How to Prevent Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings

4/5/2024 (Permalink)

Understanding what mold is and how it grows

Understanding mold and how it grows is the first step in preventing your business from being affected. Mold is a fungal growth which can be found almost anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. Growth of mold can be harmful to the structure of your building and has the potential to cause health-issues if breathed in. Some common moisture problems that lead to the formation of mold growth are leaks such as from the roof or plumbing, poor drainage around the property and any scenarios of high humidity or condensation. 

Knowing where to look for mold can also aid in the preventative maintenance of mold growth. Common places that mold can hide are the backside of drywall, wallpaper, the underside of carpets, paneling, and the top of ceiling tiles. Along with these areas mold can also hide in pipe chases or utility pipes if a leak is present, on walls behind furniture when condensation is present, condensate drain pans inside air handling units, and roof materials above ceiling units. Considering possible spots for mold growth is essential to ensuring your business does not suffer the consequences of this fungal infestation. 

There are many suggested prevention strategies along with the knowledge of what mold is and where it grows that are available to you and your business. These strategies include:

• Fixing leaking plumbing/leaks in roofing as soon as they arise
• Prevent moisture by increasing surface temperature such as insulating or increasing air circulation
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by reducing the moisture level in the air by repairing leaks, or increasing air ventilation, or dehumidify
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance 
• Dry/clean wet or damp spots within a 48-hour window 
• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean and unobstructed
• Vent moisture-generating appliances such as dryers, to the outside where possible
• Don’t let foundations stay wet
• Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation

If you suspect that your business might be impacted by mold, please do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City. We have the qualified experts to meet your needs and ensure your business is restored back to its normal state “Like it never even happened.”

The Top 5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

6/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City is a one-stop shop for all your mitigation or restoration needs.

Water damage in the workplace isn’t just an inconvenience – it can be dangerous for months after the damage occurs. It’s crucial to act quickly to mitigate commercial water damage and prevent expensive secondary damages by keeping an eye on vulnerable spots in your business. There are several common causes of commercial water damage, and it’s important that you know how to spot them and what to do to fix them if there’s a problem.

Damaged or Broken Pipes Is a Top Cause Commercial Water Damage

One of the leading causes of commercial water damage is broken or damaged water pipes. Several conditions can damage pipes in your building, causing them to burst. While freezing temperatures are rare in our area, they can change the pressure in your pipes, causing them to bulge, crack, or burst. They can also be corroded over time or damaged by human error.You can spot commercial water damage caused by damaged pipes by watching out for water stains on your building’s walls, ceilings, or floors. If you see water stains, notice a mildew-like smell, or see cracked or loose tiles, you should call a professional to find and mitigate the problem. Any water-damaged materials will have to be assessed and either restored or removed.

Sprinkler System Leaks Cause Water Damage

Another cause of commercial water damage revolves around your sprinkler system. A sprinkler system can be damaged by extreme temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical damage. If your indoor sprinkler system is acting up, it can lead to leaks and water damage. Like damaged or broken pipes, you should look out for wet walls, a musty smell, or standing water inside your building. You may also notice ceiling tiles that are brown and discolored; this also indicates a problem with your sprinkler system. To avoid water damage caused by broken sprinkler systems, get a professional to inspect your sprinkler system often for potential problems.

Roof Damage is a Top Cause of Commercial Water Damage 

We  are no strangers to heavy wind and rain, two main causes of roof damage. When your roof is missing tiles, water may leak into the building, causing commercial water damage. This can lead to structural damage, ruin items inside your building, and mold issues. Make sure to regularly check your roof for signs of damage and provide maintenance as needed. If your roof maintains damage after a storm, it is advised to immediately contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City for water damage restoration. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours. Immediate inspection and water damage remediation will cost far less than water damage restoration paired with mold remediation. Not to mention the additional time it will take and the displacement of all your employees during remediation. If roof damages cause commercial water damage, contact us immediately.

Damaged HVAC System Can Cause Commercial Water Damage

It’s important to maintain your commercial HVAC system and keep it clean to keep your building free from commercial water damage. With time, HVAC systems can wear out or get damaged, leading to water leakage. To avoid this cause of commercial water damage, get a professional to clean and maintain your HVAC systems on a regular basis.

