Prevent These Common Plumbing Problems In Your Business

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Scottsdale is always here to help!

When you own a business in Scottsdale, it is up to you to make sure everything is functioning properly so that nothing will interfere with your daily productivity, especially when it comes to your buildings plumbing. Here are some common problems that could lead to water damage on your commercial property.

• Maladjusted water heater
• Damaged or worn out O-rings on faucets
• Loose seals on flapper in toilet
• Faulty gaskets

The best way to avoid these problems from occurring is with preventative maintenance to make sure that everything is working properly. Hiring a qualified plumber can help as they can perform routine check ups and maintenance.

In the event of water damage occurring on your property, you should shut off the water main and give SERVPRO of Scottsdale a call right away before it gets worst. By hiring a plumber to perform regular checks and maintenance, you can save yourself time and money by allowing issues to be detected early on before it gets to a situation that could get quite costly and require your business to close for a bit so  while the restoration takes place.

Flood Restoration Services In Your Business

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

If a flood has affected your business, give SERVPRO, your restoration professionals, a call at 480-998-7989.

When a flood takes place on your commercial property, it can cause a disruption to your day to day business productivity. Business owners and employees want to know when they can return to the office to get back to work, but this all depends on the seriousness of the water damage that occurred and if the water involved poses a health hazard. No matter what the case is, SERVPRO of Scottsdale is here to provide restoration services to help get you back in the doors and running your business.

1. Cleanup

During the flood cleanup process, it is not ideal for employees to be present as the type of water involved needs to be taken into consideration. For instance, if the flooding is from a plumbing incident involving a sewer backup, this will most likely involve black or gray water which can pose serious health risks. Once the plumbing issue is resolved, SERVPRO comes in to handle the cleanup as we are certified to handle disaster cleanups.

2. Demolition

During this phase of the restoration process, SERVPRO will remove any affected materials that are contaminated by black or gray water. Common materials that are removed included: carpets, drywall, and insulation. It is also recommended that employees continue to stay out of the office as this process is taking place.

3. Sterilization

The affected area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized while also adhering to all proper cautions, to ensure that the business is returned to pre-flood conditions and is deemed safe for employees.

4. Restoration

This process involves replacement of areas where affected materials were removed such as walls, carpets, etc. While it can be a challenge and of course depends on the severity of the restorations process needed, employees do have the option of returning to work during this phase. All of this is a discussed between our SERVPRO technicians and the business owners.

Essential Steps To Take After A Commercial Fire Loss

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Scottsdale to handle the restoration in your business.

Do you know what to do when a fire occurs in your Scottsdale business? It is vital to have preparations in place for your business in case the inevitable happens. Here are the steps to take once the flames are extinguished and the fire department leaves so your business can begin the process of getting back to normal day to day operations.

Contact Insurance

After the fire department leaves, make sure to call your insurance right away to begin the claims process with an insurance adjustor. Your policy should cover expenses from fire losses which include repairs and replacements as well as assets and equipment.

Call SERVPRO of Scottsdale

Once your insurance has been contacted and the claims process has begun, give SERVPRO of Scottsdale a call. We are the professionals to contact when it comes to fire and smoke damage cleanup and restoration. Our SERVPRO crews will assess the damage, extract water and dry affected areas damaged from the fire sprinklers and fire department, board up or use roof tarps to cover and protect damaged areas, repairing, repairing, and cleaning damaged or destroyed areas.

SERVPRO of Scottsdale has helped many commercial businesses who were dealing with the aftermath of a fire and worked with insurance adjustors throughout the process. Having insurance coverage that includes coverage for a fire loss helps get your business on track to begin the restoration process.

For more information on commercial fire damage, check it out here.  

Water Loss Categories

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

In order to safely and effectively clean after a water loss, it is imperative to know what category of water loss you are dealing with.

When water loss occurs in your Scottsdale business, it can be instinctual to take matters into your own hands and begin the cleanup yourself to avoid any downtime from taking place once the source of the issue is resolved. But handling a water loss cleanup yourself can cause more damage as the category of water needs to be considered to determine the best cleanup method.

Water Categories

Clean

Water is considered clean when it’s from a clean source such as a broken pipe or overflowing faucet pose no health hazards.

Gray

When gray water is involved, this can be due to chemicals or contaminants affecting the water from sources like appliance leaks or a broken toilet.

Black   

When black water is involved, don’t delay. Call SERVPRO of Scottsdale to handle the cleanup. We follow all proper procedures as black water can contain feces, pathogens, chemicals, or other forms of bacteria from sewage backups or flooding from outside sources.

Stay tuned for our next blog regarding how water losses can evolve into an extreme situation in your business.

Business Preparedness

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for emergencies and disasters.

As mentioned in previous blog entries, September is National Preparedness Month. Each year, Ready.gov recognizes this month to raise awareness and provide you with information on how to prepare for emergencies and disasters, especially if you’re a business owner. Here in Scottsdale, we are prone to heavy rainstorms during monsoon season which can lead to natural weather hazards such as flooding. According to ready.gov, businesses can also face other hazards such as health hazards, human caused hazards, and technology related hazards.

There are steps you need to take as a business to prepare your business and they are as follows:

• Identify your risk
• Develop a plan
• Take action
• Be recognized and inspire others

Ready.gov has helpful information on their website pertaining to different hazards and toolkits for preparing to deal with each of these situations.  

