Sea Surge Can Complicate Largo Flood Damage Recovery

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

When you see our Green Fleet around town, you can rest assured that SERVPRO is on the job!

SERVPRO’s Saltwater Flooding Experience Improves Largo Storm Damage Outcomes

With Tampa Bay curving in on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Largo flood damage often features complications from storm surges. Although rainwater and overland flooding already contain contaminants ranging from mud and sand through chemicals and sewage, the addition of saltwater creates significant and potentially long-term damage. The flood water removal technicians responding to your storm damage crisis must train saltwater extraction. 

What Causes Storm Surge in Largo?

The ocean water rises in a circular mound as the fierce winds swirl in a tropical storm or hurricane. As this elevated water approaches Largo, it floods, sometimes twenty or more feet higher than a normal tide. SERVPRO notes that places like Largo near bays experience accelerated water funneling into the narrower space. 

How Does the Saltwater Flood Damage Impact Largo Properties?

Even “pure” floodwater corrodes, causing substantial water damage to building materials in Largo homes. The addition of saltwater requires interventions by SERVPRO crews for safety and efficacy. Flood damage intensifies because of the high salinity of storm surges, manifested by:

• Weakening, cracking, pitting, and eventual breakdown of otherwise robust building materials such as concrete, stone, plaster, and brick as the salt intrudes into the composites

• Oxydation (rusting) of metal structural supports and fasteners

• Destruction of cellulose-based building materials (natural and engineered wood) as the saltwater destroys or “delignifies” cell structure 

• Heightened electrical conductivity leading to shocks, electrocution, electronic shorts, and fire risks

What SERVPRO Flood Damage Strategies Address Largo Saltwater Related Hazards? 

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) master protocols during coursework at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We use techniques learned to assist during flooding restoration tasks, with additional steps vital to eliminate excess salt residue and associated safety and structural risks:

• Limiting wired power provision, temporarily using SERVPRO generators 

• Instituting freshwater flushing as part of extraction and contaminated water containment and disposal

• Seeking out salty residues and adapting cleaning techniques when high levels of salinity are present

Depend on SERVPRO of Largo for extensive flooding and saltwater clean up and structural drying. Call (727) 586-0060 for an assessment and emergency water damage services.