Faulty or Broken Windows Cause Water Damage

Another common cause of commercial water damage is damaged windows or window seals. Damaged windows or unsealed windows let water get into the building. If left unresolved, the excess moisture will lead to mold, damaged building materials, and more water damage. Make sure that your commercial building’s windows are sealed and in working condition. To go one step further, ensure that caulking is reapplied every few years to avoid commercial water damage.

If you suspect that your business has fallen victim to one of these causes of commercial water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City. Our professional team of water damage experts can quickly and safely fix all commercial water damage and perform mold remediation if necessary.

What is Water Damage Insurance?

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is insurance money that is paid out when your house is affected by water damage.

Water damage is insurance money that is paid out when your house is affected by water damage. It helps deal with the pairs. While SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City comes in and helps restore your home, insurance companies ensure there are enough funds for the home restoration.

Situations Where Water Damage Insurance Works

There are situations where insurance companies will pay for the damages caused to your home. Here are the situations when your insurance will pay for your water damage:

• Accidental leaks- Insurance will take care of leaks from pipes and broken washers that cause water damage.
• Burst pipes- Water damage from burst pipes due to frozen pipes and any other incident will be covered
• Damage from fires- If the water was used to put out a fire and caused damage to your property, the damage will be insured.
• Roof leaks- If there was water damage to the interior of your house because of a roof leak, that would be catered to by insurance. The only thing you need to ensure is the leak was not caused by a fallen tree or a caved-in roof that was not fixed.
• Water damage from storms like heavy and sudden rain,
• Ice dam- Insurance will cover ice dams built in your gutter in cold months. If these ice dams result from neglect, you will not get them fixed.

Situations When Water Damage Will Not be Covered by Insurance

There are also times when your insurance will not work for water damage. Knowing about these will help you be careful with the care you give your home and figure out when you can rely on insurance and when to deal with it independently. Here are the situations where insurance will not cover water damage:

• Flood damage. Any damage caused by extreme flooding will not be covered
• Water damage is caused by negligence or lack of maintenance. If your home gets water damaged because you did not fix leaks when they occurred or did not carry out regular checks, then this will not be covered
• Damage for intentional acts. If you set your ho on fire or turn off the heat in winter, then you will not be compensated for whatever damage
• Water damage from backup sewer lines. You need to get a proper cover for that
• Cost of repairing source. No compensation will be given for a broken heater or washer.

Keep Your Business Clean and Odorless

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

A commercial building is having a HVAC Duct cleaning

If you have a busy office, you may notice that over time, the carpets become dirty and stained. When this happens you can call SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City and we can clean your carpets and upholstery, making it like new.What about the areas you don't see? It's easy to determine that your carpets and upholstery need to be cleaned; you see these things everyday. What about your air ducts and HVAC system? Maybe because you cannot see the dirt and dust, it's not often thought about.Air duct and cleaning of your HVAC system can possibly, extend the life span of your system. By cleaning your system, you help eliminate the amount of dust and mold circulating throughout your building and provide cleaner and better smelling air. Mold can cause negative health affects but with preventive maintenance and cleaning, you can help control this!

Preparing your business for emergency

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

helping commercial clients

Unfortunately, in life, accidents happen and disasters strike. All too often, these types of events happen when we least expect it. Luckily, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City can prepare in advance to defend ourselves against things getting to the absolute worst point they possibly can.

Business owners face a special type of risk when considering accidents or disasters. If they do not prepare for mishaps and consider how they will respond in trying times, they could face even more loss and expend more resources than necessary. Unfortunately, as many as 50% of businesses close following a disaster. When it comes to creating an emergency preparedness plan for your business, there are several elements that every business owner should consider in order to best protect their property, assets, and employees. Here are several steps you can take so that you are prepared in the event that misfortune does strike:

-Conduct a risk assessment of your business. Consider what threats you business is most vulnerable to. Take into account a number of factors, such as what type of business you conduct and environmental factors so you can make informed decisions when considering the costs and benefits of different plans to implement.