SERVPRO of Scottsdale is also available to help prepare you during these situations with our SERVPRO Ready Plan. The Ready Plan consists of information pertaining to your business for what to do in the event of water and storm damage, fire and smoke damage cleanup, as well as biohazard and crime scene cleanups. It establishes a point of contact here at our SERVPRO of Scottsdale office and minimizes interruption to your business by having a plan of action set in place for what to do in situations regarding water and fire damage. You can find out more information on our Ready Plan here.

Monsoon Storms Damage Commercial Properties

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO of Scottsdale when it comes to storm damage cleanup and restoration.

Many commercial properties were faced with water damage due to the frequent monsoon storms that have impacted the Scottsdale area within the past month. Scottsdale and the rest of the greater Phoenix area had very active storm activity. Thunderstorms and lightning roared across the sky followed by heavy rains and high winds which created low visibility dust storms.

Our SERVPRO office received numerous calls from businesses across the Scottsdale area who were dealing with issues caused by these storms. From damaged roofs that caused water to leak into office spaces to warehouses dealing with flooding issues, our highly experienced SERVPRO technicians were ready and available to respond to these emergencies.

If your commercial space is dealing with water damage issues from recent monsoon storms, give our office a call at 480-998-7989.

Let Us Help Your Commercial Property

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call and see how we can help you!

SERVPRO of Scottsdale deals with commercial properties every day. Whether it’s water, fire, smoke, mold, sewage cleanup, air duct cleaning or preventative cleaning services such as post COVID-19 cleanup, we handle it all.

Our SERVPRO technicians have years of experience under their belt as well as having received IICRC industry certifications. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) sets the criteria for the cleaning and restoration industries. They provide courses on adhering to best practices for water and fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning as well as additional cleaning and restoration courses.

If your business is in need of our services, give SERVPRO of Scottsdale a call at 480-998-7989. Our office staff is here to answer your questions. 

Commercial Property Water Damage

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water damage in your apartment, please give us a call right away to prevent further damage from occurring.

Due to the pandemic, we understand that life has become even more stressful due to changes we’ve had to undergo as a society within the past year. Many of us are working from home and children are now taking part in remote learning in an effort to encourage social distancing protocols. Because we are spending more time at home, we understand that accidents can happen and it’s okay because we are here to help you.

SERVPRO of Scottsdale recently responded to a customer who was dealing with water damage that had initially began in their bathroom. The individual was cleaning their tub when they then moved onto mopping the floors. As a result, they accidentally left the water running in the shower which overflowed throughout the apartment and caused damage to the base laminate floor. The water then seeped into the apartment below which caused damage to show 24 hours later. This is a situation that we see occur often when it comes to apartments and condos. Water damage to other units doesn’t always show up immediately and when left untreated, can cause extensive damage and mold growth to occur.

When your commercial property such as an apartment complex is dealing with water damage, please give SERVPRO of Scottsdale a call to handle the water cleanup and dryout process.

Prevent A Toilet Overflow With These Easy Tips

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Is your business dealing with a toilet overflow or sewage backup? Give SERVPRO a call at 480-998-7989.

When you’re a business owner, you want to make sure every aspect of your business is running efficiently so that no down time in productivity occurs. Overflooding toilets to a business can be hazardous and lead to a business having to close in order to take care of the repairs and cleanup. Here at SERVPRO of Scottsdale, we have seen our fair share of businesses who have experienced toilet overflows. We put together 4 simple tips to try and prevent the likelihood of this type of situation from occurring in your business.

Post Signs

Make sure that you have signs posted in the restrooms that indicate what you can’t flush to prevent unwanted clogs from occurring.

Install Waste Bins

Make sure to have the appropriate bins available for non-flushable items such as sanitary napkins and diapers. Be sure to dispose the contents regularly to prevent people from flushing these items in the toilet.

Thinner Toilet Paper

Be sure to provide thinner toilet paper that way it can break down easier and prevent clogs from happening.

Drain Cleanings

Make sure to schedule drain cleanings every month or when permittable. Drain cleanings are especially important for restaurants as grease can build up and lead to a blockage.

We hope that your business can avoid or prevent a toilet backup or overflow from occurring. If you ever do find yourself having to deal with a sewage backup, give SERVPRO of Scottsdale a call at 480-998-7989 and we’ll handle the cleanup for you.

Know Water Loss Category Before Starting the Cleanup Process

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in Rio Verde, AZ

When a water loss happens in your Rio Verde, AZ, business, your instincts will likely kick in to instantly find and stop the source and begin the cleanup process. Unfortunately, even if the flooded business only needs a water pipe repair, the water itself needs to be considered before cleaning can begin.

Categories of Water

There are three categories of water:

Clean – Water is from a clean source, such as a broken pipe or overflowing faucet, and poses no potential hazards.
Gray – This type may contain some chemicals or contaminants that could be harmful if ingested. Sources include appliance leaks or broken toilet.
Black – This is highly contaminated water with potential feces, pathogens, chemicals and other microorganisms. This comes from sources such as flooding from rising streams or rivers or sewage backups. Extra safety precautions are needed when dealing with this category of water.

