The Aftermath Of A Commercial Fire

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call SERVPRO, the fire remediation experts.

When a fire strikes on your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Cleveland commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a commercial fire successfully, follow the tips below:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.
Once the fire department has put out all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.

2. Assemble Your Records.
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business' essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.

3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately.
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.

4. Get Permission To Re-enter The Building.
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can re-enter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that re-entry is safe for you and your tenants.

If you experience a fire at your commercial property, call our experts at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County today at (440) 324-2620!

Keeping Your Store Clean For Customers

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team helps you stand up against harmful bacteria!

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right? By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help!  It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Restoring A Building After A Flood

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

The flood in this commercial building was caused by a malfunctioning toilet.

Restoring a commercial building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Cleveland that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration. As always, this process begins with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this is established, work can begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the sub-flooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your commercial building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (440) 324-2620.

Commercial Water Removal

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Technician extracting after a recent commercial water loss.

Water damage in many regular businesses in Cleveland might not be a common occurrence probably because, in most of them, there is little interaction with water. For example, if you have a bookstore, only the restroom might have free-flowing water installations. The limited presence leaves you less prepared for such an eventuality, but with the services we offer, your business can bounce back soon enough.

 
During commercial water removal, speed is crucial because apart from the damage the water is likely to cause, extended downtime might lead customers to seek services elsewhere. Working with a professional like SERVPRO provides a realistic chance of getting your business back on track fast enough because we have a professional team and industry-leading equipment. With our truck-mounted water extractors, we can remove water from your property within a few hours, or portable wet vacs and mops and buckets for smaller removal efforts.
 
One thing that slows down the recovery process is the kind of contents on the premises. In a bookstore, you might have to move shelves or boxes fully stacked with stationery before taking steps to address the affected areas. One of the effective steps to take in such a scenario is a pack-out. Moving all or most of the contents away from the business premises makes extracting the water more effectively done and also relocate paper materials out of harm's way. Our SERVPRO team is well equipped to handle pack-outs. Among other things, we gather contents, wrap them in protective sheets and a label them correctly so that when we return them, it can be "Like it never even happened," whenever possible.
 
Proper water removal takes more than just running a few drying or extraction equipment. Once the water floods the property, it might reach areas such as wall cavities, which are not readily accessible. One way our SERVPRO team removes water from the hidden areas faster is by drilling holes in the walls. If there is insulation, we make flood cuts, but if there is no insulation, weep holes work. These holes allow for increased circulation of air in the wall cavities, drying the premises faster.
 
When the unexpected water loss occurs, you should call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County at 440-324-2620. We evaluate the situation and find a way to get you back in business fast.

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Building

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover visible mold in your commercial building, give our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Team a call.

High humidity is a breeding ground for mold. The fungus feeds off moisture and can spread quickly. This often results in costly and complex black mold cleanup.

Those who manage commercial property in humid climates thus have to take additional steps to limit mold damage. Below are some tips for preventing the growth of mold in your Cleveland commercial building.

Keep Water Out

If there is any kind of flood or water leak on the premises, dry or remove the wet items immediately. You should quickly address any standing water within the property, as well.

Similarly, you should take steps to prevent water from entering the property from the outside. That means cleaning the gutters regularly and fixing any cracks in the walls or roof.

Utilize an Air Conditioner

If your property is in a location with high humidity, it likely includes an air conditioning unit. You should set it to approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Also, be sure to have the unit inspected regularly to ensure it is working properly. This will prevent the need for mold cleanup in the future.

Use Dehumidifiers

The dehumidifier is a great way to lower the amount of moisture in the air. Ideally, the humidity level should be no higher than 50 percent.

Increase Ventilation

Mold reproduces quickly in stale air. While an office building can get stuffy in a hurry, there are ways to improve the ventilation. Try opening some desk drawers or closet doors. You should also limit any clutter and keep furniture away from the walls.

Limit Condensation

Condensation is another common cause of mold growth in places with high humidity. You should thus install appropriate insulation in areas prone to this type of moisture.

Even if you follow the above steps, you could still encounter mold on your property. Mold remediation specialists can help fix the problem. They can also clean up any water damage and take steps to prevent the fungus from coming.

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

Why Call Our SERVPRO Team For Commercial Damage?

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is here to help 24-7!

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County, we can help if your business or commercial property floods. You may be wondering why you would need us. Sometimes the damage of water is not as simple and just cleaning up the water. Call us 24/7/365 at 440-324-2620.

Though the water seepage will stop once the source of water has been identified and plugged, the problem does not end there. It is essential to determine the appropriate water extraction method, which may range from the use of a wet-dry vac unit to more heavy duty equipment like submersible pumps. Once this has been completed, the process of drying and dehumidification should start. Often times, affected surfaces and areas look dry once the water has been extracted and removed, but there remains hidden water and moisture.  This would call for the use of drying and dehumidifying equipment. As such, carpets, walls, and flooring require removal, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting.

