How to Prepare Your Business for a Fire.

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

All fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are still working properly

How to Prepare Your Company for a Fire

A fire in your business can be devastating. There are many ways to minimize the damage and losses, but it is important to have a plan in place before a fire occurs.

Make Sure You are Insured

If your business is housed in a building, make sure it’s properly insured and that the coverage is up to date. Most buildings come with fire insurance as part of their mortgage payment, but this might not be sufficient for your needs. Make sure that you have enough protection to cover any damage caused by fires or other disasters. You should also keep up with changes in technology and industry standards as these could affect what kinds of services or products your business provides, which could change how much risk there is associated with them.

Develop an Evacuation and Emergency Action Plan for the Entire Business

The plan should include:

• a fire escape route for all employees to follow if there is a fire, including the safest way out of the building, what to do in an emergency, and where to meet after exiting the building.
• information on how to assist disabled employees or other people who may need help.
• plans for pets that may be left behind during an evacuation. This includes identifying where they will go while you are away from work, keeping them contained in certain areas of your business (such as inside cages) with food and water until you return home from work yourself, or having arrangements made with someone else outside of your business who can care for them while you are gone (a friend/family member).

Keep Your Building in Good Repair

Ensure that all exits are clear and unobstructed. Fire extinguishers should be readily available in areas where they are needed, such as near the kitchen and office area. All fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are still working properly (they should be replaced every five years). Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is also a good idea, as it will give you more time to evacuate your building if there is a fire. Be sure to have an emergency exit plan for everyone who works at the business!

Keep a fire blanket on hand just in case something does happen!

Store Flammable Liquids Away from Ignition Sources.

Close the lid on containers that contain flammable liquids and place them in a safe location where they will be secure from fire. Do not store flammable liquids near things that can ignite, such as lint or paper, because even minor sparks can ignite these substances. If you see heavy smoke coming from an area where you keep your flammable liquids, evacuate immediately. You may think that putting out the fire is easy but it could cost you your life if you get too close to it. Call 911 right away if there are flames or smoke coming out of any area of your building.

Use a fire extinguisher on small fires only when they start off as burning embers or sparks rather than flames so they won't spread quickly across large areas within seconds which would make them harder for other people who might not have experience using one before trying doing so themselves without knowing how else those types work properly; although there's always room for improvement here too since these situations tend not necessarily happen every time.

Keep Electrical Equipment in Good Working Order, Including Wiring and Outlets

Wiring should be regularly inspected for any signs of damage, such as loose connections or frayed insulation. If you have concerns about the safety of your wiring, contact a professional electrician to inspect it before using it again.

Outlets should be tested regularly with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure that no electrical current is leaking through them (a sign that they may have been damaged).

Being Prepared Can Significantly Reduce Damage if a Fire Occurs

If you're not sure where to start, here are some tips:

• Make sure you have the correct type and number of fire extinguishers for the building. In most cases, this will be either ABC or BC dry chemical extinguishers. You should also have a wet pipe or sprinkler system installed in your building.
• Leave detailed evacuation plans with your employees and make sure they know how to use them in case of emergency. The plan should include an exit map that shows all possible exits from every room in the building as well as any obstacles they may encounter on their way out, such as stairwells blocked by smoke or heat-related hazards like hot surfaces that could burn if touched; broken glass windows; inner doors with warped frames which cannot be opened by hand due to excessive heat buildup inside; etc.

Preparing your business for a fire can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow the steps above and make sure that your business is well prepared, you will decrease the risk of damage or injuries in case of an emergency.

Keep Sneaky HVAC Mold at Bay

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Mold may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming problem

Keep Mold in the HVAC System at Bay

Whether a new, old, small, or large business, the people running it have plenty of things on their minds. When it comes to the structure the business operates out of, it can be easy to overlook what can’t be seen. One area of maintenance easily forgotten is HVAC cleaning—a surprising key to mold prevention.

While mold can easily be spotted on walls, floors and areas prone to water, it can also hide in air ducts. Below are three steps to help spot and deal with sneaky mold issues.