Water Loss Can Evolve
Even if the cause was a burst pipe that only requires a water pipe repair, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are dealing with clean water. The first two categories of water can easily and quickly evolve to a higher classification. That can happen if the water source happens on a second floor and trickles down through insulation, drywall and other materials. Also, the longer water sits, the more chances it can change. Excess moisture often produces optimal conditions for mold growth, which can change the water classification type within 48 hours. The following questions should be asked before diving into the cleanup process:

• Is there standing water?
  
• How long has it been there?
  
• When was it noticed?
  
  

If you are sure of the answers, consider contacted a water and mold damage and restoration professional to safely and effectively handle the situation.

Even if the source only requires a water pipe repair, what happens after the water loss is vital to determining the best way to approach the mess. It’s best to fall on the side of safety and get a professional that is Faster to Any Size Disaster to handle the situation.

Things to Consider Before Making a Fire Damage Claim

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Things to Consider Before Making a Fire Damage Claim

After your business in Scottsdale, AZ, has been targeted by fire damage, there are many things that you need to think about. However, making an effective insurance claim should be one of your priorities. Before you make your claim, it’s crucial to understand what is expected of you as the business owner. Here are some of the most important things to consider before you make a fire claim.

Record Signs of Damage

The process of filing an insurance claim can go much more smoothly if you are proactive in documenting all signs of damage to your business. To keep records of all types of harm, be sure to:

• Take photos of damage
• Collect receipts for items that are damaged or destroyed
• Make list of damaged items
• Keep track of how much you paid for harmed belongings

Taking these steps makes the claims-filing experience easier for you and shows your insurance company that you’re serious about your claim.

Show the Insurance Adjuster Around

When the insurance adjuster arrives at your business, it’s vital that you are with him or her so that you can show all signs of damage. Make sure you lead the adjuster around the building so that he or she can witness the full extent of your loss. To solidify your fire claim, it’s also wise to provide your insurance adjuster with extra copies of your list of damaged items as well as your receipts.

Understand Your Policy

Not every insurance policy is the same, and it’s important to understand exactly what is covered in yours before you make a claim. While reviewing your policy, make sure that nothing is ambiguous and that you know which aspects of your fire damage will be covered. This can help prevent any misunderstandings from occurring during the claims-filing process.
To bring your business back to life after a fire incident, you need to take immediate action. While a fire claim can help cover the costs of damage, total fire restoration requires help from experts. Contact professional restoration services immediately to help your business fully recover from the fire.

The Top 4 Causes of Commercial Water Damage Problems

8/15/2020 (Permalink)

Top Four Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

Dealing with water damage in your commercial building due to a broken pipe or another common reason can be stressful, especially if you have to close your business down to make repairs. Fortunately, a water damage cleanup company near you in North Scottsdale, AZ, can help repair any damage that has occurred to your business and restore your personal belongings or business assets that were affected. Watch out for these top four causes of water damage in commercial buildings.

1. Broken Pipe

Plumbing systems are susceptible to damage due to the fact they carry large amounts of water throughout a building every day. Flooding can occur if a pipe bursts or damage may happen over time if a small leak goes undetected.

2. Fire Sprinkler Malfunction

While fire sprinklers can help keep your building and everyone inside it safe if a fire occurs, they can cause a lot of damage if they go off unexpectedly. The best way to prevent a malfunction is to ensure your system is regularly inspected and maintained.

3. Sewer or Toilet Backup

A sewer or toilet backup due to improper disposal of paper products, tree roots in service pipes, or other common issues requires prompt action by a water repair company. Since this water will likely contain contaminants, you will need to evacuate the building until the area is completely cleaned.

4. Supply Line Break

The supply lines that are responsible for carrying water to appliances in your building can leak or burst causing flooding and damage to the interior. It is important to check these supply lines consistently and make sure they are made from high-quality materials such as braided steel.
No business owner hopes to discover water damage in their building due to a broken pipe, fire sprinkler, sewer back up, or broken supply line. Knowing these common causes of commercial water damage can help you prevent disasters or know how to act if an accident ever occurs.

Interruption Insurance for Your Business

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Business interruption insurance can help your company financially

A fire at your Rio Verde, AZ, business can cause major damage and disrupt your operations for some time. Fortunately, interruption insurance, also called income insurance, can help get you through by covering many of your normal expenses and lost income.

What is Covered?

Due to lost revenue, some businesses permanently shut down after a fire. Income insurance will cover many of the necessary costs of running the business, such as:

• Payroll
  
• Taxes
  
• Fixed expenses, such as loan payments
  
• Temporary relocation expenses
  
  

Make sure to discuss your policy with your insurance agent. Know exactly what is and is not covered, and make sure your coverage limits are high enough.

