Why You Should Hire a Professional Restoration Company for Your Commercial Building

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to hire professional restoration company in order to get the best possible outcome. When you are in a crisis situation, it's natural for everyone on your team to want to help out. But if you're trying to save money by doing all of the work yourself, you could end up costing your business even more than necessary. A professional restoration company will have all of the knowledge and experience needed for dealing with commercial buildings specifically, so they'll be able to provide solutions that work best for your particular needs!

They Have the Right Tools and Equipment

A professional restoration company will have the right tools and equipment needed to get your commercial building back in shape. They'll be able to handle any problem that you might come up against!

Fast and Efficient Work

Professional restoration companies can also provide fast and efficient work for your business because they've got so much experience working with these types of crises.

They Have the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Business Type and Needs

You should hire a professional restoration company instead of doing it yourself, because not only do they already know how to deal with this type of crisis situation, but they also carry proper insurance coverage for businesses like yours! Hiring them is almost always going to be more cost effective than trying to tackle everything on your own while still giving your business the best possible outcome.

Hiring a professional restoration company is your safest bet for getting great results from this type of crisis situation! Not only will they have highly qualified technicians, but their experience and tools can get you back on track to running your business in no time!

They Are Skilled In a Variety of Restoration Services

Nothing can beat skills and experience when it comes to restoration services. A professional restoration company will be skilled in a variety of different restoration services that can benefit your business. They will be able to quickly get you back on your feet, whatever situation arises.

They Offer Long Term Solution to Your Restoration Problem

Professional restoration companies can provide a long term solution to your commercial building's restoration problem. They have the necessary tools and skills needed to get you back on track in no time!

They Have a Wide Network of Suppliers and Professionals That Can Help with Your Commercial Building’s Restoration Problem

A professional restoration company has a wide network of suppliers and professionals that they work with, which means that whatever situation arises, there will always be someone who knows how to deal with it. This is why hiring them instead of trying to do everything yourself could save your business even more money than expected because you won't need any extra help! If something goes wrong again after their job is done, don't worry - this isn't going to be an issue for them.

They Have a Faster Turnaround Time Than You Might Otherwise Be Able To Provide Without Their Help

A professional restoration company has a faster turnaround time than you would otherwise be able to provide, which can save your business money in the long run by preventing more damage from being done! They are equipped with everything they need so that whatever happens during or after their work is finished, any problems will quickly become theirs to deal with. This means less of a chance of further damage occurring after their job is completed.

Ways to Prevent Fire Damage Caused By Appliances in Your Commercial Building

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can not only halt your work for the day but it can do significant damage to your overall business as well. You may end up losing some important documents or an extensive range of products in your warehouse which may cost you millions of dollars. So it is important to make sure that you take the right measures to prevent fire damage in your commercial building.

You may not know this, but one of the most common causes of fire damage in commercial buildings is an overheated appliance. This is a big problem and it can be prevented by following these steps:

Tips To Prevent Fire Damage In Your Commercial Building.

• Use surge protectors for appliances that are plugged into wall outlets.
• Check the electrical system on a regular basis and keep it maintained by an electrician if necessary.
• Make sure all wires are properly insulated, grounded, or connected with tamper proof receptacles (or any other mechanism) to avoid overheating or short circuits causing fires.
• Remove dry vegetation near power lines; trees planted too close can be hazardous as well. Ensure no combustible materials like boxes of paper etc., is kept around wiring/electrical panels at any cost .Keep them covered up or off floor completely if possible lest they catch fire due to heat generated from the wiring.
• Ensure that all fire extinguishers are in proper working condition and easily accessible at all times, so you can use them quickly if the need arises.
• Keep the area around your electrical panel clear and uncluttered.
• Buy or rent a fire alarm that is installed in accordance with local building codes by a qualified agency such as Fire Protection Company, Inc. It should have an automatic smoke detector system connected to it. This will help you get early warnings of any fires breaking out.
• Install smoke detectors on each floor of your building and one in each hallway.
• Keep the fire exits clear at all times, so that people can easily get out of your building if there is a need to evacuate it for some reason like this.
• Inspect all electrical outlets on a regular basis for any sign of wear or fraying wires which could cause sparks and start a fire.
• Ensure that all appliances are in good working condition and that they do not overheat or cause sparks while being used .Check for frayed power cords before plugging your appliance into a wall outlet.
• Keep all combustible materials away from heating units.
• Avoid the use of halogen lights as they generate a lot of heat and can cause damage to your building if not used carefully .Install energy efficient lighting instead that does not overheat easily or produce too much heat.
• Maintain appliances on regular basis, especially
• Keep all flammable materials at least 3 feet away from any space heater
• If you have an electric stovetop, never leave it unattended when in use

These are some effective ways you can prevent fire damage caused by appliances in your commercial building.

Tips for Protecting Your Commercial Building before the Storm

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

It's always better to be safe than sorry. The best way to protect your commercial building before the storm is with a quality roofing system and good insulation. Here are some other tips on how you can prepare for an upcoming hurricane, typhoon, or tornado:

Keep Your Business Closed Until the Storm Has Passed Through the Area

This is one of the most basic things you should do when there is a storm. Just close down your business and shut all doors and windows. Send all the employees home before the storm other than the ones that need to be at the building for any necessary duty. Lock up your business with strong locks on doors to protect against looters after a disaster hits, especially at night when no one is around to spot them! A good deadbolt lock can do wonders for keeping you secure during this time of danger.

Take Care of the Outdoor Items

Remove any outdoor signage, lamps, or other items that could become a projectile during strong winds. This will help lower your risk of damage to property and keep you safe from possible injury.

Remove all vehicles from your parking lot. This will keep them safe and help prevent flooding if the storm surge makes it into your building through cracks or holes in the ground floor walls.

Move Furniture Away from the Windows

Move furniture away from windows so they are less likely to get destroyed by flying debris in high winds. You should also think about removing window treatments like curtains bars because these can turn into dangerous projectiles too!

Protect Your Doors and Windows

Protect your windows. You can do this by putting up hurricane shutters, plywood panels, plastic sheeting or even just masking tape. Close all exterior doors and make sure the building is secure. Make sure employees know where to go in case of an emergency, like a fire or gas leak!

Shut off power and gas lines

Shut off utilities like power and gas lines carefully and ensure that all employees know where the valves are located. Power and gas lines are already hazardous but they can become deadly during a storm. You should get a generator however in the event of a gas leak do not operate the generator.

Protect your files

Protect your files and office equipment. It's possible to put important files and paperwork in a cupboard or even a dryer before the storm hits if you don't have time to move them somewhere safer beforehand.

Have First Aid Kit Ready for People Staying IN the building

Have a first aid kid ready for people that are staying in the building during the storm. So in case anyone is hurt they can be treated inside the building instead of going to the hospital in the strong storm.

The Dangers of Water Damage to Your Commercial Building

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever had a roof leak and cause water damage to your commercial building? If so, then you know how expensive it can be. It's important that all business owners understand the dangers of water damage and what they should do if they experience this type of event. In this blog post, we'll go over some facts about water damage and why it's so dangerous to your commercial building!

Commercial buildings can be damaged by water in many different ways. For example, if the roof of your building gets a hole it will lead to leaks and eventually cause serious damage inside your commercial property. This is just one example of how you could experience water damage on your business!

Water damages are not something that should be taken lightly. Even minor amounts of leakage over time can do significant damage to the structure of your commercial building which results in high repair costs. It's important to take care of any leaks before they become larger problems! - When dealing with water damage there are several key steps that everyone should follow depending on their current situation: first off make sure all electrical items have been turned off, call for professional help as soon as possible, and document everything!

It's also important to know that there are many different types of water damage. For example, flooding is when an area has been completely submerged in water for too long which can lead to serious problems including mold growth inside your commercial building.

If you experience any type of leaking or major flood then call a professional immediately as they will be able to deal with the situation properly without causing more damage on your property. However, if you have noticed minor leaks over time then it might just require some smaller repair work done by one of our professionals at SERVPRO! - At SERVPRO we provide full repairs and restoration service.

Invest in Regular Maintenance of Your Commercial Building to Avoid Water Damage

We recommend investing in regular maintenance on your property to avoid experiencing any type of water damage. It's important that all business owners understand the importance of this as it can save you thousands of dollars!

Also, by performing routine checks and repairs on your commercial building before anything starts leaking inside we will be able to address small problems at an earlier stage which results in less repair costs overall - SERVPRO provides additional services for our clients such as mold removal and dehumidification service: if there is ever a presence of excess moisture or humidity then contact us immediately so we can take care of these issues properly without causing more severe damages within your commercial structure.

