Creating a Fire Restoration Timeline for Your Business

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup and restoration in Thompson Station, TN.

Creating a Timeline for Your Business's Fire Restoration

When your Thompson Station, TN, business suffers fire damage, you may not be sure where to begin when it comes to making repairs and dealing with fire restoration plans. From the first moments after the fire to reopening your business, there is much to do. However, knowing how to proceed one day, week and month after the fire can help you get your business back to normal.

One Day After the Fire

The day after a fire, the first step you may want to take is to contact your insurance company before you touch anything inside the building. You can give them a variety of details as you file a report, such as:

• When the fire took place
  
• Whether the firefighters gave you a report
  
• Photos, if you were able to take any
  
  

Making a fire insurance claim as soon as possible can expedite matters and get you a return on your claim to pay for repairs faster.

One Week After the Fire

Once you make an insurance claim, the next step you should take over the following week is to ensure the property is safe for your employees and customers. You might need to close during fire restoration, so you may want to spread the word on social media and board up fire-damaged entrances. Keep your customers updated and offer them a projected reopening date, if possible.

One Month After the Fire

Once a month passes, you should have most of the damage cleared out, depending on the severity of the fire. However, your business might need smoke cleaning to remove stubborn odors. A company that specializes in fire restoration can remove smoky smells from your carpeting, walls, and other areas. Without this type of service, the smell of smoke may linger for months.

Knowing how to proceed when a fire damages your Thompson Station, TN, business can help you get back on your feet. From the day after the fire to the final steps of repairing the damage, creating a restoration timeline may be helpful in tracking repairs and allow you to project a reopening date.

Common Commercial Water Damage Problems and Remedies

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Franklin, TN.

Prevent Your Business From Sustaining Water Damage

Whether your business in Franklin, TN has a broken pipe or another common issue that can lead to water damage, it’s often helpful to know how to react to prevent major damage from occurring. Knowing what problems commonly occur and how to react can help you prevent your business from sustaining water damage.

1. Sewer Backups

Sewer backups are often caused by blockages, and backups can result in costly repairs. However, knowing the signs of a sewer backup can help you prevent your business from flooding. If a sewer is backed up, you may notice that your sinks or toilets aren’t draining as quickly as they should. If you do have a backup, it can be helpful to have a plumber inspect your sewer lines, and regularly having your sewer lines cleaned can help to prevent future backups.

2. Pipe Issues

While a broken pipe can cause a building to flood, a leaky pipe can also cause damage to a business. Often, you can temporarily fix a leaky pipe by sealing it. However, because a leaky pipe could be an indicator of other issues, you may want to have your pipes examined to ensure there aren’t any hidden problems. In the case of a pipe that is broken, turning off the water in your building is often the best solution.

3. Faulty Appliances

In addition to sewer systems and pipes causing water damage, appliances can also be the cause of water damage. Frequently cleaning your appliances can help prevent them from malfunctioning. However, if you do notice that an appliance is leaking, backed up or is simply not working as it should, knowing how to safely and quickly shut off the appliance can be helpful.

Understanding what water damage issues commonly occur in businesses and knowing what to do if you notice these issues can help protect your business. If your business has been damaged from a broken pipe or other problems, it can help to work with water repair experts.

Common Causes of Mold In Your Commercial Building

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

The key to mold control in Franklin, TN is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems! Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible. Watch for condensation. Keep HVAC drip pans and pipes clean. Maintain humidity below 60% relative humidity to control mold growth. These are just a few quick tips to help you control mold in your commercial building. However, as many say, knowledge is power. This article will provide you with helpful knowledge necessary to understand why mold can happen in your commercial building in the first place.

Understanding Mold-Causing Condensation

Mold is everywhere and can't be completely eliminated. However, it requires moisture to thrive and spread. Knowing what can cause that condensation will help you pinpoint problem spots and solve them before they can become serious issues.

Condensation forms when warm air encounters a colder surface. Cold surfaces naturally occur with large temperature differences between the inside and the outside of a building. This naturally occurring event where water vapor moves through building materials from moist to dry air is called Diffusion.

Capillary Action, where small openings or pores in building materials allow water to wick upwards into the building, can be another source of water entry. This can be seen in materials like drywall, wood flooring, plywood, and other water-sensitive building materials.

Stack Effect is where moist air rises from a crawlspace or basement into the building's living spaces.

Another source of condensation or water damage can be forceful winds. When the wind combines with driving rain, water can seep into a commercial building or home through cracks and crevices that are normally unseen.

Proper ventilation, building design & maintenance, and a well-functioning AC system help prevent that condensation from becoming a mold-causing issue.

Common Sources of Moisture and Water Damage

The most common place you'll see condensation is on windows, especially if they are foggy or have water spots. Window condensation happens when cool outside air encounters warm indoor air near the window.

Air conditioning ducts are notorious for collecting moisture that then causes mold to grow inside them. The best thing to do to prevent AC issues is to establish a routine maintenance schedule to ensure proper functioning HVAC systems.