What are the Insured's Responsibilities?
The insurance company is obligated to fulfill their part of their interruption insurance contract, i.e., covering your operating expenses and lost income after a fire or other disaster. However, there are often provisions in the contract explaining the responsibilities of the policyholder. It is best to speak with your insurance agent regarding such provisions. The insured is generally responsible for preventing further damage to the property during the period of business interruption. This means tarping over or boarding up damaged areas of the structure to keep out wildlife and vandals. In some cases, it may be necessary to install a security fence to deter unwanted visitors. It is also the business owner's responsibility to get the fire restoration process started quickly. Water left over from the extinguishing efforts can foster mold growth in as few as 24 hours. If the water is left for too long, the insurance company may not cover the mold damage. The restoration process should also be finished within a reasonable amount of time. Talk to your agent to discuss a time frame if one is not listed in the policy. If you do not meet this deadline, you might not get your business reopened before the coverage expires.
Although interruption insurance can help your company financially, a certified restoration service can take care of your fire-damaged property. They can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

5 Ways to Prevent Freezing Pipes

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Insulating the pipes is an ideal way to avoid a burst pipe

Five Tips To Reduce The Potential For A Pipe To Burst

Flooding is often associated with rain and snow melting. If a business owner in Rio Verde, AZ, enters their property and sees high waters but the sun is shining and the weather has been dry, the culprit is likely a burst pipe. While water pressure, corrosion and moving pipes can be the cause of unexplained standing water or leaking, a frozen pipe is often the cause. Once it bursts, it can lead to extensive water damage and mold growth Below are five tips to reduce the potential for a pipe to burst when the temperatures dip.

1. Run Water
Keeping a faucet running ensures that there is constant movement and keeps the pressure in pipes low, thus reducing the change for the system to freeze.

2. Increase Warm Air Flow
Since pipes are typically near an exterior wall or window, air leaking in can counter the heating system. Inspect the area for any drafts and seal any leaks to ensure the temperature doesn’t dip below 32 degrees near water lines. Additional places to check for draft includes near vents and electrical wiring.

3. Let Faucets Breathe
If the location of the bathroom or kitchen of a property is on an exterior wall, the faucet’s plumbing could also be affected. Leaving a cabinet door open can help keep warm air flowing.

4. Check Outdoor Faucets
Depending on the property and landscaping needs, keeping a hose attached can make water plants or grass easy. When the weather cools, sprinkler systems should be shut off and hoses should be removed from the faucet.

5. Enhance Insulation
Especially in older buildings, the main pipes can be old and located in cold areas. Insulating the pipes is an ideal way to avoid a burst pipe. Heat tape is also available the helps the pipes stay warm, as well as thermostatically controlled heat cables.
In some cases, when age and corrosion are factors, a burst pipe may be inevitable. When cold weather hits, take a few precautions can help provide peace of mind that water damage won’t be an issue.

What You Need To Know About Mold Toxicity

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Mycotoxin is a scary word, and mold is nothing to be taken lightly, but in most cases, the situation can be cleaned up

When dealing with mold in a business, it's smart to cut right to the chase: are molds toxic? After all, molds are a type of fungi, part of the group including yeast, mildew and mushrooms, and everyone knows that mushrooms can be deadly. A mycotoxin is a special type of mold that can be found in association with foods.

How To Identify Mold

Most people know mold when they see it. It is usually a dark or green blotch found growing on a bathroom wall or ceiling. It can be identified by some of the following characteristics:

• It exudes a musty odor
• It grows in a damp, moist environment
• It forms colonies that grow in irregular patterns

Mold is formed by microscopic spores, and it is a naturally occurring organism. A mycotoxin will not necessarily be present with most molds, but it is a good idea to get things checked out quickly. A mold mitigation team in Scottsdale, AZ, can arrive on the scene and do an inspection and damage assessment. This can tell you what type of mold is present and what steps to take to remove it.

How To Clean Mold

Proper mold remediation is the key to the removal of excess amounts of mold at a business. This often involves finding a water source such as a leaking roof or a broken pipe. Mold thrives in high humidity. Once the moisture has been removed, the mold can be cleaned up with a variety of advanced procedures. Mycotoxin is a scary word, and mold is nothing to be taken lightly, but in most cases, the situation can be cleaned up "Like it never even happened."

3 Ways To Operate Your Business During a Power Outage

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

Power outage in North Scottsdale, AZ

3 Ways To Operate Your Business During a Power Outage

The productivity of your North Scottsdale, AZ  business can suffer if a storm leads to a power outage. Electric energy is essential to activate nearly all devices in the building, and without it, your employees can lose access to work and fall behind strict deadlines. Fortunately, there are alternative options that can allow your workforce to catch up on any assignments with little to no delay.

1. Using Backup Generators

The most common solution to an outage is a portable generator. This device is an electrical generator powered by an engine that can provide the building with enough energy to function for a limited time. Use it to accomplish low-energy tasks and catch up on important work before power returns. Just remember that the generator uses gas like a regular engine, so keep it in a ventilated location and provide proper maintenance to avoid malfunction or fire hazards.

2. Installing UPS

A power outage can be a nasty surprise when you work on a computer, as it can shut it down immediately and damage any unsaved files. Avoid this incident by installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in each business computer. This device provides emergency power drawn from the computers' own batteries. This will give you and the employees enough time to finish work, save files and turn off the devices safely.

3. Finding Wi-Fi Connections

Your Wi-Fi router may shut down after an outage, but there are other ways to use this resource. You can use the company cellphones and data plan to create a hotspot that provides wireless internet. Additionally, the employees' own homes, restaurants and stores can provide free Wi-Fi. Remember to compensate employees for working offsite and use the connection to complete assignments and contact necessary services such as storm cleanup and restoration.
Storms can greatly disrupt your business and create a profit loss. Find the right solution to prevent a power outage from damaging your establishment.