By following these simple steps after dealing with any form of water damage you will be able to protect the structural integrity of your building and avoid having high repair costs.

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team is Ideal for your Commercial Building Cleaning and Restoration

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial building owners and managers know that fire damage is a major issue for their buildings. It doesn't matter if it's from an electrical malfunction, a cigarette being dropped, or some other unexpected reason - the result is the same: everything needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Inevitably, this leaves many people wondering what they should do about cleaning before working on repairs. SERVPRO has been providing commercial cleaning services for many years and we have developed a team of experts who are capable of handling any type of disaster recovery situation you might find yourself in.

SERVPRO Has Well Trained Staff

The people on our team at SERVPRO know what needs to be done in order to get your building back up and running. They are well-trained individuals who possess the knowledge needed for all types of commercial property cleaning, restoration, deodorization, etc. This is particularly important when it comes to dealing with anything related to fire damage because there's no telling how much smoke may have infiltrated into places that you can't see.

The Staff at SERVPRO is Quite Experienced

The staff at SERVPRO is experienced in a wide range of cleaning, restoration and deodorization activities. They have the equipment needed to deal with anything you throw their way - from fire damage to mold removal. Our company can handle all aspects of building cleaning and even specialize in things like water damage

SERVPRO Has the Resources Needed To Properly Clean Your Commercial Building

If there's one thing that we really love about being able to help people who are dealing with commercial property problems it’s knowing just how much our work helps them out. It's nice when everything goes according to plan but sometimes unexpected issues arise which makes living up to our guarantee so important. We know that every time we complete a job for someone they are entrusting us with their building which is why we make every effort to provide the best service possible.

Our Technicians Are Certified In the Field of Cleaning and Restoration

One of the most important considerations for those looking to hire a company that provides commercial cleaning services is making sure they have all necessary certifications and licenses. This ensures that you're dealing with experts who are capable of doing what needs to be done in order to get your building up and running again as quickly as possible.

Our Technicians Are Regularly Trained

Once our technicians are hired they undergo extensive training to ensure that their skills are up-to-date. This is something that we consider to be extremely important because the last thing you want when dealing with a commercial property problem is for your technician not know what he or she is doing.

SERVPRO Has a Dedicated Customer Service Team

When it comes down to it, SERVPRO's customer service team probably stands out more than anything else - and this isn't just lip service! When people contact us at SERVPRO they never have any trouble reaching someone who can help them right away.

The Benefits of Commercial Sewage Cleaning

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

The Benefits of Commercial Sewage Cleaning

You may think that your office building is clean and spotless, and that it does not need any commercial cleaning services. However, you are wrong. Large buildings are exposed to many chemicals and bacteria on a regular basis, which can result in the buildup of residue in your sewage system. If the sewage system of the building is not kept clean, it can lead to contaminated water running through the pipes of your building which is a serious health hazard for all your employees.

In order to avoid such an emergency, it is important to invest in commercial sewage cleaning on a regular basis. By outsourcing the work to professionals, you can easily ensure that your drains and pipes are cleaned thoroughly with no grease or waste buildup. A clean office is likely to result in a motivated, healthy, and productive workforce. Apart from this, here are a few benefits of commercial sewage cleaning:

1. Preventing Blockage in Drains

In case you have a large building where many people use the washroom and kitchen on a daily basis, you probably have a large production of organic waste. This waste can eventually build up in the pipes and drainage system – resulting in blockages of water supply. To ensure that the water runs smoothly through your building and nobody faces any problems, it is important to contact a professional cleaning company who can thoroughly service your sewer and drain system.

2. Keeping the Pipes in Good Condition

Like all other parts of your building, the pipes and fixtures need to remain clean and kept in a good condition to ensure that they do not leak or cause other problems. If there is too much stress and pressure on your drainage and sewer pipes, it can lead to breakdowns in the sewer system, requiring you to replace the entire plumbing system of the building. This type of repair can cost a lot of time and resources for a commercial building. In order to extend the lifetime of your pipes, you should invest in regular cleaning in order to avoid any long-term implications.

3. Prevent Clogged Drains

When your drainage system has buildup of waste and grease, it can result in cogged drains that could have a backflow of dirty water into the main pipes of the building. Such a situation can expose everybody in the building to contaminated water – thus resulting in a biohazard situation. Exposure to contaminated water can cause many illnesses in the workplace and even cause a bad reputation for your business amongst the clients.

4. Eliminating Huge Costs

In case your plumbing system malfunctions, you will be forced to pay a huge amount of money in repairs and new fixtures. You can easily avoid the occurrence of this cost by taking precautionary measures beforehand, such as having a professional company clean up your sewage and drains on a regular basis.

5. Complying to Local Rules

All governments impose strict rules for hygiene and cleanliness for all office buildings. To ensure that you remain in compliance with all the rules and regulations, it is necessary to invest in thorough cleaning services that ensure that there is no underlying sewage problem in your building.

How to Protect Your Workplace from Natural Disasters?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

We never know when a disaster can strike. This is why it is extremely important to take the necessary steps to protect the property. Protecting your workplace from natural disasters is just as important as protecting your house. So, if your organization is not prepared for such emergencies and natural disasters, you need to take the necessary steps to protect it. Want to know how you can protect your workplace from natural disasters? Keep reading then.

Evaluate Your Area

If you want to be best prepared for natural disasters at the workplace, you need to evaluate and examine your office area and determine which natural disaster poses a possible threat to the area in which your office is located. You should not only evaluate the area in which your office is located, but you should also evaluate your office building as well. It will help you in determining the possible threats to which your office may be exposed and take necessary steps to secure the property.

Come Up With Emergency Plans

Once you have found out the possible threats to which your workplace is exposed, you need to create emergency plans to face these natural disasters. It will help you protect your organization and the workers of your organization as well. The plan should include what to do if the disaster hits your workplace and how to deal with the problem afterward. It should additionally include the ways to ensure the smooth flow of your business when your workplace is hit by an emergency.

Test The Plan

Once you have created the emergency plan that is needed to deal with the natural disasters, you need to make sure that the plan is effective as well. This is why you must test your emergency plan to make sure that it is effective and runs smoothly.

Prepare Emergency Kits

Even though all the companies have the necessary first aid kits to deal with emergencies, it is extremely important to have an emergency kit prepared to deal with natural disasters. For example, if your workplace is exposed to floods, and your workers are not able to travel in such a situation, you need to have the necessary supplies available to deal with such a situation. Some examples of these emergency kits include food and water, personal hygiene items, batteries, radio, etc.

Prepare Your Employees

Apart from preparing emergency kits for your workers, you need to prepare your employees to deal with the emergency as well. Preparing your employees will help them in dealing with natural disasters. Therefore, each of your employees should be trained and prepared for these natural disasters. For this, you need to equip and train your staff with the skills that are needed to deal with the situation such as CPR training and first aid courses.

Creating a solid emergency plan for your workplace to deal with natural disasters is extremely important. It will help you protect your workplace and your employees as well. For more details on how to create an effective emergency plan for your workplace, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Levittown.

3 Common FAQs About Mold in the Workplace

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

3 Common FAQs About Mold in the Workplace

When you discover mold at your Falls Township, PA, business, you might be alarmed about the possible damage it might have already done. Mold growth can affect drywall, carpeting and your building’s HVAC system and sometimes grow out of sight until its musty odor alerts you to its presence. Calling in professional mold mitigation and removal service can help you eradicate the mold, and there are a few questions you can ask before the process begins.

1. What Causes Mold?
There are usually two main factors that cause mold to grow: high humidity and moisture. For example, a toilet overflow in the employee restroom that was not cleaned up properly might cause mold to grow behind a toilet or a leak in your HVAC system might allow warm air to seep in and create a humid environment there. Floods and leaks are usually the catalysts for mold growth.

2. Are There Different Types of Mold?
While there are several dozen different types of mold, the one that usually follows water damage is black mold, so-called because of its dark green or blackish color. This mold is prolific and can grow as soon as 24 hours after standing water is allowed to stagnate in a flooded area. You might see it on drywall, paper documents, and stored office furniture. If you recognize this type of mold, it is wise to seal off the area until professional help arrives.

3. Why Does Mold Smell?
Mold gives off an odor because as the spores attach to moist areas and begin to eat and grow, they give off a waste product called mycotoxins. This creates a musty odor, which smells like wet dirty laundry, which you might associate with fungi growth. Your mold removal and restoration team can help you pinpoint the source if you can smell the problem but cannot see it.
When mold growth affects your Falls Township, PA, business, knowing where to begin with cleanup efforts can be a challenge. However, when you know which questions to ask, you may feel more confident about the outcome.

