winds
  • Storm surge along the coast causing flooding

Storms can leave behind water damage, mold concerns, and debris needing prompt response. Above & Beyond is leading storm damage restoration company serving South Florida. 

We offer rapid response services for storm damage recovery in Sarasota and Manatee county. Check out our Bradenton storm damage professionals who are here to help 24/7. 

Overview of Restoration Services Offered

Reputable restoration companies offer a full suite of services to address various types of property damage:

Water Damage Restoration

Water extraction using truck-mounted vacuum systems and subfloor drying equipment helps remove standing water. Dehumidifiers and air movers then bring down ambient moisture levels to prevent further water damage and mold growth. If mold is present, remediation using HEPA filtration, antimicrobials, and containment procedures helps eliminate it fully.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

Smoke removal is achieved using ionization and ozone generators to actively filter particles from the air. Surfaces are scrubbed and deodorized to remove soot residue and odor. Thermal fogging permeates structural materials to further neutralize stubborn smoke smells.

Sewage Cleanup and Disinfecting

Sewage removal utilizes professional suction equipment and drains are cleared using hydrojetting. Once moisture is extracted, antimicrobial agents and disinfectants are applied to sanitize against biohazards. Scrubbing, cleaning, and deodorizing then restore safety and freshness. Air scrubbers continuously filter and purify indoor air.

Storm Damage Repair

Active water intrusion is stopped, standing water is extracted, and wet building materials are dried using professional equipment. Vegetation, mud, and debris are cleared from the structure. If necessary, roofing, siding, windows and doors will be repaired or replaced. Environmental hygienists may test for mold concerns.

Why Hire a Professional Restoration Company?

After experiencing property damage, many homeowners are tempted to try DIY restoration methods to save on costs. However, this often leads to incomplete drying, lingering moisture issues, recurring mold outbreaks, and chronic problems. Hiring a professional restoration company like Above & Beyond in Florida is advised for several key reasons:

  • Safety – Trying to deal with hazards like mold, fire debris, and sewage backups without proper protective gear, training, and procedures puts health at risk.
  • Expertise – Veteran restoration techs have deep experience assessing damage, creating drying strategies, and executing precise repairs most effectively.
  • Proper equipment – Truck-mounted water extraction units, commercial dehumidifiers, thermal foggers, air scrubbers and more are costly for homeowners to acquire and operate on their own.
  • Efficiency – Professionals will restore your home to pre-loss condition far faster than amateur efforts. The faster the response, the less secondary damage.
  • Insurance liaison – Reputable restoration companies act as your claims advocate, minimize out-of-pocket costs, and help ensure proper reimbursement.
  • Warranties – Many back their work with a warranty should any additional issues arise. DIY efforts cannot make the same guarantees.

Cost savings – Though hiring a company costs more upfront, the long-term savings of avoiding recurring issues like mold growth prevent much higher expenses down the road.

Tips for Choosing a Restoration Company

With so much at stake, it’s crucial to vet restoration companies thoroughly before hiring. Key factors to evaluate include:

  • Industry Reputation – Read online reviews and check with organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to gauge reputation.
  • Years of experience – Look for companies with 10+ years in business and veteran technicians who have seen it all. This level of experience cannot be replicated overnight.
  • IICRC Certification – Technicians should hold key IICRC certifications that guarantee up-to-date training and expertise in restoration procedures.
  • Range of services – Seek a “one-stop shop” with capabilities for water, fire, mold, sewage, and storm damage rather than piecing together multiple vendors.
  • Local physical location – Nearby companies with local facility investment can respond more quickly in emergencies than some national franchises operating virtually.
  • 24/7 availability – Damage doesn’t keep business hours, so around-the-clock availability is a must.
  • Customer service – How helpful and compassionate are staff on the phone? Post-disaster stresses will already be high.
  • Free inspection and estimates – Upfront cost transparency is important.
  • Beware of companies asking you to commit without adequate detail.
  • Proper licensing and insurance – Ask for proof of licensing, bonding, workers compensation coverage and liability insurance for your protection.
  • Affiliations – Trade group affiliations like NWRA, RIA, BBB and Chamber of Commerce membership reflect community investment.

Restoration Reviews from Real Customers

Hearing candid reviews from local homeowners who experienced property damage can provide the best insights into a company’s real-world service and expertise.

“We had a very complex repair after 80% of our house was flooded last summer and Above and Beyond was referred to us by a friend. We are so glad we chose them! At the end of the day, our home was repaired and brought back better than pre-flood. We were very appreciative of the honesty, integrity, advice and attention to detail from Above and Beyond.”

“I very highly recommend Above and Beyond Property Improvement and Restoration. Their professional competence alleviated my anxiety about doing a big renovation. Troy and John were always very promptly responsive and open to my questions or concerns. I am so happy with my renovation and would happily use them again.”

Take The Next Step Toward Restoration

In the stressful aftermath of property damage, having a trusted local restoration company on your side makes all the difference. They have the scale, capabilities, and experience to swiftly restore your home to pre-loss condition. No matter what type of damage you face – from minor water intrusion to major storm destruction – they are ready 24/7 to assist and advocate on your behalf. Don’t wait to take the next step – contact them today and start your road to restoration.

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Serving The Area Since 1999

With years of experience in the industry, we understand the complexities of water damage and its potential consequences. That’s why we approach each restoration project with a comprehensive and systematic approach. Our experts will assess the extent of the damage, create a tailored restoration plan, and execute it with utmost professionalism.

Over 20 Years of Trusted Service

Over 20 Years of Trusted Service

Above & Beyond brings two decades of experience and expertise to every project.

Continual Commitment to Excellence

Continual Commitment to Excellence

Since our inception, we have remained dedicated to delivering top-notch service, continually improving our processes and staying abreast of industry advancements.

"We are very pleased and highly recommend them”

“We experienced water damage from our air conditioner overflowing.  We are very pleased with Above and Beyond’s dry out and repair work. Brittney, the project manager was not only very knowledgeable but also very professional and compassionate.  Aaron came afterwards to do the drywall replacement and he did a very quick complete job. Nicely done! We are very pleased and highly recommend them”

Dorie Moore Smith

Don’t Let Disasters Take Control – Restore Your Property with Above & Beyond

Call now for a free consultation and get your property restored the right way the first time.