Essential Tips for Protecting Your Business From Water Damage

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Preparing an emergency kit that includes water, first aid, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered communication devices

Unpredictable conditions in all seasons can cause costly water emergencies for your business. Severe weather events, engineering breaches and broken pipes are common sources of property damage. A thorough preparedness plan can minimize your chances of water damage and prepare your workplace if a water-related threat does occur.

Staff Preparation

These measures can help prepare you and your coworkers for what to do in the event of rising water.

• Pre-registering with an emergency notification service
  
• Posting safe evacuation routes
  
• Having an emergency preparedness training for your staff
  
• Preparing an emergency kit that includes water, first aid, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered communication devices and chargers
  
• Posting contact information for a local commercial water remediation service
  
  
  

Facility Preparation

One way to protect your Rio Verde, AZ, facility is to assess your location’s risk level for water damage and adjust your preparation accordingly. You may want to consult local planning departments and weather forecasters to evaluate your susceptibility to severe weather. Your business insurance agent can also help you assess risk and discuss flood coverage options. Proper coverage could make a big financial difference in a major flood event.

Regular building maintenance practices can minimize your chances of property damage from water. Keeping gutters and storm drains clear and inspecting your property’s drainage pipes may help effectively divert floodwater from your building. A few simple modifications to your utilities can also minimize your chances of costly water damage. Removing fuel tanks and other combustible items from basements may help prevent fuel leaks. Attaching a battery backup to your sump pump can help ensure water is removed even during a power outage, which is often necessary in severe weather. Installing backflow prevention valves on utility lines can prevent contamination of your existing plumbing system.

In the event of serious flooding in your area, you might be grateful if you devoted some time to research and preparation. Water cleanup and restoration are generally unsettling and costly for a business owner. Following through on a few preventive measures could minimize the impact on your property and your bottom line.

Smoke Damage

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you detect one or more signs of smoke damage, you should contact a certified remediation company and schedule a damage assessment and cleanup.

Smoke damage can be more subtle than fire damage, but it can undermine air quality in a commercial property. If you want to know whether smoke cleaning will eliminate all traces of the odor, check for these four signs of damage caused by smoke.

4 Signs of Smoke Damage

1. Stains on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. Smoke can cause yellowish stains to appear on surfaces. Smoke consists of a combination of partially or completely burned particles, vapors, and toxic gases. These substances can cause discoloration to show up within a few days of damage.

2. Signs of rust or corrosion on metal. The sudden formation of rust on metal items is one of the most telltale signs of damage caused by smoke. This damage can start to occur within hours of exposure to smoke. If you see evidence of corrosion on visible metal, you should be very careful with electronics. Circuits and wires can become corroded and malfunction or fail.

3. Smoke odor emerging from porous contents. Smoke odors may linger long after exposure within the carpet or furniture in your commercial property. This odor gets trapped in porous contents, and smoke cleaning or deodorization may be necessary to eliminate the smell.

4. Smoky smells in your HVAC system. If smoky air has gotten drawn into the air ducts or HVAC system in your commercial property, the odor will periodically cycle throughout your property. This can lower air quality and may cause respiratory issues for sensitive employees or occupants.

If you detect one or more signs of smoke damage in a commercial property in Scottsdale, AZ, you should contact your commercial property insurance provider and ask about your coverage. Most commercial insurance policies will contribute toward, if not completely cover, the cost of smoke cleaning. Once you check your coverage, you should contact a certified remediation company and schedule a damage assessment and cleanup.

4 Tips for Getting Rid of Mold for Good

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage found in a closet. Contact SERVPRO

It’s unpleasant to discover black mold in a building you own, but it’s not the end of the world. If you handle the problem properly, you can get rid of it for good. Here are four solid pieces of advice to follow when your building in Rio Verde, AZ, has a mold issue.

1. Get Professional Help

Mold cleanup is not something you should try to do yourself. Mold remediation specialists are trained and certified to find all the places mold is hiding in your building and get rid of the growth entirely. It is better to rely on their expertise than to keep scrubbing mold off the wall only to see it return again in a few days or weeks.

2. Stop Mold From Spreading

If you see a fuzzy or slimy growth on the ceiling, it’s obviously too late to prevent black mold, but you can take steps to make sure it doesn’t go any further. Turn off your HVAC system so that it doesn’t carry mold spores from the concentrated growth to the rest of your building. If you have a leak, turn off the water main so that you can minimize the damage, thus giving mold less area to cover.

3. Leave Affected Items Alone

Resist the urge to handle any items that have mold on them. When technicians arrive to assess and clean your building, they can also determine which items can be salvaged and which ones will need to be thrown away and replaced.

4. Don’t Cover It Up

An ongoing moisture problem can cause materials to mold. Covering the spots between your restroom tiles with more caulk or painting over a moldy wall doesn’t get rid of the mold. It just makes it harder for the professionals to get to.

No one likes to see black mold. With timely response and professional remediation, however, you can resolve your fungus problem and keep it from returning.

Commercial Insurance Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Product

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Contact your insurance agent in Scottsdale, AZ to see if you are covered

Commercial Insurance Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Product

The worst time to discover that a business in Scottsdale,AZ, has inadequate property insurance is after a fire. The person responsible for purchasing insurance coverage can expect difficult questions from the partners or directors.

