Actions to Take After a Fire

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Actions to Take After a Fire

Fires can cause extensive damage to Delray Beach, FL homes and businesses, but there are steps you can take after a fire to help minimize the damage. By taking these steps, you'll be able to help speed up the insurance process and prevent mold growth and other issues that could create more problems in the future.

Protect Your Property

There are a few things you should do right after a fire to help protect your property from further damage. You will want to make sure you don’t touch anything in the building that is damaged. Avoid using electronics in the home until you are sure it’s safe. One of the most important things you can do immediately following a fire is to contact SERVPRO of Delray Beach, so we can get the mitigation and restoration process started. 

Documentation is Key

Documentation is crucial for your claim. You should keep a record of all communication with your insurance adjuster:

• all letters or emails you send to the adjuster
• any letters or emails you receive from the adjuster
• a list of all the questions that you asked and their answers

It’s also important to keep track of what happens during each conversation. Write down exactly what was said and who said it to ensure that every detail is accurate. You will also want to document the things in your home or building that were damaged due to the fire. Your insurance adjuster can help with how to get started on this. 

Call the Professionals

When it comes to fire damage restoration, there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best way to proceed will depend on the nature of the fire and the extent of damage caused by it. Fire remediation specialists and contractors will help get you on the road to recovery. A professional who specializes in cleaning up smoke or soot from fires will be able to help you decide what your next steps should be.

For example, if you’ve suffered a kitchen fire that left behind charred walls and cabinets, but wasn't hot enough to cause structural damage, then hiring a contractor for some basic repairs may be all that's necessary before moving forward with cleanup efforts. 

However, if your home sustained significant water damage from putting out a blaze that got out of control, then you'll want someone trained in removing mold by using specialized equipment like foggers or fogging machines (which use high-pressure hoses) instead of just fans alone because they can reach places where mold spores tend not to grow well.

Secure Your Property

It is important to secure your property as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage and make it less likely that vandals will ransack your home. You can do this in a couple of different ways:

• Board up damaged windows and doors with plywood or other materials found around the house.
• Cover holes in roofs with tarps, plastic sheeting, or plywood until you can get them repaired by a professional roofer.

Act Quickly

Part of the healing process after a fire is allowing yourself some time to grieve and recover. But as you're getting back into your daily routine, remember: there are some important steps you should take to restore your home and life to normal. One important step is cleaning up your house as soon as possible after a fire.

Begin with removing smoke odors from walls, rugs, furniture, clothing, and other soft surfaces by washing them with a cleaning solution or vacuuming them. Then clean hard surfaces with soap and water; dry completely before replacing any furnishings on them.

Ultimately, smoke damage and odor can be difficult to clean, and a professional company such as SERVPRO of Delray Beach can help make this process easier for you. 

The first step is to call your insurance agent. They will help you figure out the next steps, but the most important thing is to take care of yourself. Your life has just been turned upside down, and it’s time to find support from friends and family who can help with cleanup or provide food while you recover from this devastating event.

3 Tips for Recovering After a Business Fire

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Three Tips For Recovering From Smoke Damage At Your Business

You hope that you will never have a fire at your business in Delray Beach, FL. You maintain your facility inside and out, you keep your fire alarms and sprinkler systems up to code, and you review your company fire safety plan regularly. However, some things can't be avoided, and fire damages your business. What now? 

1. Dealing with Smoke and Soot
Soot damage leaves tiny particles behind that can ruin delicate instruments such as computers and other machines. Soot that is mixed with oil or water creates a much larger mess. A fire damage mitigation company will help you to determine which items can be cleaned and salvaged and which will need to be replaced. Smoke damage can potentially create long-term problems because the smell can get into cracks and crevices and linger for months. Proper cleaning by professionals helps to prevent this problem.

2. Dealing with Water
Water damage is the element of fire cleanup most often forgotten. The firefighters will use large amounts of water to save your business, but this means water damage. When safe to do so, you can begin to clean up standing water as you would after a flood. You should remove furniture, rugs, and any merchandise or tools to allow the space to dry quickly.