-Create an action plan for emergency. If you own a business where employees or customers could be present when an unfortunate decision takes place, we sure that all your employees are aware of the emergency exits in your building. Make sure that they understand all expectations and responsibilities that may be placed on them during an emergency, given the specific circumstances.

-If you live in an area where you are especially susceptible to natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes, make sure that everyone knows where the appropriate place to take shelter is. Additionally, keep an appropriate amount of essential supplies on hand. Encourage your employees to create their own emergency kits.

-Regularly review your insurance policy. Make sure you have emergency coverage. This can help protect you from potential extreme (and sometimes, unnecessary) financial loss.

SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here for whatever happens, but we are also here to help you be “ready for whatever happens.” We can help you develop an Emergency READY profile so that you have an immediate plan of action to help you minimize business interruption and to complete mitigation in a timely manner.

Commercial and Large Loss Restoration

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial building

As the number one choice in the cleanup and restoration industry, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City can help you every step of the way. From immediately after the disaster to returning your property to its preloss condition, we want to make the process as smooth as possible.

When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. 

Each large loss project is managed by SERVPRO of Central OKlahoma City. They’re backed by the SERVPRO headquarters operations team to help you have the smoothest restoration experience possible

SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

Our Disaster Recovery Teams are composed of elite technicians who have the training and resources to handle large-loss events for industries that have included hospitals, universities and government facilities.

SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City Disaster Recovery Team is an elite team of technicians. We’re strategically located and prequalified to respond Faster to any size disaster.

Our highly-trained professionals understand your need to keep business going, even after an emergency. That’s why we offer flexible solutions, working after hours or around the clock to complete your restoration project. In many cases, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City can clean up in a way that the damaged space can be safely isolated from functional space so that normal operations can proceed around the cleanup. This minimizes the downtime you have for your facility. We’re Faster to any size disaster™ providing 24/7 emergency service. You can be sure that SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is ready to respond to your emergency call.

Flooding Tips Part 1

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City professional extracts water from a commercial business following a flood.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, according to Ready.gov. Failing to evacuate a flooded area or entering flood waters can often lead to serious injury or possibly even death. Floods cause billions of dollars worth of residential and commercial property damage each year. Since floods can damage any property in almost any area, it is crucial to learn how floods form, the various types of floods there are, and how they can affect your property.

Whether you live in Oklahoma City, Warr Acres, or the Village, flash floods are something you are no doubt familiar with. Flash floods are fast-moving waters that sweep everything in their path. They are caused by heavy rainfall or rapid snow thaw. Flash floods usually cover a relatively small area and occur with little to no notice, generally less than six hours. The rapid water torrents can move large objects like cars, rocks, and trees.

If you are in an area that is under a flood warning, find shelter right away. Depending on the type of flooding, evacuate if told to do so or move to higher ground. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters! Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Never drive around barricades. Local first responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

If your business suffers damage due to flooding call the experts at SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City 24/7 for emergency water extraction services.

SERVPRO of Central OKC Emergency Ready Plan

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so good things—like fire or water damage—that are always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster. This year, take the time to be "Ready for whatever happens." Preparation and review will help get you through anything in 2022! The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan (ERP) will help you ensure you and your facility are prepared. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shutoff valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood, having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY.

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Buildings

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you own a commercial building or manage many commercial buildings, they present unique challenges when something goes wrong. Proper maintenance can prevent little problems from becoming large-scale problems. If they do, SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City is ready help make it “Like it never even happened.” And while we are available 24/7 for your repair and restoration needs, we’ve compiled three tips from professionals across the industry that can prevent your commercial building structure from incurring a major loss:

1. Maintain your roofing structure. Fixing leaks as soon as they arise instead of putting them off to deal with later will significantly decrease your chances for a major loss. Whether the issue is minor or major may only be detectable by professionals. Either way, it’s imperative to address the problem sooner rather than later.
2. Regularly check your fire control system. Whether it’s a communication line in your system that has gone down or fire suppression sprinklers aren’t working, your fire control system should be checked regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly. Responsible action and routine maintenance check can prevent significant damage to your building structure.
3. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance. Commercial HVAC systems differ significantly from home HVAC systems. Which means they are significantly more complicated and usually require professional assistance. Proper planning and scheduling routine professional exams will allow parts to be replaced when needed, as well as checking for any major faults.