Vinyl Wallpaper can also often harbor mold behind it because of diffusion. If installed on outer walls that are more exposed to temperature differences, this issue is more likely to occur.

Condensation on cool metal surfaces such as copper pipes can be another common source of moisture and mold.

Failing building vapor barriers can be more serious moisture and mold-causing issues. When building foundations or walls are installed, usually vapor barriers such as 6mil plastic sheeting, house wrap, or primer paint are also installed to create waterproofing separation between the inside and outside of the building. If too many holes, ruptures, cracks, or damage occur to these vapor barriers, moisture entry is much more likely to occur.

While there are many potential causes for moisture and water damage to a home, getting rid of and preventing mold isn't just an aesthetic matter. That's why SERVPRO of Williamson County uses advanced protocols to quickly locate, identify and remediate mold infestations in commercial buildings.

How To Understand Hurricane or Windstorm Commercial Insurance

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t let a windstorm or hurricane in Spring Hill, TN, ruin your dream.

Do You Know What Storm Insurance Covers?

A successful, seaside business in Spring Hill, TN, is a business owner’s dream come true. If you are currently living this dream, do not let it turn into your worst nightmare. If a hurricane or tropical storm damages or destroys your business, you immediately turn to your insurance coverage for help. Do you know what storm insurance covers?

Making Sense of Terminology

When you think about storm insurance, it may be confusing at first because it differs slightly from typical commercial insurance coverage:

• This specialized insurance coverage has a separate deductible from your commercial property insurance. Rather than a set amount of money, it is a percentage of the costs associated with the hurricane damage. The range is typically 1 – 5% of the total recovery costs. In the case of a total loss, the amount out of pocket is the percentage of the value of your property.

• When your commercial property is damaged by wind, your insurance company will consider the cause. Hurricane deductibles are relevant only when damage results from a hurricane or tropical storm, typically when noted as significant by the National Weather Service. Insurance companies also consider the timing of this “trigger” event when looking at restoration coverage. Windstorm deductibles cover any other cause of wind damage.

Location, Location, Location

Policy availability and details depend on where your business is located. Not all states offer hurricane insurance. Most states that have this specific insurance are, understandably, along the East Coast where the majority of hurricane activity is in the United States. In addition to these coastal states, Texas, Mississippi and Hawaii are covered as well.

Don’t let a windstorm or hurricane in Spring Hill, TN, ruin your dream. Although it may be stressful and time-consuming, storm insurance helps you and your business recover. Partner with your commercial insurance agent and a storm restoration specialist to return your livelihood to pre-storm condition.

Benefits of Choosing the Same Company for Fire Mitigation and Restoration

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire mitigation and restoration in Fairview, TN.

Using The Same Team For Mitigation And Restoration

A lot of fire damage can happen in a short amount of time. If your commercial building in Fairview, TN, catches fire, you will likely need professional cleanup and repair to get it back to normal. Many business owners will hire different companies to handle each of these processes, but there are a couple of key benefits to finding one team that is certified in both mitigation and restoration.

Assessment
One benefit of hiring the same company to do the whole job becomes apparent in the assessment phase. After you call the fire mitigation experts to get repairs started, your next call is likely to be to your insurance provider. The insurance adjuster completes a walkthrough of the property, but it's the assessment of these experts that itemizes the expenses your payout should cover:

• Material removal
  
• Board up services
  
• Soot and smoke cleanup
  
• Restoration of building
  
  

When different technicians handle the mitigation steps and the rebuilding process, it's more challenging to guess what kind of restoration will need to be done. If the whole process is done by the same team, however, they can report the overall picture more clearly.

Efficiency
Extensive fire damage interrupts your business operations. The less time this interruption lasts, the more likely your business is to make it through with as little lost income as possible. One team that reports to the same company can streamline the process from assessment to restoration. When the same technicians who cleaned up the mess the fire left behind also rebuild the structure, you don't have to worry about communication gaps. This makes the overall process much more efficient.
When you have fire damage in your building, you want the entire process from assessment to the finishing touches to go smoothly and quickly. You can get back to business faster when you use the same team for both mitigation and restoration.

4 Ways to Minimize Mold Growth in a Vacant Rental

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

If the humidity is high and there is hidden water damage, you can expect to have a fungus problem

Four Ways To Avoid Having To Call A Mold Remediation and Restoration Specialist

As a property owner in Nolensville, TN, there are always times when a rental is sitting empty. While, hopefully, that doesn’t last long, even a short time may result in unwanted issues. Mold prevention should always be a top priority. It only takes a little bit of excess moisture to bring mold spores to life. 

1. Conduct Regular Inspections
The key to battling mold is finding it before it can spread. If there has been recent rain or other precipitation, inspecting the property is essential. Common areas for growth include attics, basements, and plumbing pipes and fixtures.

2. Turn the Water Off
Since mold loves moisture, the best mold prevention tip is to eliminate any potential sources. Turning off the water to the property will ensure that happens, as well as minimize the potential for a pipe burst. It is also important to ensure toilet tanks and bowls are empty to avoid mold growth. Before turning the water off, consider having an inspection done to find any potential leaks. Once the property is no longer vacant, the last thing you want to deal with is a plumbing issue.