3. Dealing with Structure

Depending on what the firefighters needed to do to contain the fire or rescue people, there may be damage to doors, windows, or walls. In addition to smoke and water remediation, your mitigation team will be able to assess the fire damage that occurred to the structure of your building, recommend repairs that need to be done, and conduct any smoke cleaning or other cleanup that needs to take place before construction begins.

Don't rush the cleanup process for smoke damage and water damage after a fire. Work with professionals to properly restore your property so that you can get back to business safely.

Are Water-Related Losses Covered by Insurance?

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

Is Insurance Coverage For Water-Related Losses?

Many businesses in Lake Ida, FL, face steep costs to repair water damage. Water from damaged pipes and other sources can cause a lot of damage that needs to be repaired by water restoration professionals. Therefore, it is important to know what is covered by your insurance policy.

Freezing

Many damage claims are caused by frozen pipes. When a frozen pipe occurs, water may slow down or not flow through it at all. This causes pressure to build up and the pipe to burst. Unfortunately, this event is typically not covered by insurance companies. However, there are certain exceptions. Here are the times when frozen pipes are covered:

There is damage to fire protective systems
You did your best to maintain heat in the building
You don't maintain heat, but you do drain all the pipes in the winter

Sudden Water Damage

Suddenly damaged pipes and appliances are covered under most policies. For example, you leave for the weekend without leaking pipes and return to find one has ruptured and water is pooled on your floor. This has caused extensive damage to your flooring. Because it was sudden, you can expect to have the repair costs covered. Additionally, you can expect any damage caused by a sudden rupture of your fire protection system to be covered. This type of coverage includes the costs of repairing your building. It also generally covers the cost of replacing equipment and furniture.

Fire Protective Systems

Damaged pipes to your appliances are generally not covered under your insurance. However, any damage caused by water released by a fire protection system will be covered. Additionally, the cost to repair or replace the system is covered.

Flooding and water damage comes with great costs for a business. Fortunately, many of these events are covered under standard building insurance. Therefore, business owners should know what is covered under their policies.

The Top 3 Causes of Major Water Damage

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

The Top Three Causes Of Severe Water Damage

Water damage can occur at a commercial building due to problems with the pipes and sewer lines or outdoor flooding. A supply line break calls for pipe burst cleanup, a sewer backup may require cleaning out the line and backups or floods both require disinfection of materials exposed to contaminated water. Learn more about three common causes of water damage at commercial buildings in Highland Beach, FL.

1. A Broken Pipe

When a pipe breaks, hundreds of gallons of water may flow into the interior of a building. The amount of time between the start of a leak, detection and repair determine the severity of water damage. Regardless of the amount of water, clean water from a supply line is Category One water damage. Pipe burst cleanup is the most common cause of large-scale water damage.

2. A Sewer Backup

A blocked sewer line or an overflowing main may cause a backup into the lowest level of a building. Sewer water contains solid waste and is considered Category Three water damage. Cleaning and disinfection is necessary, and a building owner may want to contact a sewer cleanup company to avoid mold or other secondary damage.

3. A Flood Incident

Flooding due to heavy rain that does not drain properly or overflowing bodies of surface water is the third most common cause of major water damage. Flood water is also Category Three damage, as water becomes increasingly contaminated as it travels over surfaces toward a building and remains standing until extraction can take place.

Pipe breaks and sewer backups are the most common causes of large-scale commercial water damage in Highland Beach, FL. Flooding may be less likely, but can also cause major damage to the interior and exterior of a structure. Respond to the cause of damage by arranging for pipe burst cleanup or other mitigation measures followed by a complete restoration.

Extending the Life of Your Commercial Roof

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Increasing The Life Expectancy Of Your Commercial Roof

Your roof is probably the most important exterior element of your business. Every day, it defends your building against damage from weather elements including wind, rain, sleet, and extreme heat and cold. That’s why regular maintenance to prevent potentially catastrophic issues such as a roof leak is so important. By keeping a few basic upkeep guidelines in mind, you can extend the life of your commercial roof in Delray Beach, FL, and ensure your business is shielded from natural threats.