A commercial policy includes coverage for multiple types of property. It describes covered items and specifies the maximum amount the insurer will pay. These coverages include:

• Building
  
• Factory equipment
  
• Inventory
  
• Office equipment
  
• Furnishings
  
• Business interruption
  
• Lost revenue
  
• Business relocation
  
• Theft
  

Determine the Types and Amounts of Coverage Needed
It’s never a bad idea to revisit a commercial insurance policy. Circumstances change, and insurance coverage should change with them. Company executives and the insurance agent should meet and discuss the current coverage. Some areas may require adjustment and a revised quote. Comparison shopping between insurance companies might also be in order at this time.

The Premium Amount Is More Than the Business Can Afford
A significant number of factors go into the determination of an insurance premium. Reduce the risk associated with these factors, and the savings could be substantial. These factors include:

• Tenancy: Buildings with welding or other shops are a higher fire risk than office spaces.
  
• Structure: Wooden structures incur more fire damage than those constructed of fireproof materials.
  
• Location: Fires in buildings close to fire stations receive better fire response than remote areas.
  
• Sprinklers: Buildings with sprinklers experience less fire damage than those without them.
  

If the premium still seems too high, review the types and limits of coverage. Perhaps they can be cut back. However, being underinsured can significantly delay recovery after a fire. It can also leave the business with financial hardship.

Commercial Insurance Is There When You Need It
When a business is fully insured, recovery after a fire is a straightforward process. After contacting the insurer, a local team of fire restoration specialists will speed the recovery.

4 Tips To Prevent Toilets From Flooding

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Once a toilet or drain line has become clogged, a toilet overflow is all but inevitable. A property owner or manager can take several measures to prevent a clogged toilet. These four tips can reduce the likelihood of sewage damage in a building located in Rio Verde, AZ.

1. Post Disposal Reminders

Occupants and guests of a building may be less likely to flush inappropriate materials if informative signage is visible. State simple rules regarding what should and should not be flushed. Discreet and sanitary alternative disposal methods for items such as diapers or feminine products should be available.

2. Install Waste Containers

Waste containers in bathroom stalls may reduce the frequency with which inappropriate items are flushed. This is particularly important in women's bathrooms. Be sure to regularly empty these containers to ensure that occupants do not end up flushing items due to the lack of another disposal method, leading to a clogged toilet.

3. Provide Thinner Toilet Paper

Thicker toilet paper is less likely to break down and is more likely to cause clogs when used in a commercial setting. Single-ply paper is better suited for bathrooms in large-occupancy facilities. Building owners or managers may also want to install toilet paper dispensers that restrict the number of sheets released at a time.

4. Schedule Drain Cleanings

Depending on the purpose of a commercial structure, it may be advisable to clean drain lines every month or several months. Frequent cleanings are particularly important for food service establishments, where grease may collect in drain lines even if most of this substance is disposed of properly. Greasy substances can block a drain line and result in a backup or overflow.

Following these tips can help property owners and managers prevent sewage backups. If a clogged toilet leads to a toilet overflow, contact a plumber and a cleaning and restoration firm in Rio Verde, AZ.

Flood Recovery: When Is It Safe to Return to Work

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in North Scottsdale,AZ

After a flood, many employees and business owners want to know when they can get back to work, but that depends on the severity of the damage and whether the flooding was caused by black water. In either case, most restoration specialists from North Scottsdale,AZ, follow a similar process to ensure your business returns to normal as soon as possible, but most phases are not conducive to safe operations.

1. Cleanup

During a flood cleanup, it is not wise for employees to be present because, depending on the water classification, they may become severely ill. Black or gray water is common after flooding, and it is often contaminated with chemicals and bacteria that present serious health risks to all. It is best that all personnel who are not trained or certified in disaster cleanup stay away from the facility during the initial cleanup phase.

2. Demolition

During the demolition phase, the restoration company you have hired will remove any elements that may have been contaminated by the black water. This phase will likely require the removal of carpets, drywall, insulation, other furniture and porous items. The facility will not be conducive to regular business operations at this time, and therefore employees and personnel should stay away.

3. Sterilization

The last phase before restoration is sterilization and may be combined with the previous stages. During this phase the entire affected area is scrubbed and disinfected, ensuring a sanitary environment for the restoration efforts. As this phase encompasses the use of strong commercial and chemical cleaners, it is advisable to remain clear of the facility.

4. Restoration

During the restoration phase, the company you hired will be replacing walls, carpets and other essential elements. While it may be challenging to operate depending on the significance of the restoration, you and your employees can return to work during this phase.

As flooding can produce both gray and black water, employees and business owners should allow professionals to handle the cleanup and restoration of the property. During the initial phases of cleanup, demolition and sterilization the business should remain closed, and employees should stay clear, only returning to work when restoration begins.

How To Protect Your Business From Water Damage

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Home suffered water loss due to broken pipe in Rio Verde,AZ

Every business in Rio Verde, AZ, is susceptible to water damage. While clean water leaks are usually manageable, flooding and broken pipes can cause significant destruction and interrupt normal business operations. To prepare for potential problems, every business owner should understand common sources of water damage and how to minimize their risk.