As you can see, the old adage ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ definitely applies to your commercial building structures. However, even with regularly scheduled maintenance and quick action on the part of the building manager, things can go awry. SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City has professionals that will answer your call immediately and begin taking actions to limit the damage. Our trustworthy and confident staff will develop a plan, move quickly, and execute flawlessly. We are a leader in the restoration industry, and our professionals are faster to any size disaster.

Types of Odors Impacting Your Business

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage is one of three common causes of foul odors in your commercial property.

Lingering odors can cause a lot of problems for your business, so it’s important to know the different types of odors and what their main cause is so you can identify and eradicate them.

Odors are typically the product of a fire, flooding or infestation of mold, each having their own causes, attributes and ways to remediate them. The important part to remember is you must discover the cause of the odor before you do anything else. Only then can you find the appropriate response and solution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City, we hope to not only serve you in all of your restoration needs but also be an educational resource so you can be prepared in the case of an unfortunate event. Here are some different types of odors and what their typical cause is:

Odors from fire

Odors that result from fire are often smoky smelling and can be caused by soot, smoke damage to materials such as wood or entrapped smells within walls, furniture or even clothes. If the cause is soot, it is typically easy to identify as it appears black and powdery in appearance. Smoke can also be the underlying issue from burned food or a larger building fire and can consist of different fumes and chemicals, so it’s best to act quickly in eradicating this odor. Those who work or reside in the building can have their health compromised from these lingering odors.

Odors from flooding

These odors are typically pungent smelling and can be caused by sewage, growth of bacteria and mold/mildew. An example of this occurs if there is a burst pipe in which the sewage and wastewater will diffuse this odor. This flood water also contains bacteria that can absorb into porous furniture and provide a health hazard to those in the building.

Odors from infestations of mold

This odor is described as earthy, stale and damp. Mold that is left alone for too long can grow, which results in the production of gases that are known as microbial volatile organic compounds. These gases are basically the waste products of mold, leaving a musty odor to disperse through the building.

Overall, it’s best practice to act quickly when you notice an odor, even after the restoration process is complete. You never know how the bacteria within these odors can impact you and the people within the building.

Preparing Your Business for a Flood

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Because flooding never schedules an appointment, it's smartest to stay ready all the time.

Flooding occurs more commonly than we think. In fact, flooding has been named the most common disaster in the country, and people should know this and understand how to live with it. It’s wise to stay prepared for floods at your business or commercial property. Those caught unprepared when a flood arrives can pay dire consequences because of it. And with that in mind, your neighbors at SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City have pulled together some steps you can take to alleviate flood damage:

Insurance

Of course, the story starts with insurance. Flood insurance is valuable and worth every penny. Many don’t realize that they need insurance for a natural disaster like a flood until that disaster strikes and it is too late. Flood insurance will help your business deal with unexpected damages or losses. 

Flood Shield

A flood shield, also known as flood barriers, are panels made to protect all different kinds of openings from storm damage. The main purpose is to make buildings water resilient rather than trying to figure out a way to block out water. By doing so, water damage will be less severe and the recovery time will not be as long. The fittings are made specifically for commercial applications, so you can trust these shields can adhere to any commercial space. An alternative would be to consider boarding up all of the windows, doors, ventilation shafts, and any other openings that will prevent damage for cheaper. If you are able to afford a flood shield, we recommend that this is the best option in the long run.

Backflow Prevention Valves

Backflow prevention valves are plumbing fixtures that make water flow in one direction. When these are installed in drains, it is not possible for flood water to enter the building through those pipes, which mitigates how much damage a flood can deliver in your commercial property. There are many options when it comes to deciding on these devices, so it is best to let the experts decide which one is good for your application.

Flood Restoration

And, as always, call us 24/7 in the event of a flood and we’ll dispatch a team of experts to your commercial property right away. We’re faster to any disaster! Just call: (405) 252-9400.

Preparing a Commercial First Aid Kit

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

You'll never know when you might need a first aid kit at your commercial property, but when you do you'll be glad you have one.

Protecting your commercial property is important, and, of course, protecting the people inside it is even more vital. You know that if the unforeseen happens to your commercial property that SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is faster to any disaster and experts in making it "Like it never even happened."