1. Conduct a visual inspection. Many major roof problems can be identified by simply examining the condition of the roofing material. Any excessive standing water due to rain, snow, or melting ice can cause leaks that will rot wood and rust steel. A “bubbling” effect where roofing materials begin to separate from the base is a possible sign of trapped moisture that may also lead to major leaking. Gaps in the strips of metal around a roof’s perimeter can weaken its structural integrity and increase the potential for wind damage.

2. Schedule regular maintenance. Twice yearly upkeep in the fall and spring is essential in keeping your commercial roof in peak condition. Start by clearing the entire area of any debris including leaves, dirt, and gravel that can hold moisture and generate a roof leak. Clean all gutters and downspouts thoroughly to ensure proper damage during precipitation heavy weather events. Seal any gaps in rooftop vents that can allow water to enter and cause flooding.

3. Know when to contact a professional. While maintaining your own commercial roof can be very effective, extensive issues will require the services of a qualified roofing restoration professional. Major moisture damage, significant material loss due to heavy winds, and destruction due to a major weather event like hail are all problems that should be handled by a professional.

While maintaining your commercial roof will require an investment of time and money, it’s one of the most important steps you can take to prevent major issues such as a roof leak that will threaten your business.

The 3 Most Common Commercial Sewage Issues

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

The Top 3 Commercial Sewage Problems.

Sewage problems can result in extensive structural damage. It is important to be aware of the issues that can occur most frequently, such as a blocked sewer line or flooded toilets. Here are three common sewage issues that building owners and managers should take measures to prevent.

1. Drain and Sewer Blockage

A blockage that occurs in a lateral line or municipal main can result in backups and sewer damage. A backflow prevention device may provide some protection. Prevent lateral line blockages by discouraging occupants from flushing or disposing of unsuitable materials down drains. It is also important to stop tree roots from blocking a sewer line.

2. Sewage Backup

Lateral line backups are usually caused by improper disposal of paper products or grease. Blocked sewer backups involve contaminated water and require disinfection, whereas pipe breaks typically involve clean water and only need to be dried. Building owners and managers should post signage about proper disposal methods. It is also advisable to schedule regular line cleaning.

3. Toilet Overflow

Most toilet overflows can be prevented by posting signage and providing alternative disposal methods. A facility manager may also want to provide thinner toilet paper and install dispensers that limit the number of sheets that can be unrolled at a time. If a toilet does overflow, it is important to quickly clean up the standing water and disinfect the area. It may be necessary to tear out and replace porous building materials or contents that absorb contaminated water.

Any of these issues can result in sewer damage at a building in Delray Beach, FL. Prevention may reduce the frequency with which these issues occur, but a blocked sewer may still cause problems. A service specializing in sewer damage cleanup and restoration can help building owners and managers deal with major issues, such as flooding or leaks that affect more than one floor.

3 Reasons Why You Need Business Insurance

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Why Do You Need Business Insurance?

Insurance can protect businesses from a wide variety of risks. According to The Hartford, 40 percent of small businesses incur property or liability losses within a 10-year period. Liabilities involving customers or employees may prove costly, but property damage is likely to interrupt the operation of a business. Water damage is one of the most common types of damage for businesses in Kings Point, FL . Learn more about the protection business insurance policies can provide.

1. Covering Costs

Business insurance should cover costs if a business is liable for damages or losses. A general policy may offset the following types of costs:

• Employee injuries
• Property damage
• Liability for customers

Maintain coverage for these common risks. General commercial policies should cover the costs of fire restoration or water cleanup after broken pipes, but an additional policy may be necessary for water damage caused by flooding.

2. Liability Protection

Business owners can rest assured that insurance will shield them from a wide range of liabilities. Review the terms of a policy to ensure that sufficient coverage is available for:

• Customers
• Employees
• Third parties

Businesses are exposed to a variety of liabilities and risks. Insurance coverage should provide protection.

3. Contractual Requirements

Some property contracts or other operational guidelines mandate coverage. This may be stipulated in:

• Client contracts
• Laws for businesses with employees
• Loan agreements
• Rental or lease contracts

Review every contract to make sure that your current insurance policies satisfy all requirements. Failure to do so may result in penalties or lost business.