1. Inspect the HVAC system. Unfortunately, mold is something that pops up quickly and never completely goes away. Fortunately, it’s easy to minimize its growth by regularly checking around the system for moisture—mold fuel. Any signs of moisture around ducts, vents and the system’s parts, such as blowers, could indicate it’s time for an HVAC cleaning. Also, check that the drain and condensation pans are draining and not retaining water.

2. Get the system cleaned. Mold doesn’t only need moisture to make its rounds. It can also grow on dust inside the ducts and vents. Cleaning vents help reduce the accumulation of mold and keeps airflow operating smoothly. Business owners in Chester Springs, PA, with the potential for mold in their vents, should call an expert to help resolve the issue quickly and professionally.

3. Preventive maintenance keeps the mold away. Once an HVAC system is cleaned, it's time to set up a regular maintenance plan. Change filters regularly to stunt future growth, and ensure that the filters are positioned correctly. Continue to regularly inspect the system and its components for any moisture buildup or improperly functioning parts. Additionally, regular general dusting and vacuuming can help air ducts stay relatively clean, keeping mold from serious growth. Lastly, be sure to set up an annual cleaning appointment with an HVAC expert.

Mold may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming problem. While HVAC cleaning may not be on the priority list, its benefits can help put business owners’ minds at ease.

You Cook...We Clean!!!

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Goodbye Grease!

We clean while you cook!!!

Everyone loves a home-cooked meal or dining out with friends at a favorite restaurant, but who wants to clean up the kitchen???

SERVPRO of North East Chester County is ready and willing to provide professional, deep cleaning of your commercial or residential kitchen!  Our skilled technicians have the equipment and the know-how to restore your kitchen - the heart of your home or business - to a pristine state that looks, smells, and feels clean.

RESIDENTIAL KITCHENS

Our technicians will hit all of those hard-to-reach spots that probably haven't been cleaned since the appliances first came off the truck.  Your kitchen will feel and smell so fresh you will want to host the next family dinner or friends' dinner party to show off your newly restored space.

COMMERCIAL KITCHENS

Re-inspire your culinary staff with a professionally cleaned work space, and re-ignite their sense of pride and responsibility to maintain your restaurant kitchen.  We take on the tough chores that you can never quite get to and can restore tired-looking, greasy equipment to a like-new luster!

How Business Interruption Insurance Can Help After a Fire

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Following a fire, you may be required to evacuate your property while a fire cleaning crew assesses and repairs the damage.

How Business Interruption Insurance Can Assist Following A Fire

A fire can devastate your business in Phoenixville, PA, can displace you and your employees. However, having a contingency plan that includes an insurance policy with a business interruption rider can help you continue working. In addition, your policy may help you pay for various expenses, including the following when a business fire forces you out of your space.

Relocation Expenses

After a fire, you may need to evacuate your space while a fire cleaning crew assesses and repairs the damage. Your clients and vendors may expect business as usual, and insurance can help you pay to move your operations to a temporary location equipped with everything you need to run your business, including:

• Phones, scanners and computers
  
• Desks, chairs and other furnishings
• Utilities and other services

Rent and Mortgage Payments

Although you and your team may operate from a different location, you must still pay the rent or mortgage on your fire-damaged space. Business interruption insurance can help you pay to maintain both, while a fire cleaning service ensures you can return to your original business home.

Lost Income

A business fire can damage the inventory you plan to sell, leading to significant income losses. Your insurance representatives can review your profits from prior months and recommend reimbursement for profits that you will not receive due to the damage to your inventory.

Payroll

After a fire, you will likely need all hands on deck to ensure you can meet your operational needs. However, if your income drops significantly, you may struggle to meet your payroll obligations. Fortunately, you can maintain your entire staff when you rely on insurance to cover your staff's wages.  

Training

You may need to train your staff to operate new equipment, perform new tasks or learn other procedures following a business fire. Again, insurance can help relieve the financial burden accompanying training your staff.

A disaster at your business in Phoenixville, PA, does not need to shut down your operation when you have business interruption insurance to help you with your expenses.