But there are also ways to protect your employees, customers, or really anyone in your structure should an emergency take place. That begins with an on-site First Aid Kit.

If you don’t already have one in your property, you should take steps to procure one for the benefit of everyone involved. It is easy and fairly cost effective to put the kit together, and you never know when it could come to someone’s rescue.

Here are some tips for putting together a commercial property first aid kit:

Use OSHA’s First Aid Kit Checklist

Search online and you’ll quickly find a checklist for commercial first aid kits as put together by OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. As their department name indicates, they’re experts in these matters.

And when you take a look at the checklist, you’ll see that many of the items are easily accessible at local drug stores or pharmacies. Items like gauze pads, bandages, tweezers, adhesives, and more are as important as they are commonly found on the shelves at local retailers.

Practice Makes Perfect

Even if you think emergency response is straightforward, you can never do too much training to ensure the safety of the people in your property. Ensure all necessary parties know where the first aid kit is stored, and ensure people on-site are trained in how to proceed. For instance, things like cleaning wounds before applying bandages can be the difference in healing the wound or developing an infection.

If and when an emergency occurs, your staff should be a well-oiled machine ready to jump into action. Even if an emergency requires further medical attention off-site, the steps you take in the initial moments after the emergency are a big difference-maker.

Resources

To find more information on putting together first aid kits or how to use them when needed, consult the OSHA website. And remember, once you can ensure the health of all the people on-site, you can call SERVPRO of Central OKC 24/7 to respond to any restoration emergency at (405) 252-9400.

Tell Me More: Commercial Restoration

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

If an unexpected emergency leaves your business' equipment and information in jeopardy, call SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City for help.

There’s never really a “good time” for a commercial restoration project. Often they come out of necessity, without any warning, bringing your business to a screeching halt. With that in mind, we work fast - without sacrificing quality or thoroughness - to get your business back up and running after sustaining water or fire damage.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Commercial water restoration can present unique challenges, but it’s nothing we haven’t already conquered before. Our on-site team is comprised of Water Damage Restoration Technicians, Applied Structural Drying Technicians, Odor Control Technicians, and Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technicians, and each plays a key role in our process.

These technicians are expertly trained and equipped with top-of-the-line equipment to limit water damage and jumpstart the restoration process.

Learn more about SERVPRO Professional Franchise Training and Certifications.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Like with water damage, our fire damage restoration process involves a highly skilled team of expert technicians, armed with top equipment and unmatched training. The team includes Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians, Odor Control Technicians, Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technicians, and even Water Damage Restoration Technicians to restore any damage caused by putting out the initial fire at your commercial property.

And, whether it’s a fire or water damage restoration project when all is said and done we will not only keep our “Like it never even happened,” promise, but we can affirm that your commercial property is SERVPRO Certified clean, leaving no doubt around the cleanliness and safety of your property.

Disaster Recovery Team

It’s important to act fast when a natural disaster strikes your commercial property, and that’s why we have strategically placed storm teams who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They’ve dealt with damage from tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards; you name it, they’ve seen it before, and no job is too large for our teams.

And beyond commercial restoration, in the event of a storm or natural disaster, our SERVPRO Large Loss Division will come to your rescue. We know damaged equipment or products can not only cost you money but cost you time in re-opening your business, which is why we ensure every large loss is overseen by a Commercial Operations Manager. This person a seamless communication in replacing damaged equipment or goods.

Learn more about our Disaster Recovery Team.

Understanding and Eliminating Mold and Its Odor

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial mold damage in Oklahoma City, OK

One of the surest ways to know your business in Oklahoma City, OK, may be experiencing a mold problem is a potent musty odor. Why does that smell of rotten wood or wet socks happen? This living organism experiences different stages of growth. During that process, mycotoxin, which may or may not be harmful, is produced. These chemical products impact the growth cycle, resulting in the fungi releasing odorous gases.

The Growth Cycle

Mold spores may be everywhere, but they need the right conditions to grow. Unfortunately, the only requirements are the right temperatures, moisture and food. Once those are in place, the spores go through four stages.