These are three major reasons why every business owner should have insurance. Property coverage is particularly important when water damage or any other types of damage take place. It is important to regularly assess a business's level and types of coverage. If your business is not currently insured or has insufficient coverage, compare policies available for businesses in Kings Point, FL.

4 Signs of Smoke Damage

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

4 Smoke Damage Symptoms

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.

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 Highland Beach, FL, 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.

These Types of Businesses Have Mold Risks

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Is a Threat To These Types of Businesses

Maybe you spotted mold forming from a recently repaired plumbing fixture. Maybe you had a flood and you suspect there might be some moisture still lurking in the walls or insulation of your building. Water damage is one of the primary causes of mold growth in Highland Beach, FL, but there are ways you can prevent these secondary disasters:

• Act quickly
• Use professional services
• Get post-remediation checkups
  
  

Residential Rental Businesses

Commercial and residential rental properties alike often fall prey to significant water damage. The reason is simple: sometimes there's nobody on-site to control the event.

If you're a landlord, you know that you don't always have a hundred percent tenancy. Damage from burst pipes or leaks could happen at any time. You're in trouble if nobody is there to take action — or at least call you — when something goes wrong. While you may not be able to do much about the flooding, you should thoroughly remove any mold as soon as your water issues are controlled.

Foodservice

Mold prevention is especially important in the foodservice industry in Highland Beach, FL. Ventilation and drainage systems in restaurants and grocery stores aren't always what they're supposed to be, especially around sinks, walk-in refrigerators and big, steam-powered equipment. What's worse, you don't need to have a plumbing disaster to have a major flood in these facilities. All that needs to happen is for someone to walk away while filling a sink, or place something over an open drain accidentally while emptying dishwater.

Laundry

Laundromats, commercial linen treatment companies and hotels all have many of the same risks as foodservice businesses. They operate with a lot of heat and water: the two things mold loves. If you have a leak in one of these businesses, take care of your water damage first. Right after that, pivot into mold prevention mode. Immediate control is often necessary from keeping the problem from becoming a major operational cost going forward.

Prevent Mold Growth After Flooding

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

How Do You Keep Mold From Growing After A Flood

If your West Delray Beach, FL, business should be subjected to flood conditions after a storm, mold could quickly become a problem. Without proper mitigation, mold can grow as early as 24 to 48 hours after a flood. By following these three tips, you can reduce the chances of mold growth turning into a complicated mess for you and your employees.

1. Remove Standing Flood Water

Standing water is one of the top causes of bacteria growth that leads to mold. Make sure to reduce humidity as much as possible before even considering taking care of any current or future mold issues. This includes water removal as well as keeping your building’s indoor temperature at a level that will reduce humidity.

2. Contact Mold Remediation Specialists

A professional mold remediation company can help you find sources of mold that already exist in your building. Trained technicians will know what to look for and how to eradicate it to halt the growth of mold and further damage to your building. These workers will also know how to reduce or eliminate odors caused by mold. If you even suspect that mold may be a problem, a storm cleanup crew of this kind can help you figure out what to do.

3. Understand Sources of Mold Growth

Even after your mold situation is taken care of, it is a good idea to stay aware of the different ways that mold can enter your building. The last thing you want to do is have a new mold problem on your hands after clearing up the last mess. Understanding that open windows, air conditioner units and other sources of outdoor air can lead to increased mold will help you to be armed against future nightmares.

Mold growth at some level is normal in every indoor area, but too much can be a real problem. Since growth occurs so quickly and may do real damage in only a couple of days, being prepared ahead of time will allow you to save your property sooner rather than later.

3 Ways To Prevent a Fire in the Workplace

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Workplace Fire Prevention

Workplace safety should be a priority for all Kings Point, FL, business owners. Fire prevention is a benefit to both your employees and your business assets. Fires that start in commercial settings are often preventable. By taking a few simple steps, you can create a safe work environment and avoid the need for repairs and cleanup from fire.

