Archived Commercial Blog Posts
Water damage is our business
11/26/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO®: Your One-Stop Solution for Commercial Water Damage Restoration
When a commercial water loss strikes, the disruption can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a roof leak, or a sprinkler system malfunction, the key to minimizing downtime and protecting your assets is swift and comprehensive action. At SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on being your one-stop shop for all aspects of water damage restoration, ensuring your business is back up and running as quickly as possible.
Here’s how we streamline the process from start to finish:
1. Rapid Response and Initial Inspection
Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. That’s why our team is on call 24/7, ready to respond immediately. Our experienced technicians will conduct a thorough inspection, using advanced tools to identify the extent of the damage—even hidden moisture behind walls and under floors.
We’ll create a detailed restoration plan tailored to your business’s unique needs, keeping you informed every step of the way.
2. Expert Water Extraction and Dry Out
Removing standing water and drying out the affected area is critical to preventing secondary damage like mold growth. SERVPRO uses industrial-grade pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry your space quickly and effectively. Our team monitors moisture levels daily, ensuring that every corner of your property is completely dry.
3. Repairs and Reconstruction
Unlike many restoration companies, SERVPRO handles repairs and reconstruction in-house. From replacing drywall and flooring to rebuilding structural elements, our skilled professionals ensure that your property is restored to pre-damage condition without the hassle of coordinating with multiple vendors.
This seamless process saves you time, money, and the stress of managing multiple contractors.
4. Content Cleaning and Storage
Your business relies on more than just the physical space—it also depends on the items inside. Whether it’s office furniture, electronics, or inventory, SERVPRO offers specialized content cleaning services to restore your items to their original condition. For items that need to be moved off-site during the restoration process, we provide secure, climate-controlled storage.
5. Final Touches for a Safe, Functional Space
Once the repairs are complete, we’ll perform a final walkthrough to ensure every detail has been addressed. We also sanitize and deodorize the space, creating a clean and healthy environment for your employees and customers.
Why Choose SERVPRO?
Managing a commercial water loss is stressful enough without juggling multiple vendors. As a full-service restoration company, SERVPRO eliminates the need for coordination, ensuring a smoother, faster recovery process. Our single point of contact approach reduces downtime, lowers costs, and allows you to focus on what you do best—running your business.
Ready to Get Started?
When disaster strikes, trust SERVPRO to be there for your business every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive water damage restoration services and how we can help you recover quickly, efficiently, and with peace of mind.
At SERVPRO, we make it "Like it never even happened."
We are Your Fire Restoration Experts
11/13/2024 (Permalink)
When a major fire strikes a commercial building, the aftermath can be overwhelming for property owners and tenants alike. Businesses are disrupted, livelihoods affected, and physical spaces damaged. At SERVPRO®, we specialize in helping businesses recover by offering a comprehensive suite of fire damage restoration services tailored to the unique needs of commercial properties. Here’s a look at how we assist in every phase of the recovery process—from handling claims to reconstruction.
1. Navigating Insurance Claims for Tenants and Owners
One of the first and most critical steps after a commercial fire is managing insurance claims. Fire damage impacts both the building owner and individual tenants, each with unique policy considerations and property interests. SERVPRO’s team is experienced in coordinating with various insurance providers, making the claims process as streamlined as possible.
- **Individual Claims Management:** We work directly with insurance adjusters for each tenant and the property owner, providing detailed documentation of the damage, restoration plans, and progress updates. This proactive approach ensures all parties have the information they need to facilitate quicker settlements.
- **Transparent Communication:** Our team serves as a single point of contact to simplify communication for both owners and tenants, reducing confusion and helping all parties stay informed on timelines and next steps.
2. Comprehensive Content Cleaning and Storage
After a fire, smoke and soot can penetrate surfaces, fabrics, and sensitive equipment, leaving items unusable. SERVPRO's content cleaning and storage services are designed to restore items that can be saved while securely storing belongings until the property is ready for their return.
- **Content Inventory and Pack-Out:** We start with a thorough inventory and pack-out of all affected items. Using our advanced tracking system, we catalog each item and identify those in need of cleaning, repair, or replacement.