What You Need to Know About Fire Damage Restoration

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Soot damage in Falls Township, PA building

Whether you have a small kitchen fire or watch your building in Falls Township, PA, go up in flames, fire restoration is a good way to get your business back on its feet. Before getting an estimate, you should know a little more about this procedure.

What Is Fire Restoration?

Fire restoration involves cleaning up and repairing a building after a fire. If your building sustains damage due to flames or smoke, you should consider getting an estimate and starting the process.

What Is the Remediation Process?
Every remediation process is different. However, each project will follow a similar outline. This include:

• Providing an estimate
• Removing water and drying out
• Cleaning up damage
• Deodorizing and disinfecting
• Reconstructing

What Can Cause a Fire?
Many things can cause a fire in your business. Kitchen disasters, candles, smoking, electrical issues, lightning strikes, space heaters, problems with a fireplace, and fireworks are among the most common sources.

What Factors Into the Cost?
Many factors can affect the cost of your remediation. During your evaluation, an inspector will examine the damage to your building. The cause of the fire, size of your building, amount of time after the fire, construction materials, accessibility to the building, water damage from extinguishing, amount of mold growth, and reconstruction necessary. Each situation is unique, so that these factors may play a major or small role.

Will Your Insurance Cover It?
A commercial fire is generally covered under your insurance policy if it was a sudden, accidental fire. The best way to ensure that your entire remediation is covered is to hire a company that can work with your insurance. You can also contact your insurance company directly.
Even a small amount of fire damage can require a professional remediation company. These companies can respond to your disaster and perform the remediation process. They will also be sure to consider many factors and give you a fair price that your insurance company will likely pay. Ensure that you thoroughly research the process before hiring a company to do the work.

6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water restoration in Bristol, PA

Six Common Causes Of Water Damage

Having to hire water repair professionals can put a damper on your business. Plus, any issues that cause water damage can also put endanger your employees. Therefore, if you spot any signs of water problems, you need to take action. This means addressing the potential causes of damage. Here are six common causes of water damage in commercial businesses.

1. Windows
Improperly sealed windows can cause more damage in a commercial building than a broken pipe. This is because water can seep in around the windows leading to mold growth and damaged wood or drywall.

2. Pipes
Changes in pressure, deterioration over time, and freezing temperatures can lead to a broken pipe, which everyone knows is bad. Plumbing issues can lead to damaged walls, water stains, unstable floors, and mold.

3. Foundation
If your roof drainage system is clogged, water can fall close to your building. This can do damage to your foundation. The result is puddles alongside or inside your building.

4. Roof
Owning a business where your roof is regularly exposed to heavy rain and snow can cause issues in your roof. Additionally, improper snow and ice removal from your roof can cause damage. This can lead to a leaky roof that leads to mold growth, fire hazards, and structural issues.

5. HVAC
Your HVAC system uses ducts to heat and cool your business. These ducts can wear down over time, resulting in leaks that can cause water damage to your building.

6. Sewer
Sewer water backups can lead to infections and illnesses. If you notice any gurgling drains or backed-up toilets, you should have the problem fixed and immediately call a qualified restoration company.
If you see any threats to your business in Bristol, PA, you should have them fixed immediately. This can include broken pipes, flooding from a sewer backup, or other potential water damage sources. Fixing these issues can keep your business running and your employees healthy.

5 Common Plumbing Issues in Commercial Buildings

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

A dripping faucet can slowly drive up your monthly water bill

Common Water-Related Problems

Some plumbing issues may seem insignificant, but identifying and fixing these problems while they're small is vital when it comes to protecting your building. A small problem, such as a drop in water pressure, is often indicative of a larger issue, like a broken pipe. Make sure you regularly inspect your building in Vermilion Hill, PA, for the following common water-related problems.

1. Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are common water repair issues for older buildings. Cast-iron pipes are only designed to last approximately 25 years, although certain circumstances can cause them to deteriorate sooner. Keep an eye out for silent leaks by checking for spikes in your water bill or a drastic drop in water pressure.

2. Dripping Faucets and Toilets
Much like pinhole leaks, dripping bathroom appliances can slowly, yet steadily, drive up your monthly water bill. Take the time to inspect your commercial bathrooms and make any necessary repairs.

3. Clogged Drains
Customers tend not to treat commercial bathrooms with the same respect that they would their own residential ones. This can lead to many undesirable items getting flushed and ultimately clogging your drains. This can cause a wide range of issues, from an unsightly bathroom to severe toilet overflow.

4. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a good indicator for several issues, such as leaking pipes. The low pressure is a result of water escaping through the leak, and not making it to the faucet where it's supposed to make its exit.

5. Structural Damage
Cracked, bulging or otherwise warped walls, ceilings and foundation can signal the presence of a serious leak. These deformities are caused by water accumulating within the walls and ceiling and are a good indication of a major flooding problem caused by a leaking or broken pipe.
A broken pipe, backed up toilet, and clogged drain are all common plumbing issues for commercial building owners. Staying on top of the issue can help reduce the amount of damage your building suffers and keep your business running smoothly. Contact water restoration experts for professional help.

What to Do When Your Oxford Valley Property Suffers from Commercial Water Damage

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Keep Inspections Up-To-Date on All Your Building's Infrastructures

SERVPRO Can Help You Overcome Commercial Water Damage in Oxford Valley

Oxford Valley commercial water damage is not a matter to take lightly, and you may be wondering how to overcome the current challenges you are facing. Everything from a natural weather event to a leaking pipe can cause water damage in your place of business, and this can impact property condition as well as your ability to conduct business as usual. Ideally, you want to restore fully the property as soon as possible so that business can continue as normal. There are a few steps that you can take to move past this situation more swiftly.

Stopping the Flow of Water

The first step to take with Oxford Valley commercial water damage is to cut-off the flow of water into the building. This may be by waiting for sewage or floodwaters to recede, or it may be turning off the main water supply valve to the property in the event of a plumbing issue. After the flow of water into the building has been stopped, you can move forward with plans to repair the property.

Drying the Property Out

After a flood or water event in a commercial property, the next step to take is to remove the standing water by extraction services. Proven methods of water extraction will remove all traces of water from the property. However, moisture levels in the building may still be high after a flood, and this can promote mold growth even if the standing water is extracted promptly. Mold can pose health effects, so it's crucial to reduce the humidity level in the building to a normal level as soon as possible. Dehumidifiers and foggers can be utilized for moisture removal. This step must be completed before the remediation or repair process can begin.

Restoring the Building

Water damage can wreak havoc on your building, causing considerable property damage to the flooring, furnishing, electronics, drywall, cabinetry and more. Some items, such as electronics that have gotten wet, may need to be discarded and replaced. Other items, such as flooring, might be salvageable. The team at SERVPRO of Levittown will assess the damage and determine which items can be saved and which will need to be tossed. The final decision is yours to make. All work will be completed efficiently and with high-quality materials.

If you have experienced a water event in your commercial space and are ready to repair the building with Oxford Valley commercial water damage repair services, look no further than the skilled team at SERVPRO of Levittown for help. We have provided remediation for local residents with all their property repair and renovation needs over the years, and we are ready to work for you. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Levittown can respond quickly to your flood or other water emergency. When a major water damage event occurs in Levittown or Oxford Valley, we have the resources and experience to help. We are first to any size disaster. Call us 24/7 at (215) 785-1777.

3 Ways To Care for Your Building’s Plumbing

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Steps to Care for Your Buildings Plumbing Long-Term

If your business in Croyden, PA, is experiencing plumbing problems, you may be wondering what steps the best plan of action includes. Here are some commonly recommended steps by many experts that may help you care for your buildings plumbing long-term.

1. Work With a Professional

One of the first things you can do to help care for your business property's plumbing is to work with a professional. Whether you're having trouble with drainage, are concerned about the functionality of your water main, or just want a general inspection, a professional has the tools, training and equipment to take care of the job properly. You may also want to talk to them about scheduling regular check-ups for your plumbing system.

2. Have the Plumbing Regularly Inspected

Another way to take care of your business property is to help prevent potential plumbing problems by having a regular inspection. A professional familiar with your business property will know the needs of your plumbing system and be able to efficiently check over and talk to you about needed repairs before water damage becomes a long-term problem. A regular inspection may also allow your plumbing professional to know what is normal for your property and have an idea of what potential problems to keep an eye out for.

3. Take Care of Problems When They Happen

If your business does experienced flooding from a broken pipe, or another type of water damage, it's best to take care of the problem as quickly as possible. Contacting a water damage restoration service, such as SERVPRO, is recommended as this team of professionals can not only look for any related damage, but restore the property as well.
Remember, if your business is experiencing plumbing problems, it may be best to call a professional. Have the property’s water lines, faucets, and other pipes regularly inspected, and if you do experience problems it’s best to take care of it as quickly as possible.