1. Invest in Safety Equipment

Having the right safety equipment on hand is one of the easiest ways to protect your commercial facility and your employees. Initially, it may feel like you are spending a lot of money upfront. However, the peace of mind and preparedness you get in return are well worth the cost. The following equipment is some of the most commonly used for commercial fire prevention:

• Automatic sprinkler systems
  
• Portable fire extinguishers
  
• Smoke alarms
  
• First aid equipment
  
• Fire-rated doors and windows
  
  

2. Remove Fire Hazards

Create a fire evacuation plan and practice it regularly with your staff. Be aware of possible dangers in the workplace including tripping hazards or combustibles. Remove anything that has the potential to lead to a fire in the workplace. Likewise, remove any obstacles that may prevent workers from evacuating if a fire does occur. If your workplace is more prone to a business fire because of the materials used in your industry, take extra precautions, such as employee safety training.

3. Prepare Employees

Creating a detailed fire emergency plan and sharing it with your employees may be one of the best ways to prevent workplace fire damage in Kings Point, FL. Start by designating a responsible safety leader to keep order in case of an emergency. Map out an escape route and make your employees aware of what to do if a fire incident does occur. Run drills to ensure staff is familiar with the plan.

By prioritizing workplace fire prevention, you not only protect your place of business but also your employees.

Fascinating Facts Information Mold

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

When studied from afar, mold, a type of fungus, is a fascinating organism. When experienced up close in your place of business in Delray Beach, FL, black mold and other varieties are more disturbing than anything else. To start with the interesting facets of mold, it is found just about everywhere. It can even be found in desert climates. More than likely, it is in your building at all times without causing any problems. It needs water to grow and proliferate into bothersome colonies. A moisture source such as high humidity in a room, a steady water leak or standing water is often enough to foster a fungal outbreak.

Mold Damage

Another interesting trait of black mold is that it forms roots and penetrates into porous materials. A mold outbreak brings a number of unpleasant consequences:

• An ugly, slimy appearance
• Musty odors
• Poor indoor air quality
• Extensive damage to a property
  

Mold can break down wood and paper materials as well as penetrate into furniture, clothing and carpeting. A mold cleanup is needed when the colonies are causing any of these negative problems. Allowing the mold to grow unchecked will result in the spread of mold throughout your building. This will significantly complicate the restoration of your property.

Mold Remediation

The removal of mold from a property cannot be done with regular cleaning methods. Special techniques and equipment are needed as well as the expertise of an experienced mold mitigation company. A SERVPRO franchise is always Here to Help. IICRC-Certified technicians will use thermal imaging to locate a water source in your building. These highly-trained workers will employ containment barriers to stop the spread, and they will use vacuums to suck up mold spores killed by effective fungicides. A professional cleaning will ensure that the mold won't return again. Whether your building has black mold or another variety of mold, a proven process will rid your property of this fascinating but harmful organism.

4 Tips for Checking Your Sprinklers Before Turning Them On

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Irrigation Maintenance Can Save You A Great Deal Of Time, Energy, And Money

An automatic sprinkler system is one of the most convenient tools to keep your business's landscaping healthy and well-maintained. However, though it’s automatic, it isn’t a good idea to just “set it and forget it.” Irrigation maintenance is vital to the longevity, efficiency and effectiveness of your system, so follow these steps:

1. Inspect Your Landscape
Does everything look like it’s getting enough water? Does the spray appear to be distributed evenly? If not, you may need to make adjustments to the spacing, either to increase or decrease the coverage. You should also inspect the sprinkler heads regularly for damage and clogging.

2. Keep Tabs on Your Water Bill
Though it’s normal to see a spike in water consumption during the growing season, there may be an issue with your irrigation system if your bill is abnormally high or shows a sudden jump in usage. It could be as simple as needing to readjust your watering schedule, but it also could signal a valve leak or sprinkler flooding.

3. Know Your Parts
Proper irrigation maintenance requires basic knowledge of the components of the sprinkler system so you know what to inspect and where to look. You may need a knowledgeable professional in Delray Beach, FL, to familiarize you with your system and how it works.

4. Check Your Foundation and Basement
Make sure the sprinkler heads aren't spraying too close to the foundation, and regularly inspect the area after heavy rain. Often, the ground may not be able to hold all that water, especially if your system has been running during the rain or shortly afterward. In the unfortunate event your property floods, a water remediation specialist can help you clean it up and repair any damage.
Irrigation maintenance takes a little effort upfront, but in the long run, it can save you a great deal of time, energy and money. Checking the sprinklers regularly before you turn them on not only protects your landscape but also prevents possible water damage to your commercial property.