- **Specialized Cleaning Techniques:** From furniture and electronics to important documents and machinery, our highly trained technicians use specialized techniques to deep-clean, deodorize, and restore items to preloss condition.
- **Secure, Climate-Controlled Storage:** While restoration and reconstruction are underway, your belongings are stored in secure, climate-controlled facilities to prevent further damage.
3. Restoration and Smoke Damage Remediation
Once the initial cleanup is complete, the focus shifts to the physical restoration of the property. This stage involves repairing fire-damaged structures, cleaning up smoke and soot, and addressing water damage that may have occurred due to firefighting efforts.
- **Structural Cleaning and Restoration:** SERVPRO’s team uses industrial-grade cleaning agents and equipment to remove soot and smoke residues from walls, ceilings, and floors. We also handle any necessary repairs to damaged surfaces, ensuring that the building is both safe and aesthetically restored.
- **Odor Removal:** Smoke odors can linger long after a fire. Our technicians use specialized equipment such as air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and ozone generators to neutralize odors at their source, leaving a fresh and clean-smelling environment.
4. Full-Service Reconstruction
In severe fire events, some areas of the property may require more extensive repairs or rebuilding. SERVPRO’s reconstruction team is equipped to handle everything from minor repairs to major reconstruction, making it easier for businesses to return to normal operations.
- **Licensed Contractors and Trusted Vendors:** SERVPRO partners with experienced contractors and trusted vendors to manage the full scope of your rebuilding needs. From new drywall and painting to structural repairs, we ensure high-quality work that meets all safety standards.
- **One-Stop Solution:** By offering both restoration and reconstruction, SERVPRO simplifies the process, reducing downtime and avoiding the complications that come with coordinating multiple vendors.
Ready to Help You Get Back on Your Feet
A commercial fire can be devastating, but recovery doesn’t have to be overwhelming. SERVPRO is committed to providing tailored, responsive, and effective solutions to help property owners and tenants restore their spaces and return to business as usual. By handling each stage of the recovery process—from claims assistance to final reconstruction—we offer peace of mind and proven expertise during a challenging time.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire, contact SERVPRO to learn how our professional team can guide you every step of the way, making “Like it never even happened” a reality.
How We Can Help Your Business With Water Damage
7/16/2024 (Permalink)
A boiler burst at a popular gym damaged the entire first floor. Enclosures and fast action kept the business up and running during mitigation work,
SERVPRO®, a leader in the restoration industry, offers comprehensive solutions for large-scale commercial losses due to water damage. Their extensive nationwide network of service providers allows them to respond swiftly and effectively to any disaster, no matter the size or location.
Key Benefits of SERVPRO's Nationwide Network
1. Rapid Response
When a commercial property suffers water damage, time is of the essence to prevent further deterioration and mitigate losses. SERVPRO's nationwide network ensures that help is always nearby. With over 1,700 franchises across the United States, SERVPRO can mobilize quickly, providing immediate assistance to minimize downtime and disruption to business operations.
2. Scalability
Large-scale water damage events, such as those caused by major storms, flooding, or broken water mains, require a massive, coordinated effort. SERVPRO's expansive network enables them to scale their response to meet the demands of any situation. They can deploy additional resources, equipment, and personnel from other regions to support local franchises, ensuring comprehensive and efficient restoration.
3. Expertise and Experience
SERVPRO's network comprises highly trained professionals with extensive experience in handling all types of water damage scenarios. Their teams undergo rigorous training and certification in water restoration techniques, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. This expertise allows them to tackle complex projects, from initial assessment and water extraction to drying, dehumidification, and full restoration.
4. Advanced Technology and Equipment
To effectively address large-scale water damage, specialized equipment and advanced technology are crucial. SERVPRO's network has access to an array of state-of-the-art tools, including industrial-grade dehumidifiers, high-speed air movers, moisture detection instruments, and powerful water extraction units. This equipment, combined with their technical proficiency, enables SERVPRO to handle even the most challenging water damage situations efficiently.