Cleaning Water From a Wood Floor Helps Prevent Major Damage

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes SERVPRO can save hardwood floors and sometimes they need to be removed and replaced. Call us before it's too late.

Cleaning Water From A Wood Floor Aids in the Prevention of Major Damage

Water and wooden floors in your Charlestown, PA, building don't mix well. After a leak, pipe burst or flooding in your facility, it doesn't take long for damage to set in on your hardwood flooring. It's critical to clean up the water as soon as possible to avoid replacing the wood.

Cleanup Equipment

To get started cleaning up a wet floor, you'll need:

• Shop vacuum
  
• Brush with stiff bristles
  
• Squeegee
  
• Absorbent cloth
  
• Rubber gloves
  
• Bucket
  
• Mild detergent

Removing the Water

Time is of the essence when cleaning up a wood floor. Fibers in the wood will begin to absorb moisture quickly but release it slowly. Begin by using the shop vacuum and squeegee to draw out as much water as possible. Scrub the floor with detergent and a stiff brush to remove as much dirt and mud as you can. This process will help prevent mold growth, as mold thrives in moisture and feeds on organic material in the dirt. If the flood or pipe burst has already caused mold growth, a restoration company can mitigate damage.

Drying the Floor

Begin the drying process by increasing airflow. Open doors and windows and use fans to move fresh air throughout the space. Try putting a fan in a window or open door, then opening doors or windows on the opposite side of the room. This creates cross-ventilation to move moisture out of the area.
It's essential to dry the wet floor slowly and avoid applying heat. Wood that dries too quickly or is exposed to a heater can crack or split.

Refinishing the Floor

If your wood floor has minor warped or cupped areas, you can use a drum sander to repair them. Boards with heavy damage will need replacing. If floorboards are lifted at the ends, you can face-nail them back in place.

Cleaning up quickly after a pipe burst or flood in your Charlestown, PA, facility can help you avoid major issues down the road.

What To Do if You Smell a Musty Odor From Your AC

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold is a tiny organism that can create significant problems if not addressed in a timely manner. Call SERVPRO for more information.

What Should You Do If You Notice A Musty Odor Coming From Your Air Conditioner?

As a commercial property owner or manager in East-West Pikeland, PA, you know there are many tasks you must perform to keep buildings running smoothly. If you’ve ever noticed a musty odor when you run the heating or air conditioning, it might be time to check the ducts for black mold. An understanding of the signs, and how to prevent mold in the future, will help you identify the problem. Here are a few things to look for.

Signs of Mold

Even though it is small, mold leaves signs that will alert you to its presence. When determining the source of a musty odor, the first thing you should do is check for the telltale symptoms of mold:

Black dust near air ducts

Moisture or discoloration on floors or walls
Foul odors when air is flowing

If you notice any of these signs, the best thing to do is call a mold remediation specialist. Cleaning and sanitizing mold-affected items requires specialized equipment and expertise, so this is not a DIY situation. If you try to clean it on your own, you'll likely make the problem worse.

Prevent Mold

After your building is free of black mold, you’ll want to prevent it from coming back. Here are a few simple things you can do:

• Improve ventilation
  
• Keep gutters clean
  
• Change the HVAC air filter regularly
  
• Install a humidity sensor
  
• Inspect bathrooms and kitchens for water leaks

These tasks will help you keep your building free of excess moisture, which causes mold growth. Depending on your climate, you may want to consider a system-wide dehumidifier to keep levels under control. In addition, you can schedule an annual duct cleaning to ensure mold doesn’t grow unnoticed.

Black mold is a tiny organism that can create significant problems if not addressed in a timely manner. By ensuring your building has clean ducts, you’ll maintain a good space for everyone inside.

How To Create a Business Continuity Plan

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

A continuity plan can help business owners deal with storm or flood damage.

What Is a Business Continuity Plan and How Do I Make One?

A continuity plan can help business owners cope with storm damage or flooding at a commercial structure in Phoenixville, PA. Owners should take the following measures to limit lost revenue due to unexpected setbacks.