Commercial Duct Cleaning

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

What's lurking in your air ducts?

Commercial property managers and facility managers have a lot on their plate, keeping their properties clean and orderly. The one task that should be top of mind is duct cleaning, especially if you notice buildup or tenants complaining about respiratory irritation. Typically, you should have your building's ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Like a residential home, routine maintenance cleaning of your duct system will improve the air quality. Duct cleaning will also assist in the efficiency of your system and potentially prolong the life of the system itself. 

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County we offer commercial duct cleaning. Our team of dedicated and trained individuals focus on quality and customer relationships when handling your commercial property. 

If you're in need of duct cleaning for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County to schedule your commercial duct cleaning.

Our SERVPRO Team Gets You Back To Business Faster

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is Faster To Any Size Disaster!

There are many reasons why a commercial business needs to quickly return to its normal daily operations after a water or fire disaster. The reason that is the most prevalent on the minds of the company's stakeholders is simple: profitability.  The longer a business remains idle due to an unexpected loss, the faster that losses from lost opportunity will mount. It is critical to respond quickly. 

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after fire or water damage means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to what your business and building does best.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is a large-loss team that routinely mitigates water and fire damage losses in office complexes, medical buildings, high rise buildings, university buildings, large hotels and other commercial structures throughout the Cleveland area. Whether you are in need of board-up services, commercial drying, or the mitigation of massive amounts of water from a factory floor, we have the knowledge, equipment and proven expertise to deliver fast, proven results for our commercial customers. 

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for your all of your unexpected commercial restoration needs. Our highly trained professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your next unexpected disaster. We are always Here To Help!

Getting Your Building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our continued commitment to a higher standard of clean!

As we all move forward in the battle against COVID-19, inspiring safety and confidence in our communities remains the number one concern. That’s why at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County, we remain dedicated to bringing a higher standard of clean to businesses across the country through Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is our specialized viral pathogen-cleaning program that prevents the spread of COVID-19. Going far beyond standard janitorial cleaning, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has helped tens of thousands of businesses nationwide keep their doors open safely in the face of this pandemic. And with more than 50 years of experience and expertise in biohazard decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

How does it work? Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is grounded in our unique 3 Cs:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, which is why we’ll start by learning about the unique needs of each space.
  
  
• Clean: Based on the specific needs of the business, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-approved, hospital-grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to CDC standards.
  
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Here For Your Commercial Loss When You Need Us Most

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

This office building suffered a water loss due to a busted water line.

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Cleveland that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration for this Cleveland office building. As always, this process began with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this was established, work could begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the sub-flooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts throughout the office space. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your office building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (440) 324-2620.

Without Proper Maintenance Your Fire Sprinkler System Can Cause Havoc

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience damage due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County.

Fires can happen without warning and can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage from fires totaled in about $12 million in 2012. Luckily we have fire sprinklers that are considered one of the most effective fire suppression systems available. When a building sprinkler system is activated by a fire, they are effective 96% of the time according to the NFPA. That's why it is very important for these systems to be in good condition and maintained regularly.

• Be sure to inspect all control valves to ensure that they are open, accessible, properly locked, and free from any leaks. Examine water and air pressure gauges to make sure they are showing normal ranges in good condition.
• Inspect the condition of sprinkler heads for paint, dust, or obstructions.
• Make sure there is an adequate clearance of at least 18 inches from the height of storage to the sprinkler head. This prevents anything from accidentally knocking into it.
• Have at least 6 spare heads that correspond to the type and temperature rate of the heads in use.
• Inspect all fire department connections to verify caps are in place and that no damage is present.
• Check low points on dry sprinkler systems to remove water to prevent freezing.
• Maintain adequate heat within a dry sprinkler control valve room to prevent freezing.
• Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler immediately.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned; A Higher Standard of Clean

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Please contact our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Columbus office at 440-324-2620 to have your building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Does Your Building Have The Flu? SERVPRO Can Help!

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call our office today to have your building cleaned!

About Influenza (Flu)

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year. Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory sickness causing mild to severe symptoms. Those with the flu can spread it to others without direct contact. The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Flu

Our SERVPRO team is here for you! We can treat your buildings for Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and many other harmful viruses. Our team uses a powerful, EPA botanical disinfectant that dries with no residue and is safe for use in the most delicate of applications like nursing homes and schools. Our staff would treat your building with a fogging process then go over heavy touched areas by hand.

Call our SERVPRO office today for more information!