5. Comprehensive Restoration Services
Beyond immediate water removal and drying, SERVPRO offers a full spectrum of restoration services. These include mold remediation, document drying, electronics restoration, and reconstruction. Their holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the damage are addressed, restoring the property to its preloss condition and minimizing the impact on business operations.
6. Insurance Coordination
Navigating the complexities of insurance claims after a large-scale water damage event can be daunting. SERVPRO's network works closely with insurance providers, assisting with documentation, claim filing, and coordination to streamline the process. Their established relationships with major insurance companies facilitate smoother communication and quicker resolution of claims.
Case Studies and Success Stories
SERVPRO's track record includes numerous success stories where their nationwide network played a pivotal role in restoring large commercial properties after significant water damage. From office buildings and hospitals to manufacturing plants and educational institutions, SERVPRO has demonstrated their ability to handle projects of any scale with professionalism and efficiency.
SERVPRO's nationwide network of service providers is a formidable asset in addressing large-scale commercial water damage losses. Their rapid response, scalability, expertise, advanced technology, comprehensive services, and insurance coordination capabilities make them a trusted partner for businesses facing water-related disasters. With SERVPRO, commercial property owners can have confidence that their restoration needs will be met promptly and effectively, minimizing disruption and facilitating a swift return to normal operations.
How SERVPRO® Can Help Your Office
10/10/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® uses the latest in restoration technology to keep downtime due to loss to a minimum
SERVPRO® is a professional cleaning and restoration company that can help your office in various ways. Here are some of the ways in which SERVPRO can assist your office:
1. Water Damage Restoration:
SERVPRO can quickly respond to water damage incidents in your office, whether it's due to leaks, floods, or other water-related issues. They can extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth, helping to minimize damage and restore your office space.
2. Fire Damage Restoration:
In the unfortunate event of a fire, SERVPRO can provide fire damage restoration services. This includes cleaning smoke residues, deodorizing, and repairing structural damage. They work to get your office back to its pre-fire condition.
3. Mold Remediation:
If your office has mold growth, SERVPRO can assess the situation, contain the mold, remove affected materials, and clean and sanitize the area. They also take steps to prevent future mold growth.
4. Storm Damage Cleanup:
After a severe storm or natural disaster, SERVPRO can help with cleanup and restoration. This includes removing debris, drying and cleaning affected areas, and repairing structural damage caused by the storm.
5. Commercial Cleaning Services:
SERVPRO offers regular commercial cleaning services for offices. This includes carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, HVAC system cleaning, and general janitorial services. A clean office environment promotes a healthier workplace for your employees.
6. Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup:
SERVPRO has trained professionals to handle biohazard situations and crime scene cleanup. They can safely clean and disinfect areas affected by biological or chemical contaminants, ensuring the space is safe for everyone.
7. Document Drying and Restoration:
In the event of water damage affecting important documents, SERVPRO provides document drying and restoration services. They use specialized techniques to salvage and restore water-damaged documents, books, and files.
8. Odor Removal:
SERVPRO can address persistent odors in your office, whether they are from smoke, mold, or other sources. They use specialized equipment and techniques to eliminate odors and improve indoor air quality.
9. Emergency Ready Profile (ERP):
SERVPRO offers an ERP service, where they assess your office space and create a comprehensive profile of important information in case of an emergency. This can help you minimize business interruption during a disaster by having a plan in place.
By utilizing SERVPRO's services, you can ensure a prompt and professional response to various emergencies and maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for your office.
Don't Let Disaster Stop Your Business
10/3/2023 (Permalink)
Fast action turned a blown broiler from disaster to better than new
SERVPRO® is the premiere company specializing in fire and water cleanup and restoration services. If your business has experienced damage due to fire, water, or other disasters, SERVPRO can provide several benefits to help you recover and get back on track:
1. Rapid Response: SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency services, meaning they can respond quickly to mitigate damage and prevent further issues.
2. Professional Expertise: SERVPRO technicians are highly trained and certified in the latest restoration techniques. They know how to assess the damage, develop a plan, and execute it efficiently.