Perform a Business Impact Analysis

Any successful plan for continued operation after a storm or disaster calls for accurate operational data. Business owners should make several calculations:

• Average expenses and revenues
• Risk assessments for floods, storms and other types of damage
• Scenarios that could interrupt business
• The effects of supply shortages or service delays

This analysis can help owners make more informed choices with regard to property insurance policies and interruption riders. A gap analysis is another important component of a complete impact analysis.

Come Up With Continuity Options

Once a business owner has assessed the situation of a business and identified potential problems, the next step is to come up with solutions. A continuity plan may include measures to lower the total of an interruption claim or avoid the necessity of using this coverage:

• Reducing continued costs during closure
• Moving to a temporary location
• Operating out of an undamaged portion of the primary location

If specialized equipment or other issues prevent a business from operating, it is a good idea to file an interruption claim. This commercial policy rider can offset continued expenses such as rent or payroll until a business reopens. Business owners may want to refer to federal guidelines when developing a plan.

Delegate Responsibilities

A plan cannot succeed without trained staff. Business owners should delegate responsibilities and complete training in advance of an interruption. Maintain open lines of communication in the event of a disaster.

These are the major stages of developing and implementing a continuity plan. If a business sustains storm damage or suffers from flooding in Phoenixville, PA, owners should rely on the expertise of damage mitigation and restoration professionals.

Pipe Break and Water Damage: Tips for Cleaning Your Commercial Property.

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

This wall and flooring suffered significant water damage from a pipe break.

Tips For Cleaning Your Commercial Property After A Pipe Break And Water Damage.

The level of water damage after a pipe break is dependent on several factors: (1) how long did the leak go unnoticed, (2) where was the problem located, and (3) how long did it take to shut off the water. No matter the answers to these questions, there is bound to be some level of cleanup and restoration involved, which can be overwhelming. The following four steps aim to simplify that process.

1. Turn Off the Power.

Broken pipes, especially those located in walls, can lead to wiring and outlets getting wet, which is why it is crucial that you turn off the power to all affected areas. If the power is left on, you risk shock at best and electrocution at worst. Do not endanger the health of you and your employees. Shut the power off immediately.

2. Remove Excess Water and Dry the Premises.

Once the power is off, you can begin the process of mitigation. Mitigation refers to the action of reducing the severity of a problem. In this case, it means removing excess water and drying out the premises to minimize the extent of water damage. The use of wet vacs, pumps and air movers can help significantly in this process.

3. Remove Salvageable Items.

In addition to removing any standing water, you will want to remove any salvageable items as well. Mainly, you want to remove anything that can be cleaned or dried out, including furniture, carpets and even documents. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are specialty document cleaners and specialist.

4. Clean and Sanitize the Area.

Once you have performed all necessary water cleanup, you can begin the thorough cleaning process, including sanitizing the workspace. However, it is important to note that there are emergency remediation specialists in the Chester Springs, PA, area, who are capable of performing this job. Depending on your insurer, it may be required to use outside contractors for the cleanup and restoration process.

Water damage cleanup is time-consuming. However, with the right process and the right contractors, it is manageable.

How Do Sprinklers Function During a Fire?

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

If you need to clean and restore damage caused by a fire or schedule fire sprinkler cleanup, call SERVPRO, we are ready to help you.

When A Fire Occurs, How Do Sprinklers Work?

Fire sprinklers significantly reduce the extent of property loss and the risks to occupants of a commercial building. Read on to find out how a fire sprinkler can suppress or extinguish flames in a commercial property.

1. A sprinkler head turns on when it detects high temperatures. Fire sprinklers turn on when high heat triggers the system rather than being activated by smoke. Hot air rises during a fire and spreads across the ceiling until it reaches a sprinkler head and activates the fire suppression system. Many sprinkler head designs feature a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid that expands when it comes into contact with air between 135 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquid shatters the glass container when the surrounding air reaches temperatures in this range, activating the sprinkler head.