The Cleanup Process Following a Fire Disaster

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Soot building after a fire in Pinewood, PA

The Cleanup Process Following a Fire Disaster

Looking at the fire and smoke damage to your commercial facility is devastating after a fire. You may wonder how the blaze will affect operations, and when you can expect relief. To get a better understanding of the restoration timeline, you can talk to a restoration company in Pinewood, PA about their six-step process.

• Mitigation
  
• Cleanout
  
• Immediate repairs
  
• Smoke and soot removal
  
• Cleanup
  
• Restoration
  
  

Mitigation
Before fire and smoke cleaning can begin, the company you hire may suggest mitigation strategies to protect your damage claim. These strategies may include securing tarps over large holes in your roof and boarding up doors and windows.

Cleanout
Once the company protects your facility against further damage, the cleanout process can begin. A crew will assess the contents within your building to determine what is salvageable and what is garbage.

Immediate Repairs
After they clear the debris from the property, the team you hire can start making any necessary repairs. For example, if there is damage to water lines or wiring, they may make repairing those items a priority.

Smoke and Soot Removal
Following necessary and immediate repairs, the restoration team may work on smoke and soot removal. Removing smoke damage and odors can take a significant amount of time, especially if there are a lot of porous items, like carpeting.

Cleanup
Following the smoke and soot damage removal, it is likely time to move on to the cleanup phase of the process. The team you contracted with may use a variety of commercial machines and cleaners to disinfect and scrub the remaining surfaces, ensuring they have a clean workspace for the rest of the restoration.

Restoration
The final phase of the process is the restoration. The fire restoration company replaces and rebuilds the structure of your facility to pre-disaster condition.
Fire and smoke damage removal are time-consuming processes. However, a professional disaster repair company can get you back to business quickly.

Best Ways to Prevent Your Building From Flood Damage

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Adding some landscaping elements can minimize storm damage

You can't stop the rain from coming, and you may not be able to anticipate pipes from breaking or bursting. This doesn't mean you can't take effective measures to reduce the risk of flood damage in your workplace. If you're proactive and develop a plan today, you can spare yourself and your company from a lot of stress and time in the future.

Routinely Check Your Building

On a typical day, you probably don't think much about the building where you work. Unfortunately, neglect can lead to serious issues such as flooding. As you understand where floods often start, you'll be more aware of the condition of your building's materials and systems. Regularly inspect the following:

• The roof
  
• The plumbing system
  
• Your appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers, and refrigerators
  
• The foundation
  
  

Replace the Raingutters and Downspouts

In a large storm in Croydon Heights, PA, poor drainage can be the biggest cause of flood damage. Rain gutters can become clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris. Downspouts may not work well, causing water to pool near the foundation and windows. It may be time for new ones. Take a look at these items. Clean them if possible, but if you need to replace them, don't put it off. Make sure they divert water away from the building.

Think About Landscaping

Sometimes, something as simple as adding some landscaping elements can minimize storm damage. Adding thick mulch to flowerbeds can soak up a lot of water. Native plants can have the same effect, so try planting some around the property. If your grounds aren't sloped away from the building, you may need to do some grading work. You should also consider planting trees along the perimeter, as these can act as a barrier to incoming water.
Flood damage can be a big threat to your building. To cut back on the need to call a professional flood remediation team, implement these steps.

Common Areas for Mold in a Commercial Building

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Bathrooms with a shower should be properly ventilated to prevent mold growth due to humidity

Common Areas for Mold in a Commercial Building

It's no secret where mold likes to hang out: in moist, damp spots without good ventilation. These likely spots are excellent places to uncover mold growth:

• In bathrooms
  
• Around drinking fountains
  
• Near water heaters
  
• Close to pipes and plumbing
  
  

Any location that has high humidity, upwards of 45%, is prime real estate for the various strains of mold that plague a business property. In addition to these obvious places, you can find mold hiding around the components of HVAC systems, in carpeting that has ever gotten wet, on ceiling tiles, in electrical closets and around piles of old paper.

What To Do When Mold Is Found?

Anytime you stumble upon mold growth in Croydon Heights, PA, it's time to spring into action. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. Employees may begin to sense the unhealthy air quality or smell a musty odor. You can try and address the problem yourself if it is small, but in nearly all cases it is best to call in a mold remediation team. They will have the training, the certifications and the equipment to deal with mold and get your workspace back to good condition again. It takes more than just a good cleaning to remove mold and to make sure it doesn't come back again.

How To Handle the Cleanup?

Attention will be placed on any areas that have experienced water damage. Once the moisture issue has been taken care of, the mold will be contained with barriers and then removed with special vacuums and air filtration systems. Strong cleaning agents are then used to clean the surfaces of the building, with advanced equipment and techniques used for clothing and carpeting.
The awareness of mold growth is a job for everyone in the company. Custodians, managers, and other employees should be on the lookout for water leaks which are a harbinger of a future mold problem. Catching the problem early makes it easier to treat it successfully and quickly.

How To Prepare Your Staff for a Weather Disaster

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster Supply Kit

Weather-related events are the most common cause of disasters in the United States. Though most people believe it will never happen to them, every geographic region is susceptible to a weather emergency. When a hurricane or severe storm threatens your business, a disaster preparedness plan can be the difference between complete chaos and a rehearsed, collaborative process.

Staff Preparation

Whether it’s an approaching hurricane or a sudden event, such as a flash flood or tornado, emergency preparedness can reduce the incidence of injury and property damage. These precautions can prepare your staff to act quickly and with teamwork.

Communication Plan – It’s important to establish a leadership team that will serve as point communicators and disseminates information to your people under emergency conditions.
Disaster Supply Kit – Whether a box or entire closet, this kit should include food and water for 72 hours as well as emergency supplies, such as device chargers, flashlights, blankets, and first aid.
Evacuation Plan – Each business has very different disaster preparedness needs, depending on the size and function of the organization. Your local fire department or disaster remediation service can provide training for your employees on safe evacuation procedures.

It is generally helpful to distribute a copy of your emergency plan to your staff and any new hires. Keep in mind you may need to update your business preparedness plan if your company changes in size or function.

Practice

Once you establish your plan, it’s important to institute regular drills to practice the communication system and evacuation process. You can use the test button on your smoke alarm to begin surprise disaster preparedness drills. This is a practical way to discover your plan’s effectiveness.

Risk Assessment

Assessing your location’s risk can help you design an effective disaster plan. Consulting with your insurance agent, local city planning department and weather agencies can help you understand how severe weather might impact your business.
Preparing your staff for a weather emergency is a sensible modern business practice. If you don’t need it, nothing is lost. If you do have an emergency, you and your people will be prepared to act calmly and quickly.

Understanding Secondary Damage

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Standing water on wooden floor causing mold growth

Many commercial buildings in Croyden, PA, have experienced water damage at one point or another. This is what is known as primary damage. If treated right away, the problems can be kept to a minimum. However, if left alone too long, excess moisture can become dangerous and lead to issues such as black mold.

Types of Secondary Damage

While black mold is one of the main types of consequent problems that result from water damage, there are many others that you may not be aware of. These do not always appear right away, so keep an eye on the disturbed area for a few weeks to make sure it was cleaned properly. Here are some things to look for:

• Mold growth
  
• Rotted wood
  
• Electrical damage
  
• Corrosion
  
  

Preventing Secondary Damage

Primary water damage is usually very noticeable. For commercial buildings, this often happens due to overflowing toilets, high humidity in the office or leaking pipes. Once you see standing water or notice damp walls or furniture, find the source and have it taken care of right away. While you may be able to handle a small leak yourself, for larger issues, you should consider calling restoration experts. Getting everything cleaned up is important, but remember that the problem will persist if you don't fix the source.
Taking the proper precautions to prevent water damage in the first place is extremely important. It is a good idea to have your pipes checked and maintained regularly. Encourage patrons to dispose of trash and feminine products in waste bins. Educate your employees on fire safety to help avoid setting the fire sprinkler system off. Always have a contingency plan in place just in case the worst does happen.
If you suspect that your commercial building in Croyden, PA, may be suffering from secondary damage, take care of the problem as quickly as possible. Always call a professional restoration company if you think you may be dealing with black mold or other secondary issues. Handling the problem safely is key.

How To Create a Fire Escape Plan for Your Office

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

Establish scape routes in your map

One of your responsibilities as a commercial property owner or business manager is to ensure the safety of your employees and tenants. One crucial aspect of that is creating a fire escape plan.