Sources of Water Damage

Water damage can originate from clean water sources, such as broken pipes and leaking water supply lines, as well as grey and black water. Examples of grey water sources include sump pump backups and overflowing dishwashers, washing machines and unsoiled toilet bowls. Black water carries harmful bacteria and is unsanitary. Sewage backups and flooded lakes and rivers are examples of black water sources.

Protecting Water Pipes

During the winter, your building’s pipes are susceptible to freezing and bursting. To minimize your risk of a broken pipe, take the following actions:

• Insulate pipes located near external walls with rubber or fiberglass sleeves
• Drain pipes that will not be utilized during the season
• Maintain minimum temperature of 40? throughout building
• Check antifreeze levels in anti-freeze sprinkler system

Minimize Risk of Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes can result in black and grey water overflows. To safeguard your building from this destruction, take the following precautions:

• Ensure no one flushes paper towels or feminine hygiene products
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs near water and sewer lines to prevent root intrusion
• Refrain from pouring grease down any onsite kitchen sinks

Clogs can also occur in your sprinkler or HVAC system. To prevent this, you should complete routine maintenance on this equipment to ensure there are no obstructions or other issues that could result in water leakage.

The Cleanup Process

Water damage resulting from both contaminated and clean water sources requires prompt action to prevent mold growth. This includes removing saturated materials and drying the water-damaged space. If grey or black water is involved, you must also thoroughly disinfect the affected area to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria. A cleanup and restoration expert can help you accomplish this daunting task, allowing you to focus on business operations instead of the restoration process.

How To Prevent Plumbing Issues on Your Commercial Property

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to spend money wisely in business, and when you take the necessary measures to prevent plumbing problems on your commercial property.

As a business owner in Scottsdale, AZ, you have a vested interest in knowing everything that goes on in your building. Plumbing problems are no exception. The cost of a broken pipe or an undetected leak can put a big dent in your budget, especially if your insurance doesn’t end up covering it. Your best bet for minimizing plumbing costs is to prevent small issues from becoming large ones.

Common Problems

There are many things that could lead to water damage on your property. Most problems are caused simply by parts that wear out:

• Maladjusted water heater
• Worn-out O-rings on faucets
• Loose seal on flapper in toilet
• Faulty gaskets

Just about every part eventually has to be replaced, and failure to do so can result in major plumbing problems. Foundation issues, poor construction, and even your building’s age can also contribute to complications with your pipes and fixtures.

Best Solutions

Preventative maintenance and early detection are the keys to protecting your building from water damage. Hire and develop a good working relationship with your plumber before you need his or her services. Plumbers can conduct regular checks and maintenance on your property. The minute you know there is a problem, shut off the water main and call water restoration specialists to take care of it while it’s still small. Your quick response time can mean the difference between a leaky pipe that makes it necessary to replace some of your insulation and a deluge that involves replacing a significant portion of the walls and flooring.

It is important to spend money wisely in business, and when you take the necessary measures to prevent plumbing problems on your commercial property, you are doing just that. No matter how much quality plumbing maintenance costs you, it is nothing compared to the potentially astronomical cost of repairing water damage from an unresolved issue. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROscottsdale.com/.

Be Smart and Implement These Bad-Weather Prep Tips for Safe Operations

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

This facility had a water loss situation and our team was called in to handle the clean up.

If your business is in an area prone to bad weather such as excessive snowfall, icy roads, flooding or other natural disasters, you need to be smart and plan for bad weather. Not only can inclement conditions be dangerous for your employees, but it can also be devastating to your building’s structure. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize damage, protect employees and keep your Scottsdale, AZ business operating as usual even in an intense snowstorm. Here are a few key steps:

• Develop a business operations plan
• Invest in the right protection
• Remove snow
• Watch the weather

Have a Continuity Plan in Place

Some winter storms have been known to last for weeks at a time, and many are so severe that they prevent individuals from driving. While you cannot ask your employees to head to the office in the middle of a blizzard, you can ask them to work from home when the roads are icy and visibility is poor. Have a business plan in place that everyone can adhere to on snow days. This plan should include who is responsible for what when out of office, how work should be submitted and how and how often data backup should be performed.

Invest in Protection

Your business should have storm windows, storm doors, new and working gutters, lightning rods and storm drains. You should also invest in a generator or other source of backup power so that, at the very least, your heater can continue operating in a snow storm and prevent a pipe burst.

Remove snow

Snow that is allowed to accumulate on the roof or sidewalks can be dangerous to your building, employees and customers. Hire a snow removal company to keep your roof, sidewalks and areas around your building clear.

Watch the Weather

When a storm is in the forecast, shut the storm windows and doors, unplug appliances and electronics, back up your data and send your employees home. By planning ahead, you can prevent costly losses and unnecessary injuries.

Make sure your business is ready for bad winter weather. With the right planning, you can continue operating in a snowstorm.
Visit http://www.SERVPROscottsdale.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

2 Important Steps To Take After a Fire

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

What would you do if your business in Scottsdale, AZ suffered a fire? If you practice wise administrative planning strategies and follow federal laws, you already have an emergency action plan in place. Once the blaze has been put out, however, you need to pay just as much attention to fire restoration strategies that get your business back in gear. Understanding the role that restoration technicians and your insurance company will play in the aftermath of a disaster is critical.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The property portion of your business owner's or commercial policy covers expenses from fire and explosion losses, including repairing and replacing structures, assets and equipment. Once the fire department has left, your first phone call should be to your insurance company. Representatives will request some initial information from you to start the claims process, then have you work with an adjuster. If you need to recover critical items such as petty cash or records, consult with your insurance reps.