3 Inspections To Keep Your Sprinkler System Flowing

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Importance Of Sprinkler Maintenance

A sprinkler system is a lot like any other piece of safety equipment. It does not have to do its job often, but when an emergency happens, you expect it to perform. Regular sprinkler maintenance and inspections are key to keeping your fire sprinklers ready.

1. Weekly Inspections
A visual inspection of your water system should be on your weekly checklist. Looking for buildup and leaks on a regular basis can keep a small issue from becoming a big one. Buildup on sprinkler heads happens naturally over time. Look carefully for anything that might clog the heads such as grease in the employee kitchen or paint from a renovation project. When you notice grime, it is time to get out the degreaser and clean them. Manual valves should be checked to make sure they are in the "open" position to prevent them from stopping water flow.

2. Quarterly Inspections
There is more to regular sprinkler maintenance than looking them over. Valves should be double-checked quarterly, and you should also carefully examine system gauges, alarms and connectors for the fire department. Lastly, call in a fire system expert to check the water pressure. Maintaining strong pressure is important so that when the fire sprinklers do go off, they spray the largest area possible.

3. Annual Inspections
Have a professional come in and do a total fire system inspection once a year. Even though you look it over on a regular basis, they will be able to tell you about issues that you cannot see. If they discover water damage from an underlying problem, they can point you in the direction of a reputable water damage repair company.
Sprinkler maintenance is an essential part of protecting your business in Delray Shores, FL. Even though you may never have to use them, it is comforting to know that since you have done your job, your sprinklers can do what they are meant to if a fire does happen.

Is the Exterior of Your Commercial Property Ready for a Storm?

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Five Steps To Prepare the Exterior Of a Commercial Property For a Storm

Storms can cause extensive damage to the exterior of a commercial property. Depending on the level of commercial insurance coverage held by the building owner, there may be limits on the external portions of the property that are protected. Review your coverage, schedule a building inspection, and perform exterior maintenance on a regular basis.

Five steps that will help owners prepare the exterior of a commercial property for a storm.

1. Choose exterior doors rated for high wind speeds.

Exterior damage quickly becomes interior damage if a door fails. Exterior doors should be tested to stand up to wind loads and the frames should be anchored. Check to make sure these doors have appropriate drainage, flashing, sealant, and tracks. Door failure rapidly raises internal pressure and can cause structural damage.

2. Clear drainage systems.

Functional drainage systems prevent water from pooling on the roof or around the foundation of a structure. Clear roof drains, downspouts, and gutters several times a year as part of an exterior maintenance routine.

3. Trim trees.

Removing dead or loose branches from nearby trees can limit the extent of storm damage.

4. Secure loose items that may blow away or cause damage.

Don't forget about antennas on the roof or potted plants and trash cans on the ground.

5. Anchor outside HVAC equipment.

These components should be securely installed on a concrete pad. Depending on the severity of a storm, you may want to use hurricane straps or shut off these systems and cover equipment with a secured tarp.

These five exterior maintenance and storm preparation steps can help owners limit the extent of damage to the exterior of a commercial structure. Keeping your building maintained can pay off during adverse weather events. If the exterior or interior of a commercial property becomes damaged during a storm, contact a restoration company located in Delray Beach, FL.

SERVPRO of Delray Beach has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm damage and can respond quickly.

Estimating Damage After a Commercial Fire

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire at your Delray Beach, FL, business, the cost of cleanup and repair can run anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity. The particulars of your insurance policy will also determine the price, depending on your deductible and what out-of-pocket costs you may incur. By working with the insurance adjuster and a professional fire restoration company, you should be able to get a good idea of the cost involved. Below are the main things to consider when creating an estimate.

1. Emergency Cleanup

The emergency cleanup makes sure no further damage is caused to the property through exposure to the elements or vandalism. Any holes in the walls or roof will be boarded up or covered with tarps, and any standing water will be removed from the building. There may be further cost if security fencing is installed.