How Do You Even Begin?

Locate Exits

During a fire, the highest priority it getting everyone out of the building, which means having an emergency escape plan. You should establish two escape routes that move people outside simply and efficiently. Then, you should highlight these routes on a clearly marked map. This map should be displayed as well as included in the written plan. Don't forget to designate a meeting spot outside of the building to gather everyone after evacuation; that way you can make sure everyone is accounted for and regroup.

Assign Duties

A fire escape plan should also include which people are to be doing what during an emergency. Each unique situation may require different or specialized roles, like safety protocols specific to a lab. However, there are some basics that are almost always covered:

• someone in charge of communications; this includes being in charge of contact information
  
• section leaders who may be in charge of rounding people up to leave and keeping count
  
• someone designated to call 911 or coordinate with the authorities
  
• someone in charge of contacting and overseeing fire remediation services
  
  

Train Employees

If you want your plan to run smoothly, you should practice. Your employees need to be familiar with the plan to optimize safety. Make sure to simulate an emergency fire situation and use the evacuation routes at least twice per year. Include education about stopping, dropping and rolling- a technique used if your clothes are on fire. Additional fire safety tips include getting low to avoid inhaling smoke and testing door handles before grabbing them.
Emergency preparedness is essential for the safety of any workplace or commercial space. As a responsible business owner you should put together a fire escape plan as soon as possible, and keep it current as time rolls on.

Fire Damage in a Newtown Commercial Property

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Whether small or large, commercial fires can cause numerous impediments to business, call us today!

Fire damage restoration specialists know, commercial fires in Newtown, Yardley, or New Hope can have debilitating and even deadly consequences. According to the National Fire Protection Association, office property fires resulted in more than 3,000 calls to the fire department within the last five years. Additionally, these commercial fires generated more than $4 billion worth of property damage. Although the reality of fires and the damage they cause can seem overwhelming, learning more about the causes of commercial fires as well as how to effectively deal with them can ease your fears and preserve your property. To accomplish these objectives, refer to the following quick reference outline on commercial fire damage.

Commercial Fire Damage

What Can Cause Commercial Fires?

There are a wide range of factors that can lead to commercial fires. Some of the more prevalent causes include:

• Lightning
• Arson
• Lighting equipment
• Electrical equipment, and overloading of circuits
• Cooking equipment, and excessive grease buildup
• Improper storage of flammable products and paper goods

When fires burn, they can cause substantive, obvious fire damage. However, it's important to know that some of the structural damages caused by fires is not readily visible. For example, smoke and fire that spread throughout your property can release toxic gasses, air-borne particulates, and chemicals while also consuming building materials.

Types of Commercial Fire Damage

There are several types of commercial fire damage that can impact your office and property. Some of them include:

• Office assets (such as furniture and electrical equipment) and paper documents
• Burnt structures (cabinets, framing, flooring, and drywall)
• Smoke (either dry or wet)
• Soot (especially when it results from furnace puff back)
• Water damage, result of fire suppression system or fire extinguishing service of the local FD
• Mold damage resulting from standing water
• Odors from toxic chemicals and smoke requiring efforts to restore good air quality

How SERVPRO Can Assist You

As a team of professional fire damage specialists with extensive experience and a sense of urgency for getting results, our certified technicians can provide you with the fire damage remediation services necessary to restore your commercial property. Some of the services we offer include:

• Protecting all regions unaffected by the commercial fire
• Securing the commercial setting, boarding up or tarping
• Taking a detailed inventory of your damaged materials, CCIS
• Conducting an assessment to determine the depth and scope of damages
• Determining the best restoration methodologies
• Working with your insurance adjuster
• Detecting and removing toxic chemicals and gasses
• Restoring your commercial property to its pre-fire condition

As a team of IICRC-certified technicians who are persistent in offering optimal fire damage restoration services, the professionals of SERVPRO are available 24/7/365. We value your need to reopen your doors to your business, office or building in Newtown or Yardley.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Levittown can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams. Call us for a quick response. (215) 785-1777

Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Ask your insurance agent if you are covered.

If a building owner or manager suspects that mold is growing or professional mold testing has confirmed the presence of fungus in a structure, the next concern is whether commercial insurance covers mold damage. Some property insurance includes this coverage, but many policies exclude mold. Exceptions may be available, or coverage for this peril can be bought back in the form of an endorsement. Find out what to look for in terms of mold coverage and options for offsetting remediation expenses.

Exclusions and Exceptions

A commercial policy should make it clear whether mold is covered or excluded. Policyholders should examine a policy closely for several factors:

• Exceptions
  
• Limited coverage
  
• Endorsements for mold

An exception may provide limited coverage for mold resulting from a covered peril. For example, if a policy covered water damage mitigation and restoration, a limited amount of coverage may be available for mold caused by this damage that is reported in a timely manner.

Mold Endorsements

Endorsements can offer more protection, but policyholders have to add and pay for optional commercial insurance coverage. If an insurer offers an endorsement for mold, a policyholder can effectively buy back coverage for perils that are excluded from a commercial property insurance policy. An endorsement for mold insurance comes at a cost, but may provide more substantial coverage for this type of damage.

Check Limits

If any coverage is available for mold in a standard policy, it is likely to be limited. Policyholders should familiarize themselves with limitations and prepare to pay out of pocket for additional remediation costs.

It is a good idea to document and take measures to mitigate mold damage. Some commercial insurance companies may be more reluctant to cover properties with a history of mold. It may be possible to maintain coverage by keeping an insurer informed and hiring a certified mold remediation company in Bristol, PA.

What Does Insurance Include As Fire Damage?

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial fire restoration in Levittown, PA

If your commercial space in Levittown,PA, recently sustained damage from a fire, you probably have some insurance claim details to consider. One of the most important steps you can take is figuring out what your insurance company allows as part of your fire damage coverage. Here are the main things that can be included in your claim.

Items Included With Your Coverage

Some of the items your insurance company will likely cover include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Office equipment, such as pencils, staplers and phones
  
• Furnishings, such as chairs, desks and breakroom tables
  
• Electronic devices, such as printers, computers or fax machines
  

The overall integrity of your structure will also be considered by your provider’s insurance adjuster. For example, if there are weak spots as a result of the fire, you will likely be able to claim them with your insurance company. Smoke odors and destruction may also be covered in many cases - this is true even if the fire damage stemmed from smoke and flames at a next-door building.

Important Note on Fire Mitigation

You will need to take steps to renovate your commercial building after speaking to your insurance company. Be careful when choosing who you work with if your insurance policy allows you to make your own choice. A reliable fire restoration service will employ professionals who arrive promptly, survey the damage and provide you with an honest and thorough remediation plan, whether or not they can help you themselves.

Business fires are a nightmare that no business owner should have to deal with. When you add in the headache of working with your insurance company to approve a fire damage claim, you really have a troublesome situation on your hands. Knowing what property is likely to be approved when you make a claim and knowing what a good restoration service can do to help you puts you in the best preparatory position possible.

3 Tips for Outdoor Sprinkler Maintenance

12/29/2018 (Permalink)

Flood line visible in this Levittown bathroom.

Many Levittown, PA, businesses employ irrigation systems to help take care of their lawn. Proper irrigation maintenance is important to help keep these systems from malfunctioning which could lead to costly damages. Here are three tips that may help keep your system in order.

1. Check Everything Regularly

Regularly looking your system over can help you know when something goes wrong, before it causes a disaster. You should be able to see if any sprinkler heads are out of position, and if they look damaged before your turn the water on. You should also be able to clear away any debris which could redirect water flow and cause flooding.

2. Adjust as Needed

Depending on the system, and the season, irrigation maintenance needs may change. Updates may be available for your system which could help you save water. These updates may also add efficiency to your system and help your company save money in the long run. Similarly, seasons could affect the irrigation needs. At times when your area gets regular snow or rain you may choose to use the sprinklers less than when the area is dry.

3. Take Care of Problems as They Occur

Whenever you experience problems, such as sprinkler flooding, it’s best to take care of the issue as quickly as possible. This can help prevent overflow getting into your building and causing water damage. If you think a irrigation system malfunction may have compromised your property, then a water damage and restoration service may be able to help. They can assess the situation and make any repairs that may be needed.

Following these irrigation maintenance steps can help you prevent some major problems with your system. Remember to look over your irrigation regularly, adjust your system accordingly for seasons and updates, and to take care of issues as they arise. If you do have any problems a professional may be able to help.

The Importance of Storm Preparation for Your business

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Prevent water from entering your business in Bristol,PA with sandbags

Any location can experience inclement weather, even Bristol,PA, and flood water doesn’t distinguish between a business or home. Being prepared beforehand may help your company prevent water damage.