3. Monitor Humidity Levels
If the humidity is high and there is hidden water damage, you can expect to have a fungus problem. Leaving the heat or air on, which will depend on the weather conditions, will make it easier to keep humidity levels below 60%. If the levels are difficult to maintain, it may be worth investing in a dehumidifier or upgrading the HVAC system with a dehumidifying option.

4. Consider Using Mold-Resistant Materials
After a tenant moves out, it creates the prime opportunity to upgrade the property. If you have experienced mold issues before, there are materials available designed to resist and prevent that from happening, such as primers and water-resistant wallboard.
Although mold spores may be everywhere, adding mold prevention to your to-do list can minimize the chances of them coming out of hibernation.

How to Restore Your Commercial Building After Water Damage

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Brentwood, TN

What's Involved In The Water Damage Restoration Process?

Many people don't realize that water cleanup is a significant component of fire cleanup and smoke cleanup until a fire ravages their property. In fact, water can cause more damage than the fire itself. It's essential to get the water damage remediated as soon as possible. The longer water and moisture remain in the building, the more loss will occur. 

Ceiling Damage
Ceilings should be one of the first parts of the building that should be checked for damage. Soaked ceilings can be dangerous due to their risk of collapsing. Water damage remediation professionals will probably be required for this job.

Wood Damage
Since wood is a porous material, anything made of wood (e.g., floors, doors, cabinets, furniture) will soak up water and quickly damage. Badly soaked wood should be removed; it's probably not salvageable.

Drywall Damage
Drywall is very porous so that it can soak up water quickly. You can try to dry it, but some drywall pieces will probably require replacement. Fortunately, you can often cut out the damaged areas and patch them instead of replacing an entire wall.

Cleanup
All affected articles must be removed from the building. Water cleanup and disinfection must begin immediately and be completed thoroughly.

Floors
There's a good chance that you'll have to replace most of the flooring, especially the carpet. Carpet can get soaked quickly. The water can seep into the padding and even all the way to the subfloor. You'll have to replace all of these affected materials in this case.

Mold
The water and humidity resulting from a building fire can be challenging to clean well enough to prevent mold growth. Mold can begin growing within 24 hours of water exposure, so you don't have much time to get the area completely dry. A detailed inspection should be performed before and after restoration to ensure there's no mold; it can easily hide.
If your Brentwood, TN, building sustains a fire, water cleanup could require more work than the fire and smoke damage restoration. The restoration process must begin as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

3 Common Sources for Leaks in Multifamily Properties

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen pipe leaking

3 Common Sources for Leaks in Multifamily Properties

A water leak could cost commercial property owners thousands of dollars extra in water and sewage bills. Multifamily property owners may find their tenants frustrated with high water bills due to leaks and may have to cover the extra costs of water damage restoration. Leaks commonly develop in these locations on multifamily commercial properties:

• Bathroom, kitchen and washer water supply lines
• Bathroom fixtures
• Plumbing systems

A water meter that gradually increases even when no water is being run is a clear sign of a leak. If this is the case in your multifamily property, check these common sources:

1. Inspect Bathroom, Kitchen and Washer Supply Lines
You can find water supply lines in the water-dispensing areas of the property. The corrosion from constant water use can wear out the supply lines, causing them to develop a water leak. Replacing these when they show signs of leaking will prevent the damages from adding up. Check the warranty on supply lines before purchasing new ones to avoid having to pay upfront.

2. Ensure Bathroom Fixtures Are Functional
Bathroom fixtures, such as faucets and toilets, can develop leaks if they become worn. Faucet drips are more notable than issues with toilets, which may develop hidden leaks beneath the base. Inspect fixtures regularly to prevent corrosion and replace them when they become worn.

3. Check Older Plumbing Systems for Broken Pipes
Older plumbing systems must be routinely inspected for leaks because they are commonly made without rust-resistant materials. An outdated plumbing system can develop a pipe break and cause water damage to a commercial property. It is also vital to check after inclement weather to ensure no pipes have burst or developed leaks.
The constant flow of water due to leaks can run up water bills, causing tension between landlords and tenants. A water leak from any of these three issues may also cause damage to commercial properties in Brentwood, TN, leading to costly repairs. Regular maintenance to supply lines, fixtures, and plumbing systems can prevent these unexpected expenses.

What To Do When a Pipe Break Floods Your Furnace

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

A furnace flood is a disaster you should handle with caution

What To Do When a Pipe Break Floods Your Furnace

A furnace flood in College Grove, TN, can happen when old basement pipes burst in your commercial building. This can lead to costly damages if prompt action isn't taken to resolve the issue.
If you experience a flooded furnace, your first concern should be the safety of your employees. Clear the area and call a professional. It's important to have your unit checked prior to attempting to use it again. Your furnace is in danger of serious damage, including corrosion to the:

• Thermostat
  
• Coils
  
• Controls inside the unit
  
  

Can My Furnace Be Repaired?
Experiencing a furnace flood does not always mean you need to replace your furnace. Restoration specialists use special techniques and equipment to restore mechanical and electronic equipment that has been exposed to water.
First, the floodwater must be removed to ensure further water exposure won't present an issue. Once the specialists have dried and cleaned the furnace, a technician will inspect the furnace to decide whether or not a repair is possible. If corrosion has occurred, you may need a new furnace.