2. Water Damage

Depending on the severity of the fire, and whether or not sprinklers were installed, the fire company may have used a great deal of water to subdue the blaze. Carpets and upholstery may be soaked, the structure itself may be waterlogged, and there may be mold and bacteria that need to be mitigated. Also, firefighters may have used chemical extinguishers that leave residues and contaminate the air. Special equipment must be employed to dry, dehumidify, clean and sterilize.

3. Smoke Removal

The cost of cleaning up damage and odor from smoke and soot must be figured in to the estimate as well. The methods and equipment used will depend upon the type of combustible substances. Smoke and soot from wood, protein or synthetic material will each create a different kind of cleanup problem.

4. Restoration Costs

After the cleaning and disinfecting are completed, the actual replacements and repairs can take place. Depending on how bad the actual fire damage was, repairs may involve only replacing carpeting and repainting, or it may entail rebuilding entire rooms.

While the cost of repairing damage from a commercial fire can vary greatly. However, it should not be difficult to estimate once all of the factors are taken into consideration, and the damage has been assessed by a qualified professional.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (561) 272-5180. 

SERVPRO of Delray Beach has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies and is ready to respond immediately. 

The Unseen Side of Fire Damage

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

The Unseen Side of Fire Damage

Dealing with a commercial fire can be very stressful and difficult. As a business owner in Kings Point, FL, you always want to plan for the best and be prepared for the worst. To keep your company and property safe in the event of a devastating fire, it's important to know about the unseen side of fire damage: smoke and residual smoke odor damage. Fire damage can extend beyond what the eye can see and you may need professional smoke cleaning services.

Fires can damage furniture, electronics, important documents, and other belongings.
Fire damage often includes smoke, odor, and soot damage.
Smoke odor can linger and may require additional remediation.

Fire Clean Up and Restoration
If your business has been through a fire, it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will likely have advice on how to proceed with the process of recovering your belongings and restoring your property. In most cases, you will need the help of professionals in fire damage repair and restoration. Experts in this industry are highly trained to locate all issues and devise a plan to get your business back to its pre-disaster state. For deep, thorough smoke cleaning, your restoration team may use a combination of methods and equipment.

Odor Removal Specialists
To fully remove smoke damage from your property, you need technicians who have earned their Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. These experts can efficiently identify and eliminate offensive smoke odors. You can trust IICRC-trained technicians to use the best methods in the industry - simply covering up the stench is not sufficient. The goal is to restore your property and all of your business belongings as quickly and thoroughly as possible. With the most up-to-date training and equipment, odor removal specialists can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for less. After a fire, you need top-notch smoke cleaning and fire damage restoration professionals you can trust.

What To Know About Sandbags and Sandbag Alternatives

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

What To Know About Sandbags and Sandbag Alternatives

If you own a business in a location such as Highland Beach, FL, which experiences frequent storms, you may have considered a sand bag wall as a form of protection against flooding. A local storm damage restoration service can help with cleanup and repairs after flooding has occurred, but often protecting the business in the first place can help prevent large scale damages. Here are a few things you may want to know.

1. How Sandbags Work

The concept of a water barrier is that an object heaver that the force of the water flowing against it can remain immovable and protect the area behind it from flooding. Sandbags are one preferred method because many small bags can be arranged in a variety of formations in order to create a wall in the shape and height necessary to protect the space. Sand bags can even absorb some of the water and become heavier making them more resistant to the push of flowing storm water.

2. What Similar Systems Are Available

In addition to sand bag walls there are other forms of water barriers. Flood dams can be formed from concrete barriers, raise-able metal sections that form walls, and even inner tube type bags filled with water. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type, so you may want to consult a professional before choosing the best fit for your business.

3. Where To Set Up Barriers

Part of preventing flood damage includes understanding where to set up preventive barriers. Don’t try to dam the water flow, but use the barriers to direct it in a safe flow path. Create the walls in a way that keeps water away from doors and window wells, but also give the water a route into safe drainage spaces such as empty lots, drainage ditches, or gardens.

The use of a sand bag wall or similar barrier against flooding may help protect your business in the case severe weather may cause flooding. This mitigation step can also help prevent large scale damages to the property. Remember, if damage does occur a storm damage restoration service may be able to help.