Storm Preparation Can Help

No one wants to go to their business after a storm and find it in shambles. Help protect your company before the weather hits by implementing the following proper preparation techniques:

• Prevent water from entering the property with sandbags
  
• Move equipment and furniture to upper floors out of potential flooding zones
• Board up windows and glass doors to prevent flying objects from striking them
• Tarp areas to prevent damage from potential leaks
• Trim trees of loose branches that can fall into the building
• Clear gutter and downspouts of debris to prevent overflow onto the roof

Keep Backup Files

One of the biggest risks flood water presents is to the electronics and equipment your business may use. In many cases, the machinery may be replaced but the files on them cannot. This is why you may want to have a system for creating file backups in place. This way even if you do have to replace the equipment after a storm, your data will not be lost.

Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Before you find yourself dealing with a flooded building, you may want to have an emergency plan for your company already outlined. This can include what preparation procedures need to be done before the weather hits, how cleanup will be handled, and which water damage professionals you may call to handle repairs, if needed. If your company building does need repairs, they should be handled as quickly as possible.

Even if you’re located in Bristol,PA, flood water can damage your business. Preparing beforehand can help minimize the risk of water damage. It’s best to have an emergency plan in place before the weather hits. If your business is in need of repairs after the storm, a professional can help.

Water Damage: When Should You Call a Restoration Company?

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Busted pipes can be devastating to your commercial property

As a commercial property owner, a broken pipe can be devastating to your business, and the thought of the pipe burst cleanup can be overwhelming and even confusing. You may wonder if you can clean up the damage yourself or if it’s necessary to call a restoration company. Depending on the severity of the issue, it may be possible to clean it yourself; however, there are instances where hiring outside help is a better choice.

1. When Water Damage Is Extensive

If the water damage is secluded to a small area, like a restroom, it may be possible to handle the issue on your own; however, if the damage is extensive, spanning an entire level of your building, then hiring a professional team is not only a better choice but the more efficient one as well.

2. When Water Damage Is Designated Category Three

If you are informed that the water damage to your business is category three, then you should leave the pipe burst cleanup to those who are certified and trained. This classification of water is considered black water and is a mixture of sewage and water that is deemed to be hazardous to humans. It may be best to hire a sewer cleanup company to manage this type of damage.

3. When Speedy Recovery Is Essential

While not every level of water damage requires a special team, if you are under a strict deadline, it may be wise to bring in professionals from the local Levittown, PA, area. Companies specializing in disaster cleanup have the teams, the tools, and the knowledge to get the job done quickly; thereby, getting your business up and running fast.

While busted pipes and the overall pipe burst cleanup can be devastating, it doesn’t have to be if you call in experts when it is necessary. Not every level of damage requires professional help but knowing when it does ensures that you handle disasters efficiently and effectively.

For more on Levittown click here. 

Check Your Sprinklers To Avoid Flooding

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Sprinklers do an effective job of keeping your landscaping in great shape. However, if they aren’t properly maintained, they can also become a source of excess water that can saturate the ground around your building and seep into your basement. To avoid calling in a water damage mitigation specialist in Levittown, PA to deal with sprinkler flooding, it’s important to do regular irrigation maintenance. Here’s how to check your sprinklers to make sure they are in good working order.

1. Run your system one zone at a time. This allows you to examine each area thoroughly and isolate the location of any problems you discover.
2. Check for leaks. As you examine each zone, look for signs of leakage. Does the water pressure seem low? Is water spewing from any breaks in the line? Replacing and repairing damaged lines is a big part of regular irrigation maintenance.
3. Assess the spray patterns. Sprinklers generally have a distinctive spray pattern. Do you notice any changes or differences in the spray pattern of your sprinklers? If so, clean out blocked sprinkler heads.
4. Check the spray direction. Sometimes sprinklers get bumped or moved, causing them to spray in unwanted directions. Flow may be blocked by a hedge or tree, preventing proper watering of your landscape plants. It may also flow onto asphalt, ultimately running toward your building and causing problems. Make sure your sprinklers are positioned correctly.

In addition to regular maintenance, you can help prevent flooding from your sprinklers by installing a rain detector. These small sensors are placed somewhere with open access to the sky so they can detect when rainfall exceeds a predetermined amount. Once that limit is reached, the sensor automatically shuts off your sprinkler system.

Don't let your irrigation maintenance fall by the wayside. By following these simple guidelines, you can prevent a visit from a water damage mitigation specialist in Levittown, PA . Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

Burns at Work: Is This Burn Minor or Major?

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call after commercial fire damage.

If a fire breaks out in a commercial building in Levittown, PA the fire damage can vary greatly. You may have to deal with structural problems, charred equipment and personal injuries. A fire repair crew can help with most of the property damages, but you may need to get help from a different source for personal injuries. If an employee gets burned at work, it may be a good idea to take quick action. You may be able to take care of minor burns on site, by following basic first aid steps:

• Cool the burn.
• Protect the blisters.
• Apply lotion.
• Add a bandage.
• Provide pain relief.

However, major burns often require medical attention as soon as possible. How do you tell the difference?

Major Burns

A major burn looks different than a minor burn. This injury is deep and large. To qualify as major, it should be over three inches in diameter or cover certain parts of the body, including hands, face, buttocks, groin or feet. The appearance of the skin will be dry and leathery. You may also notice the fire damage charred skin and created patches of colored skin. Usually, the colors can include white, black and brown. If a burn falls into this category, you may want to do some first aid until a first responder arrives. However, on-site treatment is not enough for this injury.

Minor Burns

A minor burn is much more superficial than its more serious counterpart. The redness associated with it may remind you of a sunburn rather than a charred piece of skin. The injured employee will feel pain. The affected area may have blisters but should be no larger than three inches in diameter. If a burn falls into this category, you can do some burn first aid to help relieve the pain. You may still want to send your employee to the doctor, but it's not as vital.

Fire damage often affects buildings, but it may also affect your employees. Knowing how to react to personal injuries can help you make smart decisions. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on commercial fire damage. 

Tips for Preserving Your Belongings After a Flood

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage to this Bristol commercial facility was caused by a plumbing failure in the bathroom.

Dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be overwhelming and frustrating, as it often involves ridding your building of many of its contents, removing whole pieces of drywall, carpet and flooring and rebuilding. That said, there are a few tips you can utilize to minimize loss as much as possible. If your building was recently subject to a deluge, and if you want to save as much of your company’s assets as possible, keep these tips from your local Levittown, PA content cleaning company in mind:

• Contact a water restoration team
• Turn off all electrical systems
• Remove all furniture and carpeting
• Inspect the walls, subfloors and ceilings for mold

Let a Water Restoration Team Help

If your building was recently flooded, do not try to approach the cleaning process on your own. For one, you never know what kind of water you’re dealing with. If it’s black water, it’s contaminated, and you could put yourself and others at risk by trying to clean contents on your own. A water restoration team can help you dry out your building using commercial dryers, dehumidifiers, pumps and other professional tools.

Turn Off All Electrical Systems

Whether you do this before or after contacting your local Levittown, PA content cleaning team doesn’t matter. What does matter is that there is no potential for an electrical hazard when you or anyone else reenters the building post-flood.

Remove All Furnishings and Carpet

Unfortunately, if black water invaded your building, your carpet and furnishings are done for. Anything porous is unlikely to be completely decontaminated and may pose a health risk to you and your employees if you try to keep them.

Have the Foundation Inspected

Water can seep into drywall and subfloors. If this happens, you will need to have a restoration team remove the contaminated materials and replace them.

If your building was recently in a flood, you have your work cut out for you. However, with the right content cleaning team on your side, you can restore you building to a safe and like-new condition. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

3 Tips for Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Every commercial building in Bristol, PA, needs an effective fire sprinkler system in place.

In the event of a fire, these sprinklers can drastically reduce the amount of property damage. It is also possible to receive some deductions on your insurance premiums if you have such a fire suppression system in place. If the time comes when a fire breaks out in your building, you need to be certain your sprinklers are fully operational.

1. Hire Someone to Come Out and Maintain Them

It is best to leave inspections to professionals who know what to look for. You should hire someone to come out at least once a year to make sure everything still works as it should. A fire sprinkler professional will most likely conduct a flow test to ensure water flows adequately out of the system to subdue fires.

2. Keep Sprinklers Free of Obstructions

It can be easy to take sprinklers for granted and cover them up. You should never leave boxes of other items in front of a sprinkler that would prevent it from spreading water over the premises. In the event someone accidentally paints over the sprinkler, then you will need to have a professional test it again to make sure it still works.