3. Advanced Equipment: SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment for cleaning, drying, and restoring your property. This helps in minimizing the damage and reducing the restoration time.
4. Insurance Liaison: Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated. SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process, making your life easier during a stressful time.
5. Preventing Secondary Damage: Water and fire damage can lead to secondary issues like mold growth and structural damage. SERVPRO experts understand how to prevent these secondary damages, saving you money in the long run.
6. Thorough Cleanup: Whether it's water extraction, smoke damage cleanup, or mold remediation, SERVPRO ensures a thorough cleanup, leaving your business safe and habitable.
7. Minimized Downtime: By efficiently restoring your business premises, SERVPRO helps in minimizing downtime. This is crucial for businesses, as it reduces the impact on revenue and operations.
8. Professional Odor Removal: Fire and water damage often bring unpleasant odors. SERVPRO has specialized techniques to remove these odors, ensuring your business space smells fresh and clean after restoration.
9. Customized Solutions: Every business is unique, and so is the restoration process. SERVPRO provides customized solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a personalized approach to the restoration of your business.
10. Peace of Mind: Knowing that professionals are handling the restoration process can provide peace of mind. You can focus on other aspects of your business while SERVPRO takes care of the cleanup and restoration.
What Should I Do If My Roof is Damaged in a Fire?
10/5/2022 (Permalink)
Tarping your roof after a fire will protect it from water damage
What Must I Do If a Fire Causes Damage to My Roof?
After a fire, it's common for your roof to sustain some kind of damage. While you may not need to replace the entire roof, there are certain steps that can be taken to ensure that your home in Los Gatos, CA is safe from further damage and that it will remain standing for years to come.
Tarp Your Roof After a Fire
Tarping the roof after a fire is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home. The tarp will keep water and other elements out of your house and prevent it from leaking, which could damage the structure of your home.
The tarping process should be done correctly by professionals who know how to properly protect your property from water damage during this delicate time.
Why Tarps are Necessary After a Fire
You should be aware that tarps are necessary for a number of reasons. First, and most obviously, tarping your roof after a fire will protect it from water damage. This is important because once the rain starts up again (and it will), any exposed wood on your home's exterior will begin to swell and warp in the wetness, eventually causing significant structural damage to your house's framework. Tarping also keeps out animals and debris like leaves or twigs that can cause additional problems with erosion over time; as well as keeping out heat or cold depending on when you choose to cover up your home's exterior after a fire has occurred.
It is Important to Have a Professional Tarp Your Roof
A professional will understand the best process for tarping your roof as well as the importance of doing it correctly:
- Roof tarps will keep the elements out and prevent further damage to your roof.
- Roof tarps are necessary to keep the roof watertight, which is important for preventing further damage to the interior of your house.
Tarping your roof after a fire can be an expensive and time-consuming process. However, it is an important one that should not be taken lightly. The last thing you want to happen is for water damage or mold to start growing because the tarps were not installed correctly or were left off for too long. If you are dealing with this situation, please contact us right away so we can help!
3 Kinds of Hidden Damage to Watch For After a Partial-Loss Fire
8/20/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial fire damage in Campbell, CA.
After a Fire with Partial Loss, There Are 3 Types of Hidden Damage to Look Out For
Any type of fire loss can cause a major disruption to your Campbell, CA, business. However, things can get particularly complicated in the event of a partial loss. In the insurance world, the term partial loss refers to a situation where a fire occurs but does not destroy the entire building. A partial loss fire often causes unseen damage, which results in insufficient insurance claims and, consequently, inadequate fire restoration work. Be wary of these three commonly overlooked sources of hidden property damage after a partial loss fire.
1. Smoke Damage
Where there's fire, there's smoke and in a business fire, smoke, soot, and ash usually spread much farther than the flames themselves. In most cases, nearly every interior surface will need to be cleaned and deodorized to eliminate soot stains and smoke odors. This type of cleanup should only be done by a professional remediation company, using specialized cleaning agents and techniques. Some items may be too damaged to restore and will need to be replaced. Porous surfaces, such as carpet and upholstery, are at a higher risk of total loss from soot and smoke damage.
