Common Culprits of Commercial Water Damage

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park can help you get dried out quickly.

Water damage is a major issue for businesses, and at its worst, it can cause the workplace to close for an extended period of time. Besides being a commercial disruptor, water can also lead to extensive damage that will only escalate with time.

The task of preventing water damage in commercial buildings can be overwhelming for business owners, but mitigation is simple if you know where to start! You can keep business running smoothly by being aware of the primary causes of commercial water damage.

Commercial Water Damage

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

Flooding and water damage events in commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether it’s dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. 

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges 

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. 

About SERVPRO 

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a commercial water damage event. Our team has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

Water Damage Can Leave Odors

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

You can’t always see water damage, but you can always smell it.

You can’t always see water damage, but you can always smell it. Most water damage odors are hard to ignore and alert you that there is damage in your home. Odors from water damage can be noticeable immediately or can occur sometime after the water is removed. Here are some common odors: 

• Muddy smell: If outdoor flooding has entered the home, you may notice an earthy smell associated with lakes. 
• Sewage smell: If water damage in your home is a result of a backed-up sewer, you will immediately notice the odor of raw sewage. 
• Musty odors: Musty odors occur after the fact. This is a sign that mold is growing in your home. 

Always remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is. The sooner you notice the problem, the sooner we can help. A highly trained SERVPRO professional can access the degree of your damage. To get rid of the odor in your home, our franchise professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor from your home.  

Snowmelt Safety Tips

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

Snowmelt flooding can damage the floors, walls, furniture and personal items in your basement.

Typically, you don’t think of floods in the middle of winter. But they do exist and happen more than you think. Snowmelt flooding happens when there is a quick change in temperature change. The temperature change can cause snow to melt and could potentially flood your basement. Basement flooding during the winter is mostly caused by melting snow entering the home because of faulty gutters, cracks in foundations and improper runoff. 

Just as an example, ten inches of snow can melt into one inch of water and it is already on soil, unlike rain. Obviously, the heavier the snowfall, the more snowmelt. A quick temperature change can cause a significant amount of water in the soil around your home. If the water cannot flow away from your home’s foundation, it can ultimately enter your home. 

Snowmelt flooding can damage the floors, walls, furniture and personal items in your basement. It also introduces potential water damage and mold in your basement as well. 

Snowmelt Safety Tips: 

• Shovel snow away from your home. 
• Keep snow and ice buildup off drainage areas. 
• Inspect basement walls for cracks 
• Check your roof for ice and snow buildup. 
• Inspect your gutters and downspouts. 
• Clear snow from your roof to prevent buildups. 

Learn About Sandbags

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

When faced with flooding, you may be considering the possibility of a sandbag wall to protect your business.

When faced with flooding, you may be considering the possibility of a sandbag wall to protect your business. It is recommended that taking steps to mitigate damage before it occurs to protect the property and reduce clean up times and costs by several restoration companies. A flood dam is one way to do this. Here is what you need to know about flood dams.  

Where to Find Them  

Sandbags can be purchased from local hardware stores or landscaping suppliers. During times of severe floods and storms, quantities may be supplied by your local council. You can contact your local council or visit their website for more information.  When there is significant flooding, sandbags may be in limited supply and may only be issued by the State Emergency Service. It is better to be prepared and purchase sandbags prior to or when made aware of a flood event.  

How They Work  

In most cases flood dams work by directing water flow away from the threatened area. Many people choose sandbags because they are easy to build protective barriers. Dry sand is loaded into the bag, and the bag is then folded and placed to create a wall. When the water reaches the wall, it is absorbed by the sand which then becomes heavier, harder to move, and creates a tighter seal.  

Where to Place Them  

When creating a sandbag barrier to protect your business it is recommended to construct it in a way that directs the flow of water rather than trying to block it. This will put less force on the wall and keep the water moving to a safe drainage location. Consider setting the barrier up so that the water flows downhill and away from the property, or into a drainage ditch or open field where it can disperse safely. Sandbags should also be placed over floor drains to prevent backflow of grey water entering the building. They can also be used in front of doorways/roller doors.  

When to Use Them  

One of the best ways to reduce flood damage is to know when to use a flood dam. In most cases you may want to consider the use of sandbags any time you believe flooding may pose a high risk to the property.  

When making a sandbag wall or using another flood dam type to protect your company it is important to understand how they work and where to place them to direct water flow. Using these tools properly may help you reduce the amount of damage your business could face in the next big storm.  

Unexpected Hazards of a Leaky Roof

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Consistent water intrusion will work its way down from the attic to the foundation of the house, causing extensive and costly damage.

As a homeowner, you may be guilty of putting off household problems such as cleaning your appliances and changing your furnace filter. However, a leaky roof is a household problem that should never be put off. Whether your roof is leaking due to storm damage or improper installation, it must be taken care of right away. 

Many homeowners think a leaky roof is due to structural problems, but it can pose safety and health risks to everyone in the household. Consistent water intrusion will work its way down from the attic to the foundation of the house, causing extensive and costly damage. 