Levels Of Commercial Damage

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team came to the rescue when this Student Center Restaurant experienced a water loss.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County not only handles residential damage and restoration, but commercial damage as well.

When handling a commercial loss, three levels of damage are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

Don't Wait! Call Our SERVPRO Team To Prevent Secondary Damages

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle water damage issues. Contact SERVPRO for a quick reply and IICRC certified remediation services.

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in commercial properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can re-purpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County team today!

Emergency Ready Profile

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

This is a free service offered by SERVPRO that provides you with all the information needed in an emergency that you can access directly from our app.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.  By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business can reduce the amount of damage a disaster can cause to your commercial building. SERVPRO is the leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back to preloss condition.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantages:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.  
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It takes minimal time to complete and will not take you away from your other current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.  
• A guide to help you get back into your building following an unexpected disaster. This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  
• Establishes SERVPRO of North Coast as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by to help you.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time, so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW!

Did You Know?

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, many of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

Duct Cleaning For Your Commercial Building

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

What's lurking in your air ducts?

Commercial property managers and facility managers have a lot on their plate, keeping their properties clean and orderly. The one task that should be top of mind is duct cleaning, especially if you notice buildup or tenants complaining about respiratory irritation. Typically, you should have your building's ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Like a residential home, routine maintenance cleaning of your duct system will improve the air quality. Duct cleaning will also assist in the efficiency of your system and potentially prolong the life of the system itself. 

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County we offer commercial duct cleaning. Our team of dedicated and trained individuals focus on quality and customer relationships when handling your commercial property. 

If you're in need of duct cleaning for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County to schedule your commercial duct cleaning.

Causes Of Water Damage In Commercial Buildings

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

This flood was a result of a water main break.

Flooding in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to access the problem. What starts out as a small water leak can instantly turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. If your commercial property isn’t in pristine condition, there is a higher chance of water damage occurring. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage in a commercial building:

1. Broken Pipes. It is very common for broken or cracked pipes to occur in commercial buildings, especially as they age. When a pipe bursts, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the whole building. A busted pipe can cause damage to the walls, ceilings, flooring, and any other contents you have filling that space.
2. Malfunctioning Sprinklers. It is a law that all commercial properties by equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. It works in conjunction with the fire alarm, and is activated when the fire alarm goes off. This causes water damage in two ways. First, if there is a fire in the building, the smoke will set off the fire alarms, activating the sprinklers causing water damage. And second, if the sprinkler system malfunctions and activates on its own, causing the water to cover the entire building.
3. Backed Up Sewer Lines. Bathrooms are another common source of possible problems. Sewer lines can get backed up, releasing water into the building. This type of water damage is extremely dangerous because the water is filled hazardous waste and other contaminants.
4. Damaged Appliances. Almost every office building has a kitchen or break room. Typically these rooms have a refrigerator or a dishwasher and when these appliances malfunction they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding entire room or more.

Commercial Water Removal Services

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

This water loss was caused by a toilet overflow.

As a business owner in Cleveland, you need to be prepared for natural disasters so that you know the correct measures to take when your property suffers water damage. The working of commercial water removal service providers can help in preventing your retail store or office from experiencing further damage. It all starts with understanding how the certified technicians work to solve the problem.

Whenever a water damage disaster strikes, there is a possibility that the documents which you use for book-keeping in your retail store or the electronics you sell are affected. When that happens, and you live in Cleveland, you do not have to panic. All you need is a commercial water removal service provider like SERVPRO to attend to your damaged property.

When it comes to document drying, it all begins with determining the appropriate method to save the damaged documents and books. As an owner, you have to act quickly and make decisions with the restorers to minimize the extent of the damage. It is important to note that achieving the earlier state of the water damaged documents and books is not possible, but preventing further loss is essential. Vacuum thermal-drying, vacuum freeze drying, freeze-drying, de-humidification and air-drying are some of the methods that certified technicians from SERVPRO use to dry the documents.

When attending to your electronics, trained restorers will first make sure that no electrical hazards are present. Here, we are referring to equipment like microwaves, stereos, TVs, computers, VCRs and any appliances that have a circuit board. First, they disconnect trip breakers and batteries and then cover the electronics with plastic to prevent entry of additional water into the appliances. After that, a de-humidification equipment is set up to stabilize conditions in order for relevant emergency and evaluation procedures to take place.

One of the reasons as to why you should work with certified experts from SERVPRO is because we follow all local and state regulations in our work. Our trained restoration technicians always share ideas with you as a business owner so that the safety of your employees and property is guaranteed. The use of specialized methods and equipment is what makes our work simple and reliable.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County treats every water, mold, fire and storm damage disaster as an emergency. Call us at (440) 324-2620 to be served by a trusted industry leader.