2. Sprinkler heads dispense pressurized water from the pipe system. Each fire sprinkler head is attached to a pipe that brings in water. When a sprinkler head becomes activated, a valve connected to the head opens and sends water out through the sprinkler head to douse the fire. Water pressure is important, as it causes water to spray out over a larger area.

3. Sprinkler heads function individually to limit water damage. Each sprinkler head in a sprinkler system functions separately. Many small fires can be extinguished with only one or two activated sprinkler heads. Sprinklers pose less of a water damage risk to a property than a fire hose. Some restoration specialists estimate that the average sprinkler system dispenses six times less water than a hose.

A fire sprinkler can help to limit the amount of damage a commercial property sustains from either a fire or a fire suppression system. If you need to clean and restore damage caused by a fire or schedule fire sprinkler cleanup, contact a certified commercial restoration company in South Pottstown, PA.

4 Things You Should Know Before Buying Business Interruption Insurance

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Business interruption insurance can be a great option for business owners.

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

No Spring City, PA, business owner wants to find their livelihood has been affected by a disaster. In the event of such an occurrence, however, there are ways to protect your profits while you rebuild, repair or otherwise get your business running again.

1. What is business interruption insurance?

This type of insurance pays you for any lost income caused by a disaster or peril that is covered by your property insurance policy. If a storm or fire leads to a closed business, you would lose the opportunity to sell your goods and services. This coverage helps mitigate those losses. It also helps pay for extra expenses you might incur in the event you need to temporarily relocate your operations.

2. How is it different than property insurance?

While property insurance will help you rebuild or repair your building in the event of covered perils such as theft, storms, wind, fire or falling objects, business interruption coverage specifically focuses on lost income (minus any normal expenses). Be sure to read your property insurance policy carefully in order to fully understand what is and isn’t covered.

3. How do you purchase it?

This coverage is not offered on its own, but instead as an add-on to an existing property or business insurance policy. Because interruption coverage is not sold on its own, it only pays on perils that are covered under the original policy.

4. What does it cover?

Most often, a policy will cover any lost profits, fixed costs that continue regardless of a closed business, temporary operating locations and any “reasonable expenses” beyond fixed costs.

Business interruption insurance can be a great option for business owners who want to guard themselves against a big financial hit in the event of a peril. If your building needs extensive repairs or a rebuild, the coverage can keep your finances in good shape until you get back to business.

How To Pick the Best Fire Restoration Company

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Choose experienced professionals, choose SERVPRO of North East Chester County.

Three Tips For Choosing The Right Remediation Business

After a commercial fire, you need to find a company that will clean up your building. There are multiple fire damage restoration companies available, and it can be hard to tell which one is best.

1. Pick a Well-Respected and Experienced Company
Look for a professional remediation business that has been around for decades. Its employees are more likely to have lots of experience dealing with a variety of cleanup sites. The workers know exactly how to restore the various parts of your building. Make sure the business has performed plenty of recent fire restorations as well.
You can also go online to see which companies in your area get the best reviews. You can have more confidence that those businesses can perform the restoration properly.

2. Pick One That Works With Your Insurer
Your insurance provider is an important part of the fire damage restoration. You are likely to use insurance to cover the fire and smoke cleanup costs.
To ensure this process is as painless as possible, choose a remediation business that works directly with your insurer. Ideally, the insurer and the remediation experts can negotiate with each other so you can focus on keeping your business running.

3. Pick One That Provides Detailed Assessments
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire is stressful enough. You do not want to deal with unwanted surprises during the restoration. Choose experts who provide a detailed damage assessment at the start. This way, you know exactly what the pros are doing and how much it will cost.
Fire damage restoration is a tough job. If done improperly, the remediation could cause you additional stress or even do further damage to your Birchrunville, PA, property. That is why you need to choose experienced professionals who give detailed estimates and work with your insurance provider.

During Regular Building Maintenance, Remember To Check Your Ceiling

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Tile mold on ceiling in Spring City, PA

When it's time to do preventative maintenance at your Spring City, PA, facility, don't overlook your ceiling tiles. Most commercial buildings have long-lasting, durable ceilings, which make them easy to forget. However, the porous material in many ceilings makes them vulnerable to dirt, water stains or tile mold.