2. Water Damage
A common side effect of fire loss is water damage, usually caused by the high pressure and large volume of water used to put out the fire. Mold growth often begins within the first 24 hours after a fire and can spread through the building's air ducts to areas beyond the fire-damaged zone. Unchecked mold growth can cause serious property damage to your building. A certified industrial hygienist should conduct a full mold inspection after any fire.
3. Heat Damage
The intense heat produced by a fire can cause significant damage to your building. At extreme temperatures, the glass may warp, and window or door frames may blister or melt. Iron or steel can transfer heat to other areas, causing structural instability. An engineer's inspection is often the best way to detect this damage.
A fire loss doesn't have to destroy your entire building to cause widespread property damage. Checking for these damage sources will ensure that your insurance claim and restoration measures are adequate.
3 Functions of an Electronic Claims Service
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
Choosing a provider with an electronic claims service allows for more transparency.
Three Functions of an Electronic Claims Service
In the event that disaster strikes a residential or commercial property in Monte Sereno, CA, the owner may need to make an insurance claim. Insurers prefer to work with restoration companies that maintain rigorous professional standards and digitize records. Here are three notable differences between a restoration company that still deals in paper documents and a nationwide service network with an electronic claims service.
1. Provide Authorized Access
An electronic claims service can restrict access to claim-related documents to authorized parties. Rather than processing paperwork that is only secure until it is not, and which can be damaged or misplaced, an electronic service requires authentication for access and backs up files.
2. Track an Insurance Claim
The SERVPRO electronic claims service can also improve the ability of a property owner or insurance agent to keep track of the materials involved in a property damage claim. While property owners should still retain copies of damage documentation, proof of loss and a restoration estimate, an electronic claims service provides peace of mind that critical documents cannot be accidentally destroyed or misplaced.
3. Support Instant Communication
The availability of up-to-date materials in an electronic claims service is essential for speedy claim settlement. A service that notifies users when new materials become available has clear advantages over disjointed analog workflows. While an electronic claims service may not yet support internal live communication, these materials are readily available to be referenced in calls between insurance providers, policyholders and a restoration service provider.
In the event that you need to make an insurance claim for a property located in Monte Sereno, CA, choosing a provider with an electronic claims service allows for more transparency. These services provide authorized parties with persistent access to claim materials, deliver updates and ensure that all stakeholders are working from the same up-to-date documentation.
3 Reasons To Consider Hiring a Professional Contractor To Handle Your Mold Problem
5/24/2022 (Permalink)
We are mold-certified mold remediation specialists in Saratoga, CA.
Three Reasons to Consider Hiring a Professional Mold Removal Contractor
Pervasive and found in every building regardless of whether or not its presence is visibly detectable, mold is capable of compromising the structural integrity of edifices if given enough time. It is known to devour nutrients in certain construction materials, with wood and paper being especially vulnerable due to their cellulose contents. While it is unable to obtain nutrition from inorganic substances like concrete, because it may thrive in essentially any area where it is damp, dark and cool, there exists the possibility of finding it clinging to almost anything in an establishment. This includes carpets, ceiling tiles, insulation, sheetrock and more. Porous materials are particularly susceptible to being overtaken by invasive microorganisms. If you have discovered mold in your business, contacting a professional remediation company in Saratoga, CA, to handle the fungus cleanup might be the best action to take next. Here's why.
1. Professionals Are Better Equipped To Handle Specific Circumstances
There are situations where the aid of an expert is needed to thoroughly clean up mold. Examples include:
- The mold growth covers an area of significant size
- There is extensive water damage
- Your HVAC system has been overtaken by the fungus
- Water/water damage present is the result of contaminated sources or sewage
2. Bleach Is Less Effective Than Generally Believed
Bleach is the go-to solution when it comes to sanitization/sterilization. It is known for its effectiveness in eliminating certain undesirable microbial life forms. However, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, actually does not suggest using it for fungus cleanup (though there do exist exceptions). This is because of the root system; some mold spores will be left behind after treatment.