3. Do Not Misuse Sprinklers

Finally, you should teach everyone in your office what they should not do to sprinkler heads. For example, it is common in some circles for people to place a coat hanger on the sprinkler when someone is changing. This is dangerous, and it could cause the sprinkler to go off, ruining items in the vicinity for no reason.

After the water has suppressed the fire, you can call in a fire sprinkler cleanup crew to handle the moisture damage. With regular maintenance, you can have the peace of mind that your fire sprinkler will work when you need it.

Getting the Most From Commercial Fire Restoration

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

Getting the Most From Commercial Fire Restoration

Now that you are dealing with significant amounts of fire damage as well as smoke damage that has been left behind, you need to contact local fire restoration professionals to deal with the commercial fire damage that you now have. One of the main issues that a lot of people have is that a utility room fire can get out of hand rather quickly, as well as any type of electrical fire that you have ever had. Because of this, you are going to need to hire a fire restoration professional to get the job done for you.

The problem with fire damage as well as large amounts of commercial fire damage is that it leaves behind significant amounts of smoke damage and problematic soot damage. Fire damage in a commercial property can also lead to water damage due to the amount of water used to put a fire out.

Considering the soot damage that has been left behind after firefighters have left, you are going to want to contact local professionals to handle the issue for you after fire hoses have been used. One of the main issues with firefighters using fire hoses is that it can leave behind water damage along with the fire damage itself. Once fire trucks have left your place of business or home, it is important for you to contact a local professional company so that they can do the restoration as soon as possible.

If you are a victim of fire damage, give your local fire damage restoration company a call. They will be able to secure your business and start restoration in order to get your company back to it's pre-fire state.
Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Types of Commercial Fire Damage Caused by Small Fires

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Types of Commercial Fire Damage Caused by Small Fires

The number one cause of fires striking commercial buildings is an overloaded circuit breaker or outlet. An outlet can only accommodate so many devices before it will give up. When plugging too many devices into a single outlet, that outlet can catch on fire and cause an electrical fire to spread along the inside and outside of any neighboring walls. A utility room fire can cause just as much commercial fire damage, even if the fire was on the smaller side. The types of fire damage that the building experiences and the fire restoration work needed will range based on the methods used to extinguish the flames and how far the fire spread.

Soot Damage

Soot damage is extremely common after a commercial fire in a utility room or another space. In the same way that burning a candle causes black soot to rise and cling to the ceiling, a burning fire can cause soot damage as the flames rise. The damage will rise higher than the maximum height of the flames though because the oxygen in the building will push the soot up. Soot damage may appear on the baseboards and floorboards as well as along the crown molding and ceiling.

Smoke Damage

While soot refers to the black ash and other debris on the wall, smoke damage refers to any smoke in the room or building. Smoke often penetrates into wood surfaces and other types of material. Any furniture in the room will require extensive cleaning with proper chemicals to remove the smoke smell from the wood. The same chemicals can reduce the smoke damage and smoky odors clinging to carpets and other types of flooring.

Fire Suppression Damage

Many commercial buildings feature either a fire suppression or fire sprinkler system. Most owners do not realize that those systems offer both protection and some problems. The chemicals use in a fire suppression system keep the flames from moving until a fire truck and firefighter can use a fire hose at the scene, but those chemicals can cause some significant utility room fire damage as well. Depending on how quickly the system reacts, the fire damage may spread beyond its starting point or allow the smoke and ash to spread. With a fire sprinkler system, the water used can create a musty and dank odor that surrounds the building.

Water Damage

While most building owners look forward to seeing a fire truck racing down the street after a fire, the fire hose that a firefighter connects to that truck can cause more fire damage and water damage. The water that fire hose produces may drip deep into the floorboards and make those boards warp and become structurally unsound. That water can also cause damage to any rooms beneath where the hoses sprayed the water. Fire restoration techniques can fix some of the water damage caused by a fire hose.

A standard firefighter goes through hours of training to learn how to avoid smoke damage when battling an electrical fire and what to do when dealing with a utility room fire. That firefighter as well as the fire truck brought to the scene can make soot damage and fire damage worse. The owners of buildings suffering from commercial fire damage also need to look at what fire restoration needs done due to the chemicals or water used by a fire sprinkler system or a fire suppression method.

Commercial fire damage can occur in an electrical fire in a single room or in an entire building. No matter how much restoration work a building needs, fire restoration experts can help. They can come to a scene and start working as soon as the fire truck leaves. Their years of experience help them clean any type of fire damage caused by a fire sprinkler system or any fire suppression methods used to put out an electrical fire or a utility room fire. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on fire damage.

When Deodorization Techniques are Needed?

9/9/2017 (Permalink)

When Deodorization Techniques are Needed?

Commercial properties can differ greatly depending on if they are a retail store or office building. No matter the case it is important to keep the building smelling fresh. A good place to shop or to work doesn't always come down to how much is being paid. It also needs to be great place to work both mentally and physically.

Bad odors can cause grief to employees and clients. Because odors are microscopic it is difficult to remove especially if they have permeated a wall or furniture. Getting rid of the bad smell can help keep employees and clients happy.

When Deodorization is Needed

• Burning food in microwave
• Dead animal in wall
• Failed fridge
• Mold growth
• Smoking on premises

Call SERVPRO of Levittown for all your deodorization needs and check out our Fire Restoration Page.

Pipe Break in Commercial Buildings

9/9/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Pipe Break Repair

A pipe break due to freezing temperatures are common in Levittown, PA. Many office buildings will try to save on their heating bill by lowering it when the building is closed. Although the heat may be set at an optimal temperature for pipes there are spaces where pipes may freeze. Drafty areas, outside walls, and missing insulation have been the cause of pipe freezes in commercial buildings. At times the heat may have been accidentally turned off by an employee who cannot bear the heat. In any of the above cases the pipe will freeze and burst causing a major water intrusion.

When a pipe has frozen in your business call SERVPRO of Levittown to come asses the damage and get your business back to work.

When Commercial Deodorization is Necessary

9/9/2017 (Permalink)

Times when deodorization is necessary?

A clean and tidy office building will not seem clean if it smells bad. Bad odors can cause problems to employees or clients depending on if the commercial building is an office space or retail store. Because odors cannot be seen it is difficult to remove especially if it has saturated the walls and furnishings. The bad smells will need to be removed in order to keep clients and employees happy and healthy in the workplace.

So when is deodorization needed?

• After a fire
• Nesting of animals
• Freezer and fridge malfunctions
• Mildew and mold growth

Call SERVPRO of Newtown/Yardley for all your deodorization needs. Our technicians have been trained to find and eradicate bad odors. Check out our Fire Restoration Page.

Commercial Fire Restoration

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

When to call for Restoration in Levittown?

Many commercial property owners know that fire damage in an Oxford Valley business can generate substantive frustration, financial loss, and stress. These factors come into play for numerous reasons, including the fact that business fires can result in the loss of valuable property. For this reason, it is not uncommon to note that many businessmen want to rush back into their offices right after the fire to salvage any items they can. Instead of rushing back into your business, the first thing you should do following a fire is to call your insurance agent and then SERVPRO of Levittown. These individuals possess the extensive expertise, equipment, and experience necessary to assist you. Learn more about the helpful services offered by this fire damage restoration company by reviewing the following information: 

Assessing the Damage

One of the first and most important things a fire damage restoration company will do once you call them is the completion of a thorough assessment. This assessment is designed to determine how damaged your property has become. During the assessment, fire damage restoration specialists will inspect your entire home. They will also decide which equipment and crews will be required to complete the water removal (if put out by fire fighters), cleaning, repairing and restoration processes. Finally, the assessment will help the remediation specialists determine the cost of repairs as well as how long the restoration process may take. SERVPRO works well with insurance companies concerning coordination, paperwork and finished documentation.

Let SERVPRO Assist You 

Although dealing with the aftermath of a fire-damaged structure in Oxford Valley can be stressful, calling the right restoration company can help you remain calm and resilient during the restoration process. As the preferred vendor for several local and national insurance companies, SERVPRO is your first and best choice when it's time for you to select the ideal fire damage restoration company. We offer 24/7 emergency services and employ the best restoration specialists on the block, so contact us today to schedule your appointment! 

For help or to answer any questions you may have concerning fire, smoke or soot damage give us a call. (215) 785-1777

How Professionals Clean Up And Restore Flooded Business Or Home

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

How Professionals Clean Up And Restore Flooded Business Or Home

Water damage cleanup is the removal of water and its residual effects from a residential or commercial property. Having your property damaged by water or flood is a serious problem. Water damage can occur quickly and the effects can can be devastating.