Tile Inspection

When you evaluate your ceiling, look for tile discoloration or warping due to water damage. Even if your roof is intact, suspended ceilings are susceptible to damage from:

• Leaky pipes
• Humidity or condensation in the ductwork
• Dust and dirt, especially around vents

Grids can also become warped or rusty from exposure to water and humidity.

Maintenance
Your ceiling may have collected more dust and dirt than you expected. Wipe the grid with a damp cloth and some cleaner to see if it makes a clean spot. If so, your ceiling tiles are dirty, too. Clean your ceiling with a soft broom or a gentle commercial cleaner with no solvents.
Now is a good time to check any pipes or ductwork above the ceiling, especially in areas that appear stained or damaged. Cleaning your ductwork as part of a general maintenance routine will reduce the amount of dust above your ceiling.
If you find tile mold, a professional remediation company can help you find hidden water sources and mitigate damage.

Tile Replacement
If you need to replace some of your damaged tiles, check to see if the manufacturer still makes your pattern. It's a good idea to buy what you need plus about 2 percent extra to have on hand in case of future water damage or tile discoloration.
If you notice a big color difference between the old and new tiles, consider replacing all of them for a uniform look.
Maintaining the ceiling in your Spring City, PA, facility is a good way to keep problems like tile mold and excess dirt from getting out of hand.

Prepare Your Company for Emergencies

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

A contingency plan helps your company prepare for unforeseen emergencies

Prepare Your Company for Emergencies

No business owner wants to imagine a devastating fire destroying their building and property, but it is critical to be prepared just in case. Your company in Spring City, PA, needs a contingency plan to address how the company will respond in the event of an emergency. The better prepared you are, the quicker you can respond.

How To Develop a Comprehensive Plan
The first step is to assign a designated safety person who is responsible for implementing the plan. If you don't have a safety person already, consider a plant manager or Human Resources team member to assume the role. Include representatives from each area to ensure you consider all perspectives when developing the plan. Set up meeting times to discuss the following items:

• Assign those who are responsible for ensuring the safety of each employee during an evacuation.
• Determine who is responsible for calling the Fire Department. Include contact information about fire damage services as well.
• Conduct an analysis of all potential hazards and determine the severity of the threats.
• Develop a plan to address each threat and create written procedures for staff to follow.

How You Implement the Plan
It is critical to train all employees on their role in implementing the contingency plan. The fire alarm will likely be different than the signal for inclement weather, such as a tornado or hurricane, so make sure everyone is aware of each. Ensure all employees understand the importance of following directions during an emergency.
No evacuation plan is successful without conducting emergency drills. Ensure that everyone has evacuated, and keep track of how long it took. Identify any potential issues to the success of the program and continue the drills until you feel comfortable with the response time. After that point, you can reduce the frequency of the drills.
A contingency plan helps your company prepare for unforeseen emergencies. Make sure your employees understand their role in a successful program.

A Pipe Burst in My Commercial Building! What Now?

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

A pipe burst in a commercial building

A Pipe Burst in My Commercial Building! What Now?

There’s no worse feeling than walking into your business to discover a flooded floor, especially if the water is still flowing in. First, you must find the source of the flood to shut it off. There’s a good chance that it’s a broken pipe. Swift action needs to be taken to stop the water and begin the pipe burst cleanup process. Every second counts, so what’s next?

1. Extract Standing Water
Once the water has stopped flowing, the standing water must be extracted as quickly as possible. A wet/dry vacuum can be a lifesaver in this scenario. It’s a safe, efficient method of extracting standing water, as well as small, floating debris.

2. Create Proper Airflow
As soon as the standing water is extracted, the drying process should begin. It can help to allow fresh air into the area, if possible, as long as the outdoor humidity is lower than the indoor.