Get in Touch With a Restoration Professional

Now that you’ve invoked the claims process, you need to contact a fire restoration professional to begin cleanup. During this segment of the recovery process, restoration technicians will:

• Inspect and assess your premises
• Board up and place tarps on impacted areas
• Extract water and dry affected surfaces
• Remove smoke and soot damage
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair and replace destroyed areas

Fires on your commercial property in Scottsdale, AZ can be devastating, but it is possible to return to normal operations after this sort of disaster. Having comprehensive indemnity coverage that includes fire insurance as well as fire restoration professionals proficient in water, soot and smoke cleaning are both essentials in getting back to business. You’ll need to work with both insurance and disaster recovery experts for documenting your losses and aiding them in handling replacement and repairs.
Visit  http://www.SERVPROscottsdale.com for more information on commercial fire damage. 

Best Practices for Removing Standing Water From a Basement

12/2/2017 (Permalink)

Best Practices for Removing Standing Water From a Basement

In most cases, people tend to think of water as a good thing: great for drinking and recreation, and beautiful to view in a lake or river. Water, however, is the most basic of solvents, and in the wrong place, such as in the basement of a commercial building, it can cause a lot of damage. When flooding occurs in Scottsdale, AZ whether from a storm or a broken plumbing system, specialized equipment needs to be employed, and fast. Trained experts will be able to bring in powerful tools to clean up the damage and remove standing water. Here are four tools of the trade to aid in the cleanup process when the water is 2 feet or higher.

Powerful Pumps. An industrial sump pump is one of the most effective items a professional cleaning team can bring in to remove water. A strong submersible pump can remove thousands of gallons from the property quickly. By getting the water out rapidly, the chance of further damage and mold development is greatly diminished. A trash pump is another piece of equipment that will accelerate the cleanup.

Truck Mounts. By using powerful units mounted onto trucks, a flood water cleanup team can quickly remove basement water and use strong wet and dry vacuums. These machines have the advantage of flexibility and efficiency.

Infrared Cameras. Infrared technology can determine how much moisture is still in the building after the standing water has been removed. While the water may not be visible to the naked eye, water behind basement walls and ceilings can cause extra humidity and attract insect pests, vermin and harmful bacteria.

Moisture Detectors and Hygrometers. These devices measure the level of moisture saturation in the building after the initial cleanup. This can help determine whether it would be beneficial to run vacuums and drying fans for additional time.

These four essential pieces of cleaning equipment will remove standing water from the basement of any Scottsdale, AZ commercial building, helping property owners better protect their investments. Visit http://www.SERVPROscottsdale.com for more information on water damage.

Commercial Fire Damage and Your Options

9/15/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage and Your Options

When it comes to fire damage in the home, it is imperative that you hire a fire restoration service to get the job done. One of the things about fire restoration companies is that they work with people on an individualized basis. This means that they will be able to take care of the fire damage that was present after firefighters left with their fire trucks and fire hoses. It is also important that you work with experts because of the fact that this is going to save you time and money in the long run.

The fire damage and fire restoration experts will easily and quickly be able to install a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system to take care of any future issues. This means that you will not have to deal with smoke damage and soot damage in the future because commercial damage is no longer a problem for you. You are also going to want to know that there are many people who specialize in taking care of smoke damage and soot damage. The commercial fire damage professionals are there for you every step of the way and can totally transform your life. This is something that firefighters are not able to do on their own using their fire trucks and fire hoses.

Once you make the decision to hire fire restoration experts, you may also want to have them put in a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system so that this can prevent a future problem. This is why a lot of people who are hiring commercial fire damage experts are choosing to have them do this type of work for them after having an electrical fire or utility room fire. No matter what type of fire you had in your home, it is important to realize that fire damage professionals are there to help as much as they possibly can.

It is also important that you hire the professionals after an electrical fire and utility room fire so that this is something you do not have to do on your own. The professionals will be able to take care of the smoke damage and soot damage that has been left behind, allowing you to finally know that the commercial fire damage has been remedied in a proper manner. The fire damage experts are there to help as much as they possibly can, allowing you to finally overcome the electrical fire or commercial fire damage that has been left behind after this type of catastrophe. Even those with utility room fire issues have found that hiring a fire restoration professional help tremendously in terms of the smoke damage and soot damage.

The professionals will also put in a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system so that the issue does not happen in the future. This fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system is essential for all homeowners as well as business owners. This is for individuals who have both dealt with a utility room fire or electrical fire. You will find that many firefighters using their fire trucks and fire hoses are not able to do the restoration themselves.

Once the firefighters have left using their fire trucks and fire hoses, it is totally up to you to hire a company to come in and do this type of work for you. There is something to be said about working with professionals when it comes to getting the help that you need. There are so many individuals out there who are more than willing to help with this type of project, so it is important that you work with them on an individualized basis in order to restore your home or business to its former self. If you have some type of insurance on your property, you may even find that your provider covers the full cost of restoration. This is obviously something that you are going to want to look at when it comes to the provider that you currently have.
Visit http://www.SERVPROscottsdale.com for more information on fire damage.