If flood water inside a home or business is not addressed promptly, the property can quickly become damaged. Water and flood damage can cause a significant amount of damage to a business, home and personal property including electronics, furniture, clothes and other belongings.

Supply line break, pipe break and failing plumbing appliances or fixtures are some of the causes of water in home or water in business. The experts at a reputable restoration company have expertise in flood damage mitigation and flooded home cleanup, including pipe break repair, water heater failures and supply line break.

Water damage cleanup is an emergency situation. Water or flood damage claims increase substantially if immediate action is not taken to minimize the damage. This is why finding a reliable restoration company who is available to handle the job right away is very important. Quick action helps prevent further damage to the structure and its contents.

Mitigation professionals provide quality water cleanup services to business and home owners alike. Restoration companies aim to restore the home or commercial property to preloss state. No matter the cause of the flooded home or how large the water cleanup project restoration professionals have the skills and resources to remove water in business or clean up a flooded home. From residential pipe break or supply line break and flooded home restoration to large scale commercial flood damage or water cleanup, a restoration company can handle the task.

Water damage mitigation is a multi-step process that should be handled by a restoration company with a team of certified professionals. Here's how it works:

1. Initial Visual Inspection: Certified mitigation professionals will conduct an initial assessment and come up with the appropriate action needed to clean up the flooded home or business and begin the drying process. Once they have completed the assessment, they secure the contents begin restoration.

2. Water Extraction: Preventing further damage and removing all standing water as soon as possible is an important step. Wet items on the floor, such as clothing, toys, throw rugs, and pillows are removed from the affected area. After water has been removed, if needed, professionals will remove any wet surfaces on floors, ceilings, or walls to accelerate drying.

3. Drying And Stabilizing: After the removal of standing water, moisture and all wet materials, drying begins. Wood floor drying systems, dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters are used to generate dry air and ensure evaporation and air circulation. During this process, restoration technicians carefully monitor the environment each day and document the progress results. This usually takes 24 hours to several days depending on the situation and materials affected.

4. Re-assessment of the Damage: Once structural drying is completed, mitigation professionals will perform another inspection to make sure there are no pockets of moisture present, that could lead to further water in home or water in business related damage.

5. Reconstruction: This is the final step in water damage restoration. After the flooded home or business has been clean up, and the structure and its contents have been returned to a dry state, if replacement of structure or building materials is needed reconstruction will begin. By the end of the reconstruction process, the property should be returned to its pre-damaged condition.

Considerations

Time is of the essence with water cleanup and mitigation. Whether it's pipe break, supply line break or other factor that caused the water damage, help is available. It is crucial to start water in home or water in business cleanup as soon as possible to prevent additional damage. A reputable restoration company can handle a water in business or water in home cleanup service.
Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on water damage.

Tips For Repairing Fire Damage

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Tips For Repairing Fire Damage

It is essential to begin fire cleanup immediately. Here are a few important aspects of fire cleanup for a fire in home or fire in business:

1. Financing The Fire Cleanup:

Many insurance companies make it possible to contact 24/7 them in an emergency situation.
If the insurance company is contacted quickly, it will be possible to begin fire cleanup in short order. Since soot settles on surfaces gradually over a period of several weeks, time is of the essence. If the soot isn't properly removed, some items could have to be disposed of due to smoke damage. In many cases, commercial fire damage is also covered by an insurance policy.

2. Make Sure That You Properly Wash Items That Contain Soot:

Soot is quite acidic, and this is part of what causes the smoke damage. It's possible to reduce or eliminate the acidity of soot with alkaline cleaners. If you have fabrics that are especially sensitive, take them to a dry cleaner.

3. Repair Damaged Surfaces:

Refinishing damaged wood can be an effective way to repair smoke damage on it. Soot damage can cause rust, and this can be repaired. Getting rid of the soot quickly can prevent soot damage from causing rust.

4. Find The Right Professional Help:

There are many fire damage restoration services to choose from if you suffer a fire in home or fire in business. However, not all fire damage repair services are reputable. Here are a few things that you should look for when choosing a fire damage restoration company:

Make sure you hire someone who is experienced.
Make sure that the business is certified by the IIRC.
Read online reviews of the company.
Make sure that the company specializes in soot damage in addition to fire damage.



For those who suffered a fire in business, it's important to find a fire damage restoration professional that specializes in commercial fire damage.

5. Don't Ignore The Smoke Smell:

After a fire in home or fire in business, a smoke smell can linger in the air. Luckily, it is possible to take steps to reduce the smoke smell. For those who suffered a fire in business, it's especially important to do this. A smoky smell after commercial fire damage can be a deterrent to customers. Deodorizers can be effective at reducing the smoke smell. Using a HEPA air filter is an effective way to reduce the odor caused by soot damage.

6. Other Ways To Reduce Smoke Damage:

Vacuum carpets and other floors. Vacuuming can get rid of soot that has begun to settle. However, it's essential to use a high efficiency vacuum cleaner. A high efficiency vacuum will also be effective at ensuring that the soot doesn't get blown back into the building.
It could be possible to clean the outside of a building with a hose.
Use a HEPA filter to remove soot from the air. This can help to blow out soot that has already settled.
It's also a good idea to use a fan. This can also help to blow out soot particles that are in the air.



It is extremely important not to improperly remove soot. This can potentially cause further damage to the home or increase the severity of commercial fire damage, and it can add to the expense considerably.

7. Make Sure That Steps Are Taken To Prevent A Recurrence Of The Fire:

When fire damage is being repaired, there are ways to prevent a future incident of fire damage. Here are some things to do during the fire damage restoration process to ensure that a fire doesn't occur again:

Make sure the entire home is inspected with fire risk in mind, and repair anything that appears to present a hazard.
Ensure that the chimney and ducts in the house remain clean.
Replace space heaters with less risky types of heating. Space heaters are one of the most common causes of fire in home.
Make sure that any faulty wiring in the house. This is especially true in areas where there is a risk of wires coming in contact with water.
Visit http://SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on fire damage.

Causes of Commercial Fire Damage in Levittown

10/27/2015 (Permalink)

Fire Sprinkler Suppressant System is a Valuable Property and Life Saver

SERVPRO, the Effect to Fire Damage in a Levittown Commercial Property

Fire damage restoration specialists know, commercial fires in Levittown can have debilitating and even deadly consequences. According to the National Fire Protection Association, office property fires resulted in more than 3,000 calls to the fire department within the last five years. Additionally, these commercial fires generated more than $4 billion worth of property damage. Although the reality of fires and the damage they cause can seem overwhelming, learning more about the causes of commercial fires as well as how to effectively deal with them can ease your fears and preserve your property. To accomplish these objectives, refer to the following quick reference outline on commercial fire damage.

What Can Cause Commercial Fires? There are a wide range of factors that can lead to commercial fires. Some of the more prevalent causes include:
* Lightning
* Arson
* Lighting equipment
* Electrical equipment, and overloading of circuits
* Cooking equipment, and excessive grease buildup
* Improper storage of flammable products and paper goods

When fires burn, they can cause substantive, obvious fire damage. However, it's important to know that some of the structural damages caused by fires is not readily visible. For example, smoke and fire that spread throughout your property can release toxic gasses, air-borne particulates, and chemicals while also consuming building materials.

Types of Commercial Fire Damage, there are several types of commercial fire damage that can impact your office and property. Some of them include:

*  Office assets (such as furniture and electrical equipment) and paper documents
*  Burnt structures (cabinets, framing, flooring, and drywall)
* Smoke (either dry or wet)
* Soot (especially when it results from furnace puff back)
*  Water damage, result of fire suppression system or fire extinguishing service of the local FD
* Mold damage resulting from standing water
* Odors from toxic chemicals and smoke requiring efforts to restore good air quality

How SERVPRO Can Assist You, as a team of professional fire damage specialists with extensive experience and a sense of urgency for getting results, our certified technicians can provide you with the fire damage remediation services necessary to restore your commercial property. Some of the services we offer include:

* Protecting all regions unaffected by the commercial fire
* Securing the commercial setting, boarding up or tarping
* Taking a detailed inventory of your damaged materials, CCIS
* Conducting an assessment to determine the depth and scope of
damages
* Determining the best restoration methodologies
* Working with your insurance adjuster
*  Detecting and removing toxic chemicals and gasses
* Restoring your commercial property to its pre-fire condition

As a team of IICRC-certified technicians who are persistent in offering optimal fire damage restoration services, the professionals of SERVPRO are available 24/7/365. We value your need to reopen your doors to your business, office or building in Levittown.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Levittown can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams. Call us for a quick response. (215) 785-1777