3. Remove Water-Soaked Materials
Next, you’ll need to remove all water-soaked items and dispose of anything that isn’t salvageable. Most porous materials will be unsalvageable, especially if sewage is involved. However, a water damage restoration company may be able to restore some of these items. Typically, during pipe burst cleanup, some drywall will have to be removed; it can quickly soak up water. Any saturated carpet and carpet padding will also have to be removed and disposed of.

4. Dry the Building
Then, it’ll be time to bring in fans and dehumidifiers to capture more air moisture. Anything that can’t be completely dried within 48 hours must be thrown out, as mold can begin growing. Mold growth can lead to even more severe issues.

5. Clean and Disinfect Salvageable Materials
Anything that’s potentially salvageable needs to be cleaned thoroughly and then disinfected. If it’s a sewage pipe that has burst, it’s highly recommended that you get a sewage cleanup company to complete a deep, professional cleaning.
If your commercial building experiences a water disaster in Phoenixville, PA, time is of the essence. Pipe burst cleanup must begin immediately to prevent as much damage as possible.

Why You Should Use a Certified Restoration Company After Your Next Flood

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC certified

Once you discover a broken pipe in your Devault, PA, building, you need to act quickly. You cannot just sit around and hope the water goes away on its own. That’s because the longer the water remains on the premises, the more damage it will cause.
You may be tempted to perform the pipe burst cleanup on your own to save money. However, this could just make the problem worse. The remediation process is complicated, particularly if the pipe in question is connected to a sewer line. That is why you need to have employees from a sewer cleanup company do the repairs. These remediation professionals should have the training and certification they need to do the job properly.

Restoration Technician Standards

Look for a cleanup business that was certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. The IICRC develops restoration standards used around the world. The standards are based on certain principles, which are regularly updated following developments in:

• Testing procedures
  
• Technology
  
• Processing
  
  

To achieve IICRC certification, companies must pass a specific audit. Once the business is certified, its professionals cannot perform a pipe burst cleanup unless they meet IICRC standards.

Benefits of Certified Technicians
There are many reasons to use certified professionals for your restoration project. They should have the most advanced equipment, which will speed up the drying process. They will also know the best ways to prevent mold from taking over the property.
Cleanup experts will additionally know how to handle a potentially pressurized situation. You may feel stressed out thinking about all the water damage in your building. The pros can calmly answer your questions and reassure you that things will soon go back to normal. Ideally, the professionals will communicate with you openly throughout the remediation.
Call certified pipe burst cleanup experts the next time your building floods. You can trust that these professionals will follow the necessary standards and perform the restoration safely.

Understanding the Span of Commercial Property Insurance Coverage

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North East Chester County

Businesses are susceptible to the ravages of countless forces of nature and humanity throughout their lifetimes. At any moment, properties are at risk of damage. Commercial insurance is therefore a necessary precaution for business owners. What exactly does property insurance cover though? Read on to find out.

What Physical Aspects Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?

Commercial property insurance covers a business's physical capital/assets. This includes buildings, the contents of buildings and assets outside of buildings. Both office and manufacturing equipment like computers and heavy machinery are generally covered, as are inventory, necessary documents, outer features like fences and any other physical item you are willing to pay to insure. The cost of repairs, hiring a professional restoration company in Phonexville, PA if necessary and the cost of replacement in the case that broken property is irreparable all come under the umbrella of commercial property policies.

What Kind of Damage/Loss Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?

Commercial insurance also protects against a wide variety of damage types and loss. Coverage usually includes the following:

Fire damage (including smoke and soot damage)
Loss from theft or vandalism
Explosions
Storm damage
Burst pipes

Some kinds of damage are not normally included in a commercial property insurance package. Earthquake and flood coverage, for example, are usually optional.

What Amount Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?

So how much damage will commercial property insurance pay to repair? The amount varies, depending on how much you are willing to pay, though there is often a cap on how much the insurance company will pay out. Just like the price you pay varies based on the extent of your business assets, so too does the amount your policy covers; it will not always pay out every cent required after an incident.

Commercial insurance is a justified expense for any business. The protection afforded in the case of natural or human-made catastrophes makes the price well worth it.