Are Other Systems Impacted?
After flood damage to your furnace, it is recommended that you schedule an air duct cleaning. Your air ducts and filtration systems were likely exposed to water, and with water comes the risk of mildew and mold. A thorough cleaning of these systems will ensure your equipment is safe once it is properly replaced or restored.
It's also important to determine what caused the damaged pipe so that it doesn't happen again. Make a plan for how to avoid costly damages should this situation occur again in the future.
Once the damaged pipe has been repaired and your furnace is functional again, your building can go back to fully operational. A furnace flood is a disaster you should handle with caution. Always use professionals for every step of the cleanup and repair.

If Mold Has Taken Over Your Brentwood Gym, Our Crew Is Ready 24/7 To Help!

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Preventing The Spread Of Fungal Growth In A Brentwood Gym

As much traffic as your Brentwood gym gets every week; you want to ensure that your facility is always in top form. In some situations, failure to address small concerns like moisture and dampness in the building can result in widespread concerns as the incident gets out of control. As if water damages were not bad enough to contend with while keeping your doors open to the determined public, steady moisture is an ideal condition to produce mold and other fungal colonization.

It is not difficult for fungal contamination and mold damage in a Brentwood gym to spread as many locations often learn with outbreaks of athlete’s foot. Combating these conditions can often be problematic, especially when your facility is one that stays open throughout the night to accommodate everyone on every schedule.

When mold gets discovered in your building, you need to reach out to our SERVPRO professionals as quickly as possible. We have a highly trained division for mold remediation, and they can also work to provide necessary containment strategies that can help to keep your doors open throughout the recovery and remediation processes.

Our professionals have an array of environmentally friendly cleaners, antimicrobial agents, and disinfectant sprays ideal for removing the presence of fungus and mold from every potential surface throughout the building. We can also work to provide necessary containment strategies such as physical plastic sheeting and the continued use of these powerful cleaning agents and our air purification equipment to noticeably reduce the presence of mold spores in the environment. With the right prevention tactics, it can be possible to quarantine affected areas and allow the gym to remain open.

Mold growth is nothing that any business owner should wait to address. Regardless of the source of the moisture and dampness, our SERVPRO of Williamson County team can work to overcome the damaging effects quickly. Give our specialists a call anytime you need us at (615) 790-9634.

Click here for more about Brentwood.

What You Should do When Your Nolensville Office Floods

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Benefits of Mitigating Offices of Commercial Water Damage in Nolensville 

Flash floods can happen anywhere, including Nolensville. Businesses in the area can become partially submerged in a brief time, giving your office tenants little time to move valuable equipment to safer locations. SERVPRO understands that every time a business falters, our community as a whole also suffers.

We want to help businesses in every possible way recover from disasters like commercial flood damage in Nolensville, so we work closely with property owners in reducing the event's effects on both buildings and tenants' business operations. We do everything possible to help everyone involved recover as painlessly as possible, so getting back to normal for employees at all levels and interactions with customers and clients happens with minimal stress.

We need to force an increase in the heat and airflow throughout the building's affected areas. Flooding may rise only a few inches past your floor's height but not cover the entire surface. Our rapid response, Faster To Any Size Disaster, helps keep floodwater from seeping into dry areas, which can happen even after water from the flood recedes and drains from your building.

We also saturate areas of flooring with clean water, to help wash out the last of the sediment and silt that our buckets, shovels, and squeegees do not remove. We do not generally put disinfectant agents in this water because we do not want to affect the ecosystems in our area. Instead, we use both spray bottles for smaller spaces and foggers for larger ones.

Part of the mitigation process requires that we remove and dispose of carpeting and padding. The fibers in carpets and the pores in padding retain floodwater and the contaminants so tightly that cleaning becomes less cost-effective than replacing them. Pulling these out also removes that moisture that would have increased the mitigation process, and related expenses.

We rely on our customers for input when aspects like odor control come into the picture. The detection of odors varies from one person to the next, and we want the occupants to feel as comfortable after we leave as they felt before the flood occurred. We use injectable liquids that do not stain carpets or upholstered furniture, gel packs, and other methods to make things smell normal again.

SERVPRO of Williamson County wants our customers to enjoy their role in the community again. Flood damage should not ruin careers, businesses, or buildings in our area. We do everything possible to prevent unnecessary loss and help restore everything once again for companies in Arrington, Fairview, and Spring Hill. Call us at (615) 790-9634 to receive prompt service and answers to your questions.

More about Nolensville.

Protect Your Building Envelope

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Rain damage can be a serious threat to your commercial building, easily causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage after a bad storm. The most important thing you can do to protect your building is to ensure that the building envelope is in good shape and well maintained. It is much more cost effective to maintain the property in such a way as to prevent damage than it is to repair after a weather event.