3. Simple Wiping Is Often Less Than Sufficient
One of your first instincts might be to spray the mold with a strong disinfectant and wipe it off. However, even if you can no longer see it, wiping it away generally will not remove it completely, for the same reason bleach doesn't.
Fungus cleanup may be a long, difficult process or a quick, easy one. However, if you are unsure about the severity of your infestation, it is often wise to consult a professional.
Tips for Protecting Your Property from Flood Damage
2/2/2022 (Permalink)
Storm damage in a West Valley, CA warehouse.
How To Protect Your Property From Storm Damage and Flooding
Flood damage can seem like a remote, theoretical risk – that is, until it’s in your face. Fact is, experts have estimated flood costs for the globe’s 136 largest coastal cities could cost $1 trillion annually by 2050. Wise property in West Valley, CA, property owners are thinking ahead by creating a flood plan. Not sure how to protect your property from storm damage and flooding? Here are a few tips.
About Floods
Federal officials define flooding as partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties. Typical causes include:
- Overflow of inland bodies of water
- Rapid accumulation of surface runoff
- Mudflow
All can create damage, but even just an inch of water can result in recovery costs estimated to average $27,000. Being prepared won’t eliminate the risk, but it can help minimize the costs of recovery.
Inspect Your Property
Part of flood-proofing a building is making sure that you inspect it regularly. Look for cracks in the foundation or other structure systems that could be vulnerable in high waters. Also check:
- Flood panels, to ensure the panels or gaskets are working
- Drainage systems for signs of damage that could prevent the pipes from draining properly
Apply Waterproof Sealants
Invest in waterproof coatings and sealants and apply thoroughly to foundations, walls and even doorways of your property. This so-called “dry flood-proofing” measure can form a thin but sturdy barrier that can minimize flood damage effects.
Invest in Water Pumps
Foundation vents encourage water to flow through a building rather than pooling around it, reducing the pressure flood waters can put on walls. This type of “wet flood-proofing” is particularly useful in buildings with basements.
Flood damage can be devastating both physically and financially. Get ahead of the risk with these tips and by identifying a local water cleanup specialist in case the worst does happen.
Where There’s Fire Damage, There’s Sure to Be Water Damage
1/30/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial fire damage in Monte Sereno, CA.
Fire and Water Damage In Your Building
A structural fire can cause serious damage, but unfortunately, the flames aren’t the only damaging element to wreak havoc on your building and its contents. In order to put out a raging inferno, firefighters have to use massive amounts of water and other chemicals, which means that whatever the fire didn’t ruin, the water surely did. In addition to having to deal with fire and smoke cleanup, you will also be forced to deal with water cleanup. So, where do you start? FEMA recommends doing the following immediately after a fire:
- Contact your insurance agency
- Turn off the utilities
- Create as much ventilation as possible
- Contact a cleanup crew
Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider
First things first: you need to report the fire to whichever agency will be compensating you for damages. The longer you wait to report the fire, the slimmer your chances will become of recovering the full cost of damages.
Turn Off the Utilities
This is important for a number of reasons. For one, you can save money by shutting off the utilities you won’t be using for the foreseeable future. Two, by leaving the gas or electrical running, you may unwittingly cause another fire or explosion. If you don’t know which utilities to turn off, the Monte Sereno, CA, water cleanup crew can help.
Create Airflow in Your Building
Part of fire cleanup efforts includes ridding buildings of smoke odors and the harmful contaminants caused by soot. You can aid the fire restoration team in their efforts by opening as many windows as possible and creating adequate airflow. However, only do this once you’ve been given the go ahead by the fire department.
Contact a Water Cleanup Crew
A professional fire cleanup crew can help you separate all salvageable items from the non-salvageable. They will have all the necessary water extraction equipment to effectively free your building of excess moisture and get it to the point where it can be recovered (if that’s an option). Finally, professional cleaners will remove all damaged materials, wash down all surfaces and advise you on what you need to do bring your building back to pre-fire condition.