How to Maintain a Commercial Roof

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

We can help restore your commercial roof after Storm Damage in Phoenixville, PA

Commercial Roof Maintenance

Commercial roofs in Phoenixville, PA are subject to wind damage that can threaten structural integrity. That's why you need to be on top of any issues as soon as they show up. Besides, waiting out can cost you a fortune in roof repairs or even worse.
The early signs of roof damage include:

• Water stains in the walls or ceiling
• Mold or mildew
• Wood damage
  
  

Regular Inspections

The secret to avoiding a costly roof rebuild is having inspections done at least twice a year. During these visits, the professional should look for signs of cracking, peeled edges or flashing and decide if there is a need for repair or not. However, do not be tempted to DIY this inspection as you might cause more damage while walking on the roof. It is better to leave it to the pros.

Quick Repairs

After the inspection, it is wise to do any recommended repairs immediately to avoid further damage. These small repairs cost a lot less compared to serious roof damage, and they usually don't affect operations in any way. Also, it would be nice to trim any overlaying branches while the renovation guys are still on site.

Keep it Clean

Dirt and debris can clog gutters and the storm drain, resulting in roof damage. Water will have nowhere else to go, and that creates unimaginable pressure on your poor roof. As a result, you can experience a nasty leak that would put you at risk of mold and structural damage. So, it is better to have all leaves, snow, and debris cleaned off your roof regularly.

A good commercial roof can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. All you need to do is find a reliable roofing company that can clean, inspects, and repairs your roof regularly. They should also be able to respond fast in the event of an emergency.

3 Common Questions About Installing a Fire Sprinkler System

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler system is critical for any Spring City, PA, business's safety

3 Common Questions About Installing a Fire Sprinkler System

While a fire sprinkler at home is a valuable tool to control and eliminate fires, it is even more crucial in a commercial location. It plays a significant role in keeping people safe and minimizing fire damage to your building and property. Whether you are in the process of building the locale or moving into an established structure, you are bound to have a few questions about a sprinkler system.

1. How Does It Work?
This fire suppression system is composed of a piping network that is installed behind ceilings and walls, running throughout the entire building. Additionally, there are sprinklers along the pipes that are installed in every room. The water is always under pressure and the sprinklers are ready to discharge when they are triggered. These devices are activated when a fire grows and escalates air temperature to a certain degree.

2. How Does It Benefit a Building?
The building's fire sprinkler system serves two important purposes depending on the fire's size and intensity. If the fire is hot enough to activate it, but it is rather small, the sprinklers can simply extinguish it with minimal damage. However, if the fire is too large for the sprinklers to extinguish, they can at least control the heat and diminish the smoke. After firefighters finish with the area, commercial remediation services can handle the fire sprinkler cleanup.

3. When Should It Be Installed?
The best time for installation is when you are starting the building from scratch. It is easier to install the devices strategically and it costs less money. When you remodel an older building, you have the option of retrofitting them, but it is more expensive. Additional insurance discounts and tax deductions, as well as the increased safety of people and property, make the investment always worth it.
A fire sprinkler system is critical for any Spring City, PA, business's safety. If you are new to it, asking these questions can help you understand its value in the commercial sector.

The Sweet Smell of Sucess

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

All personal contents will be completely cleaned and odor free.

The biggest part of a fire damage is putting it behind you, but it is hard to do that when everything surrounding you smells like smoke: rooms, desks, furniture and everything else. The smoke odor continues to contaminate the air and pollute your spirit. Smoke odor clings to every surface it comes into contact with. While you and your employees notice and complain about the air odor and air qualities your customers can smell the odor also and just might not want to mention it. Complete Restoration clears the air after a fire as caused damage to your business with odor elimination and deodorization techniques. Our specialty techniques get rid of smoke damage such as electrical, protein and nicotine. First step is to pre-clean the affected areas prior to setting our eliminating equipment such as air scrubbers, ozone machines, negative air machines, and deodorization equipment. Every document, photo, soft good and furniture have to be cleaned from top to bottom to property eliminate the odor. SERVPRO of North East Chester County is equipped with the technique and equipment to do the job right!