Rain Damage Can Present Big Problems

In many cases, damage done to commercial buildings is caused by water being where it’s not supposed to be. Black mold is just one example of the serious consequences that can arise when rain is allowed to intrude into the building. Get out ahead of potential problems by making sure that cracks are sealed and gaps are closed. There are other things that can help to divert water:

• Gutters
• Overhangs
• Baffles

The use of these items can move water away from the foundation of your building and help to prevent water intrusion.

The Building Envelope and Why It’s Important

A building’s envelope is, in a very basic sense, the actual building itself. It is the physical barrier between the conditioned interior and the unconditioned environment outside. It is comprised of the roof and walls of the structure. Cracks, gaps, and other openings in the envelope, including doors and windows, can all present possible points of entry for water and air into the building.

Maintenance Can Make a Big Difference

Preventative maintenance can save you money in the long run. Once damage has been done, it usually becomes a much more costly situation to rectify. However, should damage to your building occur, bring in professionals to help with cleanup.

It is easier and cheaper to fortify a weak point than it is to replace a larger area that has become subject to rot or mold due to water damage. Keep in mind that Franklin,TN, can be subject to severe weather, including heavy rains. Protect your building from rain damage so it will continue to serve its purpose for years to come.

Fire Sprinklers Are Surprisingly High-Tech Devices

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers are surprisingly high-tech devices

Fire Sprinklers Are Surprisingly High-Tech Devices

There’s no question that fire sprinklers are a worthwhile investment. Deaths in commercial buildings with a functioning fire sprinkler system are insignificant compared with buildings without them. Indeed, one recent study in Harris County, Texas found that:

Sprinkler systems saved $144,266,255.
Not a single fatality or injury was reported with functioning sprinklers.
In 93% of activations, only one sprinkler head was activated.

The last fact is important due to the myth that fire sprinklers cause a lot of unnecessary damage. A fire sprinkler is a high-tech device; accidental activations are very rare, and each sprinkler is designed to react individually, due to the way they operate.

A Sprinkler Head Reacts to Heat, not Smoke
To provide the most dependable fire suppression, a sprinkler system is designed to be always on. In other words, the sprinkler should have full pressure constantly available at the sprinkler head, with the activation device contained in every individual unit. Inside most sprinkler heads, there’s a glass bulb containing a liquid, although some types use a two-part metal fusible alloy. Either way, the device is finely tuned to be sensitive to a very narrow range of heat. Once that level is reached, either the liquid expands and breaks the glass or the fusible allow will melt. Once that happens, the always-present pressure will immediately cause activation, striking the fan-like metal sheath on the end and spreading out to cover the fire.

Sprinklers Reduce Water Damage
Contrary to what is so often seen in movies, each fire sprinkler reacts separately, meaning that water damage is isolated to the immediate area around the fire. During a fire without sprinklers, typically the flames have spread significantly before the fire department arrives, requiring a more wholesale use of water for suppression. With sprinklers, once the fire department arrives, they can turn off the sprinkler system and prevent further damage.
At that point, you can call a fire sprinkler cleanup company in College Grove, TN, to inspect the damage and begin restoration. This is usually a massive saving for both the business owner and their insurance companies, which is why so many insurers lower the premiums for those with installed systems.

We Have The Effective Drying Techniques In Franklin After A Flood

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

After a flood all of the water was removed and SERVPRO placed drying equipment in several places on the floor in this property.

Flood Damage to Masonry Walls of Franklin School Structures

Cinder blocks or concrete masonry units (CMU) are a common construction element to commercial structures like the schools in Franklin. With many of the interior and exterior walls getting constructed with this material, especially in new construction projects separate from the brick veneered main building, porous blockwork can allow for flood damage. With an annual rainfall average of over 50 inches of rain, preparing for instances of flash flooding and natural disasters is a sound strategy for school boards and property management. 

The frequency of CMU use in commercial construction has made it necessary for our SERVPRO team to discover the best drying and restoration approaches for flood damage in Franklin schools. The interior face of these units often get painted, both to reduce the rough texture for those touching the wall and to improve aesthetic appeal. In a more practical sense, these paints chosen for the school also have vapor barrier properties designed to reduce moisture penetration. 

Hydrostatic pressures are among the worst situations that a masonry wall faces, as weaker points like the mortar joints can succumb to the immense exterior force and allow water to flow into the building under the right circumstances. While our SERVPRO team has multiple extractors and drying tools to help address the standing water inside of the building, this is still insufficient to address all of the flood effects in the blockwork. Because of stored water in the blockwork, there is still more work to get done before students and faculty can return to this damaged region of the school. 

Weep holes drilled into the bottom course of block in the mortar joints can alleviate collected flood damage in the individual cells of the CMUs. The drained water can get addressed with wet-vacs as it enters the building and dried sufficiently before resealing the openings in the joints in the bottom course. You can utilize these same weep holes for penetration of positive pressure systems like the Injecti-Dry unit to force heated air into these cavities to ensure they are dry before resealing up the interior and repairing any external damage that might exist. 