Growth starts with thread-like cells feeding on porous materials. Enzymes are released that decompose food sources for easier absorption. That soon leads to a cluster.
As that cluster develops, spores begin to form on the ends. When the environment is right, they will continue to flourish. At this point, the mycotoxin may be forming, which may lead to the first signs of an odor.
The spores eventually are released into the air. They travel to other areas to begin the process again, but only if the conditions are right.
If the spores find an ideal environment, they will reproduce and germinate. That means a new infestation somewhere else on the property.

Complete Odor Removal
Knowing that mold is both a surface and airborne issue, eliminating and preventing future outbreaks go hand in hand. Seeking help from a mold remediation and restoration company is often the best solution. They have the latest tools to find hidden issues, kill the mold and prevent its spread. They also have industrial-grade devices, such as HEPA filtration devices, that filter out tiny particles and ensure a clean-smelling environment.
While not every mold may produce a mycotoxin, each kind will create a pungent odor. Taking action at the first signs of the smell makes it easier to get rid of the problem.

Can a Fire Mitigation Company Help With the Whole Restoration Process?

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Warr Acres, OK

After a fire at your business in Warr Acres, OK, you have a long list of tasks to take care of. Once the fire trucks leave, you are left with fire damage as well as smoke and water damage. You might be wondering exactly where to begin. It's a good idea to consider hiring a restoration company to handle everything from start to finish.

Why Should I Hire a Restoration Company?

A professional mitigation company specializes in disaster assessment, cleanup, and restoration. Technicians can begin the process from the moment you make a call, any time of day or night. They will go through the steps that will get your building back to the way it was before the fire. They can take care of:

• Inspecting and assessing the damage
• Boarding up and tarping the roof
• Removing and drying the water
• Removing smoke and soot
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Building restoration

What Is the Restoration Process?
First, technicians will visit your property to assess the fire damage. The fire area will be inspected along with adjoining areas to check the extent of repair needed. To maintain security, professionals will board up compromised windows or doors and cover the roof with a tarp to prevent further water or storm damage. Water removal will begin right away. Technicians will clean walls, carpet, window treatments and items of smoke and soot. Throughout the process, the company will provide your insurance adjuster with documentation.
Once your building is clean and sanitized, restoration can begin. Professionals will make smaller repairs where needed, such as installing drywall, laying new carpet or repainting surfaces. They will clean your belongings and restore items whenever possible rather than replacing them. Fire mitigation for areas with major damage may include rebuilding. Professionals can reconstruct rooms where needed.
Trusting a professional restoration company can help you through the process of repairing fire damage and ease the burden on you.

3 Ways To Protect Your Property From Spring Flooding

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your gutters clean

Steps To Protect Your Commercial Property

As the winter months give way to spring, the weather is often unpredictable. There may be days when the temperature drops below freezing and days filled with rainstorms. Any snow buildup begins to melt quickly, sometimes overwhelming the local drainage systems. Too often, the capricious changes in weather and the abundance of moisture cause flooding problems for Warr Acres, OK, businesses. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to protect your commercial property.

Move Snow Away From Buildings

One of the main causes of spring flood problems is melting snow. After removing snow from sidewalks, parking lots, and other areas, the snow should be piled up away from the foundations of your buildings. When possible, put the snow on ground that can absorb the spring runoff.

Check Your Interior and Exterior Pipes

Hopefully, you made sure your pipes and hoses were empty during the fall before the first major freeze. Even if you did complete this preventative step, however, it's often possible for water to freeze in the pipes. As spring brings warmer weather, any frozen pipe is likely to thaw. Unfortunately, as water froze in those pipes, the developing ice could have created cracks or weak areas. As the ice thaws, it releases water into your building – sometimes dripping into your walls or down the foundation.

Inspect the Gutters and Other Elements of the Drainage System

Just as the pipes are weakened by ice, so the gutters can also become damaged when snow or ice flows build up. During the winter, be sure to keep the gutters free of debris and double-check to be sure that drainage areas can accept the flow of water from melting snow or spring flooding.
Each season is full of change, but some are predictable. Melting snow, early rainstorms, and frozen gutters or pipes can cause flooding. If you aren't sure what to expect or if your property has suffered damage from too much water, contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals.