Here are some unexpected ways a leaky roof can damage your home: 

• Attic and Ceiling Damage – A leaky roof can damage ceiling paint, causing the ceiling plaster to bubble and expand. The water can also damage paint and plaster on the surrounding walls. You can expect damage to ceiling-mounted lights and fans as well. 
• Fire Hazards – If your electrical wiring is present in your attic or ceiling, a leaky roof can pose a fire risk from shorted wires. It is highly advised to turn off electricity to the area that is affected immediately and have an electrician examine it. 
• Slip and Fall Hazard – A leaky roof can cause water to puddle on the floor. This doesn’t seem like a huge risk, but anyone in your household could slip and fall, potentially hurting themselves. 
• Higher Utility Bills – Water intrusion can be damaging to the insulation in your attic area, potentially causing your home to lose hot and cool air in your home. This issue will result in higher utility bills and no homeowner wants that. 
• Compromised Structure - Prolonged roof leaks lead to wood deterioration and weakening. Rotted roof framing causes serious problems that require help from a professional contractor. Homeowners can also face expensive wood framing repairs if water seeps down into ceiling joists and walls. 

Protect Your Pipes from Cold Weather

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

It is important to take the proper steps now to protect our homes from busted pipes and prevent the stress associated with a major water loss.

In winter, it is important to take the proper steps now to protect our homes from busted pipes and prevent the stress associated with a major water loss. Extremely cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. 

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include: 

• Outdoor hose bibs 
• Swimming pool supply lines 
• Water sprinkler lines 

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including: 

• Basements 
• Crawl spaces 
• Garages 

If your pipes do freeze or burst, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.  

We Can Treat Commercial Fire Damage

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience commercial fire damage, it is crucial to work with professionals who can help you restore your property.

If you experience commercial fire damage, it is crucial to work with professionals who can help you restore your property. However, fire damage can take many different forms. Watch out for the following types of Saginaw commercial fire damage and call the experts as soon as possible to prevent the damage from getting worse. 
 
One of the first and least dangerous types of fire damage is known as Class A fire damage. This kind of damage can occur on any property, and it is often the result of a solid catching fire and spreading throughout. The fire damage from Class A fires has quantifiable sources, and the solids may include rubber, plastic, paper or cloth. This damage may spread from a single source, and it is often easy for individuals to contain it if they are quick and isolate the burning source with a fire extinguisher. 
 
Class B fire damage is another variety, and it is one of the most dangerous types that could occur. Class B fire damage typically results from flammable liquids or from solids that have become liquefied. These are commonly caused by melted plastics and waxes as well as various types of oils, including petrol and grease. While they are often caused by materials similar to cooking oil, cooking oil fires do not often count as Class B fires. These fires often spread quickly and cause tremendous damage because of water displacement issues. 
 
Class C fire damage involves flammable gases and similar substances. These can include fires caused by gas leaks such as hydrogen or propane, or they may be due to deposits of natural gas. They can spread quickly through the property and result in a great deal of sudden surface damage. More often than not, this type of damage is explosive and can cause tremendous destruction to the property's structure. It is one of the most common examples of Saginaw commercial fire damage, and it may result in a long-term loss if not handled quickly. 
 
Finally, Class D fire damage is a common variety of fire damage that occurs in industrial locations. It is typically caused by combustible metals. Some of the most common metals involved include sodium and potassium, and this type of fire is large and encompasses the work area. This damage can result in a variety of harmful ambient effects, so if you experience this sort of damage, it is crucial to have it taken care of as soon as possible. If left unattended, unwanted chemicals may become airborne and result in a variety of problems around the work area.

How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

Electrical failures and malfunctions also account for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage.

Electricity is an essential part of life. From lights to heating systems to TV’s, it provides the energy for most powered objects in a house. Electricity is important to have in every home, but it can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fire in the United States. Electrical failures and malfunctions also account for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage. 

If an electrical fire were to break out in your home, here are actions that you should do immediately: 

• Cut off the Electricity – If the device that is causing the fire is found and you can safely reach the cord, unplug it. 
• Add Sodium Bicarbonate – If the fire is small, you may put it out by pouring baking soda on it. 
• Don’t Use Water – Using water to put out an electrical fire can put you at risk of being shocked or electrocuted because water is a natural conductor of electricity. Water also may cause the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials. 
• Remove the Oxygen Source – An electrical fire may also be put out by removing the oxygen source with a heavy blanket or clothing if the fire is small. 
• Check Your Fire Extinguisher – Electrical fires are considered a Class C Fire, which means that you will need to have an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Residential fire extinguishers are often multi-purpose and labeled as ABC, but it is very important to make sure that it is before using it on an electrical fire. 

For Immediate Service

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. 

• 24-Hour Emergency Service 
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster 
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians 
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry 
• Locally Owned and Operated 
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment  

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 2,000 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. SERVPRO is available for all fire, water, and storm damage needs.