Reducing loss and shortening relocation needs for your student body and faculty is vital during flooding situations. Our SERVPRO of Williamson County team can help with effective drying strategies for blockwork. Give us a call anytime at (615) 790-9634.

See more about Franklin.

Our Professional Remediation Team Is Ready To Tackle Mold In Franklin

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

We have expanded our fleet so that we can respond more quickly to your restoration emergency.

Finding Long-term Solutions to Commercial Mold Damage in Your Franklin Self Storage Facility 

Mold damage is a severe threat to self-storage facilities. Apart from damaging the structures, it can also ruin the items left by your customers, thus leading to a bad reputation. Unlike other problems, mold can recur easily after removal because the spores are present in almost every environment. Finding a long-term solution, therefore, requires addressing any underlying moisture problems. You can do this yourself or seek professional assistance.

Prevention is the best long-term strategy

Since moisture is the main factor that fuels mold development in Franklin homes, stopping water sources can help provide the long-term protection you need. You can check gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged or leaky, thus preventing intrusion of rainwater. Redirecting groundwater away from the structure is also essential to prevent seepage into the lower levels of your facility. You can achieve this through simple landscaping the slants the ground around your structure.

Apart from water, the air can also supply the moisture that fuels mold damage, especially if there is limited airflow. At higher temperatures, air tends to hold more moisture so as the temperatures drop, the excess moisture escapes. This appears as condensation on walls, windows, and other surfaces. You can look for ways to facilitate proper airflow within your facility to prevent this problem. Our SERVPRO technicians can use hygrometers to check humidity levels inside and outside your facility, helping you identify problem areas.

Removing Hidden Moisture

Sometimes the moisture that fuels mold growth in your storage facility might not be obvious. If there is a small leak in a pipe concealed behind a wall, you might not notice it. The same is true when there is residue moisture in subfloors. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you identify all traces of hidden moisture using specialized equipment such as FLIR thermal cameras. Once we identify the source, we can do controlled demolition, removing all porous materials affected by the mold and drying the moisture. We also clean the area with antimicrobial cleaning agents to stop further growth.

Mold can be a stubborn problem, but with help from a professional remediation team like SERVPRO of Williamson County, you can find lasting solutions. Call us at (615) 790-9634 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Franklin.

Our Flood Damage Specialists Can Save Your Nolensville Thrift Shop

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

It is our business to get you back in business, and we can make flood effects “Like it never even happened.”

Mitigating Flood Damage For Your Nolensville Thrift Shop

Thrift shops like the establishment that you manage in Nolensville depend on the donations of others and foot traffic to survive and thrive. Profits depend on the selection that you can provide to customers entering the building, and the ability to keep your prices low so that these same customers feel like they are getting a bargain. When disasters strike, all of these components of your balancing act for success become at risk. Flooding can quickly sweep throughout the main shop floor, damaging not only your stock and fixtures but becoming a potentially hazardous situation for your customers as well.

With the multiple levels of effects that must get addressed when flood damage occurs in Nolensville shops, even skilled custodial teams can become overwhelmed with the work that must get done. It may be tempting to clean and restore these effects on your own. This can become a complicated procedure without the right equipment, training, and products available to our experienced SERVPRO professionals.

While many property owners can overcome the immediate effects of a water loss incident when it occurs, flooding is often another situation altogether. Even with clean water events, the damages can be far more widespread, making vital mitigation efforts a challenge for conventional cleaning and drying equipment. With industry-leading equipment, our team can begin drying out your store from the time that we first arrive.

Protecting fixtures like shelving and display tables should happen as quickly as possible. Even with just a thin layer of standing water, wicking of moisture can damage legs and begin to bloat and swell these materials in as little as 24-48 hours. These same risks exist for the secondhand clothing, electronics, and household wares stocked in areas of the highest moisture and dampness concentrations.

You might not have the equipment or the expertise to deal with the full effects of flooding throughout your thrift shop, but with securing our SERVPRO of Williamson County professionals, we can help you through every phase of recovery and restoration. It is our business to get you back in business, and we can make flood effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (615) 790-9634.

For more about Nolensville click here.

Franklin Water Damage Help Needed Fast? Call SERVPRO of Course!

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Damage to Your Franklin Shop--Call SERVPRO for Certified Service

Mitigating the Effects of Commercial Flood Damage in a Franklin Auto Repair Shops

When a flood strikes your auto repair shop, it is likely to have severe consequences because it can soil or cause additional damages that the vehicles brought in for repairs did not have when left by the owners. The response you mount determines whether you only deal with a minor setback or face major issues including loss of regular customers or even lawsuits. We offer professional flood mitigation services that can help your Franklin auto repair shop resume normal operations faster.
 
Commercial flood damage in Franklin auto repair shops affects vehicles since most are in varying degrees of disassembly, which allows water to access the interiors easily. Parts such as seats removed from the vehicles and placed on the floor or other work surfaces have a higher risk of damage from the floodwaters. Our SERVPRO technicians take various approaches to limit the effects of water. We can extract the standing water from the premises fast using advanced equipment like submersible pumps and water extractors. We can also move items in case fast extraction is not viable.
 
Car interiors have many porous materials as part of the upholstery or carpeting, and therefore they absorb water readily. Flooding also soils such interiors heavily. Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians apply different skills to sanitize the affected areas. We use extractors to suck water from all wet areas. For fabric upholstery such as polyester and nylon, we combine professional detergents, hot water, and steam cleaning to sanitize them. For leather upholstery, we take care not to strip off its natural oils, which can cause drying and cracks.
 
Mitigating the effects of floods in auto repair shops may involve moving car parts from shelves and other areas. Since most of these items are expensive, it is essential to ensure they can be traced after the exercise. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on electronic CCIS, Content Claim Inventory Service, which helps create proper records of each item and its original location in the shop. This is an extreme measure, especially if we work hard to decrease the water vapor inside the shop through aggressive dehumidification. This can also help to protect sensitive electronic components, the various brains built into modern day vehicles.
 
For proper mitigation of flood damage in your auto repair shop, call SERVPRO of Williamson County to assist. You can reach us at (615) 790-9634 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Let Our Team Of Professional Assist You When Your Thompson Station Property Experiences Mold Damage

1/5/2019 (Permalink)

Addressing mold in commercial establishments presents different dynamics.

How To Handle Commercial Mold Removal In Thompson Station

Mold contamination in commercial areas presents many challenges. In multi-tenant buildings, the problem could originate from one tenant's space and spread to the others. Since the infestation might develop mostly in confined spaces, it might be a big problem by the time of discovery necessitating isolation and other actions that lead to business closure. We have IICRC certified AMRT, Applied Mold Remediation technicians that can fix the problem with minimal downtime for your business.

Proper commercial mold removal in Thompson Station should be uniform to be effective. If your business is in a building with multiple tenants, fixing the problem in your section alone might not be very useful. Remember, moisture issues fuel every case of mold infestation, and if the moisture source is in a different section of the property, cleaning the infested areas is just a temporary solution. Our SERVPRO technicians first inspect the structure to establish all areas with moisture problems. Because we use advanced equipment like thermal cameras, we can detect moisture problems in concealed sections.

Removing the colonies might require different approaches considering in most cases the idea is removal with minimal damages to the affected surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate the type of material to determine the most appropriate method. For heavy infestations in areas with porous materials, the best option is to remove the material entirely. For non-porous materials can use abrasive methods such as wire brushing to remove stubborn mold residues.

It is necessary to deal with the underlying moisture issue before completing the process to prevent recurrence. Our SERVPRO technicians look for leaks in roofing, plumbing, or HVAC systems to identify the moisture source. Once the source is addressed, we embark on drying the property to normal levels. We have moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers to monitor the moisture levels inside and outside the structure. We also have air movers and dehumidifiers for evaporation and extraction of moisture from the air.

Addressing mold in commercial establishments presents different dynamics. Call SERVPRO of Williamson County to help ease the process. You can reach us at (615) 790-9634 any time.

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Cleanup After Commercial Sewer Damage

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Air movers on a commercial water restoration in Brentwood, TN

If your business in Brentwood, TN, has experienced a sewer backup or damage due to a flooded toilet, the results can leave your building in a terrible state. It's likely that business equipment, documents and furniture may have become saturated. The area has been exposed to black water, which can harbor dangerous bacteria and viruses. This is not something you can handle on your own. Once the plumber has come to make the necessary repairs, you'll need to enlist the services of a water damage restoration company to do the sewer cleanup. They can send a crew out quickly so that more serious damage doesn't occur. Their specially trained technicians will get your building back to normal by following the procedures outlined below.

1. Inspection

The first step in a commercial sewer cleanup operation is to inspect the damage. The water will be tested to see what kind of contaminants are present, and the amount and type of damage will be assessed to determine what kind of specialized equipment is needed.

2. Contents Removal

All furniture, equipment and other items will be removed from the premises. Any items that can be saved will be thoroughly dried, cleaned, deodorized and disinfected, using a number of specialized methods.

3. Water Removal

Once everything has been taken out of the affected area, the technicians will begin to remove all the water from the building, using a variety of high-efficiency equipment, including truck-mounted extractors, sump pumps and trash pumps. Any porous materials that have been contaminated will also be removed at this time. All surfaces will be disinfected using specially-made cleaners to make sure everything is completely free of contaminants.

4. Final Drying and Dehumidifying

After as much water as possible has been removed and the area has been disinfected, any remaining moisture will be removed using industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers.

5. Restoring the Building
Once everything has been thoroughly dried and disinfected, the damaged areas can be restored to their pre-flood condition. The amount of restoration work can vary depending on the damage, ranging from minor drywall replacement and repainting to large reconstruction jobs.

Using the above steps, a water damage restoration company will promptly take care of your sewer cleanup problem and make sure you're back to business as usual.

What You Need to Do When There's a Fire at Your Business

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Most likely, you'll never have to face the results of a commercial fire.

If you're a business owner in Brentwood, TN, you need to know how to proceed if a fire impacts your company. If disaster strikes, you have to be prepared for the substantial monetary loss from the cost of fire restoration and the time lost while repairs are being done. The good news is that you can save a lot of time and money by moving quickly and following the plan below.

1. Notify Your Insurance Agency

Your fire insurance company should be notified as soon as possible. When you file a claim, they will send someone out to look at the damage and get you the money needed to for cleanup and repairs.

2. Call a Fire Restoration Company

As soon as you've spoken with your insurance agency, you need to get in touch with a qualified fire restoration company. The restoration company will immediately come out to assess the situation and begin any emergency repairs needed to prevent further damage. After this, they will start the process of smoke cleaning, removing water from carpets and furniture, and drying and disinfecting the building. When this phase is finished, the final restoration and repair can be completed.

3. Assessing Damage and Salvaging Property

As soon as the fire department allows you to re-enter the building, you will need to assess the damage done to valuable items inside, such as computers, documents, phones, and other office or manufacturing equipment. (Don't go inside without taking precautions first; wear a breathing mask, as there may still be harmful smoke in the air.) Your insurance company will need a list of what items have been damaged in order for you to be reimbursed. Try to save everything you can. Some items may still be working, or may work after being professionally cleaned.

4. Call in Arson Investigators

Even if you don't believe any foul play was involved, it's important to enlist the services of a fire forensics team. The insurance company will want to know for certain what the cause of the fire was, and if it was indeed arson, find the perpetrator and recover costs from them.

Most likely, you'll never have to face the results of a commercial fire. But if it does happen, by following the steps above you'll know how to take quick action to get the fire restoration process started and get your business back on track in much less time. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwilliamsoncounty.com/.

3 Storm Preparedness Tips for Business Owners

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Increase your business’s chance of survival in Brentwood, TN, by preparing for a natural disaster.

Suddenly, your business is in the path of a natural disaster in Brentwood, TN. As the flood water accumulates, the potential consequences of a flooded building start to sink in. Will your business survive this disaster? Unfortunately, not all businesses do. Prepare ahead of time to recover faster in the aftermath of a storm.

1. Purchase Insurance

Every business owner knows the importance of commercial property insurance. But, do you know the specifics of your plan? Does it cover damage caused by flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires? What about business interruption insurance to keep you afloat during the restoration process? If you cannot answer these questions off the top of your head, it is time to meet with your insurance agent and review the policy. Supplemental insurance may be needed. The worst time to find out your policy does not cover damage from flood water is after a flood.

2. Back up Documents

Do you store important records for your business in spreadsheets, word processing programs or in file cabinets? Consider what happens to computers or papers in a flooded building. It is possible to lose the data forever. To avoid this scenario, ensure that all important information is backed up securely in another location. This includes employee data, financial and tax records and customer information.

3. Put a Plan in Writing

Stressful situations can easily turn into chaos. In a weather emergency, do your employees know how to safely evacuate? Is there a plan for protecting the building and contents from flooding and water damage? To be efficient in an emergency, write down a plan, assign roles and responsibilities and communicate the plan with staff. Keep important numbers handy, including your insurance agent and a storm restoration company.

Increase your business’s chance of survival in Brentwood, TN, by preparing for a natural disaster. After the danger has passed, act immediately to have restoration specialists remove the excess flood water and restore your business. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwilliamsoncounty.com/.

4 Reasons To Have an Emergency Plan for Your Business

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about what floodwaters can do to a building, but emergencies sometimes happen. Any type of flood can have a devastating effect on your business in Brentwood, TN, but having a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize that effect. Here are a few reasons why having an emergency profile is beneficial.

1. Establishes Action Steps.

An ERP outlines a clear plan of action to take during an emergency. It establishes a clear chain of command so everyone knows their assigned tasks. It gives you step-by-step instructions of what to do. It catalogues important information and building-specific details to ensure nothing vital gets forgotten. During a time when you may not be thinking clearly, it does the most important thinking for you.

2. Provides Easy Access to Information.

Your ERP app gives you access to all the things you need to know in an emergency. It puts important contact information at your fingertips. Unlike emergency kits, which can be bulky and are just as susceptible to flooding as the rest of the items in your building, your emergency profile is stored electronically and safely.

3. Establishes Preferred Restoration Specialists.

This complimentary assessment of your business is provided by your local SERVPRO. When you let your local technicians help you set up a plan, you start to build a relationship with them that will come in handy should you ever need their remediation services. If an emergency should occur, you already know the first call to make.

4. Provides a Business Continuity Plan.

Knowing how you are going to keep your company in business during the cleanup and restoration process is just as much a part of emergency preparedness as calling your insurance company. Having a plan to continue to take in revenue can keep your business from closing for good.

Make sure your business is fully protected in the event of an emergency. To set up an emergency profile, you can call your local SERVPRO and speak to a representative.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROwilliamsoncounty.com/.