Benefits of Boarding Up Your Building

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Boarding up your business can protect you from a variety of other risks.

Owning a commercial property requires a high level of care and consideration. Aside from routine maintenance and upkeep, you also have to decide what to do when unexpected events do occur. SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City offers board up services, which can be an essential for properties in our geographic area considering how prone it is to strong winds and thunderstorms. Read on to learn benefits that come along with boarding up your commercial property.

Protect your property from the elements. Windows are the most vulnerable part of your property. Even if you only have damage to one window, it is important to board up this window to prevent further damage. This broken window could serve as an entry point for water and cause damage to the inside of your building. This will leave you more problems to deal with than you had initially, and will create a bigger hassle for you.

Protect your property from vandals and thieves. Broken windows may be an entry point for more than just water or dirt-thieves and vandals often see broken windows as an easy access point. Boarding up your windows protects your assets. If an intruder did enter your building and sustained an injury, you could be liable. Boarding up also protects you from this potential risk.

Maintain your insurance coverage. Many insurance providers require you to board up your property after damage to ensure that more damage is not done. If you do not comply with this part of your insurance policy, you may lose coverage, which will create a whole other set of problems for you, especially if your property is already damage.

Contact SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City for any board up services that you may require. Whatever your commercial property needs, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here to help!

When to Board Up Your Building

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

There are a number of reasons why you may want to board up your business.

There are a number of reasons that a commercial property might pursue board up services. Board up services may be preventative or protective. This blog will cover some of the situations and scenarios where it may be beneficial to seek out board up services.

Before a storm. If a storm is headed to town  (which is quite often here in Oklahoma City), it might be a good idea to board up your building to prevent initial damage to the windows and glass doors. Boarding up your windows as a preventive measure can help protect your home from internal exposure to other elements that the weather could bring with it.

After a property has been vacated. If you are a landlord or a property manager and you had to evict tenants at one of your properties, you might consider boarding up the property if you know that the property is going to be vacant for a length of time. If you are an urban area with a homeless population, vagrants may break through a window in search of shelter. Additionally, thieves might try to break in through a window to see if there is anything of value. Boarding up your property protects both your property and any large standing assets.

After a storm. If you did board up your building prior to a storm and are now dealing with broken windows or glass doors, your building is now exposed to the elements. Protect the inside of your building by boarding up your broken windows while you await repair.

After a fire. The heat from a structural fire may cause your windows to break. Windows broken by fire lead to the same problem as  all broken windows-an  entry point to natural outside elements and intruders. Protect yourself and your property from further damage by boarding up any broken windows you may have after a fire.

These are just a few of the instances in which it might be wise to seek out board up services for your commercial property. SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here to help you with any board up services you may need, no matter the circumstances.

Fires in Commercial Properties

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

It is important to protect your commercial property from the threat of fires.

There are many different risks that come along with a owning a business. Some risks are a result of human error while others may arise out of natural (or unnatural) disasters. In 2018, 103,600 fires occurred in nonresidential buildings, resulting in over $2 million of loss. Data collected and analyzed by the U.S. Fire Administration shows that nonresidential fires increased by 26% between 2009 and 2018.

The most common cause of nonresidential fires is cooking and kitchen appliances, with 25-30% of nonresidential fires being cooking-related. Human error accounts for about 10% of nonresidential fires. This category includes forgetting to unplug appliances and electronics, improper disposal of cigarettes, and forgetting to blow out candles. The number of intentionally set fires is not far below the number of fires that were started intentionally or carelessly. In 2018, 10,200 fires were intentional. Finally, electric malfunctions account for about 7% of nonresidential fires.

The best way to protect your property from the threat of fires is to have smoke and fire alarms installed throughout the building. Make sure to test and have them serviced regularly to ensure that they are working and ready to go in the event that a fire does occur. Additionally, it can help to have motion sensor cameras set up around your property so you can respond quickly if you are a victim of arson. Most arson occurs in trash cans or dumpsters, so we sure that these areas of your business have a monitoring system in place so you can move quickly and minimize the damage.

If you did have a fire occur at your commercial property, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here to help you get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. Call us today at (405)252-9400 or submit an